East Asia (MNN/GFA) — Imagine living in one of the poorest regions in the world and, during heavy flooding, being forced to flee your home, losing what little you have. Even worse, imagine that in your frantic search for dry ground, you lose your life–perhaps before ever having the chance to hear about Jesus Christ.
In South Asia, ongoing monsoon-related flooding recently pushed more than two million people out of their homes in northeast India and Bangladesh, officials say. Hundreds of people in this region lose their lives yearly because of floods and landslides, both of which are common occurrences during monsoon season. And this year has been no exception. These areas are part of the 10/40 Window, where 97 percent of the world’s unreached people live.
In India, the Brahmaputra River flooded its banks. According to BBC News, the chief minister of Assam (India) spoke of the flooding as being the most severe in recent years. In Bihar state, roads and railway tracks were inundated in water.
Nepal has not escaped damage either, with landslides blocking major roads leading to its capital. At least 36 people have died there due to flooding this past week, and much of the rice crop in the impoverished nation has been affected.
The low-lying country of Bangladesh has suffered most from the flooding, with a third of the country affected and parts of one city submerged. Weather forecasters predict more rain.
Gospel For Asia is asking Christians to pray for these countries. GFA has thousands of missionaries, evangelists and church planters working in these regions. Pray for a lull in the rain, so flood waters can recede. Pray also for Gospel for Asia missionaries as they reach out to these displaced people. Pray that they’ll be full of compassion and that many will be brought to Christ as a result.
