Four ways BMS supporters have been aiding relief work

When a disaster or conflict hits a nation, we know our supporters want to help. And thanks to their faithful support for BMS World Mission, they are

Four disasters, each marked by terrible suffering and loss. You will have heard about the conflict in Ukraine, the civil war in South Sudan, the lingering devastation from Nepal’s earthquakes, and the impact of a tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. What you might not know is that by giving to BMS, our supporters have helped the people who are desperately in need. We’re in a strong position to respond in times of disaster as we’re part of a global family of Baptists.

BMS World Mission is part of the Baptist Forum for Aid and Development (BFAD), a collective of Baptist organisations from across the world devoted to supporting those left in crisis as they rebuild after a disaster strikes. But vital help wouldn’t happen without our supporters' generosity. “It has been a joy to see the Baptist family come together,” says Rachel Conway-Doel, BMS Relief Facilitator. “The potential we have to make an impact is very exciting.”

Here are some exciting ways that you, the BMS family, have already helped:
 

1. Keeping people warm in Ukraine

Vital heating equipment is being distributed to people in danger of freezing in Ukraine, where temperatures can drop to minus 25 degrees in winter.

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Over 1.5 million people have been displaced in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict the Ukrainian army and pro-Russia separatists, leaving many of them with no means to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. Thanks to our supporters, we’ve been able to help provide people in Ukraine with thermal underwear, ceramic heaters, coal and wood to help them get through the dangerous winter months. We’d like to say a special thank you to all those who’ve responded to our Ukraine appeal in the last few months. You’ve really made a difference!
 

2. Standing by the people of Nepal

Nearly 8 million people were directly affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015.

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The media might not be there anymore, but BMS has continued to stand with the people of Nepal to help them rebuild after the catastrophic earthquakes that hit in 2015. Our supporters' giving has aided the rebuilding of public buildings and schools and provided disaster risk management training to help communities be better prepared should such a tragic disaster occur again.

 

3. Giving crucial support to South Sudanese refugees

Many people with disabilities had to be carried out of South Sudan. You support has helped provide wheelchairs for people unable to walk.

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Five years of civil war in South Sudan has forced more than two million people to flee this young nation. Many have sought refuge in Uganda, reaching camps that stretch for miles. BMS funds have so far helped provide vital food rations to 1,700 children suffering from malnutrition, as well as food, agricultural tools, wheelchairs and pastoral support to people with disabilities.

 

4. Coming to the aid of tsunami survivors

Thousands of people we displaced after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi last year.

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Over 2,100 people were killed and 87,000 displaced after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi in October last year. Our supporters have helped provide people on the ground with emergency food and personal hygiene kits and helped to build shelters and provide counselling support to trauma victims.



It’s thanks to the BMS family's heart for demonstrating God’s love that we can stand alongside people who need help. When South Sudanese refugees say praise God for providing food and a wheelchair, it’s because of your solidarity in the gospel. And when an earthquake victim who’s lost their home is able to take shelter, it’s you who’s helped to provide that roof. Thank you.

 

This story was originally published on the BMS World Mission website and is used with permission