Gospel for Asia relief teams in action after Cyclone Phailin

Around 800,000 homes have been destroyed or badly damaged by Cyclone Phailin (AP)

Gospel for Asia disaster relief teams are providing aid to people in eastern India affected by Cyclone Phailin.  

The storm hit speeds of 125 mph and has displaced millions of people.  Seventeen people have been reported dead but millions more have been affected by the huge damage caused to homes, livelihoods and crops.

GFA was one of the organisations that called for prayer ahead of the storm, which decreased from a category 5 super typhoon on Friday to a category 4 storm by the time it made landfall on Saturday evening.

"We thank God for answering our prayers to lessen the storm's strength before landfall," said Dr K P Yohannan, GFA founder and president. "Now millions of people need our help to rebuild their lives and to provide hope to those around them."

At least 800,000 homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and around a million people have been forced to seek shelter in relief camps.  

GFA field leaders have reported a lack of food, drinking water, electricity and medicine, and say that poor villagers have been worst affected.

The GFA relief teams are distributing clean water, medical supplies, food packs and clothing.

Among those staying in the camps are hundreds of GFA pastors and missionaries, as well as thousands of Christian believers.

"Homes of thousands of Christian believers and hundreds of churches were destroyed," said Yohannan. "These brothers and sisters all had to flee for their lives, but within the relief camps they are still ministering to the suffering and needy."

As Phailin makes its way across northeastern India, GFA fears further damage and especially mudslides in higher ground.

"Please pray for grace and energy for our missionaries and church workers who are ministering day and night to those in need." said Yohannan. "We must bring hope to many who will find comfort in Jesus for the first time through this crisis."

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …