Nepal (MNN) — Nepal just marked the second anniversary of devastating twin earthquakes that killed 9,000 people and made a million others homeless.

The government has been criticized for the slow pace of rebuilding, and did not officially hold any commemorative events April 25th. However, survivors held memorial services in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.

Although it has faded off front page news, the reality is that Nepal is still in tatters. Less than one-fifth of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt. Asian Access, a ministry that helps train, develop, and network church leaders, had already started connecting believers to help respond to the quake needs. It was a unique moment for these Christians.

Perhaps what makes this more interesting is how the Japanese Church lived out the idea of ‘walking a mile in another man’s shoes’. Who better to understand the needs in a crisis zone than those who have lived through a similar disaster?

Asian Access (A2) sent two short-term mission teams from Japan’s tsunami and quake zone to Nepal to encourage their counterparts there. Robert Adair led the teams. He observed the shift in thinking from pre-disaster days to what it has developed into today.

“[In the past], it was mainly focused on proclamation ministries, so we could get a big group of people together and share their testimonies or something else. It was built around people understanding the Gospel. They didn’t really interact with people’s felt needs. The disaster in 2011 changed that. We were meeting the Japanese people’s felt needs because, for the first time, we were getting our hands dirty mudding out their houses, helping them get back on their feet…and because of that, that gave us the credibility to talk about Christ.”

In Japan, for the five years following the disaster, as ministries got their hands, dirty, people saw the investment made in long-term recovery and meeting needs, rather than following a formulaic agenda. In short, the A2 Japan team focused on building relationships as much as building the literal community. “I think it took the pressure off that ten-day period that everybody needs to know Christ, and everybody we meet needs to have a 30-minute discussion about the Gospel, or whatever it is — this kind of ‘superman’ approach to short-term missions, [instead of] seeing the role of the short-term missionary as support of the long-term worker.”

For whatever reason, the Nepal earthquake struck a chord with the Japanese Church, says Adair. He goes on to say that while there have been several disasters in Asia since 2011, God created a resonance between believers in Nepal and Japan.

“With Asian Access right now, we kind of have two streams that are going. We have the teams that have been your standard short-term mission trip, where I’ve been involved, where you take your Japanese Christians. We also sent over a pastor care team to help the long-term workers, to encourage them and make sure they’re doing all right, and processing everything all right and whatnot.”

Those relationships will see more fruit. There are plans for future Japanese short-term trips to Nepal. Adair says coming alongside the Church in Nepal is not limited to Japan. The opportunity is there to communicate the love of Christ, regardless of where you are.

“You may not have the language, as a Westerner, to be able to share Christ, but in everything you do, in all of your interactions, whatever you do, trying to make sure Christ is in the center of your interaction.”

Anyone is welcome, providing they have these three qualities: “We encourage them to have three main attitudes when they come: one is to have a cheerful spirit, the second is the willingness to do anything (so you’re not going to always understand why you’re being asked to do whatever it is you’re being asked to do, and trust that we’re not going to waste your time, and that it has purpose), and then also, have what we call a ‘dendo’ spirit — a desire to see Christ known.”

Click here to see A2’s short-term mission opportunities!

 Listen to the broadcast: (top story)
{mp3remote}https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-May01-2017.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• This story by Julie Bourdon was originally published on 01 May, 2017 by Mission Network News: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/nepal-japan-meet-road-recovery/
• Download the audio file:
  • https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-May01-2017.mp3
• First two images courtesy Asian Access; second image courtesy of United Nations Development Programme via Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/snA7wC
• Mission Network News is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

(Photo courtesy Asian Access)

Nepal (MNN) — Nepal and India have moved forward to restore ties after months of a crippling blockade. Asian Access National Director for Nepal, Mr. Chittry, says the impact was immediate and severe. “They have a shortage of food, no electricity, no fuel, no medication, and all the schools are closed.”

In fact, the Nepalese Prime Minister went to India last month to “clear the misunderstanding” between the nations. His main objective was to restore ties between the two countries, which had been strained in the wake of Nepal’s new Constitution. “People are really suffering, and people are losing hope. India keeps pressuring [Nepal] to bring back the Hindu state again,” explains Mr Chittry. India had even delivered a list of seven amendments to make the constitution friendlier to their interests. Again, Chittry says, “India’s biggest concern is to make Nepal a Hindu kingdom.”

(Photo Mr. Chittry courtesy MNN)

The scope of the economic disruption in Nepal underscored its vulnerability; and when the Himalayan nation fell into crisis, it only further inflamed anti-India sentiment. Without enough fuel, deliveries of food and shelter to vulnerable communities stopped. Schools, markets, and transportation routes have been closed for months. Chittry says, “I see people in miserable conditions.  People have to walk 4 days, 5 days, even 10 days because there is no public transportation.”

As tensions with India mounted, China reopened its border with Nepal in Tibet. Some goods trickled through, but the pass between China and Nepal is mountainous and difficult to navigate. China also didn’t want to challenge India over Nepal, so wasn’t motivated to supply Nepal’s demands.

Then, as mysteriously as it began, it ended. The borders re-opened on February 3, 2016. Even with signs pointing to an end, it will take time for Nepal to recover from the impact of the blockade.

(Photo courtesy Asian Access)

In spite of the April 2015 earthquake, Nepal’s economy was still looking forward to a recovery. However, that hope was quickly dashed.  As the blockade dragged on, factories began closing. People lost jobs. Recession now looms. New priorities have emerged.  “Having all these worldly things, they find no hope except in Jesus; so the churches in Nepal are growing fast,” says Chittry. “Now we are in the process of developing qualified leaders to handle the situation here.”

In the months since the blockade began, he says there has also been a marked increase in harassment and oppression for Christians. In a time when national identity has played a huge role in international politics, misinformation has plagued church workers. “Christianity is a ‘western’ religion. They could not colonize in the past, so through Christianity, they’re trying to colonize Nepal. That’s what the belief is. So Christians in Nepal suffer a lot psychologically, politically, socially. From every side, they are pressured.”

(Photo courtesy Asian Access)

Asian Access Nepal is working to strengthen the body of Christ while also preparing future leaders to lead the country and churches.  When believers ask how they can help, Chittry says, “They can pray. Secondly, they can be helpful in the resources. Thirdly, they can come and visit us and encourage us, and bring the sense of global unity–our brothers and sisters are behind us.”

Explore the ministry of Asian Access. Click here to get started.

Listen to the broadcast (top story)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Mar11-2016.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Published on 11 March, 2016 by Mission Network News. Article written by Ruth Kramer
• Download audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Mar11-2016.mp3
• Nepal country profile

My wife Kyle and I recently got a rare treat: A chance to join some of our closest friends on an earthquake-repair service trip to Nepal through Asian Access.

Six leaders from Community Covenant Church in El Cajon, California (our home church) met up with us last month in Kathmandu. There, we connected with our in-country Asian Access leaders for a week that combined hard physical labor in a rural village with up-close encounters with men, women, and children who are being touched by the love of Christ through our local leaders’ many outreach efforts.

But rather than having me tell you about it, I’d like to share some excerpts from trip diaries that two of my friends kept during their time in Nepal. Let them tell you what they saw and experienced in their own words:

Entry 1

“About four hours into the trip, we suddenly turned onto a dirt road that led us up to the village of -----. This community had only become vehicle-accessible within the past year. Still, there were few vehicles. Most of the traveling was by foot, including many sightings of the toughest women on the planet: Nepalese trudging directly up the steep slopes bearing enormous weight in a head-strap basket.

“The heart of the community was a collection of dwellings atop a small ridge. They housed about six groups of one extended family. The homes ranged from stone to tin to a shed with walls of dried leaves (the temporary home of the lead pastor whose home was damaged by the earthquake). 

“At the north end of the village was the newly-built church, simple but very nicely constructed. The church could hold about 150 people. When asked where they come from, our leader pointed to distant hills and valleys. Some people walk well over two hours just to get to church service. Guess they’re a little more motivated than us to fellowship with Jesus and with their Christian brothers and sisters?”

Entry 2

“The pastor's house had partially collapsed in the recent earthquakes. Our job was to take down the structure, sorting through the building materials as we went. Everything would be reused.

“The pastor whose house we were working on had been a founder of the area church movement. That church has now grown to over 200 members. They are meeting outside for services until the new church building is finished.”

Entry 3

“Sleeping overnight in the village completely changed the way I felt. I went to sleep feeling disoriented and foreign, our beds belonged to our hosts, and they were displacing themselves to make room for us. When I awoke and left my room, I could then appreciate the beauty of the surrounding valley. In the distance to the north, you could just make out the Himalayas, up as high as the clouds.

“The people are subsistence farmers and very self-sufficient. Everything they need, they have nearby. The goats and chickens often inspected our work when we had finished making a new rock pile. We worked five hours the first day and four hours the next. When we finished, our leader translated for the local pastor, who thanked us and shared his own story.”

