Serving Through the Storm: The Church's Response to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

Gospel Community in the Midst of Disaster

When disaster strikes, the local church is often among the first to respond, not only with practical care but also with the hope of the gospel. What began as a simple response to the devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka soon became a remarkable display of gospel- centered compassion that reached people across communities and faith backgrounds.

Discover how the ministry leaders from City to City Sri Lanka as they reflect on how the church became a visible expression of Christ's love during one of the country's most challenging seasons.

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Kandy was one of the hardest-hit districts. Amid grief and uncertainty, our church found itself mourning alongside the community as members of our congregation lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.

What began with our church cooking 100 meals after a Sunday service quickly grew into one of the city’s largest relief efforts. Over the next month, volunteers cooked nearly 14,000 meals, distributed food rations and essential supplies, and helped families clean and return to their flooded homes.

Many areas were inaccessible, but our teams traveled by motorcycle, three-wheeler, and on foot to reach those in need. We served people across religious and community lines, demonstrating the love of the gospel through the care of a gospel community.

Around 200 volunteers served throughout the crisis. Partner churches, including Cedar Spring Presbyterian Church, Agape Baptist Church, and CTC Taiwan, provided support that helped sustain the work, while local Buddhist and Hindu families also participated in the relief efforts.

One of the most powerful stories came from Ududumbara, a town that had strongly opposed our church just a year earlier. Yet after the floods, as we served families in need, hearts began to change.

– Naresh Sathiyaseelan, Movement Leader CTC Sri Lanka

Experiencing the Gospel Through Service

We are a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, with congregations worshipping in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. When the disaster struck, long-standing barriers and assumptions began to fall away as the need before us outweighed our differences.

Many had never worked alongside people from the other congregations before. Yet during those weeks, we experienced what it truly means to be one body in Christ, as we extended God’s love to the community and experienced Christ’s love among ourselves.

The generosity of people also deeply moved me. Many who had very little still gave what they could. Last year, we made the decision to cancel our usual Christmas programs and redirect those resources toward relief efforts. Some questioned that decision, but for us, it felt like the truest expression of Christmas.

It was a powerful reminder that the love of Christ is often seen most clearly through acts of compassion and service.

– Dilani Wickramaratne, Prayer Catalyst CTC Sri Lanka

Our relationship with Sri Lanka began through a personal connection with Naresh and a deep appreciation for the gospel work taking place there. We have been consistently encouraged by his commitment to building a gospel-centered network and serving his community. While our support has been modest, it has been a privilege to stand alongside the ministry in Sri Lanka and contribute in a small way to what God is doing through their faithful witness.

– Chien Chou, CTC Taiwan

Please continue praying for the churches, leaders, and communities across Sri Lanka as they faithfully serve and proclaim the hope of the gospel.