Praying for Myanmar post-earthquake

Last week, Sarah Newnham, MU’s Director of Global Programmes, and Naomi Herbert, MU’s Acting Head of Literacy & Strategic Partnerships, met with Naw Laldini, Provincial Community Development Coordinator in Myanmar, alongside the two Diocesan Presidents and MU Coordinators for Mandalay and Toungoo, to provide an update on the effects of the earthquake.  

Over 54 churches have been affected in the two dioceses of Mandalay and Toungoo. Although MU members are safe, many have had their properties destroyed. Even up until today, there are after-shocks occurring, leaving people traumatised and with weakened mental health and well-being.  

In Mandalay, eight churches have been destroyed alongside 30 MU member’s homes. In the Toungoo diocese, 207 houses and 14 parishes with 46 churches have been affected. In addition to the environmental challenges and destruction, up to five parishes have had to move because of the country’s civil conflict, which has escalated since the earthquake. Priests have been moving communities to bomb shelters for protection.  

As always, MU is mobilising on the ground and doing what they can using their own resources. Currently they are coordinating the distribution of basic provisions such as sanitary products and clothes for members in the Mandalay Diocese. They are working with the Provincial Development Office to identify the most vulnerable people in their area. People are fearful to stay inside buildings due to the aftershocks and are choosing to stay outside despite it being the rainy season. 

Churches are helping the community with their specific needs where they can, and local NGOs have given tents to people without shelter. However, more shelters are urgently needed. The church is doing what they can, but are limited due to loss of utilities, power and resources. MU members have been cooking food, and providing pure water and purification tablets, as much of the water is contaminated, and illness is increasing without clean water. Clothing bundles have been given out to those most affected in the communities.  

What can we be doing to help? 

Our sisters and brothers in Myanmar who are suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake need us to pray. With heavy hearts, we can lift their cries up to the Lord. Here are some points we can be praying:  

• For strength and resources for Mothers' Union members who are preparing food, distributing necessities, and coordinating relief efforts despite their own losses. 

• For the Provincial Development Office as they identify the most vulnerable people, that aid may reach people and communities in greatest need. 

• For the affected churches in Mandalay and Toungoo dioceses, that they may be restored as places of worship and refuge. 

• For people and families whose homes have been destroyed, that they may find safe shelter during this rainy season. 

• For protection from illness as people face contaminated water sources, and thanksgiving for the provision of clean water and purification tablets. 

• For healing of trauma and mental health concerns as aftershocks continue to affect communities. 

• For the priests relocating people to bomb shelters amid ongoing conflict that has worsened since the earthquake. For peace to be secured in the affected parishes and for Myanmar as a whole.  

• For unity, compassion, and generosity as the Church, MU and community organisations work together with limited resources to meet overwhelming needs. 

May your comfort be felt by all those affected, and may you multiply their limited resources to meet the great needs they face. 
Amen.