SENDS MISSIONARY WORKERS FROM INDIA TO ASSIST IN DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS


KATHMANDU, Nepal, -- After the worst earthquake in 80 years hit Nepal over the weekend, Gospel for Asia (GFA) immediately began assessing the quake's impact on the people there, as well as damage to churches, Bible schools and children's centers. It also initiated disaster response efforts for survivors in the region.

Photo: GFA Compassion Services teams are working to bring relief to the earthquake survivors, offering assistance where needed. Hi-resolution version available.

Gospel for Asia has 450 churches, 20 Bridge of Hope children centers and Bible schools in Nepal, some of which were destroyed or damaged by the quake. Many church leaders and members have lost their homes or can no longer safely live in them.

Between 30 and 40 GFA-supported missionaries serving in Uttar Pradesh, an Indian state bordering Nepal, have been sent to the region to help recovery efforts. On Monday a team of pastors, leaders and believers in Kathmandu Valley provided relief supplies, such as fresh water, noodles, sugar, rice and dal, to quake victims.

"Tragedy can strike at any time. It is our aim in times like this to help as many people as we can, both with basic physical care as well as with a heart of compassion to listen and care for them individually," said Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director or GFA. "When we minister to the hurting in Jesus' name, we minister unto Him."

The death toll from Saturday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake soared past 3,300 Monday, according to the Associated Press. How much higher it will rise depends largely on the condition of vulnerable mountain villages, which rescue workers were still struggling to reach two days after the disaster. The quake also triggered an avalanche at Mt. Everest that buried part of the base camp packed with foreign climbers preparing to make summit attempts. At least 18 people died there, and 61 were injured.

GFA has worked in Nepal for more than 25 years. For decades, the ministry has also provided disaster relief throughout South Asia when tragedy strikes the areas it serves, such as with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

"When we are on the other side of the world during times of crisis, we can feel quite helpless, but we can make a difference," said Yohannan. "We can help through recovery organizations on the ground there, and most importantly, we can pray for those who have lost loved ones or homes or who have suffered injuries in the devastation. We can also pray for the safety, strength and grace for missionaries ministering to the suffering. "

More information about GFA's disaster recovery efforts in Nepal can be obtained at www.gfa.org/info/nepal-earthquake.

Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) is a mission organization sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.

To schedule an interview with a GFA representative, contact our Broadcasting Department at +1 972 300 3379 gfamedia@gfa.org