People searching through the rubble for survivors after the Samoan tsunami. Photo: Samoa News

Pacific.Scoop
Opinion – By Mata’afa Keni Lesa in Apia

If there is something positive to come out of this tsunami in Samoa, it’s the way in which our people quickly responded to the call for help.

The people came together immediately to offer whatever assistance they could to their fellow countrymen who needed it. And help is still pouring in.

You can see the hand of God in this tragedy when you look at the selfless people who are out there day and night to help with rescue and restoration efforts.

You can also see it in the faces of all those who are helping other people, whether through treatment, providing a shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, clothes and covering for those who have lost everything, money for the needy, and a kind and comforting word and a hug for the lost and confused.

People are coming up with all sorts of ways to raise money, collect food and any necessary items to give to those who need them. And the country has responded with open arms, open wallets and open hearts.

It’s comforting to know we can count on each other in times of adversity. That is how humanity is supposed to be. That is how Christians are supposed to respond. That is how families, communities and a nation are supposed to respond.

When we share the pain and identify with the grief and loss of all those who lost loved ones or properties, we hope in some way that we help lessen their pain.

Many people may have lost a lot, but in the middle of hardship, we have also gained a closer relationship and a more intimate bond as a community, as a people, as Samoans.

Samoans and non-Samoans alike from overseas have also responded in a major way. Most of them did not even have to be asked. When they heard of the tsunami, they mobilised and put together their own assistance for their loved ones in Samoa.

The outpouring of love and generosity has been amazing.

But not surprising. Samoans will always be there for other Samoans when it really counts. And difficult times like these are when this becomes most prevalent.

Overseas countries and donor agencies have also quickly responded. The provision of doctors and medical supplies is one of the most welcome and much needed forms of assistance.

Our fervent prayer is that all the assistance provided will go directly to the people who need it the most.

Let’s hope that bureaucracy and dishonest practices will not get in the way of the aid getting to those who need it urgently.

We’ve seen it happen in the past.

It shouldn’t happen again. All the money, food, water, clothes and everything collected has been given by people out of the goodness of their hearts, out of sympathy, out of love. Anyone who mismanages this kind of assistance in times like these should be ashamed.

What’s more, most people who were directly affected by the tsunami need counselling. They have been mentally scarred and psychologically damaged, some beyond comprehension.

They’re silently crying out for help. Others just want someone to talk to, to share their pain with.

Pastors from some churches have already gone out to the stricken areas to offer spiritual counselling to the people. That’s what most of them need right now.

They’re lost and confused. They need hope. And a good way to start is through counselling. They need healing for their bodies, minds, hearts and emotions.

If we can help in this area, let’s do so. Lives depend on it.

Mata’afa Keni Lesa is editor of the Samoa Observer in Apia. This editorial was published in the October 3 edition of the newspaper.

Source: 6469 Pacific Media Watch
Original url