Two OM national teams are distributing much-needed food near Peshawar and in the Sindh region.
Pakistan (MNN) ― As Pakistan braces itself for 20 more days of rain which are forecast, some six million people still have yet to receive aid.
Relief agencies are finding donors are more sluggish to give, compared to the aid that poured into Haiti earlier this year.
However, Ray Cooper of Operation Mobilization said their teams are doing what they can and have been hard at work since August 1, dividing into a northern team near Peshawar and a southern team in Sindh.
Initially, OM set out to help 500 families with $25 packets, consisting of flour, sugar and oil. But the need soon grew, and they have been able to supply over 1600 families with these packets.
In other areas, teams have hired cooks and are preparing food for 500 families every day.
Christians have long faced persecution in Pakistan: "Christians are really a persecuted and discriminated minority in their own country, even though Pakistan constitutionally allows freedom of religious," Cooper said.
Since these teams are made up of Pakistani Christians, they are finding this to be a wonderful opportunity to show Christ's love to people who would otherwise be opposed. Cooper said, "They've actually gone out in the name of Christ, saying 'We are Pakistani Christians, and we're bringing this relief. Do you want to take it from us as Christians?' And the Muslims and Hindus have just been so thankful and been surprised that Pakistani Christians have come out to help their fellow countrymen."
Yet, Cooper fears donor support is slow in coming because Pakistan is a Muslim country known to harbor terrorists. In fact, the U.S. is worried about extremists exploiting the current crisis of the water sodden land.
Most of these fears are unfounded, according to Cooper, as Muslim extremists only make up a small fraction of the population. "I think that there is a perception that Pakistan is a terrorist state ... but these are people just like you and me, who are in incredible need right now."
With such mindsets prevalent, OM needs help more than ever, especially since providing relief has been deterred briefly by people snatching packets, vehicles getting stuck in the deep mud, and sickness affecting members of their team.
No matter, OM will press on as long as they have the funds to do so. Click here to help today.
Also, pray diligently for the millions affected by these floods and the ensuing waterborne illnesses. Pray that this disaster will open hearts to Christ and to the teams who bring His message.
Pray for the safety and health of the OM teams as they continue to give food and hope.
