Concert to benefit Tsunami victims scheduled Jan. 29 at Warwick's Reform Church

WARWICK-On Dec. 26, the most powerful earthquake in 40 years erupted under the Indian Ocean near Sumatra. It caused tsunami waves to crash ashore, killing, as of the latest count, over 162,000 in South Asia near the beaches and low lands of many countries including India, Indonesia. Sri Lanka and Thailand. The survivors are still suffering from lack of food, shelter and medicine and more may perish from diseases like cholera and typhus. On Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m., a local band, the "Living Word," will present a Christian musical performance at Warwick's Dutch Reform Church, 16 Maple Ave. The historic Church is across the street from St. Anthony Community Hospital. The performance, titled "10 + Jesus = 5, " was written by members of the Living Word band directed by Joe Sardo, director of the Warwick Music School. The concert is described as "A unique Christian experience." Songs are based directly on scripture and presented by talented musicians and singers. "It's up tempo," said Sardo, "and it's interactive and inspiring. You will be moved, inspired, entertained and involved in the name of Christ and you will be helping the victims of the Tsunami." The suggested donation for the event is $10 but Sardo explained that families with children do not have to contribute for every member. And in any event, a reasonable donation is all that's expected. All proceeds from the concert will be distributed directly to the victims by the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), a lay Catholic organization. Sardo and his wife, Linda, are familiar with the work of the organization because they help support a child in Sri Lanka through the CFCA sponsorship program in developing nations. According to the Foundation, donations designated for tsunami relief will be sent in their entirety to the field to purchase supplies at the local level. Tickets are available at the Warwick Music School on Forester Ave. Call 987-1586.