Taiwan Church News 3000 Edition August 24~30, 2009
Reported by Lin Yi-ying. Written by Lydia Ma

The PCT has been wholly involved in rescue and reconstruction efforts after Typhoon Morakot. PCT General Assembly Moderator Leonard Lin and General Secretary Andrew Chang travelled to Kaohsiung County on August 21st to meet Kaohsiung County Department of Social Affairs Bureau Chief Wu Li-hsueh to coordinate joint efforts. Leaders from both sides agreed to follow guidelines set by Ministry of Interior, with the PCT playing a supporting role to local governments, as both sought the maximum amount of benefits for victims displaced to temporary shelters. They hope the government will allocate lands for victims to rebuild their homes and consider letting PCT lead actual rebuilding efforts.

Churches shelter more than 50% of victims

According to PCT statistics collected before August 24th, a total of $28,000,000 NTD in donations for flood victims had been deposited into a PCT's special account for Typhoon Morakot relief. Furthermore, a total of 1,534 victims had been placed at various shelters set up by the PCT in Southern Taiwan. If victims housed by Seventh-Day Adventist Church, True Jesus Church, and the Catholic Church were factored in, an additional 369 victims have been helped by churches. This means that of the 3,753 typhoon victims in shelters across Kaohsiung County, more than 50%, or 1,903 people, have been housed by Christian churches.

On August 15th, 3 more churches from Tainan Presbytery became temporary shelters for typhoon victims, namely, Rende, Kueijen, and Yujing churches. On August 19th, Bible Society in Taiwan and PCT joined forces to distribute 500 Bunun language Bibles to 11 shelters to encourage typhoon victims.

In Alishan region, delegates from a Korean NGO, including Rev. Koo Duk Soo, Ms. Oh Jungeun, Ms. Kim Minyoung, arrived on August 20th to deliver 500 packages containing relief items to victims in Alishan. PCT leaders accompanied these delegates into Alishan region the following day to conduct a simple ceremony before Atayal youth carried these items to aboriginal reserves in Dalin and Leyeh.

Cishan and Alishan stations both received donations totalling $200,000 NTD from Taipei Presbytery on August 21st.

PCT cooperates with public agencies in reconstruction efforts

To discuss the best way to coordinate efforts related to assisting temporary shelters and rebuilding homes for typhoon victims, PCT General Assembly and PCT local leaders visited Kaohsiung County Department of Social Affairs Bureau Chief Wu Li-hsueh on August 21st. Wu promised that all churches helping with rescue efforts by providing temporary shelters will receive financial aid from the government to cover food expenses and gas, electricity, and phone bills.

PCT General Assembly and government agencies agreed to appoint Rev. E Ju-tang from Fongshan Presbyterian Church as chief coordinator between PCT and government agencies. E will also become a member of the committee in charge of reviewing and allocating financial donations received for Typhoon Morakot rescue and relief efforts. This position will allow PCT to stay tuned to government rebuilding efforts.

According to reports, victims whose houses have been destroyed by the typhoon can choose between renting a house, purchasing a house, or waiting for government allocation of housing - all of which will receive partial government aid. Victims who have found shelter with friends or relatives are also eligible for subsidies.

Commenting on lack of representation from flood victims and PCT leaders in Executive Yuan Rebuilding Committee and government's disregard for victims' opinions throughout the rescue and rebuilding process, PCT Moderator Leonard Lin said he regretted the government's attitude.

Lin also expressed PCT's commitment to partner with Taitung and Kaohsiung county governments in rebuilding towns such as Chianan and Namasiya. "Because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, the PCT has the duty and the responsibility to carry out this mission!"

Lin said he was aware the Ma administration would lean toward giving reconstruction projects to Buddhist Tzu-Chi organization, but PCT would try its best to win government reconstruction projects. It has already contacted Habitat for Humanity and hopes to partner with international organizations in building new houses for victims.

However, Lin also stressed on the importance government agencies footing the bill for all reconstruction efforts and securing safe land, because these would make efforts by public and private agencies more effective.

Morakot Assisting and Restoring Action Committee CEO Andrew Chang pointed out public agencies can provide victims with material aid and housing after the flood, but are powerless to help them rebuild emotionally. Therefore, PCT will focus on the emotional well-being, healing, and rebuilding of victims.

Chang also urged government agencies to work on land preservation, especially in the mountain regions of Taiwan, because preventative measures can make a bigger difference than restorative measures and might prevent more serious natural disasters in the future.

From experiences gleaned during reconstruction efforts after 921 Earthquake, PCT plans to work closely with government agencies when victims are relocated to new places based on needs and backgrounds. PCT also hopes to involve victims in the construction of their own new homes so that they may develop a sense of attachment and thus increase their willingness to relocate and settle in another town.