Entry 4

“All Nepalese are friendly, but I did detect a lightness about the Christians in this village. They were more than hospitable. They seemed happier, they smiled more. Is this the work of God?

“In the US, we hear about people who are happy with little and philosophically, we like it and believe it. Actually seeing it is more persuasive, especially when the people seem to have so little and life is so much more work: getting water, washing clothes, going to school and market, cooking, feeding the livestock, tending the garden, staying warm. All these take huge amounts of time and physical effort, yet I never saw on their faces the weariness I would have expected. Ironically, I saw them most happy when they were giving of their meager resources: serving food to us and giving up their beds for us.”

Entry 5

“I personally feel a sense of inadequacy in this trip. When we are served and hosted by these people who are doing so much with so little; I feel embarrassed to be taking their time and resources. When we do some activity to try to give back, I am reminded how these are token gestures really.

“I'm used to being competent and in control and being the giver or provider. That's all thrown on its head on this trip.”

Entry 6

“We enjoyed a long and blessed debrief with our Nepalese leaders. When we first arrived in Nepal, I initially reserved my judgment on them, but after observing them over five days, I have found them to be sincere, passionate and effective minsters, spreading God’s reign through their acts of helping others and by sharing the Gospel.

“These leaders provide a wonderful model of Christian leadership: a servant’s heart, an entrepreneur’s boldness and foresight; a prophet’s passion and a diplomat’s sensitivity. I especially appreciate their true humility. It’s not the false humility that would be much more fashionable: “Oh, I’m nothing.” It is the humility that C.S. Lewis describes so well in Mere Christianity: telling the truth while giving credit to God and putting it all in proper perspective. They both did this so well as they freely talked about things they’ve chosen and accomplished in their ministry without any sense of self-aggrandizement.  

“Though they are clearly national leaders who have accomplished much, I never got the sense that they were puffing themselves up trying to convince us of their worth; they were simply telling their story and having genuine joy in it. The whole of their character and the actions of their life already testify from Who their accomplishments come and from Whom they receive their affirmation.”

We are excited that our Asian Access in-country leaders will be joining us at Community Covenant soon to share about their lives and ministry with more of our area friends. And we are looking forward to seeing how God is going to use this service trip to build long-term relationships between us and our Nepalese brothers and sisters.

I hope that you will have the opportunity, whether through Asian Access or by some other means, to serve the Lord through a faith- and worldview-stretching service trip. As another of our friends on the trip put it…

”Hanging with your buddies, trying to make a difference…what could be better than this?”

Noel Becchetti

Who Helped You?

Silk and I were recently in the middle of Nepal, where many of you have helped out. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and your support. Your financial giving has really helped out, especially providing these tin shelters, as a part of the Family Rebuilding Packages including some food supplies that will last. Families who have lost everything will be helped by these packages now and over the next few years as they get their lives back together.

We had the privilege of walking with a Nepali friend who showed us the area where these Family Rebuilding Packages were distributed. There was this one lady we saw who received a tin roof, and my friend asked her, “Who helped you? Who provided this tin roof?

And here's what she said:

“The people who don't worship idols, they're the ones who helped us.”

At that moment my friend leaned over to me and said:

"That's a signal that these are Christians who reached out, because everyone else in our country worships idols."

It is the believers of the world that have reached out to families like this in need. So thank you for being part of that team... and for being people who don't worship idols. We are deeply grateful for your support your prayers and your ongoing partnership with us at Asian Access.

Joe Handley, President

More Information

• More about Nepal Family Rebuilding Packages...
• Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5AONbkKmrc
  {youtube}http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5AONbkKmrc{/youtube}

Silk and I were talking about the earthquake in Nepal. She shared on video the story that Japan recently sent a team to minister to the people in Nepal, because of course, Japan knows exactly what it feels like to experience a major disaster with their earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown a few years ago.

So a team went there from Japan. They were they were literally the hands and feet of Jesus. They were helping to clear out a park area, so that the children can play again. So what a blessing it was that our brothers and sisters in Japan came alongside to minister to those in Nepal.

And that is the power of partnership, Friends. Thank you for partnering with us. You are a part of our ministry, not only Japan and Nepal; but together we are reaching out with our brothers in Christ—arm in arm—helping the people in this world today.

Joe & Silk Handley

More Information

• Watch video clip on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TTMTKhG4i0
• Related stories: 
  • Following disaster, Japan gives back to Nepal (Robert Adair)
  • The Church in Japan serves Nepal after earthquake (Mission Network News)
  • Are relief funds getting to the people in Nepal? (Jeff Johnston)
  • Family rebuilding packages provided to Nepal (Joe Handley)

{youtube}http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TTMTKhG4i0{/youtube}

“It was amazing walking the streets. I noticed huge piles of dirt and mud in the center of the road blocking the road, so that vehicles couldn't even drive there. I was thinking, ‘How did this happen?’ As I was watching, I noticed a woman in her little mud and brick home. She was in a process of actually cleaning it out and taking handfuls of the mud and throwing it into the middle of street, because there was nowhere else to put it. So it’s just heartbreaking that this is her reality, but at the same time, I'm just so grateful that Christians are coming alongside and providing support.”

Joe summarized by thanking those who support our work there:

“Let me echo that. Many of you have prayed for us have rallied behind us and rallied behind ladies like this whom Silk is talking about and provided the hope and healing that they have needed in the midst of their deepest pain. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying. And thank you for walking alongside the people of Nepal.”

More Information

1. Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy2O8WNn7Ug
   {youtube}http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy2O8WNn7Ug{/youtube}
2. See Joe's thanksgiving video greeting here...

Nepal (MNN) — In the past few years, God has been growing the church in Japan. Now, the church of Japan is in action and caring for its neighbor, Nepal.

Toward the end of September, Asian Access made it possible for a group of Japanese Christians to go to Nepal and serve. However, these weren’t just any Christians: these were the Christians from the area hit by the 2011 tsunami. They’re the people who know firsthand the need after a natural disaster.

While the trip was a short four days, the impact was powerful. For the first two days, the crew worked to clear up debris at a children’s home. As the work continues, there’s hope the children will be able to move back within a month and enjoy their freshly-cleared yard.

For the last two days, the crew headed up to a hilltop village which has barely received any help since the earthquake. When they arrived, they saw collapsed houses yet to be removed. Their next two days were spent doing just that. Digging through mud and clay, they removed 6 of the collapsed homes and helped prepare the land for rebuilding.

On their final day, the team helped unload a 3,000-liter water tank for the village. Until then, the villagers had to bring water from the river for their needs. Now, thanks to Asian Access partners, the villagers have their own water supply.

Despite everything the Japanese team has given, the people of Nepal have given back just as much. The team came home greatly encouraged by how the Nepalis’ continuously have faith in Christ, despite the recent natural disaster plus political unrest. Now the team members want to apply what they’ve learned from Nepal in their lives.

Pray for Nepal and for the church relationship between Japan and Nepal to continue flourishing.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 3:31)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Oct08-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Oct08-2015.mp3
• How to pray for Nepal...
• Photo credits: Robert Adair/Asian Access
• Related story: Following disaster, Japan gives back to Nepal

"If you give the driver chocolate, he will drive you wherever you need to go."

This joke didn't actually come from our taxi driver, but from a successful pastor who has been a part of planting over 300 churches, starting multiple children's homes, and having a voice in the creation of Nepal’s new constitution that will protect religious freedom of minority groups. Last week I had the privilege of serving alongside this pastor and his colleagues with three of my Japanese friends.

Growth Resulting from Redeemed Suffering

Following the 3.11 (3/11/2011) disaster in northeast Japan, volunteers and relief came from all over the world to bring help. God has been redeeming the pain and suffering to cause growth in the church in Japan. When Nepal was devastated by an earthquake in April 2015, it caught the attention of believers throughout Japan. Having been the recipient the last few years, many churches gave generously and sacrificially to help Nepal. Within Asian Access, we began to discuss if we could help facilitate a group going directly from the area impacted by the tsunami to serve our brothers and sisters in Nepal.

Giving Back to Nepal

Last week was a national holiday in Japan, which allowed us to go for a quick trip with four work days. The first two were spent cleaning up debris around a children's home on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Repairs on the main building are progressing, and they hope to be able to move the children back into their home within a month. It was satisfying to look at the yard at the end of our second day and see that children would soon be able to play there again. As we left, hugs and tears were exchanged between a team member and a girl she had grown close to over our few days together.

On our third and fourth days, we went to a village on the top of a hill that had received minimal help since the disaster. Although around 150 people had lived there before the earthquake, only a handful remained. Homes were still sitting where they had collapsed. We learned that nine people had been killed including a child who was in Sunday school at the time.

Over two days, the team helped clear the land where six homes had stood. The work involved digging through mud and clay to remove supports, staircases, and other materials that had once made up the homes. We then flattened the remaining soil so that the residents—Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists—could begin to rebuild. Although we could communicate very little, there was a warmth communicated through smiles and other gestures as we worked and sweated alongside a few local Christians as well as other residents of the community.

