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Cyclone Phailin is expected to make landfall as a category 5 storm Saturday afternoon India time, affecting the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, both of which have recently been hit with significant flooding. Gospel for Asia compassionate ministry teams currently are assembling for relief efforts, while praying that God will intervene to lessen the storm's expected effect.
"We have no way to grasp fully all this will mean for the people in these areas and how long it will take to get aid to those in the most remote locations," said K. P. Yohannan, Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder and president. "We have 200 churches located in this area. Please pray for the Lord's mercy and for our workers getting ready right now to respond to this impending crisis."
The storm is a "likely disaster for India" with "catastrophic storm surge a certainty," according to the Washington Post. Currently gaining strength in the Bay of Bengal off India's east coast, Cyclone Phailin contains sustained winds of 220 mph. Although it is expected to weaken some, perhaps before landfall or as it moves inland, gale-force winds and storm surges of up to 10 feet are expected.
The estimated landfall zone is densely populated, with the lives and livelihoods of millions in peril. Many in this area live in "kutcha" houses made of mud and bamboo that cannot withstand impact. The India Meteorological Department has urged evacuations. Fishing has been suspended in the bay, and people are fleeing for higher ground in anticipation of unsurvivable storm surge.
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The almost certain aftermath of such surges will include power and communication outages and danger of flying debris, as well as potential loss of life, livelihood, personal property and resulting disease from flooding
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GFA (www.gfa.org) has trained disaster relief teams on location, who are currently assembling supplies for those sure to be affected by the storm. Fallen trees and power outages are expected to isolate areas for weeks, with some areas to remain uninhabitable for weeks or even months to come.
GFA disaster relief teams have regularly responded to storms, flooding and the tsunami throughout South Asia. They have recently provided flooding relief to the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the areas currently targeted by Cyclone Phailin.
Prayer is especially solicited now that God will intervene, causing the storm to subside, lives to be spared and damage to be less than expected.
Authorities expect that massive amounts of supplies will be needed for life's most basic needs: clean water, food and shelter. A family food packet of rice, salt, oil, potatoes and matchsticks can be assembled for about $14.
To donate to the ongoing relief efforts of Cyclone Phailin, visit www.gfa.org.
"We will keep you apprised as more information comes in," said Yohannan. "Let us unite our hearts and cry out to the Lord for his mercy."
Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) is a mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia official, contact Taun Cortado at 972-300-3120 or tauncortado@gfa.org.
| To: International Desk Contact: Taun Cortado, |
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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. --Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
On September 27, 1998, the eye of Hurricane Georges passed over our home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We suffered fallen trees and minor damage. Mostly it was an adventure! Several weeks later my three year old, Rocky, began to feel fear before preschool. His anxiety grew until one morning the school secretary called me. Rocky was too upset to stay. I had to take him home. Peering into his face in the hallway, I was as anxious as he. His eyes streamed tears, and mine were about to spill! “Rocky, why don’t you like school anymore?” “Mom, what if a hurricane comes while I am here?” Oh! I could easily remind him that we watched the hurricane coming on the news. We had time to buy food and water and make him a snug little bed under the stairs. I assured him that if there were a hurricane, mommy and daddy would keep him home with us. One big hug, and he walked into class, never to hesitate again!
The devastation that central Illinois experienced on Sunday will continue to affect our children and schools. Teachers will face insurance claims and repairs, while caring for anxious children. Families will mourn, possibly living in temporary homes for months to come. Older students may question God’s existence or love. Long after the news vans drive away, these communities will be hurting. Will you please spend a minute of your Moms in Prayer hour praying for the counties hardest hit by the storms last week: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Livingston, Massac, Washington, Grundy, Ford, Champaign, Vermillion, Kankakee and Will? That’s more than any of us can cover alone! Perhaps concentrate on a different county each week. If you live in these areas and have a specific request, the Great Lakes team and Moms in Prayer-Illinois leadership would like to pray for you! Please email me at GreatLakes@MomsInPrayer.org. We are united with you!
May God’s healing and grace to be experienced deeply in all of our children and schools--
Marta Gemelli
Great Lakes Regional Director
Moms in Prayer International
815.230.4961
GreatLakes@MomsInPrayer.org
www.MomsInPrayer.org