Dear Brethren,

Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this letter is to inform and update about the catastrophic flood situation, the calamities it has caused, and the ongoing relief work in the state of , in Southern .

In this year’s monsoon season, Kerala received 2.5 times more than the usual rain. Starting from the second week of August till the end of the third week, rain has been severe and almost continuous. It is the worst flooding in Kerala in nearly a century, causing water levels in dams to rise to unprecedented levels. To prevent them from bursting, 34 dams had to be opened, causing further flooding and landslides. All 14 districts in the state of Kerala were placed on red alert. All educational institutions have been closed. India’s fourth busiest airport, Cochin was shut down. Road, Rail and Air Transport ceased. Close to 6300 miles of roads were damaged and more than 218 bridges collapsed. 140,000 acres of crops and agriculture was lost. Water treatment plans were forced to shut down. Snakes, Sanitation, the spread of disease and access to safe food and drinking water became very severe concerns.

Youtube video from Secular TV Channel - ManoramaOnline

If video does not play, click on this Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kHEI_76Bnc

Kerala has an estimated population of 35 million, and one-sixth of the total population has been directly affected by these floods. The Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and, the National Disaster Response Force started rescue operations. 40 helicopters, 31 aircraft, 182 teams, 18 medical reams, 58 NDRF teams, 7 companies of Central Armed Police Force, 500 boats and numerous trucks were deployed. Several fishermen (almost 4537) came in 669 fishing boats to aid in the rescue mission. 80,000 people have been saved by these rescue operations. They were taken to higher grounds and relief camps. Over 3274 large and small relief camps were opened at various locations to help the victims of this flood. More than 1.2 million people lived in these relief camps for days. Approximately 500 people have lost their lives. Over 11, 000 houses were destroyed. Many have been reported missing. Approximately four million jobs have been impacted by the floods.

Kerala is home to over 750 brethren assemblies. There are currently over 800 Evangelists laboring inside Kerala and more than 300 from Kerala, serving in other Indian states. 19 schools, 5 mission hospitals, 6 orphanages, 10 Bible Colleges, 10 publishers, more than 30 ministry organizations, 5 missionary and relief funds are run by the Brethren assemblies and believers in Kerala. By the grace of God, assemblies and the believers in Kerala have been instrumental in spreading the Gospel to different parts of India and the sub-continent.

Almost two weeks have passed by and now, we are getting a clearer picture of what has happened. Better communication and physical access to visit these flood-affected areas are helping in prayerfully deciding on how to tackle the issues, based on priority. We seek the Lord’s wisdom and prayerful support of the Lord’s people in the coming days, and months.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12: “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”

A meeting was held at the K. E. M. Fund Office, in Kumbanad, Kerala on August 29, 2018, in which assembly organizations leadership came together that have been directly involved in the relief work. It was prayerfully decided to raise 5 crore Indian Rupees (equivalent to 700,000 USD). This funding will help to reach out to all Evangelists, believers who are suffering loss from the floods. This will also help to reach out to assist unbelievers in the flood-affected areas.

K.E.M. Fund (Kerala Evangelistic Missionary Fund), SBS Ministries (Suviseshakan Bala Sangham / Children’s Ministries), Believers Relief Trust, and Sathyam Ministries will work together towards this goal. The K. E. M. Fund Secretary / Trustee will take lead on these relief operations. Bro. George Mathew (Toronto, Canada) is contacting and organizing assembly believers from different parts of the world to work locally to raise funds for this mission. Bro. K. C. Johnson is responsible for Media & Publicity. Evg. M. V. Babu and other faithful brothers will physically visit Evangelists, families, and households. A list will be compiled based on the actual need. Many requests have come in through various media requesting help with financial assistance, repair or building of houses, medical supplies and treatment, and various other needs. The K. E. M. Fund Secretary will then be responsible to distribute the funds based on a compiled list.

This process of collection and distribution of fund was initiated to streamline and make it as efficient as possible. Since individual needs and requests will be sent to multiple institutions, this could end up in the same individual getting help multiple times, while others who are incapable of communication will not receive the much-needed assistance. Leadership and ministry organizations working together will make sure funds are distributed to as many as possible based on their actual need. Organizations listed below will collect funds and others may join in this effort to raise funds by contacting individuals, families, and assemblies who have supported them in the past. Please note that ALL foreign contributions are to be sent directly to the K. E. M. Fund Account allowed to receive such contributions (details listed below).