On our final work day, a 3,000 liter tank arrived that will supply water to the village in the future. Residents currently have to carry water up from the river below. Our partners are committed to continuing to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of this community.

Applying Lessons

"How can we apply what we have learned this week to our context in Japan?"

This was one of the themes for our team during our time in Japan. While we were in Nepal to help with an immediate physical need, we also wanted to learn from our Nepali brothers and sisters. In a time of political unrest and following a natural disaster, they are still seeing people steadily place their faith in Christ. We were challenged by how the church is engaged in multiple levels of society as they strive to see the Kingdom of God come to this mountain kingdom. With limited resources, they are aggressively and compassionately reaching out to their nation.

Although back in Japan now, all four of us desire to return to Nepal. It is exciting to see how Christians from multiple countries, languages, and cultures can come together for mutually beneficial trips like this. It’s my prayer that this relationship continues and that the churches of both Japan and this beautiful mountain country will be blessed through their interactions.

Robert Adair

More Information

Asian Access has just reached it's goal for Nepal Family Rebuilding Packages!

Following the initial devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25-April-2015 and the 7.3 aftershock on 12-May, bureaucracy and corruption severely hampered the distribution of aid. She writes,

It has been reported that the government of Nepal has received funds and pledges of Billions of Nepalese Rupees from countries all over the world (Wikipedia article; Financial Tracking Service report). The generosity has been overwhelming, but most of these funds have not reached to people who are in desperate need of it, due to ongoing corruption and bribery which is deeply rooted inside the political system of Nepal.

Sanju Lama goes on to further say:

"Most people have not even received the basic needs like tents and food supplies which does not tie up with the billions collected so far by the government. It is as simple as that. Committing to transparency and actually implementing it are two different things."

At this time of adversity, everyone is helping out each other in their own ways and the work of volunteers, NGOs, INGOs, Armies and civilians have been commendable. We would still need lot more funding and aids to get back to normalcy so please carry on donating to credible organisations and groups. Every little helps.)

Aljazeera reported that, "Giving reconstruction funds directly to Nepal quake survivors could cut out corruption and administrative waste."

This is precisely why it is recommended to give through NGOs, who have delivery systems on the ground. Asian Access is delivering aid directly through a network of local churches right to quake victims.

In fact, Asian Access has been distributing funds since June through dozens of local churches that have a pulse on where the greatest needs are. Due to the enormous homelessness, A2 is currently raising funds for Family Rebuilding Packages, which can get directly to homeless family with in a matter of a couple weeks. Each package is only $130 and includes:

• Tin sheets and bamboo poles to construct a simple shelter; a supply of rice, lentils, cooking oil, and salt; bowls, plates, utensils; towels; soaps - for personal washing and for clothes washing; blankets to provide flooring and bedrolls; mosquito nets; and even candy for the kids.

Would you consider giving $130 to help a homeless family get back on its feet?

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access,
PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

After this Family Rebuidling Package campaign, Asian Access will continue distributing funds through local churches that have the flexibility to get relief to the victims who need it the most.

We can't speak for all groups, but we can say with integrity that relief funds donated to Asian Access are getting directly to the people of Nepal.

Jeff Johnston

More Information

• Please sign and share this petition (Transparency International, CIAA Nepal and United Nations)Transparency International, CIAA Nepal and United Nations) and help the victims of earthquake to get the aid which is being misused and delayed due to widespread corruption and bribery. They currently need 6,500 more signatures!
• More about Nepal Family Rebuilding Packages...

Related articles on inefficiency and corruption:

• VIDEO: Nepal quake aid money fails to trickle down
• Nepali Times: Bureaucracy as usual
• Ten tons of aid collections for earthquake survivors is stuck because Nepal's 30% tax on donations means it is too expensive to hand them over
• Where is Nepal aid money going?
• Nepal struggles to rebuild one month after earthquake
• Kathmandu Post: Tons of relief materials ‘rot’ in warehouses
• The Guardian: How can we ensure every penny of aid is accounted for in Nepal?
• Nepal earthquake: Anger as corruption, red tape holds up aid delivery in remote areas
• Nepal Republic Media: Lawmakers blame govt for not assigning them with responsibilities
• Buzz Feed News: The Ghosts of Laprak

The lawmakers tasked with it also bear the weight of the responsibility of the country’s direction on their shoulders. However, coming to agreement on the words that govern is another issue and one that has delayed Nepal’s constitution for almost a decade.

Nepal’s Constituent Assembly tabled the final draft of a new constitution almost three weeks ago amid protests on the streets. The strikes are also having an adverse effect on children. So far, the strikes have forced schools to shut down for about 50 of 220 school days. When schools are closed, that hits roughly 3.2 million children and affects 20,000 schools and colleges.

An Asian Access partner (name withheld for security reasons) says, [SIC] “They are striking and demonstrating on the street. All the Southern part of Nepal is totally closed down. No movement is going on; and the burning and killing to each other: that’s what’s happening.”

Add to that the struggle to recover from the April earthquake, and it becomes essential that the constitution moves forward so the country can right itself.

In short, Nepal is in the final stages of carving the country of 28 million people into 7 federal provinces.  Hindu nationalists also pushed to develop the country into a religious state. That was met by protests from the minority religions who support secularism. The unnamed A2 partner explains, [SIC] “Under the secular constitution, all religion will be treated equally, and there will be more freedom for all the minority religious groups.”

A2 partners have provided input for the draft, too. Christians prayed for wisdom and boldness. Then, [SIC] ”The day before yesterday, what happened was the government and the political leaders decided to give the secularism,” says their partner. It’s an answer to prayer, but it’s not a done deal. If there is one thing that characterizes Nepal’s constitution draft, it’s waffling. The legislature has gone back and forth between those favoring a secular government and those seeking a Hindu nationalist state.

Two weeks from today, the Constituent Assembly will vote on the final draft. It needs a two-thirds majority vote to pass. If it passes, the Speaker of the Assembly will sign the new constitution which will be presented to the country in an official ceremony led by the President of Nepal.

In the interim, A2 leaders are asking you to pray [SIC] “so that the government will put this secular constitution into the practice, because still the churches in Nepal, not legally recognized.”

Christians sounded the alarm on an earlier draft that included anti-conversion language. If it passed as written, regular Christian activities–such as holding church services accessible to all, or even simply organizing events to aid the disadvantaged–could be interpreted as “evangelistic” and therefore punishable by law. To that end, it would affect A2 programs because [SIC] “Asian Access is developing leaders and encouraging them to multiply God's kingdom and make more disciples.”

Because the program unifies church leadership throughout the country, it influences the country as the Gospel takes root. Keeping freedom alive is essential because, says this partner, “The growth of the church taking place, I think it’s one of the fastest-growing church in Asia.” (Click here if you’d like to come alongside Asian Access with a Family Rebuilding Package.)

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 0:14)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Sep10-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Sep10-2015.mp3
  
• Photo credits: First two images courtesy Asian Access; photo of reflective man courtesy Leland Francisco via Flickr.

The people of Nepal are still reeling from the worst disaster to hit their country since 1934. But you can make a difference in the life of a family there today.

Devastation & Homelessness

The initial 7.8 earthquake struck Kathmandu on April 25, 2015, with significant aftershocks on April 26 and May 12. Over 9,000 lives were lost, 23,000 injured and more than 2,000,000 people displaced from their homes. People are living in tents with nowhere to turn.

I’ve never seen such devastation as when visiting the countryside of Nepal this June and July.

Opportunities for the Gospel

In spite of all of these setbacks, the work of Christ is alive and growing in Nepal. Asian Access has developed over 70 leaders in Nepal over the past decade. Here’s a direct quote from the leaders of Asian Access Nepal following the disaster:

"During this troubled time, Joe,
we have reached 13 earthquake-
devastated districts, ministered to
6,500 people, and built two schools.”

Asian Access is continuing to assist our colleagues as they minister to their fellow Nepalese. Our partners are now focused on assembling and distributing Family Rebuilding Packages. For just $130 per package, our colleagues can provide the following to help a family of six to get back on their feet:

Providing a Family Rebuilding Package is an open door for the Gospel!
One Nepalese woman personally explained to Silk and me a week ago:

"The people who don't worship idols... they help us!"

You Can Help a Family Get a New Start!

Your gifts will make a significant impact! Would you prayerfully consider giving $130 to help a family rebuild? Or perhaps you can provide more than one package—maybe $260 or even $390?

If you can help, you can give in US$ online by clicking the red “Give Now!” button below or click here. Be sure to choose "Nepal Earthquake Relief" on the Designation drop-down menu. (Or if you want to give in JPY¥, click the respective link below.)

Thank you for praying for and caring about the people of Nepal!  And thank you for playing such an important Kingdom role in your partnership through prayer and support for our Nepalese brothers and sisters. I am so grateful for you!

His Grace and Peace for the people of Nepal,

Joseph W. Handley, Jr.
President – Asian Access

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

Related Stories...

