austraLasia #1750

'Put out into the deep' takes on new meaning in Jakarta

JAKARTA: 6th February 2007 -- Reports are coming in from Salesians caught up - as is everyone else in parts of sprawling Jakarta City - in the recent 'Big flood'.  The event was not unexpected, as it is an almost annual event, but not with the ferocity unleashed this time due to heavy rains, high tide, and floods pouring down from Bogor State all at once.  North Jakarta is particularly badly hit with perhaps as many as 300,000 displaced persons.
    That area contains the Sunter Postnovitiate and nearby St John Bosco Parish. Fr Peter Tukan, Rector of the postnovitiate community, and Fr Noel Villafuerte, parish priest, have both acted to motivate and coordinate their respective communities for a response to the situation which has already seen a number of deaths and huge loss of property.  The parish with some 4,000 faithful, just five minutes walk from the post novitiate, while virtually 'flood-proof' on high ground, has been isolated. Thanks to mobile technology and SMS in particular, Fr Noel has been able to get the Word of God out to his parishioners.  The response was perhaps even more abundant than the miraculous draft of fish! Goods have been coming in from everywhere for distribution to those in need. The parish also sent 3 doctors with medical supplies to be on stand-by.
    The post novitiate community with some 35 members, has responded generously to the local need, offering help to the more than 230 people who asked for shelter and assistance. People need food, shelter, blankets, drinking water in particular. A small generator was on loan to the community since power supplies have been interrupted now for some days. Presently refugees are occupying the ground floor and study rooms on the second floor.
    The community has shifted its prayer times to allow opportunity for refugees to hold their Muslim prayer.
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