FOOD AND WATER SHORTAGES STILL AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Taun Cortado at 972-300-3379 or [email protected]

STONEY CREEK – Gospel for Asia (GFA) is providing essential provisions to hundreds of families three weeks after Cyclone Hudhud devastated large parts of India’s coastal Andhra Pradesh region. The provisions are part of a larger effort to supply food, water and temporary shelter to those affected by the storm.

More than 40 people to date have been killed by the cyclone, which had sustained winds equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. While relief efforts are currently underway, many people still are not receiving sufficient food and water supplies. Many have lost the resources needed to survive. Houses built from leaves and grass are completely destroyed, and many houses built of stronger materials were severely damaged. Phone communication is still cut off for many, and no electricity is currently available in the hardest hit areas.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, believers and GFA-supported missionaries packed and trucked provisions to 400 families who were hardest hit by the storm. Each food package included rice, pulse, oil, sugar and other essential items.

“Even two weeks after the devastating storm, thousands of people are still without critical food and water supplies,” said Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of GFA. “Our workers and believers are working tirelessly to collect, transport and deliver these critical supplies to the broad section of India affected by the storm. Our commitment to this crisis is not just short term. We will make sure people are given essential supplies, and that they are equipped to get back on their feet and provide for their families.”

In addition to providing immediate relief supplies like food, water and temporary shelter, GFA Compassion Service is preparing for long-term relief, which includes home reconstruction, gifts of livestock and sewing machines. These supplies not only help relieve the damage of items lost, but they also enable people to learn skills that can help them provide for their families and others.

For more than 35 years, GFA has supported thousands of missionaries across South Asia, but primarily in the 10/40 Window. The ministry shares the love of Christ through radio in more than 21 countries and trains men and women to reach the most unreached people in the world. In addition, GFA offers education to impoverished children through its Bridge of Hope, ministers to women and provides a host of compassionate services, especially among the outcasts of society.

Additional information about GFA’s response to the cyclone and its work in the region is available at www.gfa.ca/info/hudhud.