• The people who don't worship idols... they help us
• Nepal Quake: In Dire Need of Aid
• IMF turns down Nepal debt relief; Help needed!
• New life springs up... from an earthquake devastated church
• Nepal in collective shock
• How to Pray for Nepal
• See all Nepal updates...

As we walked down the streets of one of the most devastated towns in Nepal, we prayed, seeking the Lord for how we could best come alongside the people we saw.

Even in the midst of disaster, Nepalese are welcoming, friendly people. They were eager to speak with us as we encountered them on the street. One woman shared how people had come alongside her and her family, providing a tin shelter that will last for several years, buying them precious time as they rebuild their lives.

When we asked who helped her she said,

“The people who don’t worship idols... they help us!”

My colleague quickly shared with me that the woman’s words meant that her benefactors were followers of Jesus. We praised God together, knowing that believers around the world have rallied to help the people of Nepal—and these efforts are having a significant impact.

We are raising money to provide more of these tin homes, like the one you see pictured here. In addition, along with the shelter we want to provide a package of supplies each family needs to make it through these next harrowing months. 

Family Rebuilding Packages

For just $130 per package, our colleagues in Nepal can provide the following to help a family of six to get back on their feet:

You can be the light of Christ in the midst of the darkness by prayerfully considering helping a family, or two, or many more…

In him was life, and that life
was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, 
and the darkness has not overcome it.
- John 1:4-5

Thank you for being part of the people who don’t worship idols. And thank you for being the hands of feet of Jesus to the people of Nepal. 

Joe and Silk Handley

More Information

• STAY INFORMED: Get the latest updates on A2's Nepal earthquake relief...
• PRAY for Nepal
• GIVE: provide a Family Rebuilding Package... (Click the red button, then selct "Nepal Earthquake Relief.")

Why? According to the IMF, the April 25 earthquake killed more than 8,600 people and destroyed over 500,000 homes. However, the IMF determined that the damage to the infrastructure did not cause enough economic damage for Nepal to be eligible for funding from the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust.

Their rules state that the disaster must impact at least one-third of the country’s population and either destroy 25% of the nation’s productive capacity or cause damage equal to the size of the country’s economy. Nepal met the first condition, but apparently, according to the IMF, not the second.

Aid groups are in disbelief, given the scope of devastation in the country, especially in the rural areas. About two-thirds of the $6.7 billion that was estimated to rebuild came in aid pledges from around the world.

Asian Access president Joe Handley says he’s seen firsthand the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and Japan’s triple disaster. By comparison, “I’ve never seen such devastation as when visiting the countryside of Nepal this June. The pictures that I and others have shared don’t begin to capture the extent of the catastrophe.”

He says there’s good news too. “In spite of all of the challenges, the work of Christ is alive and well.”

Asian Access Nepal leaders say they’ve reached 13 earthquake-devastated districts, reached out to 6500 people, and built two schools. The ministry plans to provide long-term help for partners in Nepal. Right now, they’re focused on the assembly and distribution of Family Rebuilding Packages.

You have an opportunity to provide basic assistance, encouragement, and most importantly, the love of Christ to the people of Nepal. For just $130 per package, Asian Access colleagues can provide the following to help a family of 6 get back on their feet:

• Tin sheets and bamboo poles to construct a simple shelter
• A supply of rice, lentils, cooking oil, and salt
• Bowls, plates, utensils, etc.
• Towels
• Soaps – for personal washing and for clothes washing
• Blankets to provide flooring and bedrolls
• Mosquito nets
• Candy for the kids

If you’d like to help provide Family Rebuilding Packages, you can give here. Just click the Nepal Earthquake Relief designation.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:46)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun30-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download the audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun30-2015.mp3
• Photos courtesy Asian Access

Dear Friends,

The International Monetary Fund has decided not to provide debt relief to Nepal in the face of the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country. This is devastating news for the Nepalese people. Being a poor country, they shoulder an enormous debt load to the IMF. Now they have been struck by one of the most devastating disasters to hit a country in the last decade.

In past years, I have seen firsthand the destruction wreaked by both Hurricane Katrina and the triple disaster in Japan. I’ve never seen such devastation as when visiting the countryside of Nepal this June. The pictures that I and others have shared don’t begin to capture the extent of the catastrophe.

In spite of all of the challenges, the work of Christ is alive and well. Here’s a direct quote from the leaders of Asian Access Nepal:

"We have reached to 13 [earthquake-devastated] districts, reached out to 6,500 people, and built two schools.”

Asian Access plans to continue to assist our colleagues in Nepal. Currently, they are focused on the assembly and distribution of Family Rebuilding Packages. For just $130 per package, our colleagues can provide the following to help a family of six to get back on their feet:

Please help us to reach out to hurting families in Nepal. Your gifts will make a significant impact! If you’d like to help provide Family Rebuilding Packages, you can give here. Just click the Nepal Earthquake Relief designation.

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

To stay current on what God is doing in Nepal, follow our Nepal Updates.

Thank you for praying for and caring about the people of Nepal!

Joe Handley

It was the guy in the worship band—a guitarist playing with two broken legs—who finally got to me. 

When the 7.9 earthquake struck Nepal on April 26, over 300 men, women, and children were worshipping at Visions of Salvation church in central Kathmandu. The building collapsed. Nineteen people, including the pastor, were killed.

Yesterday, my friends here (who shall remain nameless) and I were invited to share at the VOS service. They are renting a building near their now-destroyed sanctuary. It is unfinished—bare concrete floors, tin roof, no lights—but it is sturdy. The late pastor’s son and his wife now lead the church.

Like the rest of the country, VOS is trying to climb out of the rubble while struggling with collective PTSD. “When the worship service starts,” the pastor’s wife told us, “the children get anxious. They remember that this is when the earthquake hit.”

VOS had asked my friends (who are nationally-influential leaders here) to offer some words of encouragement at the service. My friends asked me to do the same.

What can one possibly say to people who have been through such a terrifying ordeal—who have suffered such devastating loss?  (And things are worse in the countryside, where we had traveled the day before. Whole villages have been basically wiped out, and the survivors are still in shock.

“Our brains are wrong,” they told us.  “Our thinking has been disorganized since the earthquake.”)

At the service, we did our best to provide words of comfort and encouragement. I stumbled through my portion as best I could. Then, my friends eloquent and compelling words from the Scriptures and their hearts.

After awhile, you can get used to a disaster area. The destroyed homes, collapsed schools, and dazed survivors become familiar. It was joining Visions of Salvation as they came to life in praise, worship, and prayer that brought the depth of the tragedy—and the hope that these believers are finding in Jesus—crashing back home.

Especially that guitarist. Just to watch him playing (excellently!) while he sat on the stage with his cast-swathed legs sticking out… amazing.

Nepal has a long, long way to go. The rebuilding, and healing, is going to take years. But it was inspiring to see the infectious grin on the guitarist’s face as he prepared to play behind a young woman singing a special song.

Break a leg, brother.

Noel Becchetti

P.S.:  Nepal needs your help! You can pray, you can give, and you can go...

PRAY

• Learn how to PRAY for Nepal...

GIVE

• Asian Access is collecting and distributing funds designated for Nepal Earthquake relief. To GIVE NOW, click here...

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

GO

• Short-term teams are wanted to help with the basic cleanup that is still needed before serious rebuilding can begin. Equally important, our friends want teams to come with VBS-style programs, including music, games, crafts, and ideas on how to use them.
• “As much as people’s homes need to be rebuilt, the people’s spirits need to be rebuilt even more,” my friends told me. “Teams who will come and mingle with our people, lift the spirits of the children, and demonstrate the love of Christ will be vital to the healing of our people and the spread of the Gospel.”
• Soon, we will be sharing more about how your team can serve in Nepal. Stay tuned...

The tragedy offers a glimpse into the race against time that the quake-stricken country faces as a whole. As a result of the April and May quakes and aftershocks, 500,000 houses were destroyed and another 269,000 damaged, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in makeshift shelters.

Now mid-June, although the rescue phase is over, and the secondary relief phase nearly complete, the tertiary rebuilding phase is being hampered. Noel Becchetti with Asian Access outlined the problem from a hotel room in Kathmandu, Nepal. “There’s a national rubble issue here. There’s so much rubble that has to be cleaned out before they can begin to get ground ready for rebuilding, that that’s the A#1 issue.”

When people hear that what’s needed is “rubble clearing” crews, they get the impression that cleanup is close to completion. Becchetti observes that it’s quite the opposite. “The TV pictures and all that are helpful, but this place is so dynamic, and what happened here is so devastating. It’s hard to get your mind around it until you see it with your own eyes.”

What’s more, not everyone has gotten relief aid yet. Becchetti joined a team that headed for a village just 25 km outside of Kathmandu. It took four hours to get there, not because of crumbled roads, but because of the natural terrain that is part of the Himalayan kingdom nicknamed “the Roof of the World.” He says, “We were in a village that no one had gotten to because it’s hard to get to places. People were saying, ‘The government hasn’t come here. Nobody else has come here. You guys came here.'”

