Christians in India have seen many come to faith in Christ following the Tsunami when the coastal district of Niarkarkuppum was devastated on 26th December 2004. Christians remembered the signs of the times described by Jesus which would indicate that His second coming to earth was drawing near. One of these forecasts said, “On earth distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring, men’s hearts failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” [ Luke 21:25-26 ]

Local Christians were soon telling their neighbours about Jesus and helping them in every way they could. A year later the church had doubled in size to around 200 people. Mike Ogborne of Blythswood Care, a Christian organisation, tells how Christians put their faith into practice by immediately helping their neighbours who were in despair and very frightened. Other Christians came the next day from Tambaram about 5 hours drive away bringing water, food, blankets and cooking pots. This aid was sacrificially given by those who only earned about £1 a day. Later Blythswood Care and other organisations of churches helped to replace the fishing boats on which the people depend. Blythswood has set up a village shop, re-built homes, supplied fishing nets and motors for boats and provided a small truck to transport fish to market.

One local pastor said that the Tsunami has made people think about God. When lorry loads of aid later arrived they were very grateful that people would travel so far to help them. It made the non-Christians sit up and think. Christianity has always been first in helping the needy and establishing hospitals and schools. Jesus said, “In as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me.” [ Matthew 25:40 ]