(a recent missionary letter written by David and Karen Freeman, missionaries to Nepal)

The devastation from the floods in Nepal on August 26 has been widespread. The devastated area is about 50 miles north of the Kathmandu church along the Nepal/China border. The Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas is where most of the damage and loss of life occurred. As of today, September 8, the death toll is 1,357. The number missing is 5,426.

The scope of this tragedy is enormous both in human and physical terms. Some are beginning to state that the death toll could ultimately reach as high as 7,000. This fact, when coupled with the cost of lost buildings and homes, is difficult to comprehend. While the immediate physical needs of those surviving the tragedy are great, we believe there is also a significant opportunity for our local churches in Nepal to demonstrate the love of Christ to those suffering so deeply.

Our church in Kathmandu, Kathmandu Bible Baptist Church, is prepared to respond to the crisis and assist churches and believers who have been directly affected by the flood. This relief effort is becoming an extension of the ministry of the Kathmandu church. While helping the affected believers rebuild and meeting the needs of the churches and pastors in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, the Kathmandu church is also using these opportunities to demonstrate the compassions of Christ and share the Gospel with the surrounding communities.

The relief effort will be centered in three churches in the flood area.

1. Punarutttan Church – Nuwakot. The church building was destroyed and the pastor is amoung the missing.
2. Mailung Church – Rasuwa. The church building was damaged. Approximately 50 believers from the church are missing.
3. Punarutthan Church- Rasuwa. This church has a great need from the loss of homes of believers.

The Mission Office has started the Nepal Disaster Relief Fund to help with the relief effort. If you would like to give to help with this effort the BBFI Missions website has all the information for the project.

We believe that through this tragedy the Lord has opened a door for our BBF churches in Nepal to share the love and compassion of Christ to the suffering. The door is open to declare the Gospel of Christ. People who have lost homes, possessions, family members and their sense of security are searching for hope. Our desire for our churches in Nepal is to be there for the practical assistance needed and share the hope only found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you for your prayers and concern for our safety. We appreciate it more than you know. Please pray for Nepal as it recovers from this unspeakable disaster. Our prayer is that Christ would be glorified, His church strengthened, believers encouraged, and communities throughout Nepal would hear and see the Gospel of Christ.

You can give through the BBFI Missions Disaster Relief Fund:
https://bbfimissions.com/project/disaster-relief

You may also send checks to:
BBFI Mission Office
P.O. Box 191
Springfield, MO 65801
Please write “Disaster Relief” in the memo line.