ICM Update - 20 December 2005 Page 1

International Christian Mission 2006 Latest : Why short-term missions trip?

UPDATE
December 20, 2005

In October 2005, ICM received an urgent call to assist in the humanitarian relief work in Pakistan.

For some days, our medical team was thinking deeply about the apparent worsening crisis in Pakistan earthquake area with tens of thousands dead, millions homeless and insufficient helpers on the ground.

42,000 children injured and 200,000 children left with no assistance. In affected area of 28,000 sq kilometers, all essential infrastructure, schools, hospitals and government buildings were destroyed. Many affected are dying before help can reach them.

The need was great, with 500 serious operations performed by Monday and it was likely to continue for some time. There are three hospitals and a number of mobile teams in Kashmir area.

Pakistan doctors provided accommodation and food. The volunteer medical staff would be sent to where the need was greatest. One of the solutions would be to bring doctors and medical staff on a shuttle basis for short period but there were fears that it might be harder to get medical help and materials as time went on.

Dr. Allen has collected medicine in Singapore donated by the community.

After much deliberation and prayer, ICM teamed with Crisis Relief Society of Singapore and Dr. Derek Allen left for Islamabad on October 23, 2005.