Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – On the afternoon of September 14, 2023, representatives of the Community Development Ministry and the Thanh Xuân group met with leaders of the Khương Đình Ward Fatherland Front Committee (Thanh Xuân district, Hà Nội) to offer condolences and love to families affected by the Khương Hạ mini-apartment fire, and gave 10 million dong for the ward to help the victims.
See photos: the post about the visit on the Community Development Ministry fanpage
A Night of Grief in the Heart of Hà Nội
On the night of September 12, 2023, a severe fire broke out at a mini-apartment building on Khương Hạ street, Khương Đình ward. The building, nearly 200 m² in area, was home to about 150 people. The fire killed 56 people and injured 37, becoming one of the most heartbreaking fire disasters in the capital in many years.
For the church, this was not distant news. Khương Đình ward is in Thanh Xuân district, where the church’s Thanh Xuân group meets. The pain of families who lost loved ones is the pain of the whole community.
Visiting and Giving Support Through Local Authorities
Just two days after the fire, representatives of the Community Development Ministry and the Thanh Xuân group met with leaders of the ward Fatherland Front Committee. The ministry gave 10 million dong in cash to the Front’s representatives to help the victims. Giving through the local Fatherland Front helps ensure the support is distributed transparently to the families who need it most.
The ministry also encouraged any of God’s children moved to help to give directly through the official channels of the Khương Đình Ward Fatherland Front Committee.
Condolences to Flood Victims in Sa Pa
In those same days, a flash flood in Nậm Cang village, Liên Minh commune, Sa Pa town (Lào Cai) killed 4 people, left 2 missing and injured 6. The Community Development Ministry sent deep condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those who died, were injured or went missing in both disasters.
Weeping With Those Who Weep
In the face of such great loss, words often fall short. What the church can do is be present, show compassion and act with what is within reach. The Bible teaches us:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
At the same time, we believe that God is not far from broken hearts. He is the Comforter, the Healer, the One who is near to those who grieve:
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
A gift of 10 million dong cannot make up for these families’ losses, but it is the church’s way of showing that it stands with the community where it lives, sharing the burden with the authorities and residents in a hard time.
Let Us Pray Together
- That God will have mercy on and heal the victims still in hospital.
- That God will comfort and help the families who lost loved ones in the fire and the Sa Pa flood.
- That relief from the government and social organizations will reach people in time.
- For residents of mini-apartment buildings to be safe, and for fire prevention to receive proper attention.
Read more in Community Development and Church News. Contact the church office: 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
