wfn.org | TCN: PCT reaches out to Sichuan earthquake victims by donating toilets

["Lydia Ma" <enews@pctpress.org>]

>Taiwan Church News

>2978 Edition

>March 23~29, 2009

PCT reaches out to Sichuan earthquake victims by donating toilets

>Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong

>Written by Lydia Ma

To demonstrate their continuing support for victims of the Sichuan  earthquake, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Presbyterian Church in  Taiwan (PCT), Sunable Foundation and other organizations collaborated  together to donate two hundred toilets to eight organizations in Deyang  city in Sichuan, including Deyang Three-Self Patriotic Movement  Committee. The committee’s Secretary- General Duan Xiao-Hong  represented local churches in accepting the donation.

A simple ceremony was conducted on February 26 when these toilets were  donated and Duan represented his organization in awarding a plaque to  Taiwanese organizations during the ceremony to express the gratitude  felt by Deyang city churches.

Concern for the hygienic conditions of the people living in Sichuan in  the aftermath of the earthquake prompted the PCT General Assembly to  raise $500 thousand NTD and partner with Eden, which conducted a survey  to find out the needs of the Sichuan residents, and Sunable Foundation  was tapped to help deliver relief supplies to Sichuan. The funds raised  by the PCT were used to purchase 200 toilets and 2 toilet sets for  people with disabilities to help churches, non-profit organizations,  human services associations, and medical organizations in Sichuan. These  toilets are designed specifically for people with disabilities, patients  recovering from surgeries, and seniors.

During a phone interview with Taiwan Church News, Duan said he was  extremely grateful to the PCT for its gift because it allowed them to  help residents affected by the earthquake. He added that some of the  toilets will be given to local churches so that they can distribute them  to those in need. Duan pointed out that this gift would provide an  opportunity for local churches to spread the gospel as well.

Duan also commented that churches responded to the earthquake with real  action much faster than the Chinese government and it was a good  testimony of the love of Christ. Churches led the way in relief efforts  by providing material goods and mineral water, which was crucial in  preventing the spread of diseases.

Eden Social Welfare Foundation also participated in relief efforts by  providing counseling services to minister to people’s hearts. Duan  reported that local residents were very grateful for Eden’s help  and the gospel has flourished in Deyang city ever since.

“Deyang has a population of 3.8 million. Before the earthquake,  there were 20,000 worshipers at local churches. Ever since the  earthquake, the number of worshipers has risen to 60,000.” said  Duan.

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