By now, I am sure you have heard about the cyclone that has destroyed thousands of homes and lives in Myanmar (Burma).
Please take a moment and read this update from David Robbins, a member of TCABC that leads a ministry in Myanmar and find out what you can do to help.
Pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for those that are still searching through the wreckage to find the missing.
Adam Pray
Mission Pastor
TCABC
THE FACTS
Myanmar (Burma) is a predominantly Buddhist country of approximately 50 million people bordered by Thailand, China and India in SE Asia. The country (since 1962) is known as Myanmar, following the coup de ta of the Burmese military who have been ruling with an iron fist ever since. Myanmar is isolated even from the influence of its closest neighbors because the five generals who rule the country are intent on keeping power and shun any outside interference.
On May 3-4, 2008 a devastating cyclone named Nagris tore through the Irrawaddy division and the Yangon division, home to more than 10 million people. Sustained winds of 128 mph hit the coast, and winds of 70+ mph (with gusts to 120 mph) were recorded in the former capital city Yangon (Rangoon) for over 10 hours during the storm. A twelve foot tidal wave followed the storm and washed inland up to 30 miles. This land is at sea level and is completely underwater as a result of the storm. Satellite images show this devastation. One city in the Irrawaddy division recorded 10,000 deaths.
Reports began out of Myanmar that there were several hundred dead, but now there are fears that there will be more than 100,000 people dead in the wake of the cyclone. That is approximately 60 times the number that died from the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
The other current difficulty is the reluctance and defiance of the military dictatorship of Myanmar to allow relief workers to work 'on the ground' in relief activities (especially the United States). The generals fear democracy, and think that we would use this tragedy to promote a democratic agenda. In truth, they are willing to allow their people to suffer in order to stay in power.
Relief agencies are staging in Thailand. Some U.N. relief supplies are landing today (Thursday) in Yangon, and the government is wanting the workers to 'dump and depart' and allow the Burmese authorities to handle distribution. There are reports of the government selling relief supplies.
Buddhist monks sort through the wreckage
Displaced families search for shelter
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Aquila Project works with Pastors and church leaders from all across Myanmar. Our National Director (Thomas) and his family live in Yangon, and we have confirmed their safety. However, their homes are destroyed, and the school that we collaborate with has received severe damage. Additionally, our National Director and his family are in charge of several orphanages, and they too have received severe damage.
We are in the process of receiving funds to help rebuild the school and orphanages. We will hand deliver these funds and help as soon as we are able to gain access to Yangon. You can contact me at 918-636-3266 or david.aquilaproject@gmail.com or visit our website at http://acts1826.com our mailing address is PO BOX 1941, Tulsa, OK 74101 if you choose to be involved in rebuilding the school for church planters and the orphanages. Thanks in advance.
Other organizations are involved in general and immediate relief for the people of Myanmar. One organization, Thirst No More, are friends of Pastor Alex and Adam. They can be reached at this website http://thirstnomore.org
My encouragement, as someone who has been to Myanmar several times, is this:
·Pray - for the people, for churches and church leaders, for the government to relinquish and allow relief aid in, and for the Glory of God to be made known all across Myanmar.
·Give - be generous, but be informed and wise in your generosity. To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Myanmar did not choose to be born under the rule of a military dictatorship, and they need our help!
·Stay Involved - Realize that there are immediate needs and long term needs. The rebuilding effort will go on for months/years. Use this disaster to get connected to ministry in Myanmar, one of the darkest places on earth in terms of the spread of the Gospel.
·Look - for ways to befriend and care for Burmese nationals living in our area. Most have family that still live in Myanmar, and they are concerned for their families well-being.
·Talk - use this disaster as a missions teaching opportunity with your friends and children. Pray as a group, and as a family. Become more globally-minded.
For more information, please feel free to contact me, and I will meet with any groups who would like more info about Myanmar, and how you can be involved.
Thanks in advance for standing in the gap in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the people of Myanmar.
For His Glory,
David Robbins
President, The Aquila Project
www.ACTS1826.com
You can find more information on the situation in Myanmar by following these links:
Photo slideshows from news agencies
News Stories:
http://burmanet.org
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