Cyclone Fani

September 23, 2019 Update

Earlier this year, Cyclone Fani, a category four tropical cyclone, swept across east India and impacted regions of Bangladesh. Our partners in Bangladesh have done their best, since the storm, to respond to the greatest needs in the affected communities where they serve.

We are pleased to report that 48 communities in 12 villages were served by our local relief efforts, helping approximately 4,800 people (1200 families). Our partners effectively provided relief and ministered to their communities in the most practical and meaningful ways, including the distribution of first aid supplies, food, raincoats, and flashlights.

Significant damage to a local dam has delayed the repair of homes. The ministry plans to begin repairing damaged homes once the dam is rebuilt. Despite this setback, our local partners on the ground are giving families hope. “We’re considering relief distribution soon again, and finding ways to rehabilitate 26 families (of Amtali Church) to a different place,” said Leor Sarkar, General Secretary of Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship.

During the relief efforts, our partner in Bangladesh has been sharing the good news with people in Hindu and Muslim communities. Over 400 people have heard the gospel of Jesus through relief efforts, and more than 100 of them are now believers. This incredible response to the gospel has led to two new church plants in these communities.

In recent months, the progress of the relief efforts was interrupted by flooding in South Asia, but this has not discouraged the local leaders who are determined to help those in need.

We want to thank you for your prayers and support for our partners and the people of Bangladesh. The relief work carried out is only made possible by your generosity towards the Cyclone Fani Emergency Appeal. Please continue to pray for the BBCF ministry and the work that will continue to provide relief aid to communities affected by natural disasters in the region.

If you would like to give toward helping the relief efforts in Bangladesh, click here.

May 31, 2019 Update

Summary

On May 3rd, Cyclone Fani hit India’s coastline with winds gusting more than 190 km/h. The cyclone caused substantial destruction that uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and took several lives. Thankfully the region in India where our partners work were not adversely hit; however, our partners in Bangladesh were significantly affected by the storm.

Fani’s Impact

In the wake of the storm, entire communities in Bangladesh are simply trying to survive. Those who work in agriculture are left without jobs, and their families still currently have hardly enough to live. Many houses are waterlogged and need substantial repair for the damage as a result of the storm. Also, many areas are below sea level, which has impacted the community’s supply of clean water, now tainted by salt water.  

With your support we can provide relief aid to our partners on the ground in Bangladesh to respond to the needs of the communities that have been impacted by Cyclone Fani.

Please donate to the Cyclone Fani Appeal to aid those affected in Bangladesh:

1) Food for Families. Your one-time gift of $25 will support a family affected by the storm with a relief package of food to sustain them provisionally. Our goal is to provide for 200 families.

2) Housing Repair.Your gift of $125 will provide a family in Bangladesh with materials to repair and rebuild their homes. Our goal is to meet the needs of 40 families affected.

3) Water Tanks. Your gift toward water tanks will provide a district with 4 water tanks that will preserve a rainwater supply for surrounding communities. Each water tank will cost $2,380. 

We invite you to become part of this movement to expand the reach of world missions by partnering with us.