Donate Now | Find a Congregation | Contact Us | Site Help

Pakistan Humanitarian Crisis

 

	Check or money orders sent to: ELCA Int'l Disaster Response Attn: Pakistan/Afghan Refugees PO Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764 write "Pakistan/Afghan Refugees" on your check's memo line.   credit card by phone: 800.638.3522 or online. Credit card contributions may also be made via mail.

The Situation:

One of the fastest swells of displaced people in recent history occurred in Pakistan, resulting in an estimated 4 million internally displaced, the largest displacement since Pakistan separated from India to become a nation in 1947.  Most are women and children, but many are also men with families who fled violence in the Swat Valley.  Government authorities have announced that areas that were the site of recent fighting between the Taliban and the Pakistani military - including Swat Valley - are now clear. But the displaced are asking if it is really safe for them to return.  According to Action by Churches Together (ACT), homes, farm fields, schools and health facilities are destroyed; there is no natural gas or electricity; access to food, drinking water and other basic necessities is not yet available..

ELCA Response:

The ELCA has direct access to support work on the ground.  $75,000 has been mobilized from gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response and additional support is being sought. Assistance extended by ELCA brings witness to the care and support of Christians and Americans in this conflicted region.  Aid is distributed with a priority for families with children and without regard to confession or creed.

What you can do:

Pray:

Please pray for the people of Pakistan, those who find no place to lay their head at night, and for peace.  Include these prayers in your personal time of devotion and in your Congregation Prayers.

Study and Share:

In addition to what you find in the media, look at the following.  
     ACT International
     Church World Service
     Oxfam International
Return here periodically for updates.

Give:

Information on giving is provided in the box on the right “How You Can Help.” Your gift will be used in full to bring life sustaining support to this crisis. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Funding is vitally needed at this time.


Return to Disaster Response Home Page