The Blessed Storm

It seems that Christianity shines best in adversity. Here is a report from the Church of God in Myanmar:

"Thursday, May 15, The Philippines – Representatives of the Church in Myanmar met with Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director of Children of Promise, in Manila. One of the pastors said, “More than 100,000 people lost their lives in the cyclone. Myanmar has never experienced a cyclone like this in the last 40 years.”

“Late in the day of May 2, 2008, we were informed that the cyclone would reach the coast of Myanmar that night, so we had no time to prepare,” explained the church representative. “The wind and rain were so heavy we could not sleep. When the storm had passed, we discovered that all the trees were down, roofs were gone, and many homes were destroyed.”

“Some local aid is being distributed in out-lying areas. Not a lot of foreign aid is getting to the people,” shared one of the leaders. With the price of oil so high, people cannot go to work because they cannot afford to buy gasoline. And because gasoline is so expensive, the church is unable to bus people in for church, so the workers are going out to the people and conducting services in homes.

Food staples have doubled in price; this includes rice which is eaten three times a day. Cooking oil is now $20 US per 2-liter bottle.

Despite daily persecution, the Church is growing in Myanmar. The cyclone has served as an impetus to strengthen their resolve to preach the gospel and make disciples. Church members are referring to Cyclone Nargis as “The Blessed Storm” because unexpected blessings emerged from the aftermath of the storm. Because the pastors, congregations members, and Bible School Training students helped clear streets of debris and assisted families with their needs, the Christians were able to befriend their Buddhist neighbors,. From that point on, non-Christian people have been willing to go to the Church for assistance.

The Church leaders asked for prayer for God to open the hearts of people to the Christ of Christianity, to rebuild the church, and that people will be released to live in freedom. The people are also bracing for another cyclone that may make landfall by Thursday or Friday of this week.

The Church leaders have confirmed receipt of the funds for the Church and her people. $70,000 US is being provided from Church of God Ministries, Children of Promise and Women of the Church of God. Fifty-thousand dollars is ear-marked to make repairs to the church buildings and provide food, water, and shelter for church families and others in their communities. The remaining $20,000 is specifically for families of the Children of Promise program to assist them in rebuilding their homes and obtaining any type of aid they need.

The Church in Myanmar is eager to begin distributing assistance and rebuilding as soon as possible, utilizing the help provided by the Church in North America. Church leaders express deep, heart-felt thanks to the Christians in North America for their support, care, and assistance. “There are no words to describe the depth of thanks we have. Thank you so much for caring for us. We are so comforted by your love and actions, “stated one leader."