In fact, they were called by the lone Christian (now a pastor) in the village. Through partnerships with other faith-based groups, a lot can be done. “What they’re trying to do is get teams who can go and begin to do that, and at the same time, they are identifying residents who are in the greatest need and putting together packages that will get them through the next several months.” Specifically, “They’re going to get families the tin and bamboo to make a shelter, flooring, bedrolls, and towels–just the basics. The race is on to get as much of that relief out [as possible] before the monsoons hit.”

Becchetti noticed another factor that plays into the restoration of a community. “There is this collective PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that you can see everywhere. So, what Christians are trying to do is really plant seeds of just saying, ‘We’re here because we love you. God loves you. We just want to reach out to you. What do you need? How can we help?'”

The United Nations has estimated that 1.4 million people require food assistance, due to high damage to agriculture-based livelihoods. Even though other aid efforts seem to be struggling, Becchetti says,

“People have been generous. We have been able to raise a fair amount of money. That money is already over here. It’s already working. I happen to know it’s going to run out in two weeks. [To put it into perspective,] we’re raising thousands of dollars, [but] we’re in a situation where they need hundreds of millions.”

In the near future, there could be a call for manpower to help clear rubble. There’s a renewed call for financial assistance. There’s also a call for spiritual assistance.

Here’s how you can pray:

• That the government would allow others to stay and help and that they will allow funding to keep flowing in.
• Asian Access team is assessing needs on the ground; pray for wisdom.
• That people would have access to food, water, medical care, and other needs.
• For the Church to reach out and that many Nepalese will turn to Christ as a result.
• Pray for more funds and that funds received by all the groups will get to the ground in Nepal quickly.
• This disaster is falling off the radar rapidly. Pray for people to get updates and continue to respond in compassion.
• Pray for perseverance for those displaced, for those delivering aid, and for the government of Nepal, as it will take years to resolve and rebuild.

Listen to the radio broadcast: (story #1)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun15-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun15-2015.mp3
• Nepal Updates: http://www.asianaccess.org/latest/nepal-quake 
• Noel Becchetti's staff profile...

The April 25 and May 12 earthquakes, as well as hundreds of aftershocks, caused over 8,000 deaths and billions of dollars in damages.

Many organizations such as Asian Access immediately jumped in to take action in rebuilding the country. They’ve asked for donations and volunteers, and have been given a great deal of support.

But according to Asian Access, not quite enough has been received.

“Even the U.N. isn’t receiving enough money as they determined to impact the nation.” President of Asian Access, Joe Handley, said in a blog post.

“This is going to be a long, tough road for the Nepali people, and most of the world have already forgotten them!”

Even the donations that are given seem to be having some type of conflict.

Daily Mail reported a number of donations from Britain–including shoes, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils–are stuck in Catterick Garrison (the British Army’s largest training facility) because of a strict 30% tax enforcement Nepal has put on donations.

Yet, despite the limited resources, signs of healing and hope have started to show in the Nepali people. They’ve seen the extraordinary efforts made to help them, provide for them, the prayers, and how much Jesus cares for them.

“As we went village to village, my friends and colleagues would sit down with me and those who’ve been impacted, listen to their stories of deep suffering, pain, and loss,” Handley said.

“One by one, we prayed for them, and you could see that the Great Healer…was present. He was bringing calm to their fears.”

Handley said people’s faces lit up as Asian Access told them about providing tin roofs as shelter from the upcoming monsoons and partnering with local schools. God is making beauty out of the ashes as Asian Access continuously prays with people and shares the Gospel, giving hope that doesn’t depend on temporal circumstances.

Now, Asian Access is asking for your help. They need prayer, donations, and soon they’ll need volunteers to give comfort to this hurting nation and these desperate people. They want to continue their efforts of disaster relief and spiritual relief, and they want to do it alongside you.

Sound like something you can do? Click here for more information on giving. And, keep an eye on this page for updates.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 3:06)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun08-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download the audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-Jun08-2015.mp3
• More info about Nepal (data from Joshua Project)
• Photos courtesy Asian Access
• Mission Network News

Find out why Joe believes Nepal is the worst disaster he has ever seen...

• Right now for us outside Nepal, two things are most needed:
  1. Funds are desperately needed to bring relief goods and help the people to rebuild. (Give now!)
  2. Prayer for both physical needs and spiritual needs in Nepal. (How to pray for Nepal...)

Radio Interview from Nepal

Listen to the Moody Radio interview with Joe Handley about Nepal...
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-06-02-15-JoeHandley.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Download the interview mp3: http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-06-02-15-JoeHandley.mp3
• Nepal earthquake relief updates...
• Moody Radio Interview #1 of Joe Handley (April 27)
• Moody Radio Interview #2 of Joe Handley (May 08)
• Moody Radio Interview #3 of Joe Handley (May 19)
• Karl and June on Moody Radio Chicago: http://www.moodyradiochicago.fm/karl-and-june/

As I reflect on my trip to Nepal and the devastation that I saw virtually everywhere as well as the clear signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in nearly everyone I came across, I was reminded of this phrase from Chris Tomlin's song: "Our God":

Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like you none like You! 
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Devastating village after village as well as numerous buildings collapsed in the capital city Kathmandu, at first led me to despair. How could we ever help make a difference here? This multi-year, $5B endeavor is too much, I thought. Even the U.N. isn't receiving enough money as they determined to impact the nation. This is going to be a long, tough road for the Nepali people and most of the world have already forgotten them!

Then, signs of hope started to emerge... Glimmers of the healing touch of Jesus. As we went, village to village, my friends and colleagues would sit down with me and those who've been impacted, listened to their stories of deep suffering, pain and loss. One by one, we prayed for them and you could see that the Great Healer, the one Chris speaks about in his song: "Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power" was present. He was bringing calm to their fears.

As we spoke of providing tin roofs to provide adequate shelter from the upcoming monsoons as well as partnering with local schools in communities, you could see people's faces light up. Somebody cares about them; Jesus cares about them!

Indeed, "Our God is Healer" and He is "Awesome in Power"... "Out of [these] ashes we [will] rise"

Join me in praying for the people of Nepal... May we bring the healing touch of Jesus to numerous communities across the nation through providing needed shelter, rebuilding lives, homes and communities. As we serve through the local churches, the Healer will be present bringing hope out of despair, light out of darkness, and healing out of deep pain and loss.

Consider how you can take part: You can pray, you can give, and it looks like you'll be able to go! Soon, we'll be posting news about teams to serve if you sense the Lord calling you to help. Please keep praying, keep giving and consider going. Nepal needs all the help she can get and you can be part of God's healing presence!

Grateful for your prayers and support,

Joe Handley, President
Asian Access

More Information

• Get the latest updates on A2's Nepal earthquake relief...
• The $10K matching grant for Nepal earthquake relief from Christian Community Credit Union has been met.
• Pray for Nepal
• Give... (click the red button)

Latest Updates:

• 8,500+ people dead; 70,000+ wounded; 45% of the houses are damaged.

• People are suffering and have basics needs: food, water, and shelter.
• Yet, there is a huge opening for the Gospel:
  • Despite believing in over 330 million gods, people are now asking "Where is my god?"
  • And they are asking, "Where is hope?"
  • People are very open right now and asking for help.
  • So Christians have an opportunity to respond to needs and to share the Gospel.
• Mr. Chittry offered thankfulness for people around the world helping by giving financially and coming to help.
• Many church buildings are damaged, so church members are now worshiping in the open ground. Others are watching these outdoor worship services! As the Christians are joyful, they witness of the hope that Jesus can bring. And it also helps the believers to see the needs of the people and try to meet those needs.

• Right now for us outside Nepal, two things are most needed:
  1. Funds are desperately needed to bring relief goods and help the people to rebuild. (Double your gift!)
  2. Prayer for both physical needs and spiritual needs in Nepal. (How to pray for Nepal...)
• Christian Community Credit Union and Asian Access are partnering on a $10K matching grant for Nepal earthquake relief.

Radio Interview from Nepal

Listen to the Moody Radio interview with Mr. Chittry in Nepal...
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-05-19-15-MrChittry.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Double your gift with the Nepal Earthquake Relief Matching Grant
• Download the interview mp3: http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-05-19-15-MrChittry.mp3
• Nepal earthquake relief updates...
• Moody Radio Interview #1 of Joe Handley (April 27)
• Moody Radio Interview #2 of Joe Handley (May 08)
• Karl and June on Moody Radio Chicago: http://www.moodyradiochicago.fm/karl-and-june/

All three are in short supply. Also adding to the confusion: more quakes. Four days after Nepal was shaken by its second deadly significant earthquake in less than three weeks, nerves were rattled there by another quake Saturday afternoon.

As aftershocks go, this one registered 5.7 magnitude on Saturday. Seismologists say there have been well over 100 quakes registering at a magnitude of 4 or over since April. The result of the May 16 quake included no reports of injuries or deaths, possibly because so many structures were already toppled by the 7.8 April 25th temblor and the 7.3 that followed on May 12.

