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3/16/2005: Wycliffe Associates Leads International Volunteer Effort to help Tsunami Victims Rebuild

(Orlando, Florida)—Wycliffe Associates joins forces with an incredible consortium of organizations called “Friends of Aceh,” to provide relief and volunteer assistance to thousands who survived the tsunami that hit Banda Aceh, in the northern most part of Sumatra. This comes on the heels of Wycliffe Associates approving the immediate dispersement of $200,000 to respond to the devastation caused by the tsunamis in South Asia.

“Not very many people from the West have ever been to Banda Aceh, but God has put it on our hearts to immediately send volunteers and financial assistance to help these people rebuild their lives,” said Bruce Smith, President and CEO of Wycliffe Associates. Finding and equipping volunteers for work in Banda Aceh will require a concerted effort to fill needs in construction, accounting, information technologies, and volunteer coordination.

“This region of Indonesia, which is bordered by the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, needs our assistance promptly! By working with “Friends of Aceh,” we will be able to pull together resources and forge lasting friendships,” stated Smith.

Wycliffe Associates will start sending teams of volunteers in March. These teams will be providing construction support in the areas impacted the most by the tsunami. Some of these projects will include housing for orphans, health clinics, and schools. One particular team will be sent to Malaysia to repair a sea wall protecting the Dalat International School that was destroyed by the tsunami.

“Our commitment to the area is long term. We estimate that it will take several months of work to help the community recover and rebuild. What is exciting to see is the eagerness of volunteers here in the U. S. to contribute their time and talents for a people they know virtually nothing about,” declared Smith.

Organized in 1967, Wycliffe Associates is a ministry involving Christians in essential support services. During 2004, 1,138 Wycliffe Associates volunteers served in 27 countries as part of the worldwide Bible translation team. Wycliffe Associates plans to send more than 1,500 volunteers to 40 different counties this year in the areas of construction, literacy, and helps programs. For more information visit www.wycliffeassociates.org or call 1-800-THE-WORD (1-800-843-9673). ###

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