Your Prayers at Work: Myanmar One Month After the Quake
One month has passed since the March 28 earthquake that devastated Myanmar. Because of your prayers and support, our Country Working Team and local church networks have been able to respond to urgent needs. Thank you.
Situation Update
Official reports confirm at least 3,700 deaths, 5,100 injured and hundreds still missing. Although many are still unaccounted for.
Widespread destruction: 60,000+ homes, 6,700 schools, 576 health facilities, and over 9,600 religious sites buildings, this includes church buildings, damaged or destroyed.
Infrastructure such as roads, dams, bridges and buildings are damaged and fragile, with many at risk of collapsing as aftershocks continue.
Basic utilities such as electricity and water have resumed in different areas but remain unstable.
Military airstrikes also continue despite an official ceasefire agreement.
Daily life is far from normal in Mandalay and surrounding areas. Aftershocks continue leaving people in fear. According to one of our Country Working Team (CWT) members who travelled to the affected area:
The people here are deeply traumatized. Even small tremors cause panic. Many still won’t return to their homes in fear that they would collapse at any moment. Thousands of survivors still sleep in make-shift tents or on the roadside at night.
Local Response
Relief efforts continue as communities and international aid agencies work around the clock. Immediate needs are continually being addressed and our Country Working Teams and church networks are reaching those in need across different affected areas.
What Your Support Has Made Possible
Through your prayers and giving, we’ve been able to reach 657 families (as of April 28) in Mandalay and surrounding areas. Relief packs, which include essential items such as dry food, clean water, tarps, tents, mosquito nets and mini solar panels, have been to distributed the the families.
We praise God that our country working team members are not only responding to physical needs but also sharing Christ’s love amid chaos and uncertainties. As one of our leaders shared:
When we go to areas to distribute help, we take it as an opportunity to share God’s love through our actions. We may not always be able speak openly about the Gospel while distributing aid, but by God’s wisdom, we make sure to always offer an open invitation to those interested in knowing His love to come to our church for deeper conversations. So far, many have shown interest and responded warmly.
We also want to thank those who have given toward the rebuilding and renovation of the GIFT Training Center, one of our training centres in Mandalay, which incurred significant damage during the earthquake. This centre has been vital for equipping local believers, and we look forward to it’s full restoration in the coming months
The Church’s Response
Despite the devastation, local churches continue to gather in smaller house groups or outdoors. Prayer and intercession is ongoing consistently for their nation. On the 28th of April, churches across Myanmar united in prayer, fasting and worship to mark the first month since the quake. In the midst of uncertainty, they remain firm on their foundation and continue to hold fast to their Living Hope.
Testimony from Our CWT
“When the earthquake hit, I was at a wedding rehearsal. My wife was out sharing the Gospel, and our pregnant daughter was home alone. Everything shook violently, and I remember my heart was pounding. I was in shock at what had just happened. We all ran out of the buildings we were in, and by God’s grace, we were safe.
We ended up sleeping outside near the railway for four nights. Water and electricity were completely cut off, and we had only 30 litres of water during those first few days. Power came back after four days, but even before the quake, our supply was unreliable, so in a way, it wasn’t new to us.
Was I afraid? At times, yes. But ultimately, I fear only the Lord.
In the early days, neighbors helped each other with what little they had. Now, as more aid has started to come in, it has helped ease some of the burden. Still, the greatest needs remain: rebuilding and peace.
Through it all, I thank God for this special opportunity to show love in action. To reach both believers and non-believers during this difficult time.”
- Pastor John, part of our Country Working Team (CWT) and local church network
Please Continue to Pray:
For healing and hope in affected communities.
For peace that surpasses all understanding amid fear and anxiety.
For the journey of restoration and rebuilding.
For strength and wisdom for local churches as they make Christ visible and the Gospel relevant.
For protection and guidance for our CWT on the ground.
Thank you once again for standing with our brothers and sisters in Myanmar through your prayers and practical support.
As we move forward, we are committed to working alongside our CWT and local church networks, not only in providing immediate relief, but also in supporting restoration and rebuilding. We will continue to keep you updated as more reports come in.
Until then, may the Lord continue to strengthen and use His Church to bring hope, healing, and restoration to the nations.