Scientists said the earthquake—of 9.15 magnitude and lasting nearly ten minutes—shook the entire planet. The shock drove residents on the northern tip of Sumatra from their damaged houses onto the streets. They were still there twenty minutes later, when a thirty metre high wall of water reared up and crashed against their coastline at 80 mph. And that was why the black flood of death that rushed through their streets swallowed alive so many men, women and children.

In the months since last December 26th, Banda Aceh’s city center has been rebuilt with internet cafes, clothing shops, restaurants--even a KFC. The roads teem with 4x4’s, mostly belonging to NGOs. But you don’t have to look far to find the rows of faded, tattered, UN and Red Cross tents, the broken shells of houses and twisted wreckage of cars and boats. The wave changed the shape of this part of Indonesia’s shoreline forever. Miles of wasteland now occupy the ground where villages once stood. Silence has replaced the love and laughter of everyday life. And one long stretch of earth—now covered by grass—is the mass burial cite for unidentified thousands.

Why, with the billions of dollars contributed worldwide after the tragedy, is the rehabilitation of this area so far behind schedule? One reason is the three decade-old war between the government and separatist forces in northern Sumatra, guerrilla fighters that were demanding independence from Indonesia. Incidents of being caught in the crossfire forced many relief agencies to base themselves in Medan, the nearest substantial city several hundred miles from Banda Aceh. That’s why the peace agreement signed only last August has been a significant breakthrough. David Greenfield, Director of Mercy Teams International explains that this allowed MTI and many others to move their center of operations to Banda Aceh.

Construction materials must still be trucked or airlifted from a distance.
But it is the lack of competent builders that has most slowed the re-housing of survivors, says Dave. MTI’s team is tiny, composed of Indonesians Pitter and Diana Dima, American Jordan Reagan (project manager), a Singaporean family and New Zealand builder Murray Frew. Specialist advisors and short-term volunteers from other countries are supplementing their efforts.
This December sees the completion of the first project—a kindergarten for 30 children in the northeast coastal village of Garut. Hopefully this will be the prototype for more such kindergartens since, as Greenfield observes, “the children here took a hard hit.” In November, Dave’s wife Dawn conducted much-appreciated training classes for teachers.

MTI is also rebuilding a fish farm in Banda Aceh. Fishing is an important industry for Indonesian families. When the tsunami broke the sea wall, salt water levels destroyed most of the fish farms. MTI plans to develop a model farm with the expert help of a Singapore consultant that will benefit all the other farm owners. Profits will support tsunami widows and their families.

A major re-housing scheme may be in the works for the new year. MTI’s Murray Frew is hoping to use funds available from another NGO to finance the construction of 100 to 200 permanent houses. In Murray’s words, “We are God’s hands and feet, reaching out to help in Jesus’ name.”

“This area breaks my heart,” admits Jordan. “But God is doing something here, and I’m blessed beyond measure to be here and part of it.”

Dave Greenfield asserts, “A lot of people came with promises that never got off the ground. When you’re new you have to build credibility. Sometimes going slowly--building relationships with local authorities--pays in results. We have a job to do now that nobody else is doing to help rebuild communities. We are doing it in partnership with local people. We want to be there a long time, so that’s been our focus.”

The name “Banda Aceh” is literally translated “gateway to Mecca.” Through this place Islam was first introduced to Indonesia by Muslim traders, and it is proud of its reputation as the Saudi Arabia of Southeast Asia. On December 26th last year, Banda Aceh also served as the fateful gateway to a tidal wave of destruction. Could this now be the time for a third and even more overwhelming wave?--A hope-filled, healing flood of God’s Spirit pouring through the streets of this wounded land? Only with your practical help, and your prayers.

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