The recent devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma) was tremendous. The severity of the storm and the extensive damage took everyone by surprise. As this article was written, the most recent estimate placed the number of likely dead from the cyclone at more than 130,000. Many more lost everything they had.

Half a world away, we can only imagine what it must be like to have been swept up in the storm, to have lost family, possessions, home, and livelihood— everything! — and have to start over again.

Relief efforts are complicated by the structure of the nation and its culture. Visas are hard to come by. Suspicion of outsiders is even more difficult to overcome. While the nation and the world try to navigate these difficulties, even more lives are in peril from disease, hunger, and dislocation.

AMG’s advantage is to have ministry contacts already in the country, with permissions already in place, and access to those who need help desperately. It is a blessing to be able to use this advantage in whatever way God has been directing and providing.

Two days after the storm, AMG received a communication from one of its coworkers in the area who was leaving for Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. The first goals were to set up a work team that would include local evangelists who could travel in many places to provide emergency assistance including rice, salt, fish paste, candles, radios, and batteries if possible, and to provide financial help to rebuild damaged homes.

AMG immediately sent $10,000 for the most urgent relief measures. Our coworkers did indeed make the trip providing emergency supplies. A total of 20 evangelists left for ten locations to distribute the emergency supplies, taking with them some funds as well.

In Yangon, our Director was able to discuss the situation with an authorized representative of the National Rescue and Relief Committee from the Department of Social Welfare. He was told that any help in kind or in cash is welcome, but recommendations for visa applications could not be made. The Myanmar government was not ready to accept a lot of foreigners to the disaster areas. Aid materials could be delivered by ship or airplane, but advance notice needed to be secured. Photos could not be taken beyond the airport or harbor areas. Arrangements to deliver materials could be only by Myanmar nationals who would also be in charge of the distribution.

Our teams prayerfully continued their relief work. Ten different teams carried emergency relief to churches and believers and to communities where we have child development centers. In one area, by God’s grace only one building was completely destroyed, but the disruption and damage did affect just about everyone. All the children were safe, and their care and instruction has continued. In another area the damage was more extensive with 80-90% of the houses damaged. Other than the shelter found in government schools and monasteries, our representatives appear to have been the first to bring them any kind of relief or assistance. The local pastor was able to provide tarpaulins, medicine, and rice to meet the urgent needs.

We would like to do more to help express God’s love to those who have been devastated in Myanmar. There is still a need for more medicine, food, clothes, mosquito nets and things which will be useful for daily life.

If you would like to be part of demonstrating the generous love of God to those in need because of this storm, you may send your gift to AMG. Designate it for “Disaster Relief Fund,” and we will put it to work immediately.

• Also see "A Myanmar Disaster Report" in the July issue of Pulpit Helps magazine.