Last Saturday the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, also known as Burma, was devastated by a powerful cyclone that left thousands dead or missing with many more homeless. MSNBC reports, “The death toll from the cyclone that ravaged Myanmar is expected to top 10,000, a senior official said Monday, with at least 4,000 people already listed as killed and nearly 3,000 others unaccounted for.” The former capitol city Yangon and the entire Irrawaddy Delta took a direct hit from the storm. The affected region is home to some 24 million people.
The military-led Burmese government is slow to help their people and allow foreign aid into the country. With electricity out and drinking water scarce, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Myanmar.
Pray that the Lord would move this government to fulfill its responsibilities to its people and allow other countries to help. Pray that people affected by the storm will receive shelter, medical treatment, and help in rebuilding. Pray that profiteers will not be allowed to continue their price-gouging for things like gas and food. The military junta ruling Myanmar plans to go ahead with its referendum on a draft constitution this coming Saturday, May 10. Pray that, if the Lord wills, the vote will turn the tide for the oppressed people and allow them greater freedom. Pray that the Lord will raise up servants to go to the hurting people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and show them the God of grace and comfort. Pray for greater openness to the gospel in Judson’s former field of service.
American missionary Adoniram Judson (1788 – 1850) served over three decades in Burma preaching the gospel, translating the Bible into Burmese, and writing books to facilitate further language studies. His translation of Scripture is still in use. Judson’s desire was that he and his beloved Burmese listeners would “reach the Golden Shore.” Pray that the Lord will somehow use this calamity to continue the fulfillment of that worthy desire and to bring glory to Himself.
Pray for the Land of Judson
Tim, I hadn't heard about this. Thank you for this plea!!!! I'll be praying.
ReplyDeleteI just heard on the radio that the fatality count has exceeded 20,000 and that over 40,000 are listed as missing. A relief package from the US has arrived, but the local government is refusing US aid.
ReplyDeleteThe Psalmist speaks of crying out to the Lord in times of distress. Certainly God has his own who are crying out to him for help at this time. Let's continue to join them in their cries to the Lord Almighty. Certainly there are hundreds of thousands of Christless men, women and children who need to see that their gods are impotent, but that Yahweh is almighty and ready to save. Oh that the eyes and hearts of many will be turned to God, our Helper! May they find, as did Jonah, that "salvation is of the Lord." Immediately, this means deliverance from troubles. Ultimately, this means deliverance from sin and wrath.
Do any of you know of missionaries or local churches in this area?
The tragedy in Burma continues a week after the storm. Emergency aid is finally trickling into the country, but the news reports that the Burmese government is keeping some shipments for themselves and stamping the names of their generals on the boxes that they're passing out to their people, as though the help comes from them. Other countries, like the US, wait for permission from the military junta to deliver their shipments to the needy.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, people continue to suffer and die in the worsening conditions. Pray that the Lord will provide them the temporal help they so desperately need, and especially spiritual help through the gospel. I've heard of a missions agency working in Burma, Gospel for Asia (or GFA, not associated with Gospel Fellowship Association). I don't know much about this group, but I pray that they are providing the true gospel and that the hurting Burmese will turn to God through Christ and receive eternal comfort.
Have you heard of Operation Renewed Hope? This Christian organization has been suggested to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with this organization. I'll have to look them up.
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