Prayers for Nepal - Rasuwa Flood

The following is being posted  here at the request of Pastor Raju, our brother and fellow servant of our Savior Jesus Christ of the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession of Nepal (HCLCN). Full names are being withheld for security reasons.

The August 26th flash-flood along the Trishuli River and Bhote Koshi River has brought widespread destruction to Himalayan communities in Nepal. Entire sections of infrastructure, bridges, businesses, farms, homes, and entire villages and towns were swept away in moments. As of Monday, Aug. 31 it is being reported that more than 900 lives have been confirmed lost, and 4000+ residents and tourists remain unaccounted for as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

These are not distant places. These are the lives, homes, and congregations of brothers and sisters in Christ of the HCLCN. The Rasuwa, Dhading, and Chitwan districts are familiar to many who have served in Nepal as CLC Mission Helpers over the years. Personally, since I first visited Nepal in 2008, I've lost count of how many times I have visited these districts, crossed the Trishuli River, traveled through the towns along its banks, and walked visited communities now devastated by this disaster.

Impact on the HCLCN

The Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession Nepal (HCLCN) has congregations and members throughout the affected districts. Rajan has already made an visit to the disaster zone (see pictures below) to bring the comfort of God’s Word, provide some humanitarian aid, and to asses the situation for another visit at the end of the week and into the future. 

The losses are heartbreaking. Initial reports indicate that Fifteen families from the HCLCN‑Rasuwa congregation have been affected with many identified among the deceased. The full number of HCLCN members killed remains uncertain, as some survivors have had limited communication with Raju and Rajan. But they have not been able to see them face-to-face because the bridge to their village has been washed away. Two HCLCN members are among those currently trapped in tunnels, as rescue efforts continue.

Communication with the HCLCN remains ongoing as we assess how CLC‑Kinship can best support affected congregations and families.

The CLC Board of Missions has approved an initial Kinship Disaster Relief grant to assist the HCLCN in purchasing first‑aid supplies, medicines, drinking water, food, and tarps for temporary shelter. Additional humanitarian support will be evaluated as more information and recommendations become available. 

A Prayer for Nepal

Father in Heaven, we rest in the truth that Your thoughts are not our thoughts and Your ways are not our ways. In Your wisdom You have allowed this disaster to strike Nepal. Through Your almighty Word, strengthen Your people so that their hearts do not sink into despair, nor their faith fail under the weight of sorrow. Uphold them with Your steadfast love and with every promise You have given us in our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Bless all efforts to rescue the missing, care for the injured, comfort the grieving, protect the vulnerable, and provide for every need. Grant relief and hope to all who are suffering. 

Protect and bless all who labor to bring help, especially our brothers Raju and Rajan. Give courage when danger rises, skill when challenges increase, and compassion as they serve. Strengthen their bodies and steady their minds so their work may preserve life and support the rebuilding of congregations and communities. 

Shine the light of Your mercy into the darkness of this tragedy. Let Your gracious works be seen, and let Your name be honored as You provide help, healing, and hope through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gospel Encouragement in the Midst of Sorrow

Even in the face of such overwhelming loss, God’s Word anchors His people in unshakable hope. The apostle Paul reveals this truth and God's promise to us:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

This promise does not minimize suffering, it reveals and magnifies Christ’s victory in the midst of it. Because of Jesus, “we are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37), even when our hearts break and our eyes fill with tears. His mercy does not fail. His love does not retreat. His purpose does not collapse under disaster.

And so, even now, God’s people may “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16), not in circumstances, but in Christ, who holds His Nepalese flock, His pastors, His missionaries, and His grieving families in His loving and powerful hands.

May The Good Shepherd guard and keep the sheep of His HCLCN flock and shine His mercy into every valley of sorrow.

These pictures were sent on Sunday, August 30th following an initial visit to asses the needs and how to best help HCLCN congregations and members affected by this disaster...