26 April 2015

To,

1. Dr. Ram Baran Yadav
   President,
   National Council of Churches in Nepal
   
2. Dr. K.B. Rokaya
   General Secretary,
   National Council of Churches in Nepal

Dear friends and ecumenical colleagues,

We have been shocked by the news about the tragic earthquake of 7.9 magnitude, the worst earthquake to strike Nepal since 1934. It is with great distress that we follow the effects of the devastation in your beloved country, which claimed the lives of more than 1800 so far. It also caused injuries to several thousands and massive damage in several parts of the country.

On behalf of the Christian Conference of Asia, we offer our prayers and express deep sympathy at this time, when the people of Nepal and all others, grieve with a growing sense of loss due to the ravage. We have been informed that churches and ecumenical fellowships around the world are also offering their prayers and expressing their solidarity with the people of Nepal at this time of their travail.

It is also alarming to note that strong tremors and aftershocks severely affected several places across northern India, and was felt in several areas in Pakistan, China and Bangladesh causing deaths in India and China. We beseech God’s divine grace to strengthen all those who are undergoing pain and suffering due to the widespread damage, destruction and deaths of their beloved ones.

We thank God for enabling the government of Nepal for the immediate action of launching rapid rescue and relief operations with the support of several countries and humanitarian agencies. We are aware of the fact that Nepal, largely unprepared for facing this crisis, requires immediate help for massive relief and humanitarian assistance at this critical juncture. It is in this context that we urge all churches and ecumenical councils in CCA’s fellowship and other partners in the ecumenical networks around the world to extend every possible support for humanitarian assistance in Nepal.

Please convey this message of concern and comfort to the affected people and communities through the members of the National Council of Churches in Nepal in various localities and assure them of CCA’s prayers. We pray God Almighty to give solace and strength to all those who are mourning and suffering.

Let us be reminded of the divine assurance that “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”
(Revelation 21:4).

Yours in God’s service,

cc:
1. CCA Member Churches and Councils
2. General Committee Members
3. Ecumenical Partners