TEAM 2819 – Nepal Flood Relief

TEAM 2819 on 19-20 Sep had the privilege of reaching out to families affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. Although our contribution may have been small in comparison to the great needs we witnessed, we are grateful to God for opening the door for us to serve those who were hurting and in need.

Together with our partners, PEM International – Nepal, we were able to carry out this relief effort and bring practical assistance to 150 flood-affected families. More than simply distributing food and essential supplies, our desire was to demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to people who had gone through a difficult and painful experience.

Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” - Matthew 5:13–14

We believe that being salt and light means not only proclaiming the Gospel with our words, but also demonstrating the love of Jesus through our actions. In a small way, this relief effort gave us an opportunity to stand with those in need, bring encouragement to affected families and remind them that they are not forgotten.

A journey of faith and sacrifice

We are especially thankful to Pastor Noel, Pastor Amrit and their team for taking the initiative to organise and carry out this relief effort. It was not an easy undertaking.

The team began their journey from Kathmandu at around 4:00 AM and travelled for almost 15 hours, finally reaching the affected area at around 7:00 PM. The journey took them through difficult and damaged roads, including rough, muddy and steep mountain tracks. In some places, the roads had been severely affected by the floods and were extremely difficult to navigate.

Despite the challenging conditions, the team persevered because they knew that people were waiting for help. Their willingness to make this difficult journey is a beautiful expression of compassion and a practical demonstration of what it means to serve others.

Our CP Training Centre students and teachers also joined the team. We were grateful for the opportunity to work together with a local church in Nepal, enabling us to combine our efforts and resources to reach the affected communities.

Together, they travelled to the affected area, carried the relief materials, organised the distribution and personally served the families. With the cooperation and coordination of the local government and Ward No. 5, relief supplies were distributed to 150 flood-affected people and families identified through the local authorities.

More than relief supplies

The relief packages consisted mainly of essential food and household items, including:

• Rice
• Lentils (Dal)
• Beaten rice (Chiura)
• Noodles
• Biscuits
• Toothpaste
• Sanitary pads
• Torch lights
• Rice cookers
• Other essential food and household items

We thank God for every sponsor and supporter who made it possible for us to provide these basic necessities. We are also grateful for every pastor, teacher, student and team member who gave their time, resources and effort towards this outreach.

What we were able to do may have been small, but we believe that when we place what we have in God's hands, He can use it to bring hope, comfort and blessing to others.

The need remains great

While the team was thankful for what God enabled them to accomplish, they also witnessed first-hand that the needs of the affected people remain very great.

Many families are still suffering from the effects of the disaster. Some have lost their homes or have no safe place to stay. Others are still dealing with the trauma of what they have experienced and are facing great uncertainty about their future.

At this time, relocation and safe shelter are among the most urgent needs. There is also an ongoing need for warm clothing, blankets, food supplies and other basic necessities, especially as the weather becomes colder and rainy conditions continue.

This relief effort has therefore reminded us that our responsibility does not end with one distribution. There are still families who need help, encouragement and hope.

We would like to continue praying and exploring ways in which TEAM 2819, together with our partners and supporters, can continue to stand with these families in the days ahead.

Our prayer is that the people we have reached will experience not only practical relief, but also the love, compassion and hope that comes from Christ.

We thank God for the opportunity to be His salt and light in Nepal. What may seem like a small act of kindness can become a significant expression of God's love when it is done in His name and for His glory.

To God be all the glory!