THE NEED

Flooding, plague, drought, earthquake, and tsunami are natural disasters that have wreaked havoc upon India and its people. Persecution of Christians is a calamity no less deadly or traumatic. Lives are lost. Those who survive may be left with physical injuries, loss of property, loss of family members, lack of food, or all the above.

OUR RESPONSE

Often with the financial partnership of IDES (International Disaster Emergency Services) Vivek leads teams to drought, flood, earthquake, plaque, and persecution- stricken areas to provide relief to victims in Jesus’ name. The most infamous natural disaster was the 2004 Asian Tsunami that killed thousands on Christmas morning, one of the deadliest disasters in history. Relief teams also ministered at the scene of intense persecution in 2008 when Hindus brutally attacked and killed Christians in the state of Orissa. Live burials and rape were among the horrific acts committed. Parents were murdered in front of their children. Some children were left as orphans. The Mission, under the direction of Vivek’s brother, Vivert, is now caring for a number of these orphans and otherwise affected children.

Though tragic, times of disaster open the door for exposure to the Gospel to people who otherwise never would have the opportunity. They provide the chance to pass out the New Testament while showing the love of Christ with the distribution of such necessities as food, medicine, blankets, and building supplies.