Months later, the impact of severe flooding is still real in Panshi, where more than half the village’s 300 families were left homeless. CBF photo
ATLANTA – For one Chinese man, just recalling how his house flooded last summer brought him to tears. Thinking about what he had and how quickly the floodwaters took his possessions away was heart-breaking.
And in the town of Panshi, China, he wasn’t the only one. Nearly 170 families were left homeless after above-average rainfall caused severe flooding and landslides last summer. No one was killed, but much was lost.
In this area’s hour of need, Bill and Michelle Cayard, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship representatives in China, teamed with local Christians to respond. A $5,000 contribution from the Fellowship resulted in 225 quilts and quilt covers for families who lost almost everything they owned.
“Since the families lost all of their possessions when their homes were destroyed, they do not have basic household items needed for the approaching cold weather,” said the Cayards. “The donated quilts will help provide basic warmth during the winter season for these families.”
Recently, the Cayards and the relief project’s others sponsors – Dazhou Christian Church and Hua Mei International Education and Training Center – were invited by local officials to visit the families who received quilts.
“Though the donation [of quilts] is small compared to the many needs of these families, they were very touched that others showed such concern for them,” the Cayards said.
Responding in the wake of disaster is just one way the Cayards are being the presence of Christ among the Chinese people.
“It is because of God’s love for us that we have the desire to show our love to others,” Bill told villagers in Panshi.
The Panshi flood is one of many the Fellowship responds to each year in countries around the world. Whether it’s war, violence, famine or other crises, the Fellowship responds based on availability of funds, field personnel or partners in that area, and the degree of need. Gifts to the Fellowship help support ministries like this around the world. To give, visit www.thefellowship.info/give.
CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.