01 May Come, let’s respond to Nepal’s cry for help
A church that was destroyed in the earthquake. Photo courtesy of Vishal Arora.
The massive earthquake in Nepal on April 25 has brought untold damage and suffering to the nation of 28.9 million people. The graphic images of destruction are heart-wrenching. Thousands of people perished, and the lives of many more families have been ruined.
Rebuilding the damaged infrastructure and shattered lives will be a long and hard process. While we thank God that AsiaCMS mission partners and their families are safe, we truly feel for the loss and pain of this nation.
AsiaCMS has a long established mission commitment in Nepal. Besides having close links and partnerships with the local church and Christian bodies, we have 10 co-mission partners in Nepal. It is through them, the local church and local Christian relief organisations that we will be channelling resources to help the people of Nepal in the months ahead.
AsiaCMS co-mission partner Ram Prasad Shrestha said his heart cried on seeing the chaos and desperation in Nepal, including destroyed churches and other buildings.
“Almost 90% of the people in Kathmandu valley were sleeping on the street and open space, but very few have got tents,” said Ram Prasad, who is also executive director of the National Mission Commission of Nepal.
“We have missionaries in those affected areas. We are going to form a team and work with them to serve the people. Our prayer and hope is to get involved in rebuilding the houses and providing the support for the widows and orphans due to the catastrophic earthquake,” he said.
Our focus will be on meeting the immediate essential needs of the people, which have been identified as potable drinking water, food, medicines and temporary waterproof shelters. Given that monsoon is approaching even as the country is reeling from the disaster, sickness and diseases will be a major threat.
In the middle to long term, we will be helping to rebuild churches and houses destroyed in the earthquake.
AsiaCMS will partner with the following organisations in extending aid to Nepal:
• Local churches in Kathmandu, especially those we have strong links with;
• National Mission Commission of Nepal;
• South Asia Christian Youth Network (SACYN) in Nepal;
• Asal Chimeki Nepal (ACN) and Grace Community Services (GCS), both Christian development agencies; and
• National Churches Fellowship of Nepal (LTD).
Our burden for the Nepalese has been intensified by the tragedy. If you wish to partner with us in reaching out to Nepal in this time of need, make a cheque payable to ‘AsiaCMS Berhad’ (write ‘Nepal Donation’ on the back) and send to:
AsiaCMS
10, Jalan 11/9
46200 Petaling Jaya
Malaysia.
Or make a bank transfer:
Account : AsiaCMS Berhad
Account No : 359-418407-101
Bank : HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad
Swift Code : HBMBMYKL
Reference – Nepal Donation “your name”
For enquiries, call 03-79319849 or email office@asiacms.net
All donations will be acknowledged via email or post if a forwarding address is given.
Even as we uphold Nepal in prayers, let’s give generously to ease the people’s suffering and help in the country’s recovery.
Related story: Let’s keep going. Nepal still needs help!