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
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.