no tsunami big enough

The church we visited today had a guest from India. I guess back when the tsunami hit this church collected money to build over 270 homes for this one little village. They were receiving no help other than what came from this church.

The villagers had told the people that they would appreciate their help, but they did not want to hear about Christianity.

There are now 75 Christians in this little village. The love of God demonstrated through His people won them. There is a church in this little town where there has never --NEVER--been a church before. Ever.

Our God is a God who redeems. That is Who He Is. That is what He does. He redeems people. He redeems situations. Yes, the tsunami was a tragedy. So many people died and there was so much devastating loss and suffering. But if not for that tragedy, these people would possibly never have been open to the love of God. God redeems.

Merriam-Webster says Redeem means:

1 a: to buy back : repurchase

b: to get or win back

2: to free from what distresses or harms: as: a. to free from captivity by payment of ransom b: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental

c: to release from blame or debt : clear

d: to free from the consequences of sin

3: to change for the better : reform

4: repair, restore

5 a: to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby

b (1): to remove the obligation of by payment

(2): to exchange for something of value

c: to make good : fulfill

6 a: to atone for : expiate

b (1): to offset the bad effect of

(2): to make worthwhile : retrieve