The Brahmaputra River frequently floods in Assam, destroying crops, animals and houses.

From kidnapped children in Manipur to flooding in Assam, the Northeast corner of India is in a state of unrest and upheaval.

At least 24 children have been reported missing in Manipur, and police think this number might be even higher.

It is believed that a rebel group has been kidnapping the children to make them child soldiers. Although the militants claim that they are simply recruiting the children and that the children join of their own free will, most believe that the group is abducting them.

In light of these events, some parents have stopped sending their children to school by themselves, and school authorities have decided that parents must pick their children up when school lets out.

It is believed that a rebel group has been kidnapping the children to make them child soldiers.

Recently, there was a massive rally of children, teachers and women protesting the kidnappings. They used such slogans as “Dont kidnap us; we want to go to school in a fearless atmosphere,” and “Release our friend immediately.”

“We dont believe that such young children would turn out willing to join the militant group. They have been lured or intimidated,” a woman said at the rally.

Sadly, events such as these kidnappings are nothing new in the state of Manipur, where at least 19 rebel groups carry out brutal acts on the populace.

Gospel for Asia missionaries in Manipur request prayer for this difficult situation. Pray that the children will be returned to their parents and that there will be no further kidnappings. Pray also that the missionaries will be able to carry on their work in spite of these troubled circumstances.

Floods Destroy Villages

In nearby Assam, people are struggling to recover from widespread flooding that has left 150 villages under water. GFA’s ministries have also been greatly impacted by this natural disaster, with 40 churches and three Bridge of Hope Centers also underwater.

The Brahmaputra River caused the flooding. The river often rises and floods the valleys of Assam, the waters cutting off the surrounding villages from the outside world.

Several of the houses were washed away in the recent flooding. Many people have also lost their livelihoods, as floodwaters destroyed paddy fields and cattle.

Thankfully, the houses that Gospel for Asia built in Assam were able to withstand the floods, as they are much sturdier than the traditional houses supported by bamboo poles.

The people in the affected areas are facing severe shortages of food, medical facilities and safe drinking water. In addition, road transportation has come to a complete halt. As soon as it is possible, GFA missionaries will go into the affected areas with relief supplies.

One praise is that the 20 houses that GFA has built in the area are still standing with no damage. The houses are elevated off the ground by posts reinforced with concrete. Although the water is up to the floors of the houses, the sturdy posts have been able to withstand the rising waters. GFA Compassion Services teams hope to build another 30 houses in this particular area in the future.

The GFA missionaries working in Assam request your prayers for the difficulties that people are facing. Pray that God will comfort the hearts of all those affected by the flood and that they will be able to recover from their losses quickly. Pray also that God will guide the missionaries and that by His grace, they will soon be able to resume their usual work.