Frequently Asked Questions
In response to questions and comments regarding the Sri Lanka Outreach Team we have created the following FAQ to best assist those visiting the website and planning to serve the people of Sri Lanka. If you have a question regarding something not answered here please email Sarah@SriLankaOutreach.com.
What is the Sri Lanka Strike/Outreach Team?
The team was conceived in December 2004 after the tsunami of 2004 claimed the lives of several thousands and the need for volunteers to come and assist in relief, rebuild and counsel of those affected by the tsunami. Sarah Turner and Vegas Thornton of Las Vegas contacted many college students and churches to send teams, support or tangible relief with them. The response was overwhelming and many people have been helped. The team exists on private non tax deductible donations. Politically, the team is considered individual travelers and support of the relief effort.
What is the purpose of the Team?
The purpose of the team is to assist the people of Sri Lanka by offering physical, mental and spiritual support to those who ask. This is achieved several ways:
1. By providing hardwork to those affected by the tsunami.
2. By daily seeking the wise and honest counsel of those in relation to, benefited by and with more wisdom than the team.
3. By living our faith as Christian not just as name by through actions.
4. By being prepared for others who wish to come and serve
Why does the team focus on the country of Sri Lanka?
At the time of preparation and creation of the plan of support, our team was in communication with 3 Sri Lanka based Non-governmental Organizations (NGO's) that required volunteers. The ability for a team to stay for a minimum of 3 months plus the low cost of airfare cause Sri Lanka to be the best solution.
What organizations are you affiliated with?
Because of the sensitive nature of the political situation and the risks in involved with publishing names of organization, all we are allowed to say is that we are working with effective Sri Lankan based Christian organizations who does not practice any form of conversion. Currently the organizations we are affiliated with represent the needs of the entire country not just Sri Lankan Government controlled areas. These include but not limited to Columbo, Batticoloa, Galle, Matara, Mullaittivu.
What kind of security measures does your team have in place?
Security is one of the most important goals when consider anything we do here. Although we do carry a cell phone that works in the major city areas, we make it a habit to never away from the group unless agreed on by the team.
What type of medical coverage is available with the team?
Our team attempts to only travel with a medical professional or EMT. This person is reponsible to take care of our teams medical well-being. Although we arrived with a medical professional we found the facilities in Columbo and surrounding areas to offer plenty of medical care and therefore with only be concerned with the help of a medical professional when we travel to areas not directly proximate to working medical facilities. Medical coverage is available and we recommend obtaining this within the United States or home country.
How many people are in your team?
Currently we have 2 coordinators:
Seven, so far, have been connected with other organizations. We wish them the best of luck!
How long will you serve in Sri Lanka?
Currently the members will serve Sri Lanka until they leave at the end of March. The leaders, Sarah and Vegas plan to stay as long as Visa's are allowed.
Where are you based at?
We are housed and based in Columbo, Sri Lanka, the capital and only airport city of Sri Lanka. We travel to areas that require assistance we can provide. Because of security precautions we can only provide you our physical address in Columbo if you contact us via email or phone. +94-077-698-2124
What are the areas of need?
Hopefully based on the news you have read on our daily updates, you see that our group see many areas of need. The better question is how can a group of varied expertise provide a country who has been decimated? The answer is all here.
The country has poor living, building, governmental, and communication standards as it is. So looking down a street never affected by the tsunami in the capital of Columbo causes you to be confused where to start. Through varied organizations that have planted people, churches and other groups to assist in growing, building, developing areas lacking basic needs we assist by meeting whatever need we can. This may include orphanage painting, or food and clothing sorting, or assessment of needs of small villages of 300 or less. With each new piece of need uncovered these organizations provide a list of labor needs. That is where we have found to be effective.
How can I support the team financially?
Our team needs support on a month-to-month basis, more than in lump sums. However, all donations are extremely helpful, and will be put to good use. You can give to the strike team in three ways.
1.) Make a direct deposit into Wells Fargo account #3977701774. If you need more information about this, please email Sarah@SriLankaOutreach.com
2.) Send money using PayPal. Our user ID is yellowlif@yahoo.com
3.) You can make a check out to Sarah Turner and send it to:
Attn: Turners
Sri Lanka Outreach
1100 Wyoming Ave.
Reno, NV 89503
posted by Brian Thornton at 1:20 PM
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