Massive Flash Flood Hit My Parents in Papua
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Hi,
My name is Ryan Sitanggang. I am currently a freshman at Asia-Pacific International University in Muak Lek, Thailand. Since 2016, my family and I moved to Papua, Indonesia as missionaries. Papua, formerly Irian Jaya, is the largest and easternmost province of Indonesia, comprising most of Western New Guinea. Both my parents are lecturers at a Theology Seminary called Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Advent Papua. The campus where we lived is based in Sentani, a small town located on the northern coast of the island. Ever since we moved to Papua, we fell in love with its people and its fascinating places. There is an abundance of gorgeous beaches, lakes, and waterfalls that Papua has to offer.
However, on March 16, 2019, there have been flash floods and mudslides in Sentani resulting from torrential rains. The floods destroyed hundreds of properties and left more than 100+ dead and at least 150 people injured as of today. More than 4,000 people have been forced to move from their homes to evacuation areas, and some are sheltering in government offices.
The flash floods and mudslides left bridges and major roads destroyed, making it difficult to reach hard-hit areas. Moreover, the numbers of victims keep increasing because the affected area is very large.
Unfortunately, my parents in Papua are not exempt from the devastation brought about by the flooding and mudslides. On March 16, that evening, I received dozens of missed calls from my parents and relatives. This was something unusual and I immediately had a bad feeling about it. I tried to contact them again but had no luck. I then received a long paragraph from my dad informing me that an unexpected muddy flood had rapidly entered our home from the mountain behind our house. He mentioned how bad the flood was and how it covered the whole house. Immediately, everyone that lived on campus, including my family, had to evacuate themselves to a church not far from our house. My dad went on saying that we lost our car and motorcycle in a matter of seconds. The flood had wiped them out all the way to the mango tree which brought some serious damage. I panicked. I did not know what to do since I was 4,651 km away from them. His last words in the text were "call mommy ASAP, they are so frightened and worried". My heart was torn apart. That night, I felt like my whole world was falling apart.
I couldn't sleep because no one was picking up my calls. I needed to know what happened. I needed to know if my family are safe and alive. Through the tears that I had shed that night, I knew that my parents wanted me to be strong. I was weak and more than anxious. My heart has never been this troubled and uneasy before. Then, I heard a small voice in my head. I knew that God was still with me even when I was hurting. I knelt down next to my bed and talked to God. He comforted me and told me "Son, do not fear. Be still, for I am your God. Everything is under control. Have faith and trust me". He heard my prayer and He saw my heart. He knew what I was going through. God then gave me strength and peace that night, so I was able to sleep.
The next morning, my mom sent me a voice memo and I instantly clicked play. The fuzzy sound was my mom speaking to the phone in tears. Her shaky voice confirmed that she was frightened and worried. While I broke out in tears, the only thing that I had to hear was "we are safe". I was relieved. The heavy burden on my shoulders was instantly removed. She then went on saying how they made it across on dryer land through the flash flood. She mentioned that she and my younger brother had almost drowned for a split second. Thankfully, the students of STTAP were with them and they pulled my mom and brother out of the water. I knew that God was with them and He definitely heard my prayer.
My family has evacuated for the second time to an elevated and much safer place. They are now sheltering in a church with food, clothes, blankets and water thanks to the donors. They are well, dry, and recovering. The pictures show the aftermath of our home, front yard, and our vehicle. My parents managed to enter our house a couple of days ago to see what they can retrieve. It's all too devastating and heartbreaking at the same time. We are still rejoicing and praising God for His loving mercy and providence.
The funds will be used to help us find a new home, repair the car and motorcycle, as well as household goods like beds and tables. A very HUGE thank you for anyone who donates funds regardless of the amount.
On behalf of the Sitanggang family, we’d like to thank everyone for praying. It means a lot to us. We really appreciate it. Continue to pray for many others who have lost their loved ones. Pray for peace, strength, and deliverance from the situation. We believe that God is in control.
