Nepal Crisis Update from Steve and Alberta

Alberta with Nepal Christian workers in happier times

(Testimony from our co-workers in Nepal) "As most of you know, a 7.8 scale earthquake struck Nepal on Saturday around noon. We were in church with 300 others when the rumble began. Even after living in Japan and experiencing quakes, I have never experienced anything this strong. You cold not walk, we just hung on and waited the 45 seconds until it quit.

Initially, as we walked home we saw very little destruction of our neighborhood other than compound walls being knocked down. We were thankful that all the buildings seems to be intact. A few hours later we came to know that other parts of the city faired much worse with many of the temples destroyed and all the older brick/mud houses collapsing.

Through facebook and phones, we accounted for all of our 18 personnel (TEAM) here. All were safe. Steve went to Patan Hospital and volunteered with triage and treatment of the wounded that began coming in. There were almost hourly aftershocks, some quite big that caused a lot of public panic.

That night we  (and 15 others) gathered at our house as ours was a one story house and considered safer than the multistory buildings that they lived in. Our househelpers house was severely damaged and their family has moved in with us. The first night was tough as we were woken up with multiple aftershocks.

The second day was waiting and trying to assess the need. Reports started coming about huge destruction in the villages. NSI was asked by the government to head up to a district NE of Katmandu to assess and provide relief. Yesterday, I went on an assessment trip with 2 coworkers and was shocked at the devastation. About 90% of the village houses are destroyed.  I estimate about 2-3% of the population in the areas we were at died. Based on this, I estimate the final death toll will be much higher than the current 5000 or so. The major need is for shelter and food. We are trying organize 3 trucks today. Unfortunately, trucks are very hard to come by. Drivers have all gone to their villages or the trucks are being used to house families here in Kathmandu. Very frustrating. I (Steve) will be focusing on this relief operation for the foreseeable future.

There is already a shortage of supplies in terms of food and shelter material in the capital. The international aid is beginning to arrive but until we can get supplies, we can’t get it out to where it is needed. This is the big challenge now. With a lack of supplies, prices are going up. We are OK… we have chickens, a garden and quite a bit of rice so we should be good for the time being.

It has been 72 hours since the first quake and now people can go back into their homes if they are safe. We pray that over this week, that life will become a little more normal. School will start up again".

For those looking for a good way to get help to people of integrity on the ground in Nepal, TEAM has set up a disaster fund (#505000) which will forward 100% of gifts given directly to workers in Nepal. We will ensure that it is used to help relieve suffering and getting the Nepalese back on their feet.Thanks for your continued prayers.

Steve and Marcy (on Alberta's right in the picture)

You can click on the link below and it
will take you directly to the giving page.
https://secure2.convio.net/team/site/SPageServer;jsessionid=CBD63F2E80415D3D3980CBA08B8D3540.app260a?pagename=donatenow&did=5321

      Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta