Responding to Devastation in Pakistan - YWAMers on
the move
 Posted: Oct.
19, 2005 03:59 PM PDT
YWAM England sends us this current
story of the earthquake response, with an appeal for help.
"The walls shook, the children screamed, we ran for our lives,
gathering the orphans from every corner of the building. Outside
everyone was terrified; the noise of shaking mountains and scared
people was unforgettable," reported some Christian leaders in northern
Pakistan.
For many years Youth With A
Mission (YWAM) has been investing in
the lives of local leaders in Pakistan, serving, ministering at every
level, in every walk of life. Those leaders have now gone through the
same difficulties, natural disasters, and challenges as their own
people. One couple had been running a residential child support centre
in northern Pakistan, near the epicentre of the quake. They survived.
The building now shelters as many terrified children as can squeeze
within its walls to escape the rain and freezing cold. In spite of the
devastation, phone lines are working. They are now doing all they can
to offer humanitarian relief to other survivors, including families
from minority Christian communities.
The government of Pakistan has been quick to get roads and
infrastructure working again, so with the help of another team in the
nearby city of Lahore, they are able to secure the supplies they need.
This local team has already made one trip carrying immediate aid.
Now they know they need to take more blankets, cooking equipment,
lanterns, and plastic sheeting up north. But first they need funds to
buy these items.
Pakistanis around them have responded with gratefulness to the
relief they have already received. This earthquake occurred during
their fasting month of Ramadan. "You have shown us what fasting
actually is," said some Pakistani friends, in response to the comfort
they received together with a delivery of food, drink and warm
blankets.
The relief effort is onging. Five million are homeless. They have
lost everything. They sit on the rubble out in the open in a dazed
state. Many are already dying from the cold. Snow is falling.
YWAM works with trustworthy
people on the ground. Few agencies have
ever operated in this inhospitable mountainous area. However, the
leaders we have been training have local knowledge; we are in a
position to help quake survivors for both short and long term. With
your support, we will be able to offer blankets, food, shelter,
counseling comfort and hope.
When they able, many women and children--especially those who have
lost fathers, husbands and brothers--will leave the mountains forever.
They will need shelter, support, protection and an opportunity to
rebuild their lives. Our teams are now dedicated to the care of such
survivors.
We are appealing for the Body of Christ to get involved. Here are
some potential ways to do so. If you have other ideas, contact us.
Together, we can make a difference. What can be done? YWAM England
suggests taking special offerings or even organizing a musical event or
other fundraisers.
Go to www.ywam-England.com
to find out how to give through YWAM England, or, donations may be sent
to:
Youth With A Mission Quake Appeal
Office of the Americas - Accounts
P.O.Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771-3000, USA
Make checks payable to "YWAM" and include a separate note designating
the gift to House of Shelter (Quake).
For further enquiries send an email to: houseofshelter@hotmail.co.uk or
call: (44) 7813 094958
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