A Prayer for Nepal and Ways to Help After the Earthquakes

Almighty God, you are our comfort and strength

in times of the onset of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. 

Surround with your branches of solace, those who suffer 

through earthquake, storm, fire or flood.

By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, 

Sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild,

and fill them with the hope of the bright peace of new creation. 

Amen

HOW TO HELP NEPAL in the aftermath of two massive earthquakes:
If you can't get there or send materials to someone who is going, consider donating to one of the many international aid organizations. I donated to Episcopal Relief & Development. 

If possible, make contact with someone on the ground there who is a part of one of these international organizations. 

1. How to help Nepal: 7 vetted charities doing relief work  following the earthquake

2. How to help Nepal - via ABC News article 
3. Please consider keeping the people of Nepal and those processing and giving aid relief in your prayers.

4. Previous blog post: Help Nepal Earthquake Victims - Some World Aid Organizations Info and Links

Help Nepal Earthquake Victims - Some World Aid Organizations Info and Links

I wanted to put this here in case people will see the info this way, but below the picture are two posts which are particularly helpful with regards to helping send aid to Nepal in the aftermath of the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Seeing the devastation makes me so sad and I feel quite helpless. I also have several Nepalese students at UNO and I imagine they feel helpless as well, many having family back home and not knowing how to help them. I hope to return to Nepal this July/August and help out if it's possible or needed. I was there for a while last summer. 

Sometimes, loving our neighbor means digging in our pocket if we can. I made a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development a few moments ago. It's very easy and every little bit helps. Please consider also donating if you are able and please, if you pray, keep the people of Nepal, their families and friends, and all the aid workers in your prayers and thoughts. 

Kathmandu funeral ceremony, August 2014 by C. Carson

1. Episcopal Relief and Development states on their Facebook page
"Here is an update on our response to the earthquake in ‪#‎Nepal‬.
"Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the ecumenical ACT Alliance in Nepal and local partners in northern India and southwest China regarding urgent needs and assessment efforts following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Kathmandu on the morning of April 25."
To donate to this fund: https://www.episcopalrelief.org/NepalRelief

At Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Photo by C. Carson, 2014

2. This article from USA Today (link below) has extremely helpful information about global aid organizations such as UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, World Food Program, Red Cross, OXFAM, Save the Children and more. 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/25/nepal-quake-how-to-help/26361193/ 

At Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Photo by C. Carson, 2014

Last summer, I visited Nepal with a fellow missionary and was overwhelmed by its beauty, friendliness, and hospitality. Below are my photo albums from my trip. I will be writing about my Chitwan experience at some point.

Kathmandu - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100663477432727.1073741842.2613080&type=1&l=85b8ed9219

Along the Bagmati river in Kathmandu, Nepal. Funeral pyres and mourning families, photo by C. Carson, 2014

Chitwan - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100662598753607.1073741841.2613080&type=1&l=4f81d098a9

Crossing the river Rapti in Chitwan, Nepal, photo by C. Carson, 2014

Sankhu to Nagarkot - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100665300199887.1073741843.2613080&type=1&l=1a664e0f9f

Hiking from Sankhu to Nagarkot, Nepal. Another few peaks and we had a cloudy view of Mt. Everest!
Photo by C. Carson, 2014