India (MNN) — As massive flooding in the Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh left at least 230 people dead and more than 10 million survivors homeless, missionaries supported by Gospel for Asia and the Christians they serve are reaching out to the victims with both physical aid and emotional comfort.
GFA President K.P. Yohannan reported that among the congregations his ministry serves, more than 170 church buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and at least 30,000 families have been affected by the floods that were spawned by a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.
"Most of these Christian families — like others around them — need immediate food, clean water and shelter," the GFA founder said. "They have lost literally everything."
News reports indicated that at least 350 villages have been left totally cut off from the outside world by the flood waters–the worst in memory for Karnataka. The Indian Air Force is dropping supplies to some of the cut-off areas, while the Army is using boats to try to reach others.
Dr. Yohannan reported that regardless of their situations, GFA-supported missionaries are already bringing relief supplies–and hope–to those in such dire need.
"In spite of their own difficulties, our missionaries and believers are working to meet the physical and emotional needs of the victims," he explained. "In fact, our people see it as a great privilege to share the love of Christ with those who are suffering so much."
Dr. Yohannan said that in addition to the physical suffering, the missionaries see even greater despair and emotional pain in the eyes of the victims.
"That's why our missionaries are trained not only to give out food and blankets, but to counsel and pray with men and women in trauma, giving them the only true hope they can find to rebuild their lives," Yohannan explained.
"Jesus said, 'As you have done it to the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me.' So what an opportunity it is to minister to these suffering victims in His name!
"I ask anyone who wants to help these suffering people to please join with us in bringing them God's hope for their lives. I believe thousands of people will find new life in the midst of this tragedy, and your gift to GFA flood relief will truly make a difference." Click here to help.