With the excitement of disaster dying down, the drudgery of tragedy has all but wiped the crisis from the forefront. That’s where groups like Asian Access come in. Long-term emotional consequences of a disaster are related to feelings of powerlessness and lack of control over forces bigger than oneself.

On Sunday, May 17, the first Asian Access relief team began delivering aid and assessing upcoming needs. The team will immediately distribute relief through a network of local churches. We caught up with A2’s Noel Becchetti on his second day in Nepal. He describes the scenario. “There are a couple of decent-sized open areas, and those are just tent cities. But everywhere else–in every nook, every cranny, you’ll see tents. People don’t want to stay inside. Most people have rigged something up, whether it’s a formal tent that was donated or a tarp they’ve hung over a rope. They’re not sleeping inside. That’s a real issue–people are scared to death here.”

Becchetti adds, “The nationwide goal is to get a tin roof for every family. They’re not even shooting for tents. There are just so many people, especially in the outlying villages, they’re just completely leveled. You’ve got hundreds of thousands of people with no shelter at all.”

Things could go from bad to worse, however, especially in the outlying areas that are getting overlooked. That’s especially true as they scramble to restore a simple infrastructure to get people through monsoons, fall, and next winter. “Tents are number one, (even ahead of) food, water, medicine. Those are the acute issues in that order.” Nepali churches are trying to be at the center of bringing hope and practical help, emotional and spiritual care. “Our leaders are saying, ‘This has opened up an unprecedented opportunity.’ They’ve even had non-Christians approaching them, saying,’Would you help us? We know that you Christians do care about people you work with. You try to reach out. We want to work with you.'”

Another secondary phase response will include trauma counseling. Then, it’ll be getting schools back together. According to one A2 pastor report, 700 community schools of 36 districts are totally down. It could take years to restore things back to “normal.”

As the ministry assists the Nepalese Church, Becchetti asks you to pray for these three areas: “I think endurance, wisdom, patience, because it is very challenging, logistically. [Pray for] the ability of all these different organizations to work together: there’s government, there’s military, there’s relief and development, there’s Christian, there’s secular.”

On the giving front, the financial needs are huge. For Asian Access, says Becchetti, “We’re raising money to contribute to the cause in Nepal. The Christian Community Credit Union has pledged a matching challenge grant of $10,000 (so $10,000 can become $20,000).”

The first of several response teams is on the ground. From there, “We’re researching some options right now that look very promising, where there could be a good possibility that short-term groups that would want to volunteer could come to fruition.”

Listen to the broadcast (top story)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-May19-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download the audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-May19-2015.mp3
• See Noel Becchetti's staff profile
• Photos courtesy of Asian Access
• For Nepal earthquake updates from Asian Access

Click Here to Give Now: https://give.asianaccess.org/

Christian Community Credit Union has extended to Asian Access a $10,000 Matching Challenge Grant to bring hope and healing to the country of Nepal.

Friends Reporting In

The reports coming out of the country are heart breaking. Just today I received another Facebook message about the fear children are feeling, especially the most vulnerable: those who have been orphaned and have no family, no home. Many orphanages have collapsed and the children live in constant fear as each aftershock hits. Just yesterday there were 9 shocks and today a 5.5 aftershock struck.

The initial quake hit right during the middle of church services in Nepal and dozens of churches crumbled right on their congregants.

Asian Access is delivering aid through their vast network of leading churches and pastors in the country. To learn more about what is happening, follow our Nepal update page here: http://www.asianaccess.org/latest/nepal-quake

Partnering to Help Nepal

The Credit Union is able to offer this challenge opportunity through funds generated from a unique program called: “The Cards that Give to Missions.” As their members use their credit cards, they generate funds to make contributions like this plus the funds also give a percentage back to the ministries themselves.

The program has proven fruitful for several ministries and we wanted you to be aware of both the program and the opportunity to participate in the matching challenge. With this challenge, Asian Access would have $20,000 to bring hope and healing to the people of Nepal.

Every time Christian Community Credit Union members use their credit or debit card for purchases, a portion of the interchange income (the amount merchants pay to card issuers) is set aside for missions and ministry projects worldwide. Since the program began, the Credit Union has donated over $4 million and contributes to various faith-based projects such as:

• International and regional missions projects
• Local church ministry projects
• New church planting
• College and seminary scholarships
• Disaster relief

Christian Community Credit Union has $600 million in assets and over 30,000 members nationwide. For over 58 years, the Credit Union has served as a financial partner of Christian ministries, churches, and their members. For more information, please call 800.347.CCCU (2228) or visit myCCCU.com.

Matching Grant will double your investment

Every donation will be doubled by Christian Community Credit Union!

If you would like to learn more about “The Cards that Give to Missions” program, please visit Christian Community Credit Union's Web site. And, I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to help us reach the $10,000 matching opportunity.

I am grateful to Christian Community Credit Union for investing in programs like this that make a difference. Their encouragement through this challenge as well as the other investments they make annually are a tribute to their commitment to Christ and expanding His Kingdom.

You can make a difference now! Here's how:

1. Join Christian Community Credit Union and enjoy exclusive credit union membership benefits! [Go now]
2. Apply for "The Cards that Give to Missions."

• • Low Rates, Gives to Missions and & Earns rewards!
  • Get double reward points for donations to churches and most ministries!

Consider giving a gift to Asian Access to help us reach the $10,000 matching opportunity.

• Gifts should be marked "Nepal Earthquake Relief Matching Grant"

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

Find out more...

Here are links to related topics:

• Nepal Quake Updates
• Essence of A2 Leadership Development Model
• Financial Integrity (ECFA guidelines)
• Christian Community Credit Union Web site

Asian Access' first relief team will be on the ground May 17 to begin delivering aid and assessing upcoming needs. The team will immediately distribute relief through a network of local churches.

This is a letter from Noel Becchetti sent to his prayer team and financial supporters...

Dear Friends,
       I am departing for Asia. On May 17, I will arrive into Kathmandu, Nepal. Asian Access has asked me to bring in resources that have been generously donated by people like you. While I am there, I will spend time with our A2 Nepal national leaders, listening to them as they determine how to best minister to their congregations, neighborhoods, and communities. My assignment is to collect their ideas and suggestions as to how Asian Access can be of assistance to them in the coming weeks and months.
     Thank you for your prayers, especially for the millions still suffering in Nepal.

Blessings,
Noel

P.S.:  As I sat down to write this note, Nepal suffered another major earthquake, which has led to more death and destruction. Asian Access is continuing to accept donations to help with the ongoing efforts in Nepal. https://give.asianaccess.org If you would prefer to donate by check, checks can be made out to Asian Access and sent to:
Asian Access
PO Box 3307 | Cerritos, CA 90703

     THANK YOU for your consideration.

Don't Forget Nepal!

Even before the second major quake, Asian Access president Joe Handley observed that Nepal had already fallen off the radar screen, but the remaining needs are massive. He encouraged donors to "give toward organizations that share your particular philosophy." Here is Asian Access' relief philosophy in Nepal:

Asian Access will distribute funds received from churches and leaders across the world in response to the tragedy in Nepal. From past experience, we have learned that in a disaster situation like this, our first ministry priority is to work with local, indigenous leaders. This strategy was originally laid out by A2 National Director Adrian De Visser following the tsunami that struck his native Sri Lanka in December 2004. We have incorporated the lessons we learned from the Sri Lanka relief effort, as well as from our experiences in Japan following the triple disaster of March 2011.

Here are other organizations we are recommending...

• Sunrise International Mission similarly distributes funds through local churches on the ground in Nepal. Asian Access is partnering with Sunrise, as it has in Japan.

• Recommended "first responder" organizations:
  • Samaritans Purse
  • World Vision
  • World Relief

How to Give toward Asian Access' Relief Work

• • Support churches who are doing relief work. A2 is distributing funds raised through local churches in Nepal for use where it's needed most. To give online, click the red “Give Now!” button (US$) below or click here...

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

Massive Needs: With monsoon season approaching, 2 million are living in tents... 8 million people affected across 39 districts... 600,000 homes destroyed or damaged.

More Information

• Nepal Earthquake Relief Updates - For the latest reports, radio interviews, how to pray, etc., visit this page often.
• Noel Becchetti's staff profile
• If you're interested in going, Samaritan's Purse is currently sending specialists, first responders and medical personnel. Asian Access will likely partner with Samaritan's Purse to send church teams after initial relief and recovery period is completed. But this won't happen until late Summer or early Fall.

President of Asian Access Joe Handley says, “The reports fresh from the field [are] that there’s just a great deal of fear. People are in buildings that aren’t very solid, and so they’ve raced outside. Everyone is trying to get into the open air, or in a tent in Kathmandu.”

The earthquake is shaking the faith of many Hindus in this predominately-Hindu nation. Garnesh Pradhan told USA Today, “Not only Hundu[ism] I left, [but] all the gods I left.”

