The ancient city of Siem Reap and the surrounding villages are bracing themselves for strong winds to hit over the next few hours. The winds, which have been reported to be up to 60mph have caused devastation in Vietnam will add to the misery and despair of those who have been hit with server flooding.
In SMS messages received throughout the day, Pastor Timothy and Faeroese Missionary, Reimund, have been updating missionNOW on the flooding. Pastor Timothy, aged 27, has planted 7 congregations in and around Siem Reap over the last 6 years. He has told us of Church members homes being flooded with a loss of all possessions and livelihoods. He has not managed to visit all the churches, but many will also be under water and so unable to be refuges.
The one room home – a former classroom – in the main church compound is under water and he has told us of much of the equipment and resources being damaged. From here he runs a Kindergarten and English language classes to help sustain the ministry.
Throughout the day Pastor Timothy has been aided and helped by Reimund, a Faeroese Missionary who moved there in June. Together they have been visiting people and helping as best they can. In a short email to missionNOW Reimund wrote, ‘I have been outside for the last 4 hours with Pastor Timothy helping some church-members whose house was flooded. It has now been raining for around 20 hours and many houses have big problems... Tomorrow the forecast predicts stormy winds - that could be bad.’
They have also told us of some deaths which has occurred in Tonle Sap. This is a floating village community some 5 miles outside of Siem Reap. Pastor Timothy began a school and church among these people some 3 years ago and has seen the church grow steadily.
Trev Gregory, Director of missionNOW, has learnt that the present need is for rice, noodles, milk, and blankets. He said, ‘All of this can be sourced locally, so what we need to do is send money.’
