The leader of one of the world’s largest missions organizations has issued an urgent call for prayer for those impacted by Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas.
GFA World (www.gfa.org), formerly Gospel for Asia, founder K.P. Yohannan — also known as Metropolitan Yohan — said the damage from the first storm left millions of victims along a 1,300-mile path, with some areas of already-saturated Louisiana getting more rain from Nicholas.
The second hurricane slammed into Texas on Sept. 14, barely two weeks after Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana and continued on to New York, where flash flooding claimed more lives than in Louisiana.
Although Nicholas was quickly downgraded from a category 1 hurricane to tropical storm status, it has doused parts of Texas and Louisiana. A flash flood risk along the Gulf Coast is expected to continue for several days.
“For a second hurricane to strike the Gulf Coast so soon after Ida’s devastation is leaving unimaginable suffering and loss,” said Yohannan, director of the Texas-based ministry. “Can you imagine you and your family, cats and dogs, and all your belongings being caught in the middle of a storm (Ida) with sustained winds of 150 miles an hour? Families in the Northeast are still stunned by the loss of loved ones in the midst of catastrophic flooding.”
The death toll for Hurricane Ida recently surpassed 80, with the AccuWeather agency saying the damage could reach $95 billion, making it the seventh-costliest hurricane in the last two decades. The losses include property damage, the impact of lost work, disruption to travel, decreased tourism, and the costs of clean-up.
“Fortunately, there are many wonderful governmental and non-governmental organizations that can aid those affected by these storms,” Yohannan said. But, he said, prayer and other forms of assistance are needed to support those who will endure weeks without electricity and decent housing.
“While GFA World will be sending some relief supplies to damaged areas to help, no matter where people live they can still pray,” Yohannan said.
“Pray for the people who are suffering and who are in need,” he said. “Pray they will have the patience to wait on God’s answer and that others will hear their cry and get them the help they need. Some people blame this kind of tragedy on God, but it is the enemy of humanity and of God who is responsible for it. In the midst of suffering, God wants to demonstrate his mercy and love through his children.”
For updates regarding GFA World’s prayer efforts, visit https://gfanews.org/news.
PHOTO CUTLINE: CALL FOR PRAYER FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS: K.P. Yohannan, the founder of GFA World (www.gfa.org), has issued an urgent call for prayer for victims of Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas. Hurricane Ida killed more than 80 people and caused damages that could reach $95 billion. “Let us together demonstrate our love for one another and protect our nation,” he said.
About GFA World
GFA World (gospelforasia.net) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 880 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 163,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through broadcast ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
