When Reach Beyond engineer Titus* travelled to Nepal to support radio ministry partners, he had no idea he would arrive in the aftermath of a devastating disaster.
On 26 August, a glacial rock-ice avalanche near the China-Nepal border triggered massive flooding along the Bhotekoshi River, destroying dozens of communities. With communications down, little food or clean water available, and people in deep shock, local Christian partners responded immediately.
Titus explains, “During one partner’s devotional time, they took reports from the front and prayed for people. This group was the first organisation to reach those affected.”
While in Nepal, Titus was asked to help a small community radio station return to the air.
Radio is a vital tool during disasters, providing information, connection and hope. After assessing the station’s needs, Titus helped support its restoration.
Although it is not a Christian station, it is now broadcasting a daily 30-minute gospel programme to people who desperately need to hear the good news of Jesus.
Titus continued, “We went to a shelter to give radios to some survivors. It was so sad. We gave a radio to a young teenager who lost all eight members of her family. When the flood hit, she was thrown to the side and managed to grab onto some foliage. That had kept her from being washed away like everyone else.”
For those living in the midst of dark times after having lost so much, the gift of a radio is more than a kind gesture or a demonstration of God’s love. It’s also an opportunity for them to hear about Jesus, who sees their suffering and knows their deepest pain.
Pray with us for those who have lost family members and for lives and communities to be rebuilt.
