You have probably heard or seen the news about the cyclone that devastated Myanmar/Burma. The news is shocking and it is even harder to deal with since it is difficult to get relief aid in to those who need it most. In a situation like this, the cyclone is only the beginning. There are new concerns about food (getting it to the people), water (clean water), sanitation and the threat of diarrhea and cholera. Each of these continues to take their toll. The area where the cyclone hit is a major rice-producing region for the country. If the rice crop was destroyed, there could be a food shortage in the future. On top of that, houses are gone as are possessions. Estimates in excess of 100,000 deaths have been listed and we are concerned that many more will die for lack of proper food and care. It is a very difficult situation. WorldVenture has multiple ministry contacts in the region and we will be using secure approaches to provide support and relief to help these ministry partners. We believe God is the one who brings order and hope out of chaos. This is a significant opportunity to show the love of Christ and help the local Christians there convey the good news of the Gospel in a time of crisis. Please note below how you can give to this needy and difficult situation.

Early on we were concerned for the safety of our national partners in the country. We didn't hear from them for days. That wasn't surprising. Only recently have we received first hand reports from the devastated region. The following are some unedited excerpts we have received from the Yangon region.

"Most of the trees and houses of the tops iron sheet were completely gone. Big trees were fallen on the high-ways. Yangon city remains only like bones without meat. Prices have gone high. Gas is about $15 for one Gallon.   ...houses were completely gone. Also two of our missionaries' houses were also completely removed. They have no home right now and not enough food to eat. We help them whatever we could. And also our church members in M were hit by cyclone that their houses were gone and they no food to eat. Also the church members in S Vill. And T were completely gone. They ran away for their lives. I assume that they would have no sufficient food and place to stay. One of our missionary's house of W also gone. Our S Church building was also hit by the cyclone. This cyclone hit mostly to Ayeyarwaddy Division like Lapuhtta Town- 15 Villages have gone, Haikyi Kyun- Many people died, Bukalay town-many died there also. We are very sad to let you know that over forty thousand dead bodies were found already without Christ. God must have some plan beside this problem. They assumed that more than hundred thousand lives would be lost. Among this tragic situation, the Lord keeps us alive and we are happy that we are in God's hand. Our lives are nothing without Jesus Christ. We rejoiced at His great salvation."

There is more including pictures. Please go to our web site, http://worldventure.com. The missionaries mentioned are all local people. We are working to help these local believers with funds for relief and for repair of the work there. Please be in prayer for both the believers and not-yet-believers there.

-Dave Wedin (Senior Vice President - Ministry Operations) 

To give to the relief effort spearheaded by WorldVenture workers already on the ground, click here