Frank and Ruth - Jaffna news

Frank and Ruth (Qld) are Volunteers in Mission in Jaffna. Here's a bit about their experiences after a month.
'The 1960's Austin taxi shook and rattled its way down narrow, crowded streets and country lanes to our present abode in a 60's style block of four units in the seminary grounds. Beside the gate is a sign that tells of mine clearance in the area having been completed in December 2004. We were very warmly welcomed by the Registrar and the ten students of the College who invited us to a rather 'hot' lunch, eating with our fingers.
Frank borrowed a pushbike and went to the market with one of the students, Luke, to get some fresh fruit and vegetables.
That night, the students gave us a welcome dinner in their open air dining room, with speeches and each sharing a little of whom they are. It was a very meaningful, friendly time.
The following day, we went with some of the village leaders to the NW corner of the Jaffna peninsular, and inspected a couple of houses that the church is building for the fishing families who had to relocate both due to the tsunami and the conflict. The families themselves (Hindu) participate in the building and currently live close by in temporary, basic accommodation. Further down the road, closer to the beach, the Australian church (UCA) has paid for a fishermen's cooperative building where fish are sold and motors stored. They hope to extend this and also purchase a large parcel of land beside it to build about 90 homes, a community centre and library etc.

For information about the People in Mission program, Kathy Periera, People in Mission Coordinator, Ph 02 8267 4230, kathyp@nat.uca.org.au