| Severe Flooding in Pakistan:Help Needed Now! |
Severe Flooding in Pakistan leaves nearly 300,000 stranded:Help Needed Now! Crossroads International has been contacted by pastors in Pakistan regarding the recent historic flooding that has rocked the northern region of Pakistan. Reports have been flooding in about the shocking after effects of this flooding. Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain reported, “This is the worst flood in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Countries history, the death toll in floods and rain-related incidents has risen up to 800 across the province.” Recent estimates indicate the flood has displaced over 275,000 people and over 15,000 homes have been destroyed. People are stranded with no food or water and have been trapped in their villages with no way out due to bridges and roads being washed away by the flood. Mothers and fathers have been carrying their children on their shoulders through the water looking relentlessly for food and safety. Crossroad’s contact in Pakistan is Rev. Iftikhar Indyras. I have been communicating with him on ground zero and he has been updating me on not only the crises as a whole but also what our Christian brothers and sisters are facing too. Many Pakistani Christians live in fear of their lives. Many have chosen to live isolated lives in remote villages where they have congregated for safety. When the flood hit about 30 of these villages were swept away and these families were forced to flee. They fled not because of the flooding alone but also for fear of the Muslim run country. There is United Nations help being brought into the country but unfortunately because this is a Muslim run government many Christians are denied help.  In response to this six pastors have been sent out to help Christian families in the worst affected areas of flooding. Rev. Iftikhar and his contacts have raised locally about $3,700 and have collected old shoes and clothing from other Pakistani Christians to take to these flood victims. This is not enough to even scratch the surface of the devastation these Christian families have endured. This is our chance as the body of Christ to reach out to our brothers and sisters and take action. In James 2:15 we are challenged to possess a faith that makes a difference -- “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing and his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” – this is our opportunity to make that difference! Help us put the much needed food, water, and cooking oil into the hands of these pastors, who are risking their lives to help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. A $150.00 will provide a family of seven enough food, cooking oil, and supplies for a month and the temporary shelter these families so desperately need.  The six pastors have been in communication with Rev. Iftikhar and have commented on not only the physical needs of these families but also the emotional needs of the children. Many of them have been crying for days because of the lack of food and also because of the emotional trauma they have gone through. Please join us in whatever way possible to make a difference in these villages and to restore these 30 some families. For the next seven days we will be working rigorously to raise the funds needed to send to these pastors. We are asking everyone to pray and intercede for the safety and health of not only the families being reached but also the pastors traveling back and forth from these villages. To give to this cause select the YOU CAN HELP link and click on the DONATE button. In the Comments Box mark your donation for the Pakistan Relief Aid. Thank you in joining with us in answering this urgent need in Pakistan. We will be following up with updates of our efforts and also any updates given to us by our contacts in Pakistan.  |
