Asian Tsunami Appeal

Author: Tim Costello, Chief Executive, World Vision Australia

29-Dec-04

It would have been in the mid 1970's. I was at University and found myself raising money to support victims of an Ethiopian drought crisis. A few of us had set up tables in the Union building. Most students found spare coins or stopped to pick up our literature.

One guy stopped and read our stuff, and then came and stood with a sneering smile right in my face. 'This is pointless," he said "don't you understand this is Nature's way of getting rid of a bit of the earth's excess population?" I was shocked and fumbled a reply "But what if it was you or your family next?" To which he retorted "Yeah but it's not, so I don't give a stuff and if you had any sense neither would you." It was one of those exchanges which I have never forgotten.

Since then I have thought a lot about the Nature or what is euphemistically called 'Acts of God' when the event and effect in terms of human suffering are particularly devastating. Somehow there seems to be a pernicious degree of cruelty and it is a natural human instinct to find someone somewhere to blame. So a capricious, distant God out there gets it. Or Mother Nature is seen as venting her power which we usually like to think we contain and manage pretty well.

A colossal natural disaster, chillingly manufactured through slippage in the earth's plates, has instantly destroyed the lives of tens of thousands. Millions have been left homeless and at risk of disease and these tsunamis have severely impacted almost all nations sharing coasts with the Indian Ocean. Most nations but Australia. Somehow we have escaped unscathed except for the tragic loss of some Australian tourists holidaying in some of our favourite resorts.

So why does this unimaginable disaster hit some of the poorest nations on earth who have no form of early tsunami detection such as we have here in Australia? How come this malevolent force hits those already most vulnerable? Was the guy at University right after all? If I had any sense would I just let it go?

Somehow my theological questing does not let me do this. Or maybe it is my humanitarian instincts? Maybe both running together. Surely there are ways to act in the face of such a senseless tragedy that, whilst not making sense of it, at least draws us into acting in solidarity with our neighbours? This is an act of hope and faith which is not arbitrary or self-seeking. It is based on our common humanity, our shared vulnerability in the light of human finitude. It is the determination that says you are not cursed and left to your awful fate. We will not abandon you.

Over seventy-eight percent of Australians who give to organisations like World Vision do so for purely humanitarian reasons. These generous donors expect nothing in return and seek to teach their children that it is an obligation of humane citizens to give unconditionally. They believe and or practice the words of Jesus "that it is more blessed to give than to receive."

There are some Australians who give to overseas aid agencies for far more pragmatic reasons. They see it as being in our national interests. Rather than giving unconditionally they do expect something in return. They too are right. As a coastal nation it could be us next and then we will want help. Our trade and identity in the region is enhanced by a generous Government response and the channelling of Australian generosity through our NGOs. We are connected to the region by strong sporting ties (whether that is India, or Sri Lanka, in test cricket). We are still trying to live down the bitter Hansen legacy of being a white-European outpost sitting suspiciously and aloof in this region.

Whilst I prefer altruism and humanitarian motivation the truth is that everything we do is tinged with mixed motives. So like I don't fuss over a theological explanation for why this tsunami happened, neither do I fuss over motivations for why people give to support such an appeal. You may still be blessed even when you give in order to receive!

Rather than a short sharp response and then as the images fade a switch back to the Boxing Day test this will take sustained and morally serious attention. This is probably the biggest and most complex relief operation over the huge area of seven different countries in our region that we will see in a life-time.

Reports are already coming back from World Vision staff in the Tamil Nadu region of India where they have found 1,400 people dead and 60,000 have lost their homes. Some 35,000 families are being targeted with a seven-day ration pack which consists of 10 kilogram of rice , 2 kilograms of lentils, 1 kilogram of cooking oil, blankets, clothes for children and basic medicines. In one of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka some 65 children sponsored by World Vision are missing, presumed dead. Family members of World Vision staff in Sri Lanka have also died. These stories, of course, are only the beginning. We need to brace ourselves to hear many more. Every aid agency will be in the same situation. The demand for resources will be enormous. The ongoing work of rebuilding homes, community schools and hospitals will take years.

I do not have an easy way of dealing with the question of what is termed an 'Act of God'. I do not dismiss the anger and grief with which it is uttered. Nor do I try and defend it with trite theology. What I can testify is that in the face of human tragedy the best of human compassion and generosity is released. This is the call to all of us in Australia. This disaster is on our doorstep. It could well have been our coastline and our towns and defenceless beach-lovers devastated. This is our region and our opportunity to be at the forefront of the effort to bring relief and hope.

Tim Costello

Chief Executive World Vision Australia

World Vision can be contacted on 13 3240 or www.worldvision.com.au