At this writing, upwards of 7,000 are dead, with many more to come. Workers have been digging frantically, often with their bare hands. The state government of Gujarat put the death toll at 20,000, but admits the number could rise. The Red Cross Director in India believes the death toll may be 50,000. Hundreds of thousands are homeless.
Despair grips every heart.
Christians are responding with love and compassion. And we are asking you, the Minutemen of MTW, to stand with us in reaching out with the love of Christ to these who are helpless. Initially we are partnering with various ministries such as Operation Mobilization, which has a longstanding ministry center in the region near the earthquake site. OM, with local staff on the site, is already beginning to distribute food, milk powder, blankets, warm clothing, tents, and kerosene, all of which can be purchased in India, circumventing the cost of shipping. In addition, we will send both medical teams and short-term work teams into the area.