Seventh-day Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson issued the following statement today in regarding the 7.8 magnitude quake which struck in Nepal on April 25, 2015:

"On the day that the world is remembering Chernobyl, the nuclear accident that occurred 29 years ago, Nepal is facing its worst earthquake in the last 80 years.  The human suffering breaks our hearts  and moves us with deep sympathy for the thousands of families who have experienced loss.  What a tragic unfolding of death and destruction in Nepal after the anticipated earthquake took place.  Even though experts predicted it would happen, they did not know when.  We are grateful that Seventh-day Adventist members in the Nepal Field, our Scheer Memorial Hospital near Kathmandu and ADRA can be of assistance to the many who are in great need at this time.  Certainly, the Southern Asia Division, in close collaboration with the Nepal Field, will be considering how the world church can further help in this very challenging situation.  I have prayed for Nepal and our church members’ special ministry and assistance for the people of that fascinating country.  May this be an opportunity to show Christ’s ministry of love and compassion in all that we do as we see more of these disasters happening signaling the nearness of Christ’s return.  What an opportunity for us as Seventh-day Adventists to do everything possible to bring stability back into the lives of people by comforting those who have lost loved  ones and providing material encouragement to those in dire need.  Truly, the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ, the One who will never be moved by even an earthquake is to be the solid foundation for rebuilding lives and hope in Nepal.  What a blessing to count on the promises of Revelation 21:4 for the new earth where '….there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.' May the assurance of this promise give us hope that very soon, with the second coming of Jesus, these things will be banished from earth forever.  Let us pray for the people of Nepal and all efforts, including those of Seventh-day Adventists, to assist in this very difficult tragedy."   

Ted Wilson

Seventh-day Adventist World President