Myanmar (MNN) ― In the wake of one of the worst cyclones to hit Myanmar, the country's junta government is finally allowing some aid on the ground. It may not be soon enough for those in the outlying regions.
Official media reports now say as many as 10,000 people were killed in one town alone. The storm's 12-foot tidal surges and high winds blasted away the bamboo huts that dotted the low-lying coastal areas where death tolls would be catastrophic.
Rural areas, already primitive, are likely to be the last to receive any aid that does trickle in. Faith-based humanitarian groups joined the voices urging the junta government to loosen restrictions at the borders--with little success.
Global Advance's David Shibley notes one prospect: "The government is being resistant to aid. However, this does give opportunity for some mission groups that are already on the ground there to be very significantly used." There are some agencies with projects in the hard-hit areas that will be able to make use of an already-established distribution network.
According to the 2008 Open Doors' World Watch List, Myanmar ranks 25th among the world's worst persecutors of believers. A police state, it is approximately 90 percent Buddhist and 4 percent Christian. Most of the country's Christians belong to ethnic minorities.
Shibley explains, "This is a very repressive culture against the Gospel, and yet there is a small but vigorous and growing and multiplying church." He conducted a pastors' training conference some time ago that laid the groundwork for partnerships. From that, he saw a readiness from these leaders to communicate the love of Christ however they could.
That's what's behind his great hope for evangelistic opportunities. Shibley says these Christians will be ready with answers because, "For some, they will see this tragedy as an act of punishment for not following their religion closely enough. But many others will see the bankruptcy of their traditional religions and be open to the Gospel in a way that they had not been, previously."
Pray that food, clean water and shelter will be delivered to the neediest as soon as possible. Pray too that Christians in Burma will feel the peace and comfort of worldwide prayers.
