Indonesia is a massive, sprawling country. It is made up of 17,508 islands (only around 6,000 are inhabited by people) and it takes 12 hours to fly from one side of the country to the other. It has the second-highest amount of biodiversity in the world. It is also geographically diverse; however, this leave Indonesia vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters. For the people who live on the islands of Indonesia, the risk of natural disaster threatens to uproot the promise of a stable life.
In Indonesia’s poorest regions, Anthony S. Casey has contributed to efforts that help children rebuild their lives are devastating natural disasters.
The New Community Home Nias is an orphanage where children can find a home again.
There was a time when a tsunami hit Nias. Reverend Soh Chye Kiong speaks of the The New Church Singapore’s involvement in the video above.
The church was actually exploring Thailand and Cambodia, reaching out to help children in these places. But when a friend of theirs told me of the plight of children in Nias in Indonesia, they discovered many children in need; orphans and unattended children with no community or support. Here, they found a piece of land, leased it, and started with a group of seven children. They are growing everyday through love and compassion of the children at the orphanage. The children attend school; learning math, geography, history, science, and basic skills. Reverend Soh Chye Kiong speaks of plans to continue reaching out to the community. The children at Nias are truly inspiring. After so much hardship, their dreams are strong – young Rahel wants to be a teacher; Jonathan wants to be a policeman.
The Nias Orphanage has achieved so much for the children of Indonesia and Anthony S. Casey is eager to see its continued future growth.
