Vietnam (MNN) — After striking the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi swept into Vietnam, leaving widespread destruction across the country.
The storm affected about six major areas, including Hue City, Danang City, Quang Tri Province, Khanh Hoa Province, and Gia Lai Province, along with several northern and central regions.
Many residents fled south as at least five people were killed and countless others displaced.
Pastor Loc Lam, A3’s country director in Vietnam, says, “there are many houses have been collapsed. Thousands of livestock are dead, and thousands of hectares of rice fields and crops have been affected, and a flooding happening in many places.”
He adds that people are deeply shaken: “Those who are in those places, they became very miserable, worried, discouraged.”
Vietnamese women (photo courtesy of Kushie In Vietnam via Pexels)
Before the typhoon made landfall, the Vietnamese government sent out warnings and evacuation notices to help people move from dangerous areas threatened by flooding and high winds.
After the storm, the government joined with local organizations, religious groups, and individuals — including churches — to provide relief and support for victims.
Amid the devastation, the Church is responding with compassion. “This is the right time when love is expressed through actual essence,” Pastor Lam says.
Teams from the Vietnam Evangelical Alliance and A3 alumni are working together to bring aid and hope. As people receive help, they also experience the love of Christ.
“We also help them, to encourage them and share the love of God to them, to bring the Gospel to them through our actual action with love,” Lam explains.
Lam says these difficult circumstances give the Church an opportunity to live out its calling. When believers serve faithfully, it becomes easier to reach people with the hope of the Gospel.
Pray that the Gospel comforts those who have lost everything and draws them to seek the treasure that never spoils. Visit A3 to learn how they empower local indigenous leaders to help their communities grow.
“Through these difficult situations, if the Church fulfills its role as followers of Jesus Christ, it becomes easier to reach people and bring them the salvation and the Gospel,” says Lam.
Header photo courtesy of GEORGE DESIPRIS via Pexels.
