Dear Bruce and Elsa Shauger,

Update as of May 7:  Pastor Thapa, members from his congregation, and the mercy home children continue to live in the tent city (see pictures below).  Despite the daily hardships, their basic needs are being met.  We just received a request from Pastor Thapa for 40 tents and Mission India is sending funds so that fellow pastors in the area can provide temporary shelter to their congregations as well.  Over $1,600 has been raised so far - about 2-3 weeks worth of food, water, etc. Additionally, we are working with Mission India and our ministry partners to arrange a site visit in June and show the love of Christ in action.  Please continue to pray for Pastor Thapa and those affected by this disaster.

Please note that your financial gift is meant to support all of RIMI's programs, but is marked with a "Preference for Nepal" so that funds will be made available to Pastor Thapa as needs arise.

May 1, 2015 - Thanks to those of you who have been praying for the victims of a large earthquake last Saturday in Nepal.  Our colleagues at Mission India are continuing to monitor the situation with our missionaries and children in the region. We have now heard  directly from our Nepalese missionary, Pastor Thapa in Katmandu.  He has reported  that approximately 250 believers are among those who died. The government has advised residents near the hardest hit areas to avoid sleeping in structures that may be prone to collapse, so Pastor Thapa continues to live in tents with his family, church members, and 10 mercy home children. They have been without power for 6 days and there has been no help yet from the government. Mission India and our partners have released immediate financial assistance to Pastor Thapa to meet his personal and ministry needs.  As you know, many relief organizations and government entities are trying to reach and address the overwhelming needs of those hardest hit.  RIMI, Mission India, and key partners are prayerfully evaluating the most effective ways to align with these relief efforts and provide essential longer-term ministry and outreach among those who have been displaced.

Below are some pictures sent to us by Pastor Thapa showing the tent city and building damage in the Katmandu area.

This tragic earthquake in Nepal and the images of destruction and devastation can overwhelm us….or they can motivate us.  It is a reminder that every life is both precious and tenuous.  From physical disasters like those unfolding in Nepal to personal loss, grief, illness, doubt, and suffering, we are easily shaken.  But the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we who have come to Jesus are receiving an unshakable Kingdom.  May we be motivated to grasp firmly to that which cannot be shaken.  May we be motivated to continue in prayer and service as we are able on behalf of those who have been shaken in Nepal.  May we be motivated to redouble our God-given ministry of inviting others in the region and throughout South Asia to come to Jesus and receive His unshakable Kingdom.

Please continue to pray for Nepal, for Pastor Thapa and those with him, for Mission India, RIMI, and our partners.  As you pray, please consider continuing your partnership with a generous gift to support the on-going mission and ministry of RIMI and our co-laborers.

Hebrews 12:28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. (NLT)

Blessings,

Dr. Saji Lukos
Founder and President
Reaching Indians Ministries International