23 August 2010
Open Doors launches emergency appeal for Christians hit by Pakistan floods
Open Doors is launching an urgent appeal to help Christians affected by the floods that have devastated many parts of Pakistan.
Pakistan is facing an unprecedented disaster with the floods in the north of the country, in the Punjab and in Sindh. An estimated 1600 people have died and around 20 million have been affected.
Many thousands of Christians have also been caught up in the disaster. When the flood hit, Open Doors immediately contacted our partners in Pakistan to assess the situation on the ground. In response they issued this urgent appeal for help:
"With many having lost their homes, the safest place for people to congregate and receive urgently needed supplies is the local mosque and the surrounding area. These are also areas where extremist strongholds are strongest, and where Christians could become most vulnerable.
"Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting) has begun and we are concerned that Christians will become sidelined in distribution and relief efforts. To avoid this neglect we are responding to the crisis by providing immediate assistance. Christians in these areas have always felt insignificant and vulnerable, with many seeking opportunities to leave. The flood could add to the despair that already affects these communities.
"Please pray and support our efforts in the flood-affected regions - especially the three sets of relief centres from where we can provide medical assistance. Together we must combat air and water-borne diseases which spread in the aftermath, as well as injuries received during the flood.
"Pray also that Christians may not flee and leave the region, or be engulfed in more despair. To combat this we will run counselling centres and set up biblical training centres to encourage Christians in situations where there are already limited churches and locations for Christians to meet.
"However, the challenge is to be there in the long term. After we meet the immediate needs, we aim to support and train Christians in some of Pakistan's most vulnerable regions, preparing a strong Christian presence for the years to come."
Open Doors partners have identified 1500 Christian families as being most vulnerable. Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, said "These persecuted believers have lost everything. And now they are looking to us for help in their moment of dire need. The situation is critically urgent. We are asking Christians here in the UK and Ireland to make a gift to ensure assistance, supplies and support reach their fellow-believers. A gift of £115 will provide a family of six with an emergency pack containing essential items like food, medicines, pillows, blankets and cooking utensils."
