A massive earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 shook Nepal on Saturday near its capital, Katmandu, according to the New York Times. People in the capital described scenes of panic and collapsed buildings, and the United States Geological Survey predicted severe damage to villages near the quake's epicenter, about 50 miles from Katmandu. As of April 28 the BBC reports over 5000 people have lost their lives, and the Nepalese government fears this number may eventually surpass 10,000.

American Baptist International Ministries (IM) Area Director, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chan, is contacting leaders of IM partner organizations who are based in Katmandu, the Rev. Jir Man Rai, General Secretary of Nepal Baptist Church Council; Mr. Subash Pradhan, Principal of Nepal Baptist Bible College; and Mr. Tirtha Thapa, Director of Human Development and Community Service. As a first response to this disaster, $25,000 in emergency relief funds from One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) has been released to trusted partners of American Baptist International Ministries (IM) in Nepal. Additional relief aid is urgently needed.

"We are conveying condolences to the earthquake victims and prayer for peace and strength to them and their country on behalf of American Baptist sisters and brothers," stated Chan. "Mr. Thapa replied that he is attending the worship service, and 'so far we all are fine.'"

IM development worker Taku Longkumer is attending the Annual Meetings of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India in Tura, Meghalaya which is about 340 miles from Katmandu.

Taku shared, "We were shaken during this morning's massive earthquake in Nepal. No problems here, but we need to pray for those impacted."

If you would like to make a donation to respond to this crisis, please give online today. Both individuals and churches may also send One Great Hour of Sharing Offerings to:

ABCUSA Accounting
Mission Resource Development
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
800-222-3872