Iowan learns family in Sri Lanka is OK

By
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

    Christopher Daniel worried for a week about the fate of his eight Sri Lankan siblings. On Sunday, a telephone call put his
    fears to rest.

    A relative told Daniel that his three brothers and five sisters are believed to have survived the tsunami that hit Sri Lanka
    and 12 other Asian and African countries Dec. 26. Officials have estimated the death toll at about 150,000.

    "The anxiety about them is gone, and there is the spirit of thankfulness," said Daniel, a Marshalltown minister.

    Last week, Daniel, his wife and three children waited anxiously for word from their homeland as they watched news
    reports detailing the devastation. During that time, they also collected $3,000 for relief efforts, he said.

    Daniel said that on Sunday he learned that one of his sister's homes was washed away and she suffered minor injuries.
    Other family members and friends are scattered in shelters, he said. His sister, Siro, who was visiting Sri Lanka for
    Christmas, is expected at home in London today, he said.

    "She said, 'Praise the Lord that all are safe,' " he said.

    The family, however, has still not heard from distant relatives and other friends, he said.

    The Daniels came to the United States in 1976, but have frequently traveled to their homeland to perform missionary
    work. Daniel said he has collected money, clothing, blankets and tents to help his homeland. He and other family
    members plan to travel to Sri Lanka early next month to help rebuild the villages that were the hardest hit.

    "I know that every dollar that comes in will go a long way to meet the needs there," Daniel said.

    The news was a relief for the Daniel family, said Wesley Daniel, Christopher's son. But he added that
    prayers are still needed for the thousands of people who lost everything.

    "Our hearts are full of a deep sense of gratitude for the prayer support that has gone up to heaven on our
    behalf," Wesley Daniel said.
____________

How You Can Help:

1. Please remember to pray for Chris and his family.

            2. Financial gifts may be sent to:   UMORE (Sri Lanka)
                                                                      C/O Harry Knutsen
                                                                  308 Main Street
                                                                      Walcott, IA 52773

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