Our Moravian Friends in Nepal Share Some Post-Earthquake Snippets

Updating the previous post about our friends in Kathmandu--the Pradhams and the Holmbergs--we have learned that they have been able to return to their (damaged) homes, and that electricity was restored in their neighborhood only moments ago. Trina reports that they are just now beginning to understand the scope of the earthquake damage as they are seeing the TV images for the first time. She requests everyone's ongoing prayers.

I understand the the Canadian government provided an opportunity for its citizens to be evacuated from Nepal yesterday. I also understand that Ken and Trina declined to leave, preferring to remain with their Nepalese neighbors and offer whatever care and assistance they can at this time. What a beautiful spirit!

Here are links to some videos Ken took with his cell phone showing the temporary shelter shared by 30 or so people as they made do since the quake on Saturday. I suspect you'll have your heart warmed by the clip of the Nepalese Moravians singing.

Caring for One Another after the Earthquake

Shelter after the Nepal Earthquake

Singing After the Earthquake

If you feel led to provide financial support through the organization Moravian Disaster Response, please see the previous post for contact information.

Our Neighbors in Nepal Could Use Your Help

The earthquake that rocked the nation of Nepal on Saturday happened half a world away from Ohio, and yet the Nepalese are closer neighbors than you might think. Did you know that there is a Moravian congregation in Kathmandu, or that missionaries with a regional tie to ministry in the Midstates are presently living there? The Rev. Trina Holmberg and her husband Ken recently served the Unionville, Michigan congregation and are known by many Ohio Moravians through church camp connections.

In the quake’s aftermath, it was a relief to learn that the people with whom we have the most personal contact are safe. The Board of World Mission reported on Monday: Trina and Ken Holmberg, currently serving in Nepal through the Board of World Mission, are working with Shanti and Vani Pradhan and their son Nahum. They have been in contact to let us know that they are all ok. However there is much damage in their area and as they were without power, are just beginning to be able to assess the needs in their area.

The Pradhams, the Holmbergs, and about 30 other people affiliated with the Moravian Church  are camped out in tents out in the rice fields near Khokana (a few miles from the city). Many people in Khokana lost their homes. The Pradhan’s home was not destroyed, but has a lot of interior damage. They are not allowed to go home at this time. Relief efforts have begun, so they are receiving some needed food and supplies

If you are looking for a way to donate funds, you might wish to support Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) as it partners in the recovery. An online giving form can be found at moravianmission.org/give. 
(In the comments, designate your donation for “Moravian Disaster Response.") 

Or you may send your donation directly to:

The Board of World Mission

PO Box 1245

Bethlehem, PA 18016

(Please write “Moravian Disaster Response” on the memo line)

Stay tuned for more updates...and please keep these sisters and brothers in your prayers.

A-MAY-ZING Youth Bash!

Get together with familiar friends and meet new ones, too, as young people from all of our T-County Moravian Churches gather for FUN this coming Sunday afternoon. We've got lots of activities planned: 9-Square and Corn Hole and Ping Pong and other stuff. We'll have tasty eats on hand: Hot dogs and chips and a phenomenal create-your-own-sundae bar. Most of all, though, we're providing a time and place to chilaxxxxxxxxx with like-minded, like-hearted people of God.

Spread the word. All are welcome. Sixth graders through post-highers (age 21). The more the merrier. We'll meet at the park in Tusky (across from the gas station on Cherry Street) from 4-6. The indoor picnic shelter is reserved, so we'll do this rain or shine.

Stretch and Pray

Rejuvenate both your body and soul with just one hour of gentle stretching and mindful meditation.
A new round of "Strech and Pray" is about to begin this Sunday, April 26, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sessions will also be offered on May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24 and May 31. All will be held at the Gnadenhutten Moravian Church.

Let certified instructors and ordained pastors Tracy Pryor and Michael Poole guide you through an hour of "Stretch and Pray," a session of physical and spiritual exercise based on the mild movements of yoga and tai chi.

"Stretch and Pray" is suited to everyone's ability. No experience or special athletic skills are needed to enjoy the experience.

200 for 200 Campaign

Back in 1815, the steam locomotive was a newfangled invention, as was the humble tin can. Ohio itself was pretty newfangled, too, having met the qualifications for statehood only 12 years previously. The state capitol resided in Chillicothe back then. And on the outskirts of the village of Tuscarawas, the Sharon Moravian Church was established. Things certainly change with the passage of 200 years, but Sharon Moravian Church continues in its mission to welcome neighbors and serve the community in Jesus' Name.

Throughout 2015, as the congregation observes its milestone 200th Anniversary, the folks of Sharon Moravian Church are engaging in projects to continue the legacy of mission and service. The "200 for 200" campaign is a clever way to raise awareness and raise needed commodities for local and global causes. To kick the year off, the church sought to collect 200 needed items for the Twin City Food Pantry. And now the church is aiming to collect 200 items needed by the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. 

If you would like to support both the work of the Humane Society and the Sharon Moravian Church, please join in the effort. Your contributions may be delivered to the church during regular operating hours. Phone 740-922-5507.

Here are items you'll want to choose from: 

-Purina dry dog food
-Purina dry cat food
-wet cat food
-dog and cat treats
-bleach
-paper towels
-laundry detergent
-dish soap
-antibacterial hand soap
-garbage bags (40-60 gallons)
-dog and cat dishes
-toys
-leashes
-collars
-floor scrub brushes
-floor squeegees
-dog/cat crates
-buckets
-towels
-blankets
-scoopable cat litter

There's nothing newfangled about mission and service, but it never goes out of fashion.

Homemade Comfort Food for Supper Tonight!

If you're thinking about what you'll have for dinner tonight that's fast, easy and fabulous, ponder no more. Just make plans to visit the ANNUAL SWISS STEAK SUPPER at First Moravian Church in Uhrichsville between 4 and 6:30 p.m. today! The talented kitchen team will be serving up the tastiest meal in town. Dine-in or carry-out, each adult plateful of deliciousness will sell for $8, and each children's portion will sell for $4.

Call ahead to reserve your ticket before the feast sells out! 740-922-0886. First Moravian Church is located at 315 N. Water Street in downtown Uhrichsville.