Blog Post

PRAYER REQUEST:  CYCLONE FANI SWEPT THROUGH NORTHEAST INDIA

Charles Ham • May 08, 2019

On May 3rd, 2019, a super cyclone hit India and Bangladesh, killing 59 people and destroying hundreds of homes. Cyclone Fani (Category 4) swept through the northeastern coast of India with a maximum wind speed of 213 km/h. At least 42 people have died in India and 17 in Bangladesh. In India alone, 10 million people are estimated to be affected by this cyclone. 1.2 million people had to evacuate in India and 1.6 million people in Bangladesh.

HOPE worldwide India has surveyed the situation along with its local ICOC Church Partner on Odhisa. Four church members have been severely affected by the loss of their homes, while others are in need of basic food, water, and shelter.

Please support the recovery efforts through the Global Disaster fund with a donation here: HOPEww Global Disaster Fund



Read the reports from local ICOC Church Partners:

Francis Annareddy (ICOC Evangelist who traveled to the location with bags of supplies):

"Lack of power seems to be the biggest issue here - petrol is available at regular prices - drinking water is a bit scarce.
Two disciple's roofs were damaged- the whole greenery of city is lost - the city appears as a ghost-town at night without power - communication is an issue because of towers being shattered.
Please continue to pray for the situation to get better - Henry and Arunima were able to get two hours of rationed power today in order to charge their phones."

May 6, 9:24 am, Mukund Mishra, Evangelist:

"No electricity for the last three days - no ATM or any electronic transfer is accessible. No water supply for the last three days and to pump the water or buy it, they need cash which they don't have now. It is costing INR 2000/- per hrs to pump or 100/- 1 LTR water bottle.
No phone or communication, my son travelled 10 km away from Bhubaneswar to stay in touch with us last night.
Prices have skyrocketed and vegetables are costing 300-400 kg. Many roads are blocked. Disciples have lost houses and valuables.
Please keep them in your prayers, thanks."

May 3, Henry and Arunima Gomes, who lead the church in Odisha:

"Dear brothers and sisters,

This is an appeal for prayer. The eastern coastal state of Orissa in India has been hit by a super Cyclone, Fani. Wind velocity is reported to be over 200 kms per hour. Large scale destruction has been happening since the night of May 2nd and the cyclone has not left the Bay of Bengal Sea. It is expected to carry on tomorrow and all the way till the 5th of May all through the Bay of Bengal region.

Orissa is an under-developed part of the country with most living below the poverty line. Currently we are a church of 43 disciples in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Most of the disciples are from the villages where many of their homes are reportedly getting damaged. A sister, Elesbon, who is a widow and lives alone has the roof of her house damaged. Another sister's house has both doors broken and roof of the house damaged.

We believe God is good and shall rescue us from this calamity and is our ever present help in times of trouble."



22 Mar, 2024
HOPE worldwide supplies clean drinking water as a first response during disasters, as well as by distributing water filters to many vulnerable people around the world including communities in the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Zambia.
23 Feb, 2024
For the past two years, HOPE worldwide has been actively involved in providing aid and support to the people of Ukraine amidst the ongoing humanitarian disaster where thousands of our brothers and sisters faced an unprecedented crisis. The situation has demanded urgent action, and with the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, many lives have been saved and significant milestones have been achieved. Let's take a look back at the journey:
01 Feb, 2024
Inspiring Sunday Suppers hosted by our family of volunteers:
18 Dec, 2023
As the year draws to a close, HOPE worldwide would like to honor and acknowledge many years of leadership provided by Nadine Templer, Senior Director of International Volunteer Programs.
29 Nov, 2023
A Higher Calling: Dr. Marc Aguirre's Mission to Serve the Marginalized and Vulnerable
08 Nov, 2023
USAID Administrator Samantha Power Visits HOPE worldwide's Clinic in Papua New Guinea During Her First Official Visit
12 Sep, 2023
Maui Fires Disaster Response Update: September 12, 2023
31 Jul, 2023
Dear HOPE worldwide Community, First and foremost, let me express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended to me as the new CEO of HOPE worldwide . It is both an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this leadership role, and I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you. As I reflect on my life's journey, I am reminded of a pivotal moment that shaped the very essence of who I am today. Losing my mother tragically at the tender age of four taught me the harsh reality of impermanence, of how someone could be there one moment and gone the next. At such a young age, I did not fully understand the concept of death, but what I did understand was the importance of living. James 4:13-15 holds a profound truth that resonates deeply within me: “ Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’” Our time on this earth is fleeting, and the realization of this truth was the spark that awakened a desire in me to truly live and embrace every moment with purpose and passion. I have found my purpose, my calling, in the mission of HOPE worldwide. The work we do here, touching lives and making an impact by loving our neighbors, allows me to live my passion.
24 Jul, 2023
The HOPE worldwide Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Ben Barnett to the role of CEO and President of HOPE worldwide
27 Jun, 2023
PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Show More
Share by: