Our Stories
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Tej Rokka is the President of our sister denomination in Nepal which includes 40 churches. He sent this report on April 27th, two days after the recent earthquake.
Greetings in Jesus name. Thank you for your prayers, your concern and your help. We were
near the end of our worship service when the lights suddenly went out and the pulpit was thrown across the room. I wanted to run out and save myself, but the hall was full of people of all ages, crying and in a panic. I assisted them in moving out of the building, and by God’s grace, none of them were injured. Then a storm hit; ambulances and taxis were rushing about. There were numerous after shocks about every half hour. I have never experienced anything more terrifying. In the twinkle of an eye, 71 believers were taken to be with the Lord.
By God’s grace, me, my wife Bidhya, the believers in our local church, and the children in our orphanage are physically safe. Relatives of my wife and relatives of our congregation did not fare as well. Many are in hospital, although we do not know which hospitals they are in. One of my sisters-in-law died and we cremated her yesterday. My wife is so sad – please pray for her. We have not been able to contact our son who is in school in India to find out if he is okay.
Conditions are similar in the district of Nuwakot. Some of the relatives of our children have been deeply affected – their homes have been destroyed.
Today we brought about 30 believers to our church and fed them because they haven’t had any food since Saturday. We also gave them blankets as they are staying in the open air. There are many NGOs and government agencies trying to help people but in a big crowd, many are left without help.
Some fanatic groups are circulating rumors that Christians are to be blamed for this disaster. Their view is that we polluted their religion and now their gods are angry and have brought on this curse. Pray that people will have right attitudes in this difficult time.
Here is an assessment of the damages and needs in our circle:
1. Orphanage Home
Our children’s home was badly damaged by the earthquake. Fortunately the children are safe because they were in our church at the time of the earthquake. The building is still standing but the walls are cracked and there is risk of bricks falling and walls crumbling. The solar water system and solar light system have been destroyed. It’s a great challenge to me to know where to take the 20 children to stay. For now they are eating mostly dry food outside and living under a plastic cover but there is a shortage of drinking water. The children are fearful and scared. The rough estimate to repair and rebuild the main orphanage is US $15,000.00. We are looking after 45 children including those in foster care. They need food, counseling, tents to sleep in, solar lights, pillows and bed covers, etc. That may cost an additional US $5,000.00, so a total of $20,000.00 is needed to bring relief to our orphans. I strongly appeal to you to consider contributing to this area of need.
2. Churches
We have 40 churches in Nepal under SARA Ministries. Ten of them are in need of repair due to damage caused by the earthquake. The local believers are unable to help financially and the Government is not in favor of helping to build churches so we are responsible to help with the repairs. Roughly estimated, we will need a minimum of US $10,000.00 for this. Kindly pray and consider helping with this vital need.
3. Believers
Most of our believers depend on daily wages but haven’t had work in 4 days and there are no jobs. Many have had their houses destroyed and are living under the open sky with little food or clothing. Other organizations are trying to help, but they will not reach everyone in time. My disciples are gathering information and have begun to distribute blankets, etc. but the needs are so great. As a child of God, I feel it is my responsibility to help as much as I can, so we have set up SARA Ministries Disaster Relief Fund for all believers who are victimized by this disaster. Roughly estimated, US $15,000 is needed for this fund. We have begun to raise some of this from local believers. Please pray for this need.
4. Victimized Communities
Thousands of people have lost their loved ones, houses, properties, etc. People are calling me for a meal and water but I have little to offer other than a few words of comfort. A Prime Minister’s Emergency Fund has been established and I have been asked to contribute to it since I am seen as a social leader with a heart for people. We ourselves want to help by giving food, clothes, temporary shelter, as well as helping to repair houses and helping children return to school and get back to a normal life. The dollar value of this project is open-ended, but we are praying and planning to collect US $10,000.00 to give to the Prime Minister’s Fund. We will also send our disciples directly to victim areas to help where they can. Please pray for this effort.
Please pray for these following requests:
* For my wife Bidhya who needs comfort because she lost relatives and several others are injured and hospitalized. She is suffering pain in her knees. She needs God’s favor in this situation.
* That we will have contact with our Son, Milan in school in India
* That the 45 children under our care will feel safe and have comfort and peace in heart and mind
* That our Bible School Students will have courage to face this situation
* That the people of Nepal, the government and churches will work together to overcome in this battle
* For the needed funds to help in the above areas of need
I want to thank each of you for your concern, prayer and help. I appreciate your heart for us. God bless you and make you an effective channel of blessing.
On behalf of believers, my family and Nepali people, I would like to thank you for your deep concern and active involvement to bring comfort and relief. To God be the glory.
Pastor Tej Rokka
SARA Mission, Nepal
To give to the relief efforts in Nepal, click here.
