GCF’s Goal of Two Shelters for Nepal

Sometimes when chaos and tragedy strike, all people can do is throw their hands up and lament. For Christians, that’s a good place to start. And, with regard to the crisis in Nepal, that’s exactly what we did. In our small groups, we lamented the chaos, destruction and lives lost. When we heard news of multiple strong aftershocks that brought further destruction and death, we lamented again.

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Piles of materials for shelters ready to be loaded on trucks and delivered to quake affected villages in Nepal.

But we aren’t going to end with lament.

As we heard last night from Gordon Brander, there is a pressing need for more durable shelter than what tarps are currently providing. This is especially true in light of the fact that monsoon season is approaching.

Through Gordon, we have a connection to a small nonprofit organization (Portal) in Nepal that is building sustainable, safe, cost effective shelters. You can read their story, see pictures of the shelters and connect by visiting their website: http://www.portalbikes.org/shelters/.

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The inside of a completed Portal Shelter. Each shelter costs just $100 and houses a family of 8. These provide a safe place to live allowing each family time to thoughtfully rebuild. Additionally, all the material from each Portal Shelter built can be reused to build permanent housing.

Through Portal, one shelter costs roughy $100. We set the goal to, as a community, raise the funds for two shelters. We hope to do this By Next Thursday, May 21.

So, check out what Portal is up to. Ask Gordon your questions. Pray for Nepal and the rescue and rebuilding efforts of Portal and other organizations on the ground. Consider what you might give. And then bring your donation on Thursday.