Asia Earthquake

Moving forward: Sichuan earthquake response

Our ministry partner team in Sichuan is transitioning from the sprint of relief to the marathon of long-term recovery. While relief continues, the team is investing in strategic planning for the future recognizing the changed relational landscape of people who are still suffering.

Report from the field

Short-Term Strategy
We continue to help a partner organization whose staff is beyond fatigue. Recently, the team served in the office and led groups to the affected areas delivering supplies and connecting with displaced people.

During weekly trips to affected communities, our team is holistically ministering to people’s needs. These connections will help advance a long term strategy.

Long-Term Strategy
This stage of relief will focus on adopting at least one community to aid in its long term recovery.

More than anything we want to join what our urban national believing friends are planning to do in regards to long-term recovery efforts. Most of our friends are young believers in churches that are independent, not necessarily networked to others. We are discovering that they are at a loss as to what to do next.

Many national churches have collaborated with other churches. They even attempted to register as an non-governmental organization (NGO) but were denied. One church leader said the earthquake is forcing churches to cooperate; before there was never a reason to do so. There is a new focus on cooperation and collaboration in a spirit of unity, which is exciting and encouraging.

Potential ministry locations

We are considering two potential locations for long-term ministry. Each location is different. It’s exciting to see God’s hand guiding and His plan unfolding.

Location 1 is a village with nine sections. Three national churches have joined to focus on this location.

Strengths:

• This group of three churches is taking the lead by directing and planning trips to the community.
• Our team is working to serve alongside these churches.
• The churches are talking to the sectional leaders, determining community needs, and providing solutions.

Opportunities/Goals:

• To get to know the leaders and members of these three churches. The earthquake has opened new possibilities for partnership.
• To coach these churches with the Community Health Evangelism model.
• To work with these churches in identifying new ministry opportunities.

Our connection with Location 2 began with a request from a friend who needed garbage cans.

Strengths:

• Opportunity to teach English classes.
• Developing a relationship with a key government leader.

Opportunities/Goals:

• To be able to equip and encourage national friends to take the lead.
• To cast a vision of what God can do

What you can do

• Pray for rest during this emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually stretching time.
• Pray for a long-term strategy response.
• Pray for wisdom in hiring a national assistant.
• Pray for comfort and peace for those affected, and that hearts will be open to the Truth.
• Give now online, or learn how to give in other ways.
• Subscribe to ReliefCast, EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response’s electronic publication.

Questions? Contact crisisresponse@efca.org.

Return to Urgent Needs with EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response.