India (MNN) — Unprecedented flooding due to monsoon rains in India is causing problems for more than 13 million people in four states. According to some reports, more than 1,000 people have been killed as a result.
Speaking from India, Founder and President of Gospel for Asia KP Yohannan says this is unlike anything he’s ever seen before. “Three or four hundred villages, rural communities (are) completely submerged. We cannot see one thing, except the tall trees sticking out through the water. Stories are told of people climbing on trees climbing to safety. Children are screaming and (people were) helping them to climb higher and higher to safety.”
According to Yohannan, the flood waters have caused other obvious problems. “The natural gas is not there, electricity is not there, drinking water is not there. It is all a huge crisis in one package.”
The poorest of the poor are the most affected by the flooding. Bottom line is the people need help and Gospel for Asia is doing just that. “We have more than 500 of our missionaries and church members fully engaged in bringing relief work and giving food and all kinds of things to the people.”
Initially, GFA hopes to send $400,000 worth of relief to help the victims because the need is so incredible. “In one area, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be needed to help these people who lost their huts, their homes and everything is wiped out. It is unprecedented. And so, we are seeking to bring help and hope in the name of Jesus.”
While Christians are facing incredible amounts of persecution, Yohannan says this may be something that could help the Indian people understand the heart of Christians. “Like in (the) tsunami time, people that abused our missionaries, finally when they saw our concern for them, many of them opened their hearts to the Lord. We want to tell them about Christ’s love because we simple care about them.”
Funding is needed for this massive relief effort. Click on the link below to donate.
