Thank you for your swift and generous response to our appeal on behalf of our brothers and sisters affected by the Myanmar earthquake. Praise the Lord that, through you, He has met the urgent needs of more than 9,000 Christians in Myanmar.
Your kindness and generosity has strengthened the faith of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar, reminding them that they are never abandoned by the Lord
“Without this help, I may not have survived,” said a Christian in Myanmar after receiving emergency aid funded by you.
In March, Myanmar was struck by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
Your generous response to an urgent appeal following the disaster enabled Barnabas-funded aid to reach more than 9,000 Christians.
Myanmar earthquake brings devastation
Thousands lost their lives in the earthquake, and many more people were left homeless.
Key infrastructure including water supplies, power systems and communications towers was destroyed. Many communities were left without basic necessities, including the Christian minority who were already experiencing marginalisation and, in many cases, violent repression.
But with your support, our partners mobilised relief teams to reach some of the areas most severely affected – including Kyaukse, the third hardest-hit region – with urgent supplies of rice, beans, cooking oil, blankets, mosquito nets, floor mats and pillows.
In Sagaing and Mandalay families were provided with food parcels, temporary shelter, and medical kits.
Myanmar Christians strengthened in the Lord
“Through your good works, I saw the goodness of God and was strengthened in the Lord,” said a grieving widow.
Another displaced Christian added, “God answered my prayers today. I feel safe now, and God has provided what we needed most.”
Many of the thousands receiving help had already been displaced from their homes by persistent anti-Christian violence carried out by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military).
The distribution of supplies of clean water and other aid items to a Christian community in eastern Myanmar
Amid continued aftershocks, political instability and military repression – including resumed airstrikes – our project partners remained steadfast, risking their lives to serve with compassion and faith.
The spiritual impact of these efforts has been considerable. Many testified to renewed hope through this support. One pastor, who lost family members in the quake, noted that many believers had been drawn closer to the Lord through this love in action.
“The love of God’s people reached us during this crisis,” said another survivor whose home was destroyed. “We are thankful to Barnabas Aid and all the Christians who stand with us. We cannot repay you, but we keep remembering you in our prayers.”
How you can pray
Praise God for the swift and co-ordinated response to this disaster. Give thanks that He prompted so many to contribute to the needs of His people in Myanmar. Pray that aid will continue to reach Christians and others made homeless, and for protection for partners following dangerous routes to reach those most in need. Ask for an end to the military’s persistent bombing that continued despite the government’s pledge to observe a ceasefire in the wake of the earthquake.
