The remains of villagers’ homes
Two years ago, when I heard that POC residents Doug and Kimberly Bennett were moving to Bali, I’ll admit I was a little envious. After all, who wouldn’t want to live on a tropical island, free from traffic, taxes, and everyday problems?
Well, my idea of life there was not exactly accurate. I did not realize that this Indonesian island is part of the “Ring of Fire” subject to volcanic eruptions, typhoons and earthquakes. And beginning this July 29th, Bali and nearby islands have experienced an on-going series of devastating earthquakes.
In an email last week, Kimberly told me of their efforts to assist the affected islanders to sustain and recover from these natural disasters, which have killed more than 450 and destroyed many homes. There have been literally hundreds of tremors since July 29th, and with each 5.0+ quake, structures continued to collapse or be compromised.
The Bennetts are currently visiting various villages, assessing needs and addressing basic medical needs. Most of the villages have nothing left, just piles of rubble for miles and miles. They have been bringing locally donated items and purchased specific requested items such as water filters, crutches, women’s products, baby food, diapers, and blue tarps/tents.
Currently, the Indonesian government is not allowing foreign aid agencies to enter or assist. Therefore, all of the efforts are currently on the government, local non-profits and people in the community helping each other.
The Bennetts are working with Indonesia Aid, an Indonesian government registered and approved non-profit organization.
Doug Bennett tends to a wounded villager.
For more than two years, Doug and Kimberly Bennett have been dedicating their lives and resources to the establishment and success of Indonesia Aid to serve the people of Indonesia.
Your help would be greatly appreciated. 100% of donations received for disaster relief go towards relief efforts and long term community development.
You can donate at the web site: indonesiaaid.org, either through direct bank transfer or through the web site which uses PayPal. Collections are being made locally until September 27 by calling 361-648-4622.
