Severe Quakes Underscore Needs of the Unreached
KATHMANDU, Nepal, April 25, 2016 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Responding to two major earthquakes and political unrest that shook the country of Nepal last year, Colorado-based Reach Beyond (
www.reachbeyond.org) is building earthquake-resilient housing to help restore a Nepalese community and spearheading a coalition of international organizations and local partners to coordinate reconstruction efforts.
Photo: Reach Beyond staff and Nepalese partners are building temporary homes for earthquake victims before beginning work on permanent structures later this year.
Reach Beyond's "Hope for Harmi" project in Nepal is a direct response to Christ's call to his followers to carry his message to the ends of the earth -- an admonition to be fulfilled before He returns. To extend the great commission, an alliance of five global Christian evangelistic groups, including Reach Beyond, has organized the International Day for the Unreached on May 15 (
www.dayfortheunreached.org).
The "Alliance for the Unreached," is asking churches, radio stations, media and individual believers to take a bold stand for reaching the unreached on May 15 by praying for those who are still living without the good news of Jesus.
In many nations, the good news is spread by radio in remote areas. Because radio stations also serve community needs, they played a critical role in providing information after Nepal's devastating earthquakes last April and May. Reach Beyond's long-term recovery "Hope for Harmi" project is an attempt to restore a community where it has a long-established partner radio station and other ministries, including a church and birthing center.
"'Hope for Harmi' is a holistic, multifaceted approach to humanitarian and spiritual aid," said Ty Stakes, Reach Beyond's Asia Pacific director. "Instead of diffusing its relief efforts over an entire country or region, Reach Beyond is focusing on one complete community."
Because of the extensive damage, Reach Beyond has spearheaded a drive to coordinate rebuilding efforts with other international organizations and local partners. It hosted an initial 'Finish the Task' (FTT) conference in March to begin coordinated planning for long-term outreach and restoration.
Reach Beyond has already assisted in building interim housing for Harmi residents as part of a two-year plan to build quake-resilient housing.
"The plans are started, but the rebuilding will be a long road," said Stakes. "We are planning to walk that road with the people of Harmi."
Other "Hope for Harmi" projects include repairing birthing center buildings and the community radio station, which was damaged but not put out of operation in the earthquakes, and constructing a community center. Reach Beyond expects to begin rebuilding the radio station in June.
Reach Beyond (www.reachbeyond.org) of Colorado Springs, Colo., uses media and medical technology to minister in difficult-to-reach places and with people groups around the world.
