For a time such as this

It’s been more than a month since the ground began shaking in Nepal. I say “began” because, to date, more than a hundred aftershocks have continued to plague the nation: toppling fragile buildings, stirring rumors of bigger quakes to come, setting nerves on edge.

Though it was difficult in the days and weeks immediately following the quake, our family felt it was important to wait before deciding exactly what our role in the crisis would be. We prayed, asking God to speak clearly as to what He would have us do from this vantage point. When He finally spoke, it was clear that so many pieces of a puzzle had been pre-cut, allowing us to aid out of the experiences He has given us both here in the States and in Nepal. And while we mourn the fact that we are not on the ground to assist our brothers and sisters full-time, we also realize that perhaps part of God’s vision for moving us out of Nepal when He did was that we would be uniquely poised to help, like Esther, “for a time such as this” (Esther 4:14). Those years my husband spent in emergency management and communications? His training and experience in natural disaster preparedness as well as in coordinating efforts post-event? Mix in his knowledge of Nepali culture, geography, and resources, and he has all the makings of being an asset to rebuilding efforts in a country he loves.

On top of those practical skills, our family knows that the needs of the Nepali people go far deeper than clean water and a roof over their heads. These are people who need to meet Jesus. We can keep them alive, we can clothe their bodies … but if they die without confessing Christ, they are still doomed to an eternity in hell. And what of those who already know Him? Believers are desperately in need of support and assistance from their brothers and sisters in Christ from around the globe. We can provide relief where Hindu and governmental agencies will not.

So our planning began. Christopher is now gathering resources to travel to Nepal in late September. His main focus will be assessing long-term needs– looking beyond the immediate rebuilding efforts and seeing how we can best come alongside Christians actively spreading LIFE to Nepalis through the Gospel. He will also be assisting in efforts to ensure that believers have their physical needs provided for without relying on distribution efforts biased against their faith.

We covet both your prayers and support as we pull together the information, tools, and funding needed to make this trip a success. We see God’s hand in the events of this past year, and know that He has gone ahead of us to prepare the details. Would you please join us in asking for guidance for focus areas, financial provision, and potential additional team members? We are looking forward to seeing how God continues to write this story. It’s not the chapter we would have penned, but we trust that through the obedience of our family and our many friends, God will be glorified in Nepal!