CARROLLTON, Texas, June 29, 2012 /
Christian Newswire/ -- On the evening of June 24, the Brahmaputra River flowed within its banks, carrying its hundreds of thousands of gallons of water south through the Indian state of Assam to the Bay of Bengal. But by the next morning, huge surges of floodwater were engulfing village after village in the nearby plain. The river's embankment had given way during the night and water from the mighty river, six miles wide in some places, rushed out to consume homes, land and livestock in its way.
Because of heavy rain, the water level is still rapidly rising. A local newspaper reported yesterday that 900,000 people have been affected by flooding. At least 80,000 have lost their homes and properties. And most of the goats, cows, pigs, and chickens they depended on for food have been washed away.
The Gospel for Asia-supported pastors, missionaries, Bible women, and believers and their families in these areas are in desperate conditions. They still do not even have water to drink or food. Their belongings are scattered everywhere in the flood.
One pastor was able to communicate that the believers are "tired, wet and weak."
It is reported that 58 GFA-supported churches have been badly hit by flooding. Many have been totally washed away. Six BOH centers have also been flooded. On Tuesday GFA's field correspondent watched as one GFA Bridge of Hope center, where 112 children attended, became completely submerged.
"Now only the roof of the building is visible," he reported.
A GFA supported-film ministry team was able to communicate that they are stuck in the flooded area and not able to come out. They said that they are doing their best to keep the equipment safe in elevated places in believers' houses.
Because of the climate change most of the people, including our believers, are also suffering with fevers, colds and coughs.
Although most of the roads are covered by water and communication is totally cut off to many areas, GFA-supported relief workers are organizing efforts to distribute food.
"Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Assam," asks Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan, "that the Lord will comfort those who lost everything, that He will protect the lives of everyone in the flood plain, and that those displaced will receive adequate food and drinking water in the aftermath of this flood.
"Pray also for those who do not yet know of the love of God for them, that in the midst of this tragedy they will experience His care in a very personal way."
Editors: Gospel for Asia Vice President Daniel Punnose is available for interviews. Please call 972-300-3120.
Gospel for Asia is a mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
