The Nepal quake was the equivalent of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and 22 times more powerful than the one that demolished Haiti in 2010. The death toll has risen to over 7,000, with over 14,000 injured, but these numbers are sure to rise higher. Untold thousands of newly homeless people are about to spend their third night outdoors, with some of them in vast, hastily-erected tent camps.
The Wesleyan national leader, Pastor Babu, reports that there are now eight Wesleyans confirmed to have been killed, seven others have been reported. But there are many homeless, and many groups that have not been heard from.
Villages in this mountainous region affected by the quake were often hit by avalanches. One survivor in a hospital in Pokhara was reported by BBC to be from a village of 1,000 homes that was entirely destroyed by an avalanche.
From Bitu, son of Pastor Babu Hingmang: “Thank you for your prayers for Nepal and our Wesleyan churches in Nepal. Many of our church members in Kathmandu have become homeless and also our main church is badly cracked in many places and daughter churches are destroyed. No transportation is available. We have to discontinue leadership training due to the severe effect of the earthquake. In Manahari [church plant] all 16 church members have become homeless. Please pray because now we are not safe. Our churches, homes of church members are being destroyed. No foods, lack of water, and many worse things are happening. We are deeply in need of your prayers for us. Thank you so much. God Bless.”
A 6.6 magnitude aftershock on Sunday caused the collapse of more buildings and homes that were severely damaged by the initial quake on Saturday. People are wisely not taking shelter in badly damaged structures.
From national leader Pastor Babu: “We have many who have lost their homes–and along with their homes, all their earthly possessions. We urgently need funds to provide food and clothing for these church members, as well as others in the communities that were impacted. Our rented facility where our largest church met was significantly damaged. Eventually we will need funds to buy land and rebuild. This will enable us to reach the city of Kathmandu more effectively, as well as train leaders who are planting churches across the country. We are very grateful for your prayers and support.”
Our Wesleyan churches in Nepal are in great need of our prayers and financial assistance in the wake of this tragedy. The denomination has set up the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund, where 100% of the proceeds will be used to assist Nepali victims in need. You can give online or send your checks to: The Wesleyan Church, c/o General Treasurer’s Office, P.O. Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Please designate in the check’s memo line that your gift is for Nepal relief.
Read the first article about the Nepal earthquake.
This just released video of Wesleyan ministry in Nepal may be helpful as we pray for the Wesleyan churches in Nepal, the ten JESUS film teams, and national leader, Pastor Babu.
