PRAYER EPISTLE – CONCERN FOR KERALA AND FLOOD VICTIMS

Prayer for Kerala and other Flood Victims

The southern State of Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’. It attracts  numerous global tourists because of  its  beaches, mountains, rivers, back-waters, valleys and forests. The land is thus regarded as  a  miniature expression of the Garden of Eden and God’s wonderful creation.

It is unfortunate that Kerala is reeling under one of its worst flooding disasters in its history.  There are 39 dams in this State; shutters of 35 dams have been opened.

There are 44 rivers in this State, and in 41, water levels have risen above the danger mark; river banks are washed away. Since, it is a land of forests, several land-slides have damaged houses and habitats of the people. The hilly districts of Wayanad and Idukki have received excess rain of 70% and they have got cut-off from the rest of the State due to land-slides and floods.

The Cochin International Airport has been waterlogged; the run way is under 3 to 4 feet of water. Therefore the airport is closed.  Even the road and river transport has come to a stand still in several parts and routes.

As per media reports, the death toll has risen over 60 (as on 15th August) and several are missing. In fact, a Red Alert has been issued in 14 districts. So far the loss estimated is 12,000/- crores. Several have lost their homes, lives, livelihoods, and agricultural fields.Not only have many people lost their dear ones and property, they are also under severe mental stress and anxiety.

While people may discuss the reasons for this calamity, it is a time for the entire Nation and the Global Communities to stretch both hands to embrace our sisters and brothers with our prayers and extend whatever support possible.

The National Council of Churches in India mourns with the people of Kerala. We assures them of our prayers and accompaniment at this time of trial and experience of  crossing the valley of darkness. We hope and pray that the rains will subside and the flood waters recede.

Dear people of God, we the National Council of Churches in India appeal to all our Members and partners to share your resources with the  people of Kerala, especially food, water and clothess. You are also encouraged to send financial support to the rescue operations by the State Government,  the Churches and the NGOs who are on the job. If possible please send volunteers.

Please contact:

The  Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA)  

<info@casa-india.org>  phone number +91-11-25730611 and

The Kerala Council of Churches

<regcouchkera@yahoo.in> Phone Number +91 481 2575666 for  more and specific details.

In fact most of the Churches are already engaged in rescue and relief  work. Please contact those churches also. If you need any assistance in  reaching the churches and organisations please feel free to contact us.

In case if you would like to contribute towards the CMDRF (Chief Minster’s Distress Relief Fund) which has an exception from Income Tax under Section 80 G, please do so through UPI Mobile App like BHIM, PAYTM, TEZ, PHONEPE (VPA: keralacmdrf@sbi) / or scan the QR to donate.

For Bank Transfers:

Beneficiary Name : Principal Secretary (Fin), Treasurer CMDRF

Bank Name : State Bank of India (SBI)

Account Number : 67319948232

Branch : City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram

IFSC : SBIN0070028

As you all are aware the people of Assam, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamilnadu are also facing similar problems due to floods and overflowing rivers and dams. Please be with these flood victims through your prayers and support. Kindly be in touch with CASA, LWSIT and other agencies for more details on these states too.

Let us Pray:

  • For the affected people and families especially the aged, children and women.
  • For earth creatures that live in water and forest.
  • For the relief and rescue teams in their  efforts to rescue people.
  • For medical and health-care teams that are on the ground to serve the needy with vaccines and medicines.
  • For the Churches, NGOs and other Volunteers who are on the field in providing care through temporary shelters, food and other such needs.
  • For the resource sharing partners, individuals and organisations.
  • For Drivers and the Accompaniers who carry relief materials through trucks and other means of transports.
  • For the efforts of the Government in bringing normalcy soon and their needs in terms of finance, human resources and infrastructures.

With Prayers,

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad
General Secretary, NCCI

Rev. R. Christopher Rajkumar
Executive Secretary
NCCI- Unity and Mission

 

 

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