Happiness and gratitude greet your support in earthquake-hit Myanmar

Thank you to the many of you who’ve already given to our emergency appeal for believers affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. Whilst the need remains huge, your prayers and support are helping bring hope amidst suffering.

Following last month’s devastating earthquakes in Myanmar, Open Doors local partners are reaching affected believers with vital aid and reminding them that they are not alone – but the need is enormous, reinforcing the importance of your continued prayers and support.

The death toll from the disaster now stands at more than 3,500, with some 4,700 injured. Many are in desperate need of relief and assistance, whilst people remain trapped under debris.

• “We want to thank our brothers and sisters for their prayers and concern”

Many countries – including China, India, Russia, South Korea, the US, and various international organisations – have provided support for affected areas. However, reports have surfaced of police and armed groups forcibly seizing relief supplies intended for victims in Sagaing, whilst it’s believed that the military fired on a Chinese convoy delivering aid.

Meanwhile, the military continues to launch attacks on affected areas in Magwe Division, and airstrikes continue in Chin State. They have also rejected the unilateral ceasefire proposed by the shadow National Unity Government.

80 families given aid

All of this only adds to the trauma faced by people in a country already devastated by the ongoing civil war, with Christians often targeted by opposing sides.

It’s why your support for Christians in Myanmar through our emergency appeal is so crucial – and, with our local partners already present in the country to help persecuted believers, they are already positioned and equipped to reach many people immediately.

“We are able to give aid like rice, drinking water and mosquito nets to 80 families in need,” says Min Naing*, a local partner, following a recent distribution. “We will hand out solar lamps shortly, once they arrive.”

“I visited our volunteer Brother Aung* and his family,” he continues. “They were very happy to see us and thanked us for our visit. They were actively helping their church members with restoration work.”

There is also good news for Lin* and her husband, Pastor Noah*, who were concerned for their unborn child’s welfare after Lin felt unwell following the earthquake. “I am encouraged by your visit and prayers,” says Lin. “The doctor told me that my child is safe. Thank you so much.”

• 5 ways to pray for Myanmar

Help and hindrances

However, there are hindrances to reaching people. “We can’t say for sure if the military is blocking aid, but they have been announcing all aid should go through them,” says Ming Naing. “There are some Christians whom we have heard are able to bring aid, but there were also several who were stopped by the military for reasons unclear to us now.”

“All the relief agencies must ask official letters from the state government, which is very difficult,” says Mary*, a local believer. “From Yangon to Mandalay, all the relief vehicles are being questioned and detained. It is very hard to reach the Christians in need.”

Even as local partners reach those in need, the scale of devastation and recovery is clear to see. “The building’s wreckage damaged a neighbour’s roof,” says Zaw Lin after visiting a partner’s church in central Myanmar. “The church leaders and pastor’s family are now concerned about repairing both their church and their neighbour’s property. The church will need to be checked by engineers to assess its structural safety for future use.

“We also visited Mrs Aye*, another partner. Their church is old and developed cracks because of the earthquake, so they evacuated and set up a shed where believers could gather for fellowship.”

Mrs Aye said to Zaw Lin, “There are people helping us with food, so we’re not worried about meals. But I am concerned about the livelihoods of our church members, as many businesses and workplaces have shut down due to the earthquake.”

Meanwhile, damaged roads are hindering relief efforts, as is rainfall which also threatens to further spread diseases among those living in tents. But despite these challenges, local partners are committed to reaching the most vulnerable with practical and pastoral support.

Thank you

Thank you for the part you’re playing in bring aid and hope to our sisters and brothers in Myanmar. The need is monumental, but as our local partners report, the practical support – and simply being present with them – is a lifeline to many, helping to meet many of the urgent needs posed by this latest crisis in the country.

*Names changed for security reasons