In the first stage, while flooding was severe and rescue efforts had to be done, many believers took initiative and helped as possible. Sathyam Ministries had a 22-member team that assisted in rescue efforts. During that time the K.E.M. Fund distributed 300 food kits, and Sathyam Ministries distributed 1000 bottles of water, 1000 kgs of rice and other food items. SBS Ministries Camp Centre opened their doors as a relief camp and was able to assist in many ways. Doctors, mission hospitals and clinics all played their role in providing medical care in these difficult times.

After the flood waters receded, the second stage of cleaning houses and assemblies started. Close to 100 Evangelists and North Indian believers traveled to Kerala to help. This effort was initiated by SBS Ministries; Bros. Abraham Thomas, Johnson Madapally, Raju K. Thomas and Varkey George took lead on this and were actively involved in this daily. As separate teams, they cleaned over 300 houses and many assembly halls. Believers in different parts of Kerala organized together to help their families, neighbors, assemblies and schools. Cleaning is still going on in many areas.

Currently, the third stage has begun. People are in need of food, clean water, tea, coffee, sugar, rice, gas stoves, cooking utensils, plates, glasses, medication, Vicks, Amrutanjan, antiseptic lotions, antifungal powder, soap, sanitizers, towels, buckets and mugs, brush and paste, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, baby food (cereal), new undergarments, footwear, mosquito repellants, matchboxes, candles, bedsheets, sleeping mats, blankets, first aid kits, purifying chlorine tablets, bleach, dishwashing soap,

and various other basic necessities. However, due to lack of funds, currently, Home Kits containing the following items will be distributed: Gas stove, aluminum utensils, plates and cups, straw mat / plastic mat, bucket and mug, bed sheets and pillow. Such a kit costs Indian Rupees 3500 (approximately USD 50). 500 - 1000 such kits will be distributed to people irrespective of religion, caste or creed in the flood- affected areas. This basic kit itself will cost Indian Rupees 35,00,000 (USD 50,000).

The fourth stage will involve urgent house repairs. Priority will be given to believers, widows, those who are old and sick. Close to 150 houses have been reported as needing repairs, out of that 80 is in the District itself. Anticipated average expense per house repair is anywhere between Rs. 50,000 - 100,000 (USD 700 - 1400).

The fifth stage will involve constructing new 500 sq. Ft houses that will have 2 rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom with asbestos roofing. Priority will be given to Evangelists - currently there are 10 new houses needed as reported. Other areas are being surveyed.

It will take many months or years for life to be normal. However, as the Lord leads, we would like to take every effort we physically can to make things easier in the day-to-day life of those who are going through these hardships. We humbly request all of you to be partakers in this effort by praying and encourage those who are blessed by the Lord to extend fellowship. We request you to announce these matters in your assemblies. Share via e-mail, Facebook and any media possible to attain this goal. May our Lord's name alone be glorified in all these things that is being done.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO K.E.M. FUND. Please send an e- mail to [email protected] with the name and contact details, the amount deposited and memo: Kerala Flood Relief

For Contributions in Indian Rupees For Foreign Currency Contribution South Indian Bank, Kumbanad Indian Overseas Bank Kottayam

A/C No. - 0384053000005624 Address: Indian Overseas Bank, Kottayam Main, Adithya Sabari Towers, PB No. 99, Post IFSC – SIBL0000384 Office Road, Kottayam 686001, Kerala, India

Address: South Indian Bank, Kumbanad A/C No. - 004001000010324 Branch, PG Alexander Memorial, Nursing School, Kumbanad, Kerala 689547, India IFSC – IOBA 0000040 SWIFT – IOBAIN BB024 FCRA Reg. No. 052930032 PAN No. AAABK0057F

Kerala Flood Relief: A Glimpse

If video does not play, click on this Link: https://vimeo.com/288416381 The following believers and ministry organizations are currently involved in this joint effort. [This is not a final list; the list will be modified based on then current needs.]

