Relief Efforts by Gospel for Asia Include New Temporary Shelters, Blanket Distribution, Wells

Contact: 434-426-5310, pressrelations@gfa.org 

WILLS POINT, Texas, May 6, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gospel for Asia (GFA) began working immediately to assist Nepal after a devastating earthquake — 7.8 on the Richter Scale — killed nearly 9,000 and razed hundreds of buildings a year ago this week.

Photo: Relief team brought supplies to one village in quake-stricken Nepal

Despite nearly 200 additional quakes since then, GFA-supported workers have given out 60,000 blankets and other relief supplies, set up 45 temporary shelters and installed 24 Jesus Wells throughout Nepal.

Rebuilding efforts have faced the challenge of constant tremors, and visitors today can still see the scars left by last year's quake.

"It was like a tornado had hit matchbox houses and had splintered and wrecked them completely," said one visitor last month. "It is going to take years for these villages to recover to normality."

"Even in the midst of a dark time, the hope of heaven is alive and shining on those who are in great need," said K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of GFA. "Yet, there is still much to be done. Thank you for your prayers and support to help families in Nepal find relief and hope as they rebuild their lives."

Some estimate that as many as 80 percent of the homes had been destroyed in some areas of Nepal.

Earlier this year, Gospel for Asia helped open a Bridge of Hope center in one of the districts affected by last year's earthquakes. There are plans to open three more in the stricken nation, which help underprivileged and needy children with their education. They have also helped opened a vocational center to teach tailoring and will provide sewing machines free of charge to graduates.

At this point, Nepal needs more temporary shelters, mosquito nets, warm clothes and other basic necessities. As the monsoon season approaches, earlier temporary shelters will begin to deteriorate and the rains will revive the danger of mosquito-borne diseases.

Gospel for Asia-supported workers plan to distribute materials to reinforce and build new shelters and provide more vocational training to replace jobs lost when manufacturing facilities were wiped out.

"We ask for your prayers and your support, that the people of Nepal may find strength in God's grace as they move forward in the days ahead," said Yohannan.

GOSPEL FOR ASIA has – for more than 30 years – provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.

To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, contact pressrelations@gfa.org.