We live in a time of profound uncertainty. Almost everywhere we turn, we encounter stories of suffering, displacement and loss. Earthquakes shake the earth beneath us; landslides bury homes and livelihoods; floods sweep away communities; and violence, conflict and political unrest leave innocent people dead, wounded and grieving. Families are separated, communities are uprooted, and many struggle simply to secure food, shelter and other basic necessities. Such tragedies do not merely make headlines; they pierce the human heart. They leave us asking a question that generations before us have asked in times of calamity: Why do such things happen? Where is God when innocent people suffer?
The Bible does not offer simplistic answers to these difficult questions. Yet it gives us something deeper: the assurance that God has not abandoned us in the midst of our bewilderment and pain. The Psalmist declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The same Psalm reminds us, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). These words do not deny the reality of suffering; rather, they remind us that even when the foundations around us seem to crumble, God remains our unfailing refuge.
We may not always understand why tragedy comes, but we can choose where to turn when it comes. Our faith does not promise a life devoid of storms; it assures us that God is present in the storm. The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2). In moments when our explanations fail, the presence of God becomes our consolation. In moments when our strength is exhausted, His grace sustains us. And when grief seems unbearable, we remember that “the Lord is close to the broken-hearted” (Psalm 34:18).
At such times, the Church must not remain a distant observer. Compassion must become the visible expression of our faith. Jesus teaches us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and “to bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Christian compassion is not merely feeling sorrow for those who suffer; it is allowing another person’s suffering to move us towards prayer, generosity, presence and action. The Church is called to be a community that stands beside the wounded, strengthens the weary, comforts the bereaved and helps restore dignity to those who have lost so much.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council deeply appreciates the many Associations, churches, organisations, families and individuals who have responded to various tragedies with prayer and practical compassion. Many have generously offered relief materials, financial assistance, food and other necessities, while others have stood faithfully in prayer for those affected. These acts of kindness, though sometimes modest in scale, are never insignificant. Every prayer, every contribution and every gesture of solidarity become a tangible expression of God’s love. NBCC also continues, within its capacity, to extend support and relief to communities affected by calamities and crises. We are grateful to all who have joined in this ministry of compassion.
Our hearts are particularly drawn at this time to the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal. The recent disaster along the Bhote Koshi River and adjoining areas has caused extensive loss of life, displacement and destruction, with many people still missing and countless families
affected. We mourn with those who mourn, and we pray for Nepal. We pray for families who have lost loved ones, for those anxiously waiting for news of missing relatives, for those who have been displaced, and for the rescue workers and authorities engaged in search, rescue and relief operations.
At the same time, it is important to affirm that the concern of the NBCC is not confined by tribe, Association, denomination, geography or community. NBCC is blessed with Associations and churches representing different Naga tribes and communities, and we recognise that calamities and crises occur at different times and in different places. We cannot always respond to every situation with the same measure or at the same moment, but our Christian calling remains the same: to care, to pray and to stand with those who suffer. Whether the affected are from our own communities, neighbouring regions or distant places, every human life bears the dignity of being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our compassion, therefore, must be as wide as God’s love.
We encourage our Associations, churches, families and individual believers to respond according to their ability. Let us pray. Let us give. Let us act. Where appropriate, assistance may be extended directly through credible relief efforts; alternatively, contributions may be forwarded to the NBCC Office through your respective associations/churches, for consolidation and appropriate channelling to those in need, as we have been doing. Associations and Churches are also encouraged to organise Corporate Prayer for Nepal and for all communities presently facing calamities, conflict, displacement and loss.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). Our generosity need not always be substantial to be meaningful. What matters is the heart with which we give. A small offering given in love, a meal shared with a displaced family, a word of encouragement, or a congregation gathering to pray can become a profound testimony of Christian solidarity.
We may not be able to prevent every earthquake, stop every flood or resolve every conflict. We may not have answers to every question that suffering raises. But we can choose how we respond. We can refuse indifference. We can resist despair. We can extend compassion. We can pray with faith. We can give with generosity. And we can stand together as the Body of Christ.
In a world that often feels fractured and fragile, may the Church become an unmistakable sanctuary of hope. May our response to suffering demonstrate that faith is not merely something we profess with our lips, but something we embody through our lives. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). When the earth trembles, may our faith remain steadfast. When waters rise, may our compassion rise higher. When people lose hope, may the Church become a beacon of hope.
And when suffering surrounds us, may we remember that God is still with us—and that He calls us to be with one another.
May God comfort the afflicted, strengthen the weary, protect those in danger, guide those engaged in rescue and relief, and move His people everywhere to respond with compassion, generosity and prayer.
Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener
General Secretary
Nagaland Baptist Church Council
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)
