As impoverished people in Laos continue to struggle in the aftermath of a power dam collapse, Canadians like you are coming to their aid through your donations to Samaritan’s Purse.
The collapse caused flash flooding that swamped almost 12,000 people in eight villages in this southeast Asian nation. Hundreds are missing and an unknown number have died. Responding to the crisis has been difficult because of seasonal rains and washed out roads.
Nevertheless, through a local Christian partner we are helping hundreds of families in Jesus’ Name. We’re distributing shelter kits (including tarp, rope, a hand saw, hammer, pliers, nails, and plyboard) and cooking kits (containing plates, cups, spoons, and pots) to people who have had to flee their homes and stay in camps.
“We traveled 30 kilometers to a small village that has over 500 displaced people in its small confines,” our partner reports. “The road has been washed out in many areas. Our trucks got stuck four times, but thankfully, there were tractors close by to assist our efforts.
“We handed out 92 shelter kits and 120 cooking kits in one day. The villagers told us they have received little aid as vehicles cannot traverse the road and there is no helicopter landing pad. Needless to say, they were grateful.”
Our partners have already distributed 500 shelter kits and 500 cooking kits. They continue to conduct assessments and are finding many more people who are still in desperate need.
Life in Laos is often difficult for Christians, so our partner sees our relief work as opening the door to greater acceptance.
“People need to know that we Christians love them. If we don’t go to camps like this, who else will?” he says.
Another member of our distribution team says, “These village leaders and army officials have arrested me and persecuted our church, but now they are shaking our hands and thanking us.”
We believe that as we help these disaster victims, the Lord is providing opportunities to show them “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16, ESV). Please join us in this vital Kingdom work. Together, God can use us to change lives for all eternity. Please continue to pray for the people of Laos.
Samaritan's Purse responds to humanitarian crises with physical aid and a message of spiritual hope for victims of natural disasters, famine, poverty, and war. Your gift will allow us to share Jesus' love through clean water, food, shelter, medical supplies, personnel, and other aid.