BMS World Mission is responding with vital emergency and recovery programmes in Nepal, after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal earlier today (25 April, 2015). An estimated 6.6 million people live in the vicinity most affected by the earthquake.

The strength of the initial quake, as well as the multiple aftershocks, has meant that there has been extensive damage to infrastructure and communications networks, particularly in the capital, Kathmandu. This is making the initial response challenging, but BMS has personnel already in place in and outside Kathmandu, and is in contact with longstanding and trusted local partners on the ground.

You can donate right now to support BMS disaster recovery work by clicking on the BMS website here.

Donations can be sent also to the EBF bank account in Germany.

Please join with BMS, their partners in Nepal and Christians around the world in praying for those affected:

• Pray for all those affected by the earthquake, that they would receive quick and effective help and that those who mourn would be comforted.

• Pray for our partners and mission personnel at this time as they seek to respond practically, compassionately and appropriately.

• Pray for those responding to the destruction, that they would have wisdom, energy and resilience.

• Pray that all those affected would know the love of Christ and would be encouraged by the present and compassionate response of the local Church.

Through your giving, BMS is able to respond immediately and in the long term to disasters like this one. Thank you.

This appeal first appeared on the BMS World Mission website and is used with permission.

Photo: USAid. Destruction from the 2011 Nepal earthquake