Please consider supporting my family in Papua. Your donation is greatly appreciated. God bless:)
My name is Ryan Sitanggang. I am currently a freshman at Asia-Pacific International University in Muak Lek, Thailand. Since 2016, my family and I moved to Papua, Indonesia as missionaries. Papua, formerly Irian Jaya, is the largest and easternmost province of Indonesia, comprising most of Western New Guinea. Both my parents are lecturers at a Theology Seminary called Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Advent Papua. The campus where we lived is based in Sentani, a small town located on the northern coast of the island. Ever since we moved to Papua, we fell in love with its people and its fascinating places. There is an abundance of gorgeous beaches, lakes, and waterfalls that Papua has to offer.
However, on March 16, 2019, there have been flash floods and mudslides in Sentani resulting from torrential rains. The floods destroyed hundreds of properties and left more than 100+ dead and at least 150 people injured as of today. More than 4,000 people have been forced to move from their homes to evacuation areas, and some are sheltering in government offices.
The flash floods and mudslides left bridges and major roads destroyed, making it difficult to reach hard-hit areas. Moreover, the numbers of victims keep increasing because the affected area is very large.
Unfortunately, my parents in Papua are not exempt from the devastation brought about by the flooding and mudslides. On March 16, that evening, I received dozens of missed calls from my parents and relatives. This was something unusual and I immediately had a bad feeling about it. I tried to contact them again but had no luck. I then received a long paragraph from my dad informing me that an unexpected muddy flood had rapidly entered our home from the mountain behind our house. He mentioned how bad the flood was and how it covered the whole house. Immediately, everyone that lived on campus, including my family, had to evacuate themselves to a church not far from our house. My dad went on saying that we lost our car and motorcycle in a matter of seconds. The flood had wiped them out all the way to the mango tree which brought some serious damage. I panicked. I did not know what to do since I was 4,651 km away from them. His last words in the text were "call mommy ASAP, they are so frightened and worried". My heart was torn apart. That night, I felt like my whole world was falling apart.
I couldn't sleep because no one was picking up my calls. I needed to know what happened. I needed to know if my family are safe and alive. Through the tears that I had shed that night, I knew that my parents wanted me to be strong. I was weak and more than anxious. My heart has never been this troubled and uneasy before. Then, I heard a small voice in my head. I knew that God was still with me even when I was hurting. I knelt down next to my bed and talked to God. He comforted me and told me "Son, do not fear. Be still, for I am your God. Everything is under control. Have faith and trust me". He heard my prayer and He saw my heart. He knew what I was going through. God then gave me strength and peace that night, so I was able to sleep.
The next morning, my mom sent me a voice memo and I instantly clicked play. The fuzzy sound was my mom speaking to the phone in tears. Her shaky voice confirmed that she was frightened and worried. While I broke out in tears, the only thing that I had to hear was "we are safe". I was relieved. The heavy burden on my shoulders was instantly removed. She then went on saying how they made it across on dryer land through the flash flood. She mentioned that she and my younger brother had almost drowned for a split second. Thankfully, the students of STTAP were with them and they pulled my mom and brother out of the water. I knew that God was with them and He definitely heard my prayer.
My family has evacuated for the second time to an elevated and much safer place. They are now sheltering in a church with food, clothes, blankets and water thanks to the donors. They are well, dry, and recovering. The pictures show the aftermath of our home, front yard, and our vehicle. My parents managed to enter our house a couple of days ago to see what they can retrieve. It's all too devastating and heartbreaking at the same time. We are still rejoicing and praising God for His loving mercy and providence.
The funds will be used to help us find a new home, repair the car and motorcycle, as well as household goods like beds and tables. A very HUGE thank you for anyone who donates funds regardless of the amount.
On behalf of the Sitanggang family, we’d like to thank everyone for praying. It means a lot to us. We really appreciate it. Continue to pray for many others who have lost their loved ones. Pray for peace, strength, and deliverance from the situation. We believe that God is in control.
Please consider supporting my family in Papua. Your donation is greatly appreciated. God bless:)Organizer
Indah Kusumadewi
Organizer
Loma Linda, CA