Numerous stories are told of boats being swept into neighborhoods and city streets by the Asian tsunami of 2004. Five months after the tsunami most of the boats have been cleared away. However, in one residential area in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, a boat still sits on the roof of a house. Local residents told Southern Baptist volunteers how the owners of the house survived the tsunami.

When the wave came in, the family climbed to the second story of their home. A fishing boat swept in with the rushing waters and lodged on the roof of the one story section of the home. The family evacuated the house through a second story window. They climbed onto the boat and rode out the tsunami. Another family from the neighborhood was also caught in the wave. As they rushed by the boat they grabbed hold, climbed into the boat, and survived.

What a graphic illustration of the universal, spiritual plight of mankind. We are all swept along by the powerful waves of sin that lead to death. Suddenly a boat comes onto the scene. The boat is Christ, and all who climb into that boat are saved.

Pray that:

The peoples of Indonesia would realize that Jesus Christ can save them from the spiritual tsunami of sin and death.

Tsunami relief volunteers would have boldness and continued opportunity to share the gospel in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.