API continues relief; will build 10 new homes

Everything changed in the calm and happy country of Nepal when the massive earthquake struck the country on April 25, killing more than 20,000 people, flattening homes and 

Staff members from CMF’s partner in ministry in India, Asian Partners International, have been providing relief on the ground in Nepal and East India for months. Here’s a recent update on the progress of relief efforts so far.

Challenges

Lengthy government procedures with lots of paperwork slowed the initial work, while the frequent landslides and aftershocks made the team members apprehensive. The team prayed for the right partners to work with for the most effectiveness, and were led to the Vineyard Churches in the Himalayan region. This group has access to very remote regions of Nepal and has a very effective ministry there.

August visit

A team of four from Asian Partners International went to Kathmandu in August to discuss partnership and do relief work. They decided to focus on three key areas: immediate relief to school children, a one-day medical camp, and help building sustainable houses that will survive earthquakes.

On a day trip to two remote villages outside Kathmandu, the team distributed supplies and toys to more than 100 children and spent time with their families, listening to their painful stories and counseling and praying with them.

On the next day the team held a medical camp in the Chhampi Thakan village, serving 60 patients. Two Nepali doctors led the care and the others served as needed.

Permanent housing

Families whose homes were destroyed in the earthquake have been living in temporary shelters for four months. After much paperwork, each family receives only about $140 to rebuild, a ridiculously low amount that doesn’t even cover cleaning up the debris of the old house.

API plans to help build at least 10 small earthquake-proof homes, about 8 by 20 feet, made of concrete, steel and tin roofing. Each home will cost about $3,000.

Slow government response

The state’s response to the earthquakes has been slow and inadequate. More than 54% of survivors are still in temporary shelters, waiting for government support.

Rescue operations by the government security forces at the time of the earthquake were also extremely inadequate. Of all the respondents who were rescued alive, nearly 54% said they would have died had it not been for their neighbors digging them out. Only about 11% said they were rescued by government emergency workers.

Spiritual impact

Nepal is under turmoil and human traffickers are taking full advantage of the corrupt system. Please pray that Nepal will come to know the God of creation and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your support

The API team and the local leaders in Nepal want to thank you for your prayers and your financial support that is enabling them to bless the needy people of Nepal. They will send another report when they have completed the 10 houses, which is estimated to take four to six months.