WSCF Solidarity Statement with Pakistan and Indonesia 20 September 2010 At the beginning of August the worst monsoon floods in living memory devastated parts of Pakistan, affecting some 20 million people, destroying entire villages and killing over 1, 600 people. The General Secretary of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon has equated the floods to a ‘tsunami in slow motion’ as the aftermath of the floods continue to claim more lives, particularly of children, the elderly and vulnerable persons. United Nations, aid organizations, governments and various communities around the world have rallied to provide much needed emergency aid to affected communities. Weeks later, a volcano erupted in the Northern Island of Indonesia, North Sumatra, causing the evacuation of more than 25,000 people in the six square kilometers around the eruption center. Thousands of people have been staying in emergency shelters, while local churches have done their best to support the displaced. The WSCF global family is called to express practical solidarity with Pakistan and Indonesia in addition to lending our thoughts and prayers to SCMers, Christian churches and people of all faiths: students, and the men, women, and children of Pakistan and Indonesia, particularly in 2010 the year WSCF students have chosen to focus on Climate Justice and Creation. SCM Pakistan has made the following appeal to the global WSCF Family: “SCM-Pakistan would like to invite all of you to join us in prayers and rehabilitation of the victims of the flood. The Student Christian Movement of Pakistan is extremely concerned about the rehabilitation of these people who are facing the miseries of the natural calamity. Please remember us in your prayers.” SCM Indonesia (GMKI) informs the WSCF Family: “GMKI in surrounding the area of eruption (Medan Branch and all of GMKI members in Tana Karo, North Sumatera Region) have to make a posts over there under the coordination of Pasonly Siburian, Regional Coordinator of GMKI in North Sumatra Region. They are collecting assistance and help the refugees. We invite all of you in solidarity of prayer to all the victims and refugees in Tana Karo. Let God help them face this disaster.” Support for SCM Pakistan and SCM Indonesia We invite anyone who would like to make a financial contribution to support the work of SCM Pakistan or SCM Indonesia to help the most vulnerable in their midst to send money via the WSCF Inter-Regional office. Please note whether the funds should be transferred to SCM Pakistan or Indonesia. IRO Account number: LO790.08.11 Banque Cantonale de Genève Swift code: BCGECHGGXXX We also urge friends to send notes of solidarity and prayer to SCM Pakistan at: Sohail Akhtar, Chairman of SCM-Pakistan Mailing address: 32-B, Shar-e-Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan Phone: 0092-300-4113533 OR 0092-323-4022126 Fax: 0092-42-7569782 Email: rimsha77@hotmail.com Notes of solidary and support may be sent to SCM Indonesia (GMKI) at: Mamberob Rumakiek, General Chairperson of the National Executive Committee of Indonesia SCM (GMKI) Mailing address: Jl. Salemba Raya No.10, Flat 21, Jakarta Pusat, 10430, Indonesia Phone: +6221-32218702 Fax: +621-350457 Email: ppgmki@yahoo.co.id Web: www.gmki.or.id. In this time of trial, we remember the global solidarity of our student movements throughout the course of history and into the present. We ask you to join in the following prayer, which comes from the WSCF’s 1962 Prayer Book, Venite Adoremus II, prayer #240: O Saviour Jesus Christ, who on the night before your passion, prayed that all may be made one, we praise and thank you for the witness of the World Student Christian Federation; for its achievements in drawing together students of all nations in tolerance and understanding; for its care for the wholeness of humankind; for its role in the increasing manifestation of the unity of the church; for the wisdom of its leaders and the generosity of its friends. We praise you for the new opportunities you continue to reveal to us in this generation; for the possibilities which challenge our obedience and test our faith. By your Holy Spirit guide and empower the SCMs in their work amongst students, universities and in their world. May the Student Christian Movements be vigilant in their witness to your love and in their drawing near to your Kingdom. Amen. Yours in Christ, Horacio Mesones, Chairperson World Student Christian Federation 20 September 2010