Carita was one of the worst-hit areas (AFP Photo/ADEK BERRY) |
A few dozen congregants gathered at a little church just outside Indonesia's tsunami disaster zone on Christmas day to pray for the victims of the deadly disaster.
Anita
Sitorus led a sombre service at the Rahmat Carita Pentecostal church near one
of the worst-hit areas on the western edge of Java island.
"After
this incident, God let us continue to serve the people, and especially this is
a chance to serve you God better," church head Sitorus said, a large cross
on the wall behind her.
"To
serve our brothers and sisters better, to do something for this area for the
people who were victims of the tsunami.
"This
is the time to say that you God are present in Carita," she added.
"You are in Carita, your church is in Pandeglang (regency), in this tiny
town."
Indonesia
is a Muslim majority nation but it has a Christian minority, with services held
Tuesday nationwide to celebrate Christmas -- and pray for those affected by the
deadly tsunami.
"This
Christmas is different because we're celebrating it during a disaster,"
Rahmat Carita congregant Eliza told AFP.
"For
me, it's a chance to contemplate. God's love is real, we must not forget
that."
The
powerful tsunami struck Saturday night and without warning, sweeping over
popular beaches on southern Sumatra and the western edge of Java and inundating
tourist hotels and coastal settlements.
More than
400 people have been killed and thousands more have been displaced, with many
left homeless after houses were flattened by the deadly wave.
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