After the eruption of the volcano nearly all refugees have returned

[Translate to Englisch:] Die GBKP versorgte nach dem Vulkanausbruch 30.000 Fluechtlinge.

Half a year after the eruption of the “Mount Sinabung” volcano in North Sumatra, nearly all refugees have returned to their villages located around the volcano. Following the eruption in summer 2010, the UEM member church GBKP provided 30,000 people with the basic needs. “Although we are certainly not a church with large financial resources, thanks to the international aid and the commitment of the local parishes we were able to assist the people until they could return again”, says Augustinus Purba, Officer for Diakonia Programmes of the GBKP. The church continues to help the people by providing advice and pastoral counselling. Many people, especially children, have been traumatized. “And nobody knows for how long the volcano will remain inactive”, says Purba. “Standing this uncertainty is difficult for the people.” The Church also helps the refugees to earn their living, including through farming projects. “Many refugees have to build up a new existence, and we are glad to be able again to assist them in doing so”, says Purba.