In India and Nepal, a second wave of COVID-19 is having a catastrophic impact. “Everything is fine with me and my family, but our city and county are facing terrible times,” India Director Raja shares. “I gave four funerals in the last six days.”
Nepal has now passed 430,000 reported COVID-19 cases and the infections are at their peak and are still rising. There are over 8,900 new infections reported daily and deaths are rising quickly. India is in an even more dire situation. There have been over 24 million reported cases with over 365,000 new infections reported daily. Currently, deaths in India account for 1 in 3 deaths worldwide from COVID-19.
The pandemic has impacted India and Nepal over the last year, but this second wave of cases has caused enormous devastation. There are now widespread closures of schools, businesses and enforced curfews and lockdowns. Hospital beds are full and they’re unable to take any new patients. Many people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen and medication.
Our orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal is on lockdown with the entire city, but the children are able to continue their education online. “As a whole we are fine and only need prayer support,” Director Udaya shares. “The children are doing online classes, and taking exams.” Despite the challenges, Udaya continues to encourage the children to trust God. “The situation is really tough this time, really challenging, but still we have hope and courage in God because whatever happens, we are doing not by our might but God’s might. He will fight on behalf of us and our children. This morning we read Psalm 91 and we got very much encouraged to thank God for the word.”
The pastor training school had to be shut down a few weeks ago, and students are completing assignments over text. We’ve also received reports from pastors who have lost family members or are themselves sick. The financial impacts are being widely felt as well. Day laborers and those who work in shops have lost their jobs and are having to stay home. The schools have been closed and children in our India schools have not attended school since last March. The staff has been able to reach most of them. Director Raja shares, “All our children are fine, our staff has phoned everyone to make sure they are safe.”
Living in the Most High’s shelter,
camping in the Almighty’s shade,
I say to the LORD, “You are my refuge, my stronghold!
You are my God– the one I trust!”
God says, “Because you are devoted to me,
I’ll rescue you.
I’ll protect you because you know my name.
Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer.
I’ll be with you in troubling times.
I’ll save you and glorify you.
I’ll fill you full with old age.
I’ll show you my salvation.”
-Psalm 91:1-2,14-16 CEB
May God provide salvation, healing and restoration for India and Nepal.
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