Answer: The earthquake in Pakistan and the love of Christ.

World mission has entered an age where national, denominational and organizational boundaries are more porous than ever before. Individuals, churches and missions from many nations are linking hands and resources to share the compassion and hope of Jesus. The earthquake in Pakistan is just one demonstration of this unity.

Following the 8 October earthquake, the SIM team in Pakistan sent out an urgent call for orthopaedic surgeons and trauma specialists.

Within days, a team of doctors from South Korea had mobilized to serve in Abbottabad, a city severely shaken by the earthquake. Then an American surgeon with 17 years' experience in Angola answered the call.

Next, HCJB World Radio’s Vozandes Hospital in Quito released personnel to go immediately to Islamabad. More doctors in the UK and South Africa are on their way to the crisis.

We couldn't do it without you

Meanwhile, 8-11 year olds in Sweden came up with a plan to help the earthquake victims. After church one day, they held a fika, or refreshment sale. Raising the equivalent of £250, they sent half to the Leprosy Mission and half to SIM relief efforts.

Photos, such as the one above of a medical relief camp in Balakot, were difficult to obtain. Then another mission volunteered to share their images free of charge to those raising awareness and prayer.

Partnerships across churches, organizations and nations have become the life blood of SIM relief in Pakistan. No one can face the situation alone. Together, we are moving forward, bearing witness by our unity in Christ.

Saturday, 29 October marks 3 weeks since the devastating earthquake that took more than 40,000 lives. Yet already the number of churches and individuals around the world joining SIM in relief efforts is more than can be listed here.

On behalf of the medical teams in Pakistan and the Pakistan Christian Fellowship, SIM extends a heartfelt thank you to those of you who are sacrificially praying and giving. We couldn’t do it without you. 

'SIM is deeply concerned for survivors of the 8 October earthquake in Pakistan and surrounding countries,' says International Director Malcolm McGregor.

If you would like to give financially toward earthquake relief efforts, please send your gifts to your local SIM office marked for ‘Pakistan Earthquake’, project 88600, or give online.

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