India (MNN) — Heavy rain is overflowing the banks of rivers, washing away homes, and claiming lives in northern India. More than 17 people are dead, and reports suggest nearly 2 million people are now homeless and need shelter.
President and founder of Gospel for Asia KP Yohannan says, "You have people by the hundreds of thousands — and most of them have mud houses. All of these low-lying areas — these huts — have been completely washed away. Everything the families have in there — which isn't much — is all gone."
Yohannan says helping those in need during emergencies is something their pastors and missionaries are trained for. "We have churches and missionaries and people who are on the scene. And some of them are also suffering and in crisis. When this happens, we lose churches, buildings, and believers."
With that training, Yohannan says, "Our people are desperately trying to bring the basic necessities such as food and water and something to relieve the pain."
The flooding has hit the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand hardest. The India Meteorological Department says northern India has experienced unprecedented rain since August. Most rivers are flowing above the danger mark, including the Yamuna and Ganges. Spillways have been opened to relieve the high water in some areas.
Yohannan says financial help is needed from Christians in the west for a group of people who make about $2.50 a day. Your gift of support will do more than help provide food, clothing and shelter. "Every crisis we see is an opportunity not only to show Christ's love for them, but also an opportunity to share the Gospel. We always find that people will listen to the Gospel and allow us to pray for them."
If you'd like to help with the relief Gospel for Asia is providing in India, click here.
