Nepal Update for October 16, 2026: Mac's Story
I’m glad to use this blog to bring TNMC’s work in Nepal to light—
a partnership once only imagined, now growing year by year.
It began with Himalayan Tribal Community Development Nepal (HTCDN),
as the organization was then known, and its executive director,
Raju Bhitrakoti. From a monthly feeding program,
it has grown to include an entrepreneurial goat-farming venture
and support during natural disasters, including the recent one
along the Nepal–Tibet border.
Myra and I have stood on that very land—
now scarred by devastation, death, hunger and damaged homes.
These hardships will continue to shape local people’s lives
for many years to come.
On August 26, the first signs emerged of a devastating flash flood that would cause widespread destruction across this part of Asia. I was deeply worried about Raju and his family, who serve the area from time to time, as well as the families and communities I have supported with my heart and TNMC funds for more than four years.
TNMC needed to respond as swiftly as possible—through prayer and financial support—and to give supporters a way to help people grieving loved ones, without housing, or unable to provide food for themselves and their families. Who stepped up to answer that first call? Women, of course. I want to pay tribute to the women whose contributions formed the first care package and set things in motion: Melody Knox, Maxine Siegel, Carol Abrahamson, Lydia Salguero, Sheila Mitz, Sheila Jordan, and one especially dear woman who means the world to Myra and me and chooses to be anonymous.
Raju and his team spent days working alongside partner organizations and individuals to respond to the needs of people affected and displaced by the mudslides and the collapse of bridges and roads on the Nepalese side of this disaster. I have been praying deeply for their safety as they travel and serve. If a leg injury hadn’t restricted my mobility and an unresolved immigration matter hadn’t complicated my residency in Guatemala, I truly believe I would have boarded a plane myself to help. I want you to understand how dearly I love these people, and how profoundly Myra and I were welcomed in the Chitwan region. I’m sharing this because I hope you, too, will come to love them as much as I do.
Media attention to the aftermath of this natural disaster has already faded, so it is important to keep the situation in view. Nepal is still at the beginning of recovery after the devastating flash floods of August 26, 2026, along the Nepal–Tibet border. Emergency relief, debris clearance, and road rebuilding are in progress, but the destruction is so extensive that recovery will take years, not months. Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading have suffered the worst impacts, especially the communities of Rasuwagadhi, Timure, and Syabrubesi.
To restore roads and bridges, the government has sent heavy machinery to remove mud, rocks, and flood debris. Temporary roads and Bailey bridges were planned or being installed to reconnect isolated communities, while the floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges between Rasuwa and Dhading.
Many families are still displaced, making emergency shelter, rental assistance, and transitional housing essential. Relief organizations are providing this support, and NSET’s (National Society for Earthquake Technology) recovery program runs from September 17 to December 14, 2026, with paid community work to clear debris, temporary housing, and restoration of essential services. By late September, humanitarian agencies had provided food assistance to more than 30,000 people and water, sanitation, and hygiene support to more than 54,000; nevertheless, the United Nations stressed that assistance is still needed.
Thirteen hydropower projects were affected, and restoring electricity, transport, trade, tourism, and livelihoods remains part of the long-term recovery effort.
After reading this, TNMC has committed to continuing its prayers and support for this area. A few weeks ago, I set a target of raising an additional $5,000 between then and year’s end. So far, the women are once again leading the way: Oju Ajagbe, Mary E. Small, and Michelle Davis have contributed a total of $307, leaving $4,693 to raise by the end of 2026. That may sound like a daunting sum, but TNMC’s mailing list includes more than 1,000 donors. If each person contributed just $5, we would reach—and exceed—our goal by over $300. You may be wondering how the $307 raised so far has been put to use. Raju, together with Rajan from our partner organization Himalayan Hope and its partner hub, HOPE, used the funds to support families in Rasuwa. Although I may not have precise statistics on how many people benefited, I can share what they accomplished this past week.
Donate through Donorbox: https://donorbox.org/project-nepal
Give through Zelle using thirstnomore22@yahoo.com
Like and share this video throughout your networks.
Pray for the people of Nepal and the success of this relief effort.
Invite your church, business, nonprofit, or community organization to partner with us.
Thirst No More Corporation is a nonprofit organization recognized by Candid as a Gold Star Member. Our EIN: 32-0240308
With gratitude,
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