What does that mean for groups like Asian Access? “People are grappling with ‘How do the gods that I serve allow something so tragic to occur?’ Pastors are well-equipped to handle the spiritual side of things,” says Handley. “They’re also often the best when it comes to emotional care.”

(Listen to the whole interview here: 04-28-15josephhandle..>)

According to Handley, these uncertain times are laying the groundwork for churches to provide tangible aid. “We’re trying to mobilize aid to probably about 30 churches that are right in the middle of the worst-hit areas, to be a point of light in these neighborhoods.”

Pastors and motivated Christians are reaching out with emergency aid as well as with the message of the Gospel.

Thirty years ago there were hardly any Christians in Nepal. “The Christian population is small but has been growing for the past 30 years,” says Handley. “In fact, they say it’s the fastest-growing church on planet Earth during these three decades.”

As you support churches in Nepal, you’re helping the church have more credibility in a nation that used to oppress Christians.

Unfortunately, there’s a problem. Handley explains, “The giving globally isn’t keeping up with the massive needs on the ground. So, we’re just praying that Christians will respond.”

The United Nations reports they’ve only received $20 million in emergency aid support in their $110 million goal. Other groups are finding similar response.

If you’d like to support A2’s work in Nepal, click here.

Listen to the broadcast (story #1)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-May13-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Dowload audio file: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-May13-2015.mp3
• Screen shot from Robindra Basnet’s video on Facebook showing the May 13, 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Watch full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxlPy6MSdzo

{youtube}https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxlPy6MSdzo{/youtube}

Karl and June of Moody Radio-Chicago interviewed Joe Handley again, who provided the latest information on the Nepal earthquake.

Areas covered by Joe:

• Latest update from local churches in Kathmandu;
• UN reporting that donations are down, having raised $30 million of goal of $400M; UN anticipates it will be a $5 Billion endeavor.
• MASSIVE NEEDS with monsoon season starting:
  • 2 million living in tents;
  • 8 million people affected across 39 districts;
  • 600,000 homes destroyed or damaged;
  • The current death toll continues to rise;
  • 134 aftershocks causing further damage.
• LOCAL CHURCHES
  • Nepal is 81% Hindu, and only 3% Christian. The earthquake struck precisely during weekly worship services...
  • Nepali churches are trying to be at the center of bringing hope and practical help, emotional and spiritual care.
  • • New openness to the gospel when churches reaches out to help locals
    • Where do you go when you're at the place of despair? Hindus may be turning to the church to find care.
• AID
  • Large aid groups are providing immediate aid, and A2 is recommending some credible organizations below... Please give to organizations that align with what's important to you.
  • Asian Access is trying to mobilize giving toward these local churches who are at the forefront of providing care; we learned this in Japan since March 2011.
  • 34 other countries are coming to help; 65 aid teams, 30 medical teams; but the government of Nepal is asking many of them to leave! We're not exactly sure why the government has reacted this way.
  • Asian Access is planning on sending a ground crew in a few days to assess and begin delivering aid via a network of local area churches.
  • Volunteer teams can be organized to go, but not now... maybe in late Summer or early Fall.

How can we PRAY?

• That the government would allow others to stay and help and that they will allow funding to keep flowing in.
• Asian Access will arrive in a few days; pray for our team.
• That people would have access to food, water, medical care and other needs
• For the Church to reach out and that many Nepalese will turn to Christ as a result
• Pray for more funds and that funds received by all the groups will get to the ground in Nepal quickly.
• This disaster is falling off the radar rapidly. Pray for people to get updates and continue to respond in compassion.
• Pray for perseverance for those displaced, for those delivering aid, and for the government of Nepal, as it will take years to resolve and rebuild.

How can we GIVE?

• Samaritan's Purse
• World Relief
• World Vision
• Asian Access

How can we MOBILIZE (GO)?

• Samaritan's Purse: currently sending specialists, first responders and medical personnel
• Asian Access - will likely partner with Samaritan's Purse to send church teams after initial relief and recovery period is completed. But this won't happen until late Summer or early Fall.

Radio Interview with Joe

Listen to the Moody Radio interview with Joe Handley...
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-05-08-15-JoeHandley.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Download the interview mp3: http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-05-08-15-JoeHandley.mp3
• Moody Radio Interview #1 of Joe Handley (April 27)
• Karl and June on Moody Radio Chicago: http://www.moodyradiochicago.fm/karl-and-june/

As the reports continue to stream in from Nepal, it’s heartbreaking to realize the havoc that the massive earthquake has wreaked on the nation. I just spoke with some friends from Nepal; as you can imagine, they are devastated. Here is what they shared with me:

“In Kathmandu, one church 25 died and 5 were from the same family. Another 15 died outside of Kathmandu. 30 died in one church and 42 churches from different districts collapsed. There are more to come.

“Many houses are gone, so churches that have survived have begun to act quickly by providing food, shelter, water, clothes and other needs. It’s good to see some pastors and leaders have already started doing this.

“One friend’s village is totally gone. No house is unaffected. Some local students we know have returned to their village to see their families’ situation firsthand. In fact, many people from Kathmandu are returning to their old villages for safety.

“We still need to hear more since relief has not reached some affected areas. Thank God for many nations and people are gone to help our country. We are thankful."

Our Developing Philosophy Based on Past Experience

Asian Access has received numerous inquiries from churches and leaders across the world as to how we will respond to the tragedy in Nepal. From past experience, we have learned that in a disaster situation like this, our first ministry priority is to work with local, indigenous leaders. This strategy was originally laid out by A2 National Director Adrian De Visser following the tsunami that struck his native Sri Lanka in December 2004. We have incorporated the lessons we learned from the Sri Lanka relief effort, as well as from our experiences in Japan following the triple disaster of March 2011.

Initial Plans

As a first step, A2 will send people to Nepal as soon as possible to assess the situation on the ground. Our intent is to hear from local leaders what is needed, and how they believe that Asian Access can help.

In this immediate response period, we will deliver aid through some of the top local churches in the nation. 10% of the funds raised will be invested in the equipping and empowering of these leading pastors. The remaining 90% of the funds will be used to provide immediate relief, provided through their congregations (e.g., fresh water, food, blankets, medical supplies, etc.). As our response team gains an understanding of the situation, our response will adjust to meet the real needs on the ground, as identified and prioritized by trusted national leaders.

Asian Access Plus Other Recommended Organizations

We are honored that many churches across the U.S. have decided to dedicate their special offerings to Asian Access. We are humbled by their trust in our work and the positive results they have seen emerge through our partnerships with local churches in-country during previous relief efforts.

That said, Asian Access is not a relief agency. In that light, we are endorsing several leading Christian relief and develop agencies as worthy conduits for support. These are organizations that have been endorsed by national leaders. In particular, we highly recommend Samaritan’s Purse, acknowledged by Japanese Christian leaders as the organization that did the best job in dealing with the 2011 triple disaster.

Short-Term Teams:  Send Now, Later, or . . . ?

In disasters such as the earthquake in Nepal, there is a natural urge to send (and join) volunteer groups who want to provide short-term help on site. While the intent of these groups is wonderful, there are valid questions as to when it is appropriate to send in such short-term teams.

An excellent article that outlines the issues and challenges involved with sending short-term teams into a disaster area can be found here. It endorses our approach:

Don’t rush to Nepal to help. Read this first | by Claire Bennett
You may want to help victims of the earthquake, but they don’t need unskilled volunteers or aid they can’t use. Here’s what you can do that won’t get in the way

When I called Samaritan’s Purse earlier this week, they informed me that they are not mobilizing teams for Nepal at this stage. As we assess the situation in country, we will seek input from national leaders as to possible ways that teams might effectively serve later this summer or early fall. If such opportunities present themselves, we hope to work with Samaritan’s Purse and Sunrise International Mission in sending such teams. But for now, we will wait, learn and listen.

For Updates Anytime

I invite you to stay abreast of the situation in Nepal. We have set up a web page with updates and stories here:  http://www.asianaccess.org/latest/nepal-quake

Thank you for your prayers. I was already tired from a long two-week trip, being sick for over half the trip. I had a full schedule upon return to the States; the Nepal tragedy crashed into what was already a packed schedule. On a personal level, I thank you for your prayers as well.

But most important, please keep Nepal in your prayers! And pray for the many churches throughout the world that are mobilizing resources this weekend to provide sorely-needed relief for the suffering millions in Nepal.

God bless you and thank you for praying,

Joe Handley

• How to help
• Other recommended organizations
• Joe's radio interviews on Nepal
• Give to Asian Access Nepal Earthquake Fund

Karl and June of Moody Radio-Chicago interviewed Joe Handley, who provided the latest information on the Nepal earthquake.