 K. E. M. Fund o Address: P. O. Box 38, Kumbanad P.O. Kerala 689547, India o Contact: Bro. P. E. Samkutty || Mob.: +91 9495204611 || Home: +91 4692664712 o E-mail address: [email protected] || [email protected] o Also contact: Bro. C. S. Abraham  Believers Relief Trust o Address: Gospel Hall, P. O Box 46, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645, India o Contact: Bro. P. P. Mathew || Mob: +91 9447505165 || Home: +91 4734228613 o E-mail address: [email protected] o Also contact: Bro. K. C. Johnson  SBS Ministries o Address: Camp Centre, Puthencavu P.O., Chengannoor, Kerala 689123, India o Contact: Bro. Johnson Madapally || Mob: +919895727190 o Also contact: Bro. Thomas Chandy, Bro. Raju K. Thomas, Bro. P. E. Samkutty

 Sathyam Ministries o Address: Sathyam Service Trust, Thottabhagom P. O., Thiruvalla, Kerala 689541, Kerala o Contact: Bro. C. V. Vadavana || Mob: +91 9742933000 o E-mail address: [email protected] o Also contact: Bro. E. S. Reji  Precious Life Ministries o Address: Kallissery P. O., Chengannor, Kerala 689124, India o Contact: Bro. M.V. Babu || Mob.: +91 9447124260 || Landline: +91 4792426084  FIBA Ministries (U.S.A.) o Address: P. O. Box 661383, Bronx, New York 10466 o Contact: Bro. Daniel Johnson || Mob: +1 6316453745 o E-mail address: [email protected] || [email protected] o Also contact: Bros. Rajan Thomas, Joseph Varughese, Gijy Williams  Believers / Assemblies in the US / Canada may contact the following brothers o Dallas: Bro. Roji Varghese o New York: Bros. Rajan Chacko, Sam Paul, Isaac Mannoor, Saji Abraham o Houston: Bro. P. T. Philip, Vijoy Varghese o Chicago: Bro. Adai Varghese o Atlanta: Bro. Santosh Abraham o Canada: Bros. George Mathew, Joy Thudiyan o Philadelphia: Bro. Samuel Philip o Denver: Bro. John Mathews

The following ministry organizations have set up special funds and also sent out appeals to believers and assemblies for this specific purpose:  Stewards Care / Stewards Association in India (India) o Address: 4, John Armstrong Road, Richards Town, Bangalore, Karnataka 560005, India o Contact: Bro. Raju M. Koshy || Mob: +91 8025467067 || +91 8040926567 o E-mail address: [email protected] || [email protected]  Gospel Missions of India (U.S.A.) o Address: GMI, P.O. Box 1043, Warren, Michigan 48090, U.S.A. o Ph. No.: +1 5862477924 || +1 5863065669 o E-mail address: [email protected] o Click here to donate online  CMML (U.S.A.) o Address: P. O. Box 13, Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762, U.S.A. o Ph. No.: +1 7324498880 o E-mail address: [email protected] o Click here to donate online

 MSC Canada (Canada) o Address: MSC Canada: 101 Amber Street, Unit 16, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 3B2 o Ph. No.: +1 9059470468 o E-mail address: [email protected] o Click here to donate online

International Brethren Mission & Media Ministries is a non-profit tax-exempt organization. One of our main objectives of incorporating this organization was to provide opportunities for the brethren who are interested in the relief work in any part of the world. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Brethren can donate via PayPal internationally by clicking on the link below http://internationalbrethren.org/support/

You may also send a check or money order to International Brethren, 30821 Tanglewood Trail, Farmington Hills, MI 48331

You may also send by wire transfer Bank: Citizens Bank, 37307 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152 Account Name: International Brethren Mission & Media Ministries Account Number: 4530012572 Routing Number: 241070417

For IBMMM, Santosh Abraham || President || 678-360-8997 || santoshabraham1 @ hotmail.com Jacob Sam || Secretary || jacobsamp @ gmail.com Abraham Joseph || Treasurer || 847-341-5758 || abrahampjoseph @ gmail.com