“I praise God for everything that has happened and I thank each person who prayed and encouraged us to keep moving forward. I thank God for the entire Forgotten Children Worldwide family who supported us, encouraged us, and prayed for us during this tragic event.”

These are the words of Pastor Tej Rokka, FCW partner in Kathmandu, Nepal. The tragic event he refers to is the Gorkha earthquake that rocked Nepal back in April. More than 9,000 people were killed and 23,000 were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless with entire villages flattened and lost forever. Centuries-old buildings were destroyed and left in a pile of rubble. The country of Nepal was devastated.

Building damage in Kathmandu

FCW’s partner ministry in Kathmandu was greatly affected by the earthquake. The home that the children live in was damaged. They were immediately forced to the streets where they lived in makeshift tents. They were exposed to the elements and vulnerable to the evils of human traffickers who posed as relief workers. The children were scared as aftershocks shook the ground night after night. In all, more than 380 aftershocks measuring above 4.0 on the Richter scale have occurred since the initial quake.

The tents that the children called “home”

Months later, the rebuilding process continues. The orphan home has been repaired and painted and all of the solar lights fixed. The children are comfortable in their home once again. The local school, after being closed for more than 2 months, has reopened. The children are preparing for their first term exams. Pastor Tej says that all of the children are doing well. They are growing physically, mentally and spiritually.

The biggest challenge right now is the need for more space and new homes. A foster home that housed 6 FCW sponsored boys was completely destroyed by the earthquake. They were forced to move into the large orphan home with the other children. The home is now over capacity. Pastor Tej is trying to care for street children who have been orphaned by the death of their parents. FCW is working with Pastor Tej on plans for new home to meet the demand and needs of the children.

“I want to thank God for all he has done so far. He truly protected us including all of our children from the terrible earth quake and aftershocks.”

Pastor Tej and the children on the repaired 3rd story