Brick Mason Will Rebuild Churches in Sri-Lanka

An Assembly of God church in Southeast Asia lies in ruins after the tsunami hit on December 26, 2004. Volunteers plan to rebuild the 25 churches that were destroyed by the waves.
Photo courtesy of Assemblies of God USA

Bob Eckert, a brick mason who lives in Brick, N.J. and runs a masonry company there, has been traveling the world since 2002, using his skills and resources to give back to poor communities. After the devastating tsunami hit Southeast Asia late last year, Eckert began planning his biggest trip yet. He and other volunteers plan to travel to Sri Lanka to begin rebuilding 25 Assembly of God churches that were washed away by the waves. In an interview with the Asbury Park Press, Eckert predicted the project would take several trips and perhaps four years to complete. According to the report, his mission will require between 10 and 15 people to do the masonry work. Each must raise an average of $1500 for travel costs and building materials. The first trip is planned for later this year.

--Source: Asbury Park Press