Pastor Pradeep wanted to see his people worshipping together but he could not construct a building on the little money he had. He was determined to keep meeting, despite the lack of facilities. He called church members to meet under a jackfruit tree, near the site of the destructed church. For the past 13 months believers have been worshipping under that same tree, regardless of the weather. Pradeep says "Conducting worship services during winter and summer is difficult. When it rains, we have nowhere to take shelter. But our God is good and we want to praise Him!"
Other pastors in Orissa, like Anand, have managed to gather enough resources to begin rebuilding. Anand has been single-handedly building a church for the believers in his village. "Brick by brick, the church is coming together" he says.
The monsoon season is steadily approaching and most of our brothers and sisters in Orissa are still without shelter or a safe place to worship. Please pray for God to strengthen them as they continue to rebuild their lives. If you are able to help with the cost of labour or supplies, you can partner with these believers and make a difference.