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MYANMAR DISASTER REPORT

UPDATE POSTED May 9, 2008

From the Office Manager (AMG’s office serving Myanmar and Thailand):

“Our Director has been in Yangon, Myanmar since 7^th May morning. He had a meeting with local church leaders. He also delivered some medicines and about 60kg of other supplies. After the meeting 20 evangelists left for 10 locations to distribute the emergency supplies, taking with them about $600(US) as well. They will meet again next Wednesday to plan their next steps.

“In Yangon our Director was able to discuss the situation with an authorized person of the National Rescue and Relief Committee from the Dept. of Social Welfare. He was told that any help in kind or in cash are welcome but recommendations for visa applications cannot be made. They are not ready to accept a lot of foreigners to the disaster areas. Aid materials can be delivered by shipping or flights. Advance notice needs to be secured. Photos cannot be taken beyond the airport or harbor areas. Arrangements to deliver materials can be only by Myanmar nationals. They will be in charge for the distribution also.

“There is still a need for more medicine, food, clothes, mosquito nets and things which will be useful for daily use are needed.

“AMG (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel) is a registered non-profit Christian organization helping the needy children of Thailand and Myanmar (not registered in Myanmar) AMG aims to spread the good news to Thai and Myanmar through children’s ministries.

“Thank you very much for your great concern for our people. Please continue your prayers that they may see and feel the love of the living God through this hard time.”

In Him,

POSTED May 6, 2008

Few of us can remain unmoved by the reports of the recent disaster in Myanmar (Burma). The severity of the storm and the extensive damage has taken everyone by surprise.

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, 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 our hope to use that advantage in whatever way God directs and provides.

Read and listen to an in-depth report from Mission Network News >>

Two days after the storm, AMG received the following communication:

God willing I will be leaving for Yangon the morning of May 8^th to meet with the WFC/ Local church. Pray for me that God will open a way for the local church to do the relief work and also meet the needs.

1) To set up the work team (including local evangelists and local people)

2) To set up the plan to travel to many places as we can and help them build shelters

3) To provide emergency assistance – rice, salt, fish paste and candles, radios and batteries if possible

4) To provide financial help to rebuild damaged homes

After one week, I will come back to Yangon for further planning. In the mean time, we will buy generators to help community. There will be a follow up effort later. I will plan to report back to you after Saturday, the 10th.

These are the plans. Please try to help us from AMG-US.

AMG has already sent $10,000 for immediate relief measures. We would like to send more. Two things will help determine what “more” will be:

a) Word from our partners in Myanmar and Thailand about specific needs we can help meet, and

b) The generous response of AMG friends and sponsors to this opportunity.

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.