Myanmar flooding fails to stop local Christians

Published by Katey Hearth on August 12, 2015

Myanmar (MNN) — Myanmar flooding has killed over 100 people in the last 14 days.

Now, the fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters left behind are trying to survive without access to food or clean water.

“One leader noted that he is hearing people crying out to their Buddhist and animist gods for help,” shares Amie Cotton with Christian Aid Mission.

Those gods aren’t responding, but followers of Christ are.

Myanmar flooding: the damage

An estimated 1 million people nationwide have been affected by Myanmar’s severe flooding since June. What began as annual monsoon flooding soon escalated with the arrival of Cyclone Komen on July 26.

“Flooding on this level hasn’t happened like this before,” missionaries tell Cotton.

“Houses are under water, and landslides are destroying any remaining roads. People are staying in schools and monasteries.”

The exact scope of flood damage is difficult to assess, as reports vary.

Many claim the current Myanmar flooding is the country’s worst natural disaster since Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

Myanmar flooding: the response

At least 6 of the 16 indigenous ministries assisted by Christian Aid Mission in Myanmar are actively responding to the crisis at-hand.

One is using its church building as a relief center to help more than 100 families. Another ministry partner handed out 1,500 meals to flood survivors in a 3-day span.

“They can mobilize their church members and send out teams to these different [remote] villages. They know where these villages are, and they know how to reach them,” explains Cotton.

That knowledge is key when meeting immediate needs is the difference between life and death.

“Oftentimes, they’re the first ones in the villages to bring supplies,” Cotton shares.

The presence of indigenous ministries often makes an eternal difference, too. As their workers bring food, tarps, and clothing to flood survivors, they get to share the Truth of the Gospel.

“When something like this happens, meeting that physical need and showing [survivors] you care opens that door for sharing the love of Christ with them,” explains Cotton.

“They want to know, ‘Why are you helping me? You’re in the same boat as me.’ It’s a powerful testimony, and many come to Christ as a result of it.”

Recovery from the current bout of Myanmar flooding is expected to take months, if not years.

Indigenous missionaries need YOUR help to continue reaching out. Find the whys and hows here.

“Now is the time to reach out and show God’s love and His glory by meeting needs,” one indigenous missionary told Cotton.

Source: Mission Network News