While natural disasters can and do impact people from every sector of society, the poor suffer the most when disasters strike. Poorly constructed buildings and weak infrastructure mean that the initial damage is almost always greater in poor areas. And, in the weeks and months following a disaster, poor areas are much slower to recover. Government corruption and favoritism add to the problem, as more resources often go to rebuild wealthier areas. In addition, where wealthier people tend to have insurance and savings to help them recover, the poor don’t have these safety nets.

In the wake of natural disasters, though, we have seen God use local churches in amazing ways. After the 2015 Nepal earthquake, churches there rallied to provide relief supplies to villages overlooked by international relief efforts—some areas were so remote, supplies had to be carried in on their backs. Even though the churches themselves had suffered great loss, they reached out to show love to their neighbors in the midst of the crisis. Because of their loving actions, the churches’ relationships with non-Christians began to improve. One community even asked the Christians to forgive them for persecuting them in the past. 

Please pray with us…

• For truth to bring healing. In many places natural disasters are traditionally considered a curse from the gods–an idea that is often found in churches too. Pray that people in the midst of disasters would be aware of the overwhelming love of God, even in the midst of crisis.
• That local churches would be prepared to respond with care and provision when disasters strike. That God would use His people to bring good out of suffering. 
• That God will be near to those who suffer and make Himself known.
• That governments and international organizations would have an equitable, timely response when disasters occur. 

• For those in vulnerable areas to receive help to be adequately prepared for disasters that may impact their communities—secure housing, access to health care, government infrastructure, and government agencies and churches trained and prepared to respond to disasters.