“An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 shook Nepal on Saturday near its capital, Katmandu, [sic] according to the New York Times. People in the capital described scenes of panic and collapsed buildings, and the United States Geological Survey predicted severe damage to villages near the quake’s epicenter, about 50 miles from Katmandu [sic].”
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“The death toll in Nepal after a massive earthquake stands at 597, according to Laxmi Dhakal, a spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs. There have been at least 15 aftershocks of 4.5 magnitude and higher in Nepal since a massive 7.8 earthquake struck the mountainous Asian nation around midday Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.”
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American Baptist International Ministries (IM) Area Director the Reverend Dr. Benjamin Chan is contacting leaders of IM partner organizations who are based in Kathmandu, the Reverend Jir Man Rai, General Secretary of Nepal Baptist Church Council; Mr. Subash Pradhan, principal of Nepal Baptist Bible College; and Mr. Tirtha Thapa, director of Human Development and Community Service.

“We are conveying condolences to the earthquake victims and prayer for peace and strength to them and their country on behalf of American Baptist sisters and brothers,” stated Chan. “Mr. Thapa replied that he is attending the worship service, and ‘so far we all are fine.’”

IM development worker Taku is attending the annual meetings of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India in Tura, Meghalaya which is about 340 miles from Katmandu.

Taku shared, “We were shaken during this morning’s massive earthquake in Nepal. No problems here, but we need to pray for those impacted.”

IM will be collecting contributions for relief for the victims. More information to follow. Please pray for Nepal and for IM’s partners there.