(Map courtesy Wikipedia)
Nepal (MNN/NTM) — One month after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal, the government and the United Nations have renewed a global call for food aid and shelter for those left homeless.
As aftershocks continue to be felt, the survivors are living in make-shift tents cities, and there are fears these will not survive the onslaught of monsoon season next month. Additionally, there are concerns that more rains will cause landslides and increase the threat of disease. In short, life is a struggle for those who survived Nepal’s earthquake.
Thousands of mission organizations scrambled to aid partners on the ground once word trickled out about the scope of the destruction in the rural areas. New Tribes Mission shared a missive from the pastor of Grace Church and Ministries in Kathmandu about a week after the quake. In that e-mail, the pastor said, “We are suffering and still living in tents. All our church members are also living in tents. Yes, we are suffering different ways from earthquakes in Nepal.”
He’s also leading by example. Moments before the April quake, he preached a message on gratitude. He noted in that same message, “Now here we were, thanking Jesus for His protection” in the midst of the quake.
(Photo courtesy New Tribes Mission)
In the wake of the disaster, this pastor and his wife have taken in orphans who needed shelter. “We do not know how to provide food for them. Markets also not open and also a few shop open, but it is expensive now.”
Following his plea for help, NTM moved to respond. Two NTM delegates will be in Nepal June 1-15 in order to meet with pastors and other leaders. NTM is also raising funds to partner through the local church and meet needs. The current goal is $100,000, with just over $5,000 raised.
Why? It’s part of what they do: New Tribes Mission helps local churches train, coordinate, and send missionaries to share the story of God with people who’ve never heard it before. By helping the local church meet needs, they enable the Christians on the ground to live out “a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name” during crisis.
Click here if you want to come alongside New Tribes Mission’s Nepal effort.
