Why should the church be involved in disaster relief? There are 35 new Christians in the fishing village of Seetha Ramapuram that can tell you why. This village was once an area untouched by the message of the gospel. The people there worshipped false gods and no one dared to teach them the message of Christ.
   
When the tsunami hit India, HHI responded immediately by sending needed food, clothing and medical care to the church of Christ in that area. Brethren there were then able to get these supplies to the people of the village even before the government was able to respond. Not only did HHI respond to their immediate needs, but we also provided them with the nets and boats they needed to continue supporting their families.
   
Since the aid was distributed through the church there in India, the people in this village recognized the love of God in the people who were helping them. The church there was able to establish a relationship with these people. Hearts that would never have been open to the gospel were pricked through God’s providence. God received the glory, and souls were saved.
   
This is not the only congregation to be started from the tsunami relief efforts. There have been five new churches of Christ established in villages where tsunami relief was provided. It is hard for us to imagine that something as terrible as a tsunami could be a tool for evangelism, but God has proven to us again that he can use us in any situation to touch hearts and change lives.