An Update from Friends in Nepal
As the reports continue to stream in from Nepal, it’s heartbreaking to realize the havoc that the massive earthquake has wreaked on the nation. I just spoke with some friends from Nepal; as you can imagine, they are devastated. Here is what they shared with me:
“In Kathmandu, one church 25 died and 5 were from the same family. Another 15 died outside of Kathmandu. 30 died in one church and 42 churches from different districts collapsed. There are more to come.
“Many houses are gone, so churches that have survived have begun to act quickly by providing food, shelter, water, clothes and other needs. It’s good to see some pastors and leaders have already started doing this.
“One friend’s village is totally gone. No house is unaffected. Some local students we know have returned to their village to see their families’ situation firsthand. In fact, many people from Kathmandu are returning to their old villages for safety.
“We still need to hear more since relief has not reached some affected areas. Thank God for many nations and people are gone to help our country. We are thankful."
Our Developing Philosophy Based on Past Experience
A3 has received numerous inquiries from churches and leaders across the world as to how we will respond to the tragedy in Nepal. From past experience, we have learned that in a disaster situation like this, our first ministry priority is to work with local, indigenous leaders. This strategy was originally laid out by A3 National Director Adrian De Visser following the tsunami that struck his native Sri Lanka in December 2004. We have incorporated the lessons we learned from the Sri Lanka relief effort, as well as from our experiences in Japan following the triple disaster of March 2011.
Initial Plans
As a first step, A3 will send people to Nepal as soon as possible to assess the situation on the ground. Our intent is to hear from local leaders what is needed, and how they believe that A3 can help.
In this immediate response period, we will deliver aid through some of the top local churches in the nation. 10% of the funds raised will be invested in the equipping and empowering of these leading pastors. The remaining 90% of the funds will be used to provide immediate relief, provided through their congregations (e.g., fresh water, food, blankets, medical supplies, etc.). As our response team gains an understanding of the situation, our response will adjust to meet the real needs on the ground, as identified and prioritized by trusted national leaders.
A3 Plus Other Recommended Organizations
We are honored that many churches across the U.S. have decided to dedicate their special offerings to A3. We are humbled by their trust in our work and the positive results they have seen emerge through our partnerships with local churches in-country during previous relief efforts.
That said, A3 is not a relief agency. In that light, we are endorsing several leading Christian relief and develop agencies as worthy conduits for support. These are organizations that have been endorsed by national leaders. In particular, we highly recommend Samaritan’s Purse, acknowledged by Japanese Christian leaders as the organization that did the best job in dealing with the 2011 triple disaster.
Short-Term Teams: Send Now, Later, or . . . ?
In disasters such as the earthquake in Nepal, there is a natural urge to send (and join) volunteer groups who want to provide short-term help on site. While the intent of these groups is wonderful, there are valid questions as to when it is appropriate to send in such short-term teams.
An excellent article that outlines the issues and challenges involved with sending short-term teams into a disaster area can be found here. It endorses our approach:
Don’t rush to Nepal to help. Read this first | by Claire Bennett
You may want to help victims of the earthquake, but they don’t need unskilled volunteers or aid they can’t use. Here’s what you can do that won’t get in the way
When I called Samaritan’s Purse earlier this week, they informed me that they are not mobilizing teams for Nepal at this stage. As we assess the situation in country, we will seek input from national leaders as to possible ways that teams might effectively serve later this summer or early fall. If such opportunities present themselves, we hope to work with Samaritan’s Purse and Sunrise International Mission in sending such teams. But for now, we will wait, learn and listen.
For Updates Anytime
I invite you to stay abreast of the situation in Nepal. We have set up a web page with updates and stories here: http://www.asianaccess.org/latest/nepal-quake
Thank you for your prayers. I was already tired from a long two-week trip, being sick for over half the trip. I had a full schedule upon return to the States; the Nepal tragedy crashed into what was already a packed schedule. On a personal level, I thank you for your prayers as well.
But most important, please keep Nepal in your prayers! And pray for the many churches throughout the world that are mobilizing resources this weekend to provide sorely-needed relief for the suffering millions in Nepal.
God bless you and thank you for praying,
Joe Handley
- How to help
- Other recommended organizations
- Joe's radio interviews on Nepal
- Give to A3 Nepal Earthquake Fund
