Video: Tupelo Based Adoption Agency Operates Orphan’s Home In Nepal Earthquake Zone

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – We have all seen the horrifying images from the devastating earthquake that shook Nepal this weekend.  Now, the death toll is more than 5 thousand, with relief efforts underway and hundreds of thousands homeless.

While most of us have no personal connection to the tragedy, a local ministry is connected to the country, through an orphans home it runs near Katmandu.  WCBI’s Allie Martin has more.

Since Saturday morning, Tom Velie has been spending a lot of time online, getting the latest news about the earthquake that hit Nepal.

Velie is president of New Beginnings Adoption Agency, which operates an orphan’s home in Nepal.

“It’s a very solid structure, in fact, even during the earthquake, there are cracks in the building, we don’t know how bad they are, but the building is still habitable at this point,” Velie said.

No one was hurt when the quake struck, but tensions are high. Velie also receives text updates from Bobby Adhikiri, the home’s director.

“His only concern, at this point is just surviving, they are very low on water, they are very low on food,” Velie said.

New Beginnings has been working in Nepal since 2007.  The children live at the home, and attend a private Christian school, all funded by the adoption agency.

Volunteers from the United States have made trips to the Nepal orphans home, to paint, carry out needed repairs and work with the kids.

In fact, a representative from New Beginnings is traveling to Nepal and was encouraged to bring a facemask, because of the stench from earthquake victims.

“The conditions are, they are difficult in Nepal even in good times, having been there several times, and these conditions, it has to be very very bad,” he said.

Now, New Beginnings is spearheading a relief effort that is right in line with the ministry’s mission.

“We can do a lot of preaching, but I think right now we can show what the gospel is through our actions, whether it’s people here giving in the United States or praying for these people or sending relief over , we can show that love and compassion by action,” Velie said.

Also, Velie says New Beginnings is able to ensure donations get to those who need help, because the ministry has a strong and respected presence in the area. If you would like to know how to donate to help the orphanage in Nepal, go to www.newbeginningsadoptions.org