Myanmar Cyclone

Almost 2 million people are struggling to survive in difficult and deteriorating conditions. They are drinking contaminated water and searching for food, while living in make-shift shelters exposed to the elements. Overcrowding of villages with unsanitary conditions is prevalent, and many children have been orphaned. Current reports from Myanmar count the death toll at more than 100,000. Myanmar

The immediate need is funding to help rebuild lives and provide food, shelter and clothing. We want to show compassion to those most in need. The EFCA is uniquely positioned to respond to this crisis. In partnership with the EFC of Myanmar, we have connections with church leaders and members.

Reach Myanmar is one of EFCA TouchGlobal’s partner organizations in Myanmar. Reach Myanmar is focusing on providing relief to those devastated by cyclone Nargis.

We recognize the importance of ensuring that donations are used strategically and with transparency and accountability. Therefore, we seek to build a coalition to affect a unified response. Through the efforts of our ministry partners and the generous support of our churches here in the U.S., lives will be transformed!

Reports from the field

Where was God?

MyanmarOn May 2nd, the night Nargis blew in, the people of the Delta region called out to their gods. Where was God that night? It seemed that God was not listening. Thousands of people, believers and non-believers, lost their lives, families and property that night. Everyone suffered. No one was spared some form of hardship. Many people asked, "Is God powerful, having authority over everything?"

In Than Hlin Town, near Yangon City, only one family was saved in the whole community that night, a family of new believers. All the houses in the community were destroyed, including a church. The elder woman in the family prayed and God saved them all. She now shares testimony with others of how God is indeed listening. He has provided for their daily needs and He will remain faithful. Even when life and possessions are taken away, God still remains in control.

Ongoing work

Thank God for His guidance and for providing our needs in reaching Myanmar. We are now able to begin the Nargis-cyclone-affected Women’s Vocational Training (sewing training). We had an opening ceremony on September 9, with eight women, all of whom have come to Christ since the cyclone. They will have training for five months. The main purposes for the sewing training are to help with family income, develop the women’s potential and skill, and to train others. The lessons will begin each day with a short Bible study and prayer. We are working together with Mingalardon Evangelical Free Church.

  What you can do

  • Pray for the survivors and their needs today and tomorrow.
  • Pray for God’s provision of resources through His Church to meet those needs.
  • Pray for our ministry partners on the ground in Myanmar to be a bold witness in word and deed.
  • Download a bulletin insert about the urgent need, our response and how you can give.
  • Give now online, or learn how to give in other ways.
  • Subscribe to ReliefCast, EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response’s electronic publication.

Questions? Contact crisisresponse@efca.org.

Return to Urgent Needs with EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response.