An Urgent Appeal for Pakistan Relief
Pakistan is experiencing a monsoon flood disaster. Since mid-August heavy rains, nearly three times higher than the national 30-year average, have created a humanitarian disaster in Pakistan. The most impacted areas are near Afghanistan and south of Lahore. Travel out of the affected regions is not possible, even for those who own vehicles.
Hundreds of thousands of families have lost their means of income due to the destruction of livestock and crops. Many of the people who are affected by these floods are refugees from Afghanistan and Iran who cannot leave Pakistan. The Pakistani government does not recognize these refugees and will not support them.
As of September 6, OCHA (UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) reports overwhelming numbers:
129.5 million total people affected with 33 million displaced
950,000 houses severely damaged or destroyed
two million acres of crops destroyed or severely damaged
5,000 kilometers of roads and 243 bridges seriously damaged or destroyed
17,566 schools damaged or destroyed
1,280 deaths (380 children)
7,000,000 livestock lost
106 of 138 districts have been declared disaster areas
What we can do
We can express our solidarity and compassion in two ways. First, encourage prayer in your congregations over this disaster.
Second, we can respond in a tangible way through PAK Mission Society, our disaster response partner in this effort. PAK Mission Society has been on the ground since the start of this crisis in the areas most affected by the flooding. Volunteers and staff have served over 1,000 families with food and clothing. They are the body of Christ present in this crisis providing a message of hope, presenting the gospel, and showing that God loves both refugees and the people of Pakistan. Please read this report from PAK Mission Society, which describes their incredible response.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!
Psalm 93:3-4
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to help alleviate the suffering brought about by disastrous flooding in Pakistan. All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office. $185 covers one family with 2 months of food, a hygiene kit, mosquito net, and other non-food items.
