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.

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.

Your donation helps provide for our partners and the children in India and Nepal.