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Don’t forget Pakistani flood victims

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Published: Thursday 14 October 2010

Don’t forget Pakistani flood victims

Project(s): 00-634, 41-919

Country: Pakistan

Barnabas helping homeless Christian families

I really don’t know what happened with the flood but one thing I know is that coming to the camp was a blessing and I am more close to God in my personal relationship with Him because of my stay in the camp. It was a blessing in disguise.
– Babar Masih

Babar Masih, a Christian from Jacobabad, Sindh Province, was displaced by the flooding for two months and lived in a Christian camp supported by Barnabas Aid. He found that the calamity brought him spiritual blessing. Whilst many Pakistanis have seen the floods as a punishment from God, Christians such as Babar Masih have found in the tragedy the reality of God’s presence and have known His sustaining grace.

Babar Masih

While the flooding that hit Pakistan in July and August is no longer headline news, life is far from back to normal for families affected by the disaster.

Many have been able to return home now that the floods have subsided in most places, but others remain effectively homeless, their houses destroyed, badly damaged or still under water. Some are continuing to be sheltered in temporary relief camps.

Having helped thousands of Christians with emergency needs in the early days of the flood, Barnabas Aid is now undertaking phase two of our assistance for Christian flood victims – the immense task of long-term rehabilitation. Focusing first on accommodation, grants sent so far will be used for the renovation of flood-damaged houses in Southern Punjab, and the construction of new houses in Kot Addu and Jampur city for families whose homes were completely destroyed.

But much more is needed. Our partners have already identified many hundreds of houses that need to be repaired or completely rebuilt. The average costs are estimated at £2,500 (US$3,800, €3,000, AUS$4,000) to build a new house and £760 (US$1,192, €894, AUS$1,223) to repair a damaged one.

Among those still displaced by the disaster are 42 Christian families from flood-affected areas in Jati and Budhoo, Sindh Province – which are still under water. Barnabas Aid is helping to meet their needs. It is hoped they may finally be able to return to their homes next week, but it is not yet known in what state they will find their properties.

Wilson Saraj, Barnabas Aid’s regional co-ordinator for South Asia, is currently on a return visit to the flood-stricken Christian communities he first went to help in the immediate aftermath of the crisis. He says:

People were desperate to get back to their homes after staying in relief camps or with relatives for nearly two months. Although they have been through this great disaster and trauma they are happy to be back in their homes and have not lost hope in the Lord. Praise God! ... They need help re-starting their lives. Hundreds of Christian families need to repair and equip their damaged homes, while at least 1,000 have lost their means of livelihood. And, as winter approaches, they are particularly in need of warm clothing and blankets.

As well as visiting and encouraging Christian flood victims, Mr Saraj is providing disaster management training for our local partners in Pakistan.

Christians are marginalised and discriminated against in Pakistan, so they rely on support from their brothers and sisters around the world. It can take two to three years for already-poor families to recover from the loss of homes, possessions and livelihoods and become self-sufficient again. At least 1,000 Christian families require ongoing support for their daily food needs. You can sponsor a family for just £30 (US$45; €35; AU$54; NZ$65) a month.

For more information about Wilson Saraj’s visit to Pakistan go to ‘A view from the ground in flood-stricken Pakistan’.

To view all previous press releases on the Pakistan floods click here.

Give today

Click here 41-919 to sponsor a Pakistani Christian family who have been affected by the flooding or contact your nearest office and we will send you a Direct Debit form.

One-off donations may be made to the 00-634 Disaster Relief Fund for emergency relief, blankets, clothes, rebuilding homes and other needs.

If you prefer to telephone, dial: 0800 587 4006 from within the UK or +44 1672 565031 from outside the UK. Please quote project reference 00-634 (Disaster Relief Fund).

If you prefer to send a cheque by post: Click this link for the address of our regional office. Please quote project reference 00-634 (Disaster Relief Fund).

For a quick donation of £3.00 by SMS (see terms and conditions here) text Barnabas/634 to 70007 (Please note: This facility is presently only available to UK supporters).

Please Pray:

That all those made homeless by the flooding will soon be able to return to or rebuild their houses, and will not be forgotten now that the disaster is no longer a major news story.
Pray that the waters will subside in Jati and Budhoo and that the 42 Christian families will be able to return to their homes next week, as they are hoping.
That Christian flood victims such as Babar Masih will continue to find that their sufferings draw them closer to the Lord.
For wisdom and safety for Wilson Saraj as he visits flood-affected communities and trains local Christians in disaster management.

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