Areas covered:

• latest update from local churches in Kathmandu
• the earthquake struck precisely during weekly worship services
• how churches and pastors were affected
• type of ministry activities of pastors in Nepal prior to the quake
• growth in the Church of Nepal
• hospitals hit hard; at least 1,000 injured but still without beds
• children will be most vulnerable and at-risk in this situation
• Nepal is one of the fastest growing churches in the world over the last 30 years, and yet has 27 million unreached
• how is God might use this catastrophe to reach people
• what we've learned from Japan disaster relief and how it might affect people's view of the local church
• upheaval related to certain Hindu segments that are discontent with the current government
• How can we PRAY?
  • that people would have access to food, water, medical care and other needs
  • People trapped would be be found and survive
  • for the Church to reach out
  • that many Nepalese will turn to Christ as a result
• How can we GIVE?
  • Samaritan's Purse
  • World Relief
  • World Vision
  • Asian Access
• How can we MOBILIZE (GO)?
  • Samaritan's Purse: currently sending specialists, first responders and medical personnel
  • Asian Access - will likely partner with Samaritan's Purse to send church teams after initial relief and recovery period is completed.

Listen to the interview...
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-04-27-15-JoeHandley.mp3{/mp3remote}

Another interview will be conducted on May 8, 2015.

More Information

• Download the interview mp3: http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-04-27-15-JoeHandley.mp3
• Karl and June on Moody Radio Chicago: http://www.moodyradiochicago.fm/karl-and-june/

Today, much of that is gone. 96 hours ago, the area was hit by the worst earthquake the country has experienced in 80 years. By Monday afternoon (EDT), the death toll had soared past 4,000. Those numbers did not include the remote villages. More than 7,100 people were injured in the quake with tens of thousands of people left homeless. Joe Handley with Asian Access says after the major quake, there have been dozens of severe aftershocks. The scene, as described by A2 partners: “Buildings falling down, right and left; many churches have been destroyed. Many pastors’ homes have been destroyed. They’re just looking at their people, seeing the devastation roll out.” Death tolls are expected to exceed 5,000.

In an earlier MNN story, Gospel For Asia shared concerns that a great number of the victims could be Christians. Handley explains, “The Nepalese church meets on Saturday instead of Sunday, so the earthquake struck right as everyone was in the middle of church; so they rushed outside, only to see the devastating impact on their country.”

Tens of thousands are homeless. Makeshift tent cities have sprung up, although stormy weather forecasts and dropping temperatures adds misery to equation for survivors. Nepal’s government is begging for help. “They’re worried about water shortage, food shortage, and electrical shortage. Many of the hospitals have fallen apart, so medical care is a huge problem.” Handley adds, “Doctors in the city estimate that they need a thousand more beds just for the initial needs in Kathmandu.”

Early recovery estimates are rolling in long-term economic costs in excess of $5 billion — around 2% of Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — which, in a word, is “devastating.” The A2 church network is mobilizing, even though many of the leaders are experiencing loss, themselves. “The pastor who was talking to us was from a village halfway between Kathmandu and Mount Everest. He said his village was completely leveled. He lost his home.”

However, this isn’t the first time A2 has dealt with natural disaster. “We just went through this with the huge disaster that hit Japan and how we were able to see churches mobilized to be the body of Christ,” Handley explains. That experience taught the ministry how leadership training and personal investment in relationships in the name of Christ come together to make recovery real, on a timeline no government organization can match.

Under the Pray, Give, or Go banner, Handley says prayer is key. “We’re praying that this disaster could have profound spiritual impacts. We know that that starts from meeting physical needs–just being the hands and feet of Jesus.” Giving and Going are connected right now. “Right now, all the reports I get [indicate] that they just need the experts in. We’re holding back from sending people, at this point, trying to get aid and supplies and funding into the churches to be able to be those ‘hands and feet of Christ.'”

Listen to the radio broadcast... (first story)
{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/2min-Apr28-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Information

• Originally published on Mission Network News
• Download audio broadcast: http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/2min-Apr28-2015.mp3
• Photo credits: courtesy Asian Access
• Asian Access Nepal page: Help Pastors and churches reach out during Nepal's hour of greatest need
• Give Now...

Text message from a friend on the ground in Nepal:

"We are fine. We are in open ground now, and it's raining. Sadly, our home is totally destroyed; we are homeless now. Earthquakes are still coming and everywhere there are problems. Many dead bodies, it's not counted yet, so many people died."

Summary

From The Guardian...

• More than 8,400 people have been reported dead after a huge 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. With 4.6 million people in the direct quake zone, the toll is expected to rise sharply.
• The country’s deputy prime minister, Bamdev Gautam, has declared a state of emergency and appealed for humanitarian assistance across the region. He fears that the death toll may reach 10,000.
• The death toll from Saturday’s earthquake has risen to more than 8,400 as fears grow for the fate of people living in remote villages. One aid worker told the Guardian that he feared that as many as 15,000 have been killed. 
• Five foreign nationals were among those killed on Everest. Australia named one of the victims as Renu Fotedar Melbourne mother of two.The US State Department said three US citizens were killed including a Google engineer, a medic and a filmmaker. Japan’s foreign minister said a Japanese man was also among the dead.
• Survivors desperate for shelter have turned to camping out in sewage pipes as thousands of people prepare to spend a third night sleeping rough. 
• Helicopters have started to rescue up to 150 mountaineers stranded on Everest above an ice fall caused by the earthquake. An additional 61 were injured in the avalanche and an unknown number are still missing.
• Britain’s Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a joint appeal to help the survivors of the earthquake. The UN’s World Food Programme said a “massive” aid operation will start on Tuesday. 
• Unicef said nearly one million children in Nepal were severely affected by the earth quake. It also warned of waterborne and infectious diseases.
• Thousands of Nepalis have began fleeing the capital Kathmandu in the wake of powerful aftershocks that have stoked fears of food and water shortages. Roads leading out of the mountain valley city of one million were reportedly jammed with people.
• 18 climbers were found dead on Mount Everest after the tremor triggered an avalanche. Many more are trapped.
• 36 people have also been reported dead India, 12 in China, four in Bangladesh and six in Tibet.
• The quake caused dozens of buildings in Kathmandu to collapse, including the historic Dharahara Tower.
• The city’s main hospital is overwhelmed by casualties and residents are facing a night on the streets with nowhere to go.
• Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has ordered an immediate dispatch of relief and medical teams to Nepal, and the evacuation of Indian tourists.
• UK foreign secretary Philip Hammond said the government was in close contact with Nepal, and the British Embassy is offering assistance to the authorities and British Nationals in the country.

How to Pray

From: http://www.jdpayne.org/2015/04/26/nepal/#sthash.6PKsj1wf.dpuf

Of the 31 million people who make up this country (not to mention other countries affected), 27 million are considered unreached with the gospel, including almost 4 million unengaged-unreached.

• Pray that people will have access to basic needs like food, water, shelter, and medical care. Currently those affected by the earthquake are sleeping outside, water sources are compromised, and medical facilities overrun.
• Pray that people still trapped in the rubble will quickly be found and survive.
• Pray for the church in Nepal to immediately respond to needs in their communities in ways that allow them to share the gospel.
• Pray for many in Nepal to turn to Christ in the midst of this crisis.
• Pray for protection, provision, and boldness for our Brook Hills members and partners working in Nepal.

How to Help...

A. For those Wanting to Give...

• You can give through Asian Access to support churches who are doing relief work. A2 is distributing funds raised through local churches in Nepal for use where it's needed most. To give online, click the red “Give Now!” button (US$) below or click here...

JPY¥

...or send your check to Asian Access, PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.

• Sunrise International Mission similarly distributes funds through local churches on the ground in Nepal - http://www.sunriseinternational.org
  
  

• Other recommended organizations known as "first responders" include the following:
  • Samaritans Purse -http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/deadly-earthquake-in-nepal/
  • World Vision - http://www.worldvision.org/news-stories-videos/nepal-earthquake
  • World Relief - https://worldrelief.org/nepal/donate

B. For those wishing to serve on a relief team, we are exploring our options and potential partnerships.

More Information

Joe's Radio Interviews on Nepal:

Mission Network News

• MNN: Nepal quake: in dire need of aid  (April 27, 2015)
• Mission Network News radio broadcast (April 27, 2015)

{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/2min-Apr28-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

• MNN: Nepalese leaving gods after second quake (May 13, 2015)
• Mission Network News radio broadcast (May 13, 2015)

{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/mnn/4-5min-May13-2015.mp3{/mp3remote}

Moody Radio interviews

• Interview #1 - April 27, 2015

{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-04-27-15-JoeHandley.mp3{/mp3remote}

• Interview #2 - May 8, 2015

{mp3remote}http://www.asianaccess.org/media/feedgator/audio/MoodyRadio-05-08-15-JoeHandley.mp3{/mp3remote}

More Updates

Rolling coverage of developments in Himalayan nation following 7.8 magnitude quake near Kathmandu

• Deadly Everest avalanche triggered by earthquake
• Thousands need shelter in country little able to cope
• The aftermath – in pictures
• Quake topples buildings and triggers avalanche in Himalayas
• Everest base camp left damaged
• Ancient Dharhara tower collapses