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Putri, the little babe that I am holding in my arms, is an orphan from Indonesia. She survived the terrible earthquake that struck the Island of Nias in March 2005. Putri was my patient at the medical clinic that the Camillian Task Force (CTF) opened on the grounds of her orphanage. There I discovered that she had a life-threatening congenital heart defect. With the help of the US Navy the CTF flew Putri to California where she had a life-saving surgery. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers you did for me” Mt 25:40.

The mission of the CTF-SOS DRS is to help people like Putri – the neediest of the needy in desperate situations. We serve the medical, pastoral and humanitarian needs of people affected by man-made and natural disasters. Members of the CTF witness to the merciful love of Christ for the poor and the sick in word, deed and sacrament.

I remember well serving in Banda Aceh after the Tsunami of 2004 where 200,000 people died. As a priest and a physician I led a CTF mission that helped numerous traumatized people who had lost their homes, jobs and loved ones – sometimes 20-30 members of their immediate and extended families. Theresia Sinaga was one of them. She survived the Tsunami but lost her mom and 2 siblings. You can read Theresia’s miraculous story on our website in our December 8, 2008 newsletter (see http://ctfmercy.org/Newsletter/Current/CurrentNews.html). Today Theresia is the CTF-SOS DRS Indonesian Country Coordinator!

The effort of the CTF in Banda Aceh is one good example of how we operate in disasters. Starting with only $10,000 and working together with the local Catholic parish and a community of religious sisters, the CTF opened a medical clinic that over the ensuing 2 years served at least 25,000 people. We provided food, clothing and medical and dental care. The CTF also started a credit union directed at providing money for people to start new businesses. When the CTF left Banda Aceh we turned over $300,000 worth of assets that we had received to the Archdiocese of Medan so that they could continue to operate the clinic.

When the CTF responded to the Tsunami we started with a small amount of money; used local help; lived modestly; were good stewards of available resources; and received help from benefactors like you who were willing to share a part of their God-given treasure. The number of people we served and the resources we turned over to the Archdiocese were the fruit of the generosity of our benefactors!

The Camillians have been responding to man-made and natural disasters since the 1580s. Hundreds of Camillians have lost their lives in epidemics and on the battlefield. They take a 4th vow to serve the sick even if their lives are at risk. Today the mission of CTF-SOS DRS often places its members at similar risk. In fact, I was taken prisoner in the Sudan in 2004; in the midst of gunfire in Gonaives, Haiti later that year; and the target of radicals who wanted to kidnap and expel me from Banda Aceh after the Tsunami. Situations of great need often call for great sacrifice and hands-on leadership.

CTF-SOS DRS is a unique organization. We are priests, sisters, brothers and lay men and women who respond to disasters as part of a collaborative network of communities. We live, worship and work together – making sacrifices and serving the neediest of the needy in desperate situations. Right now we are helping the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and Hurricane Ike in Haiti.

These are difficult times. The economy is faltering in the US and many people are suffering. But the need in developing countries is even greater. I know. Those who are already impoverished and then become victims of disasters are truly the neediest of the needy. They already live in precarious situations - on the edge – often without hope. But the Lord brings hope and miracles – in and through those that help Him serve the neediest of the needy – like Theresia and Putri.

We need your prayers and financial support to help the needy affected by man-made and natural disasters. “Give and gifts will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). Please consider supporting our mission by making a tax-deductible donation now. We can multiply your gift – any donation - in many ways – particularly a St. Camillus gift of $500 or even a Divine Mercy gift of more than $1,000. For more information about these gifts and how to give, please see the contribute now button at the top of the blue column on the right. The Lord will work miracles through our collaboration.

Know that we are very grateful for your support and that you are in our prayers.

In Christ, through Mary –

Fr. Scott Binet MD, MI

P.S. For 2008 tax purposes, your tax-deductible donation must be postmarked by December 31st.