GFA reaches out to people affected in village fire

A fire in a village in Bihar destroyed everything robbing people of their shelters and livelihood but Gospel for Asia (GFA) have taken the initiative to rebuild the village and bring back hope in the lives of the villagers.

"Fire broke out in this small village. Over 100 huts were all burned down. In that village, we had our center for the children's education, and that also was destroyed," said GFA founder–president Dr. K.P. Yohannan, recalling the fire of March 25 which engulfed everything in its way.

As thatch or dried branches were used to build most houses in the village, as one house caught fire, the rest caught fire in quick succession, he said, adding that the fire destroyed the homes and livestock of at least 100 families.

The Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope Center in the village also lost all of its school supplies that were provided by Bridge of Hope sponsors.

Post–destruction, even as many grappled to come to terms with reality, the Christians affiliated with the local GFA–related Believers Church and GFA's Compassion Services teams have swung into action, working to provide temporary shelter and emergency relief to the survivors. The teams are also tending to the emotional and spiritual needs of the distraught villagers and offering counselings.

"Our people mostly do what they can praying for them, counseling them, encouraging them, and also helping them – doing normal things that people usually after any disaster like that, which also opens the door for us to share continually about Christ's love," Dr. Yohannan said, urging Christians to pray for the villagers.