Hello everyone,
I’ve been silent on the matter of cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar a little over a week ago simply because I didn’t have any accurate information that I could send out. Plus there was a fair amount of media coverage around keeping you more informed than I could have – I don’t even have a TV so you probably knew more than me most of the time.
However, over the last couple of days, I’ve had information come through from one of our Partner Churches in Myanmar and would like to share some of it with you, I’ll also include some prayer points. Regarding general news items, I’ll leave that to the TV, radio and newspapers; this article will cover the Presbyterian Partner Churches in Myanmar that I’m involved with.
Firstly, a heartfelt thank you from me, and also on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar, for all the concern, e-mails, prayer, etc. for them during this difficult time. I was particularly touched by e-mails from Ollie and Barra, thanks guys.
LATEST NEWS
We have heard from 1 of our 2 partner churches in Myanmar, the Evangelical Reformed Church, and, by the grace of God, they report that they’re all alive and well.
These are the words from Rev Dr Thang Bwee:
Praise the Lord for His marvellous love and protection. It was a terrifying typhoon which destroyed several buildings, messed up everything, and many thousands of lives have been lost. We were kept safe under His wings.
There were some small amounts of damage such as roofs missing from our buildings and our living room became like a bathroom with heavy rain. Also all the cashew trees from my farm were completely destroyed. The 3rd of May was a terrifying morning for us all.
People are now suffering with the consequences of the cyclone as public transportation, communication and trading have all stopped. We have no lights and no water in most of the city. Yangon looks like a war zone at this moment.
People are keeping busy with seeking food, water and to repair their damaged houses and buildings. The price of everything has risen two to three times its normal price.
Bill Lutton, director of mission partners, the Australian Presbyterian World Mission, says he is “hoping to be able to go as soon as possible to take money for immediate needs and for reconstruction etc.. It is so hard not to be able to be in touch with our dear brothers and sisters in that country, but God knows their needs and is attentive to the cries of His people.”
PRAYER POINTS
We have not yet heard from our other partner church, the Free Reformed Church of Myanmar, so the first prayer point is for them. Please pray that they’re all well and able to cope with the many difficulties facing them as a consequence of the storm.
Please also pray for
- speedy recovery of conveniences and everyday needs
- for the people of Myanmar to discover the love and the safety of God in the midst of these circumstances
- that God will be glorified through this disaster
- that God’s people in Myanmar would be comforted and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, as well as motivated by him to reach out to the needy around them, even in their own difficult circumstances
- that we in the west would be moved to give and continue our support, both in finance and prayer
- that aid workers would be allowed in and be given the freedom to go where they’re needed
- that the military government would be softened toward their own people and deal with them compassionately
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John Piper wrote a nice short article/blog called 6 Ways to React to the Cyclone, I would recommend it to you, it’ll only take 3 minutes to read.
Grace be with you.
