China Earthquake
The earthquake measured a massive 7.9. It made 5 million people homeless. The death toll is expected to reach 80,000.
Mission Without Borders - through our church related partners - have been actively involved in the relief effort since the day after the earthquake. The following brief report is collected from our local source:
1. Workers supported by MWB have made personal trips with local disciples, distributing food and water, providing comfort, and assessing the situation.
2. House church workers who have been associated with our team and national missionaries who have been mobilized and work in these areas. Pastors and evangelists have gone to provide assistance. One couple was even in the very center of the earthquake zone, and although cut off, has been able to provide us with first hand reports through phone calls.
3. Our partners organized a relief team led by a Doctor and coordinated in conjunction with other International Christian organisations, which was personally authorized by Wen Jia Bao to provide assistance to the victims.
PRESENT SITUATION
We are in the ASSESSMENT and RESCUE phase. Roads are blocked, bridges are out. Survivors in the areas closer to the city and accessible by roads are being adequately cared for by relief teams. Those beyond are desperate and need urgent relief otherwise there will be an even larger loss of life.
URGENT NEEDS
Many places within the earthquake zone are still out of reach. One of our national missionary couples survived and reported that as of yesterday NO OUTSIDE HELP HAD REACHED THEIR AREA. They are buying food and water and reaching out to the people around them. These areas must be reached, and quickly.
With no places to stay and no shelter, many are walking and finding their way to the cities. Have to set up places for people to stay, collection of orphans, and counseling. Our House Church partners are already focusing on these needs, and are counting the cost for long term involvement far beyond the relief stage.
We are working with a number of agencies to coordinate training and support for relief workers. A local Christian businessman has agreed to cover the expenses for the conference facilities. He has also offered up to ten vehicles a day to be used by relief teams.
Please will you consider supporting this vital work by donating now?
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