Many have been asking how things are progressing in Nepal. Mike was able to travel there at the end of May, and saw firsthand the devastation that has occurred. Here is his report on the situation with our prayer homes and surrounding areas:

When we heard about the earthquake we knew we needed to do something. Our hearts were with the Nepali people, and especially our prayer homes. As I spoke with Pastor Narayan I heard stories of devastation, and knew I needed to go. I arrived on May 15 and the first thing I noticed was that the normally crowded airport was eerily quiet, with very few people arriving. As we made our way to the prayer home I saw the effects of the earthquake in Kathmandu, where some buildings stood unscathed while others were in varying states of collapse, some with cracks, some partially collapsed, and some completely in rubble.

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Although the initial earthquake did no damage to either of our prayer homes, the large aftershocks caused problems, with a wall having to be removed from our main prayer room in Kathmandu for fear of collapse, to the home in Hetauda needing extensive repairs, and some parts completely unlivable. Many people, our own homes included, are living outside, for fear of aftershocks bringing down the buildings. Even “small” aftershocks cause people to panic.

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Pastor Narayan and I, along with several people from our ministry, were able to purchase enough rice, lentils, and tin to supply nearly 600 people with food and the ability to have a shelter from the upcoming monsoon rains. We traveled to a remote village of the Chepang tribe in the central mountains, hiring tractors to haul the supplies. They were so thankful to receive the supplies, as no one had been there to give out tin roofing yet. One lady thanked us for the rice but said she had no pot to cook it in, as everything she had was destroyed. Needless to say, we made arrangements for her to get a pot.
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When we arrived back in Kathmandu we bought tin for the villagers around our compound, and the local police even came to help. The constable thanked us for helping the people. Our ministry is continuing to bring aid to these affected areas, as the funds come in.

The needs in Nepal are great, and it will be an ongoing process to rebuild. Pat and I plan to return in August to continue the work. In the meantime we are sending funds so that Pastor Narayan and the ministry there can reach out and help.
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Thank you for your prayers and support of this vital ministry. Also, thank you to those who have already given. Your funds are greatly appreciated.

Bless you and thank you.

In His Service,
Mike and Pat