Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which has killed thousands and destroyed many buildings, evangelicals are reporting a desperate need for aid – and glimmers of gospel opportunity.
The 7.7 magnitude quake has prompted an immediate humanitarian crisis in a country which has been gripped by civil conflict for four years, with missionaries in the nation already experiencing a “tenfold increase” in requests for missionary aid even before the earthquake.
Andrew Dudgeon, from Christian mission organisation Platform 67, told en of the already huge need facing the nation before the quake – the United States’ recently implemented sudden freeze of humanitarian aid had had a big impact on both humanitarian and missionary initiatives, including those run by Platform 67 partners on the Thai-Myanmar border. Food provision had stopped overnight, medical facilities had to close, and water systems in refugee camps were disrupted.
Following the quake, Dudgeon spoke of increased challenges, but also new opportunities: “We thank the Lord that every local worker, evangelist, missionary and pastor connected with our partners in Myanmar and the Thai border region has confirmed they are safe after the recent earthquake.
“They have said that the challenge is now huge. Much of Myanmar already lives below the poverty line, so the economic impact on these workers and those whom they serve has been devastating. Many lost everything. At the same time, there are opportunities emerging for witness as relief is distributed and the Good News proclaimed.”
David Nyi Nyi Naing, Bishop of Mandalay, told Crosslinks that people in the country’s second-largest city, which is close to the area of greatest impact from the quake, urgently need international and local help.
However, he emphasised the overarching need for the civil war gripping the nation to come to an end, with humanitarian efforts complicated somewhat by the need for many aid groups to acquire permission from Myanmar’s military forces to support the relief effort.
Naing said: “Your prayer is our strength and hope. Our people are suffering under the military rule. Please remember us in your prayers. By the grace of God the church is able to help during this difficult time.”
The Southeast Asian country had already been devastated by unrest since its democratically elected government was ousted in a coup by the nation’s military junta in early 2021, and some airstrikes reportedly continued in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
This fighting between junta and rebel forces has seen civilians, including many Christians, caught in the crossfire.
“High levels of violence [are] taking place in Christian-majority states,” Dudgeon said. “Other communities are affected too, not least the Rohingya people in Rakhine State. However, Christians are also targeted simply for being followers of Jesus. They risk losing their homes, torture, arrest or being killed. Many have suffered.
“We hear frequent and humbling accounts of faithfulness as believers gather to worship and encourage one another. Evangelism and church-planting work continues.”
