283,000 PEOPLE LOST (LET THAT SINK IN)

A CERTAIN RISK by Paul Richardson is turning out to be a fascinating read.

"If individuals who lost everything can rise up and create new life after a tsunami, what prevents me from responding to a critical statement with a genuine expression of kindness?  If they can rebuild a city, can't I rebuild a stranded relationship?"  

Paul was born and raised in a village carved out of the jungle in New Guinea, where his parents were missionaries.  He writes, "my earliest memories are of sitting on the laps of warriors in their thatch-roof man houses.  "I ran barefoot through the jungle, chasing egrets with a bow and arrow"   

Paul's parents relocated to California, but about 15 years ago Paul returned to New Guinea with his family.  "When I brought my family from California to the islands of my birth, I came with the intention to reveal God to others.  God brought me here to reveal his heart to me".  Paul, his wife and three children continue to live in this country they love.  Check out his vivid description of the tragedy that New Guinea experienced about 10 years ago:

"On that horrible morning, December 26, 2004 283,000 people were swept into eternity, while more than double that amount were left without food, shelter or clean water. The tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters to ever assault humanity."  

Not long after the tragedy the author met with a group that survived.  He wasn't sure how to encourage them but said, "From out of all the thousands of people who were lost, God chose to keep you and these others alive one more day.  That must mean that he has a purpose for each of you."  

"I believe God is offering you the chance to help the next generation grow up to become men and women of strength and courage.  Imagine what might happen if they saw you creating, working, rebuilding your lives, and offering them a new hope."  Soon they were outlining their plan of action.

Paul says, "No conversation has ever affected me so deeply.  To this day, the stark contrast between humanity reduced and humanity rising is etched in my mind.  If individuals who lost everything can rise up and create new life after a tsunami, what prevents me from responding to a critical statement with a genuine expression of kindness?  If they can rebuild a city, can't I rebuild a stranded relationship?"