Dozens of churches flooded in India

At least 58 Gospel for Asia-supported churches have been hit by severe flooding in India.

Whole villages were deluged after the Brahmaputra River in Assam state burst its banks last weekend.

Heavy rains have added to the misery with the water level still rapidly rising.

A local newspaper reports that 900,000 have been affected by the flooding, with at least 80,000 losing their homes and properties.

Livestock kept by many people for food have been washed away.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) said that the Christians in the affected areas, including the pastors and missionaries it supports are in "desperate conditions".

Food and drinking water are in short supply and many are missing personal belongings.

One pastor told GFA that the Christians are "tired, wet and weak".

The organisation reports that many of its affected churches have been "totally washed away".

Six of its Bridge of Hope centres for children have also been flooded.

One GFA field correspondent reported seeing a Bridge of Hope centre become completely submerged by the water.

"Now only the roof of the building is visible," he said.

A GFA supported-film ministry team was able to communicate that they are stuck in the flooded area and not able to come out. They said that they are doing their best to keep the equipment safe in elevated places in believers' houses.

The extent of the flooding has left many roads impassable and communication is completely cut off to some areas.

GFA-supported relief workers are organising efforts to distribute food.

GFA President K P Yohannan said: "Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Assam, that the Lord will comfort those who lost everything, that He will protect the lives of everyone in the flood plain, and that those displaced will receive adequate food and drinking water in the aftermath of this flood.

"Pray also for those who do not yet know of the love of God for them, that in the midst of this tragedy they will experience His care in a very personal way."