Kathmandu after the earthquake. (Photo courtesy Baptist Global Response)

By Tom Shanklin

By now you have heard about the devastating earthquake that took place in Nepal on April 25. We received a report through Ray Phipps on May 1st from the man who has organized our efforts in Nepal for the past two years. He lives in Kathmandu, where much the destruction occurred. He and his family have survived the earthquake and were living in a tent (photo below), where they were hosting another 30 people. They have since been able to return to their home, but many others have not.

Living in a tent after the earthquake.

He reports:

1.  He has had many calls from the mountains where there has been nearly total destruction of homes as well as their churches.

2.  The stench of death is over the city as so many bodies have not been identified or buried.

3.  They are estimating at least 20,000 killed since they have not even been able to get to the villages that have been virtually destroyed.

4.  Village churches were in session when the quake hit killing hundreds of worshipers.

5.  In one district it was estimated that 90 percent of the homes were severely damaged.

6.  In the days since the initial quake, there have been something like 800 aftershocks, some quite severe.

7.  In one district two churches were destroyed and 120 Christians were killed.

8. In another area 10 churches were destroyed and all the believers were killed.

The pastors and churches in Kathmandu are organizing and pooling their resources to reach out to Christians and non-Christians in the outlying areas which have not received help as yet. God’s people are on the move, reaching out to others in their own time of need.

We also received this email from \ the man who translated our book into Nepalese last year. Like so many others, his house was destroy and family members were killed in the earthquake.

As the earthquake has badly affected my area (Kavre), my house is completely turned into rubble along with my uncle’s who was looking after our family inheritance. It was like a nightmare. Many of my relatives are Christians and they are pleading with me to help them in anyway I can because they are in great pain. Three of my relatives are buried to death and all of them were Christians.  Since I’m the first Christisn among my relatives; most of them came to the Lord by God using me as His witness. So, in our bereavement I would like to plead with you all to help us in anyway you all could.

This month we are receiving a special Nepal Disaster Relief Offering. The money we receive will be administrated by Bible Living Ministries to meet physical needs, such as food, clothing and shelter, in the name of Jesus.

Susan portraying Mary Magdalene at Gary.

A Precious Time in Gary, Minnesota

Susan and I had a great time with the saints in Good News Fellowship Church in Gary, Minnesota. This is the area where we got our start in ministry in 1983. I have been back to the area many times, but for Susan, it was her first time back in many years. So, it was a reunion of sorts and a very precious time of ministry. I believe the people ministered to us as much as we ministered to them.

It was easy to minister in Gary. The people were receptive, warm and grateful. We had services on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Susan also ministered  to a hungry and happy group of women at a Saturday morning brunch. Many of the ladies told me that they were totally blessed by Susan’s ministry. At the end of our services someone commented that Susan was the “life of the party.” It was a very happy time for us!

Richard Mosch testified that he had been healed at our Festival of Hope in nearby Twin Valley last fall when we prayed for his hand. He had been in extreme pain, but after prayer he was able to do what he loves, play guitar.

A Trip to Buffalo, Minnesota
It must be the season for reunions, as Susan and I also traveled to Buffalo Community Assembly of God  with Pastor Bill and Julie Hicks to minister on a Sunday morning. This is the church we attended with our family back in 1994 when we were in between pastorates. John Farina was the pastor at that time. We have many fond memories of this church, which was a place of refuge and healing for us.

I preached on “The Miracle of the New Birth” and shared my testimony. Three people responded to the message and made decisions for the Lord. Susan and I also prayed for many physical needs. I am always amazed at the power of the simple Gospel. It is a great joy to me to be able to proclaim the rich blessings that God has giving us by sending his Son Jesus!

Thanks for being a part of this! Susan and I are praying for you every day!