myanmar

Myanmar (MNN) — Hope of finding earthquake survivors is ending in Myanmar, now eleven days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The death toll has surpassed 3,560 people.  

Instead, delivery of aid is choked by military junta checkpoints, where inspections and bribery are the norm, says a pastor with A3. On top of that, attacks between the junta and rebel groups have been reported, despite the temporary ceasefire that was announced last week. 

Because of the junta’s actions, “That’s why, especial[ly] the most affected area, people are crying. No water, no help,” says this pastor from Myanmar.

“One very serious thing I really want to make known to the world is, ‘Don’t try to legitimize the military junta. They are seeking international legitimacy acknowledgement by using this situation.’” 

He says over half of Myanmar is no longer under the control of the military but instead the legitimate government, the National Unity Government. However, the military junta has control over the internet.

Photo from Tambon Mae La, Kayin State, Myanmar (Photo courtesy of Z via Unsplash)

“The [internet] switch is in their hands. It’s so hard to get the actual ground information. Generally we know that international aid comes in, trying their best to [do] the rescue things, as well as trying to help people. But the need is so huge. The impact area is vast. But the help, international help comes — it’s too small, actually. It’s too small, unbelievably too small.

“People [are] helping — but the need and the help, it’s like an elephant and sesame seed.” 

Myanmar has a history of its people responding to help one another, the pastor explains.

“Wherever there was that kind of natural disaster, people rise up. You don’t have to push them — they just rise up and in one heart and trying their best to help. So churches are the same: rising up, trying to help from our own pocket,” he explains.

Even so, the pastor says Christians should be described as “wounded healers.”

“But one thing [I want to] say: Don’t expect too much, because we churches also are facing the same situation.”

Would you consider partnering with A3 to send relief to Myanmar? The pastor says the Free Burma Rangers are also on the ground and doing true good there, as they have for decades.

Pray for genuine comfort and genuine help to be sent from the international community, not tainted by political agendas.

“Pray for comfort. Pray for comfort,” the pastor says. “Please pray for God’s strength from above for the churches.” 

 

Header photo from Myanmar courtesy of Guilherme Romano via Unsplash.