Disaster Relief

Disaster Relief: Thailand Flooding Continues
November 21st, 2011 7:54 AM

Thailand is still experiencing flooding in the Bangkok area.  Continue to pray for our workers in Thailand along with the Baan Sang Khom Childcare Center as they have been experiencing flooding.  Here what the childcare center director, Pramwadee, reports:

Baan Sang Khom Child Care Center and church is located near the sea.  Most of the child’s parents

are poor laborers living in the community, while others built their house next to the river. This year’s flood is very disastrous, but we thank God that this huge body of water hasn’t reached us yet. The unordinary rise of the sea level alone, however, has awfully impacts our ways of life. The streets around the church areas, including the neighboring communities and many of the children’s home, are flooded. As of now, the height of the flood is still determined by the sea level.

To help with the flood victims, we have put together survivor packs including rice, noodles, canned fish, oil, fish sauce, tissue, snacks, and etc., which are delivered to the houses in need.

Many of the children homes that are near the river or located in a low landscape are flooded and damage. Entering or leaving their own home becomes an impossible task. Many parents have sent their children away after they evacuate from the house since the government announced the schools in the flooded areas to remain closed, while the parents still need to go to work in order to support their family.

Thank you for all your prayers, and please pray that God will allow this opportunity to let the peoples heart to be soften, and that they will learn to trust in him and be faithful with the Lord.

Pray with us for our co-workers in Thailand as they continue to minister to those affected by the flooding.  If you would like to contribute to their efforts give to the AMG Disaster Relief Fund and specify it is for “Thailand Flood Relief.” 

Posted by Karen Farney in Disaster Relief, Thailand   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Thai Flood Impact
October 28th, 2011 1:49 PM

The news reports call it the worst flooding in five decades!  Has it affected the AMG ministries in Thailand, and in particular, are the childcare centers and sponsored children safe?

Ron Hamme, our AMG missionary in Chiang Mai (northern Thailand) reports:

“We had two days of flooding through several parts of Chiang Mai about a month ago.  The rainy season has now come to an end, so we are looking at sunny, hot days.  But not so for Bangkok.  All the rain of the last several months has sent a deluge in that direction.  As for our child-care centers in Nan and Museekee, they are NOT flooded.  Earlier flooding in Nan did wipe out the electricity to Camp Joy and the Joy Youth Development Center for about two months, but they are again with power. “

Chowkee Zaw Min, our AMG National Director in Thailand, lives in Bangkok, and reports:

“Most of the people in Bangkok have fled the city to the provinces last night and this morning.  By the Grace of God, until this time the office, our homes, and all of the AMG childcare centers ARE SAFE.  However, the only childcare center in Bangkok (most of the AMG childcare centers in Thailand are in the mountains or highlands in Northern Thailand) - Baan Sang Khom (35 AMG sponsored children), will probably be affected because it is near the sea.  I am in communication with the project director, have sent him funds, and we are making plans for evacuation, temporary housing, and emergency supplies for the families.  We have also bought several small boats for the center, so they can move around and get help from the government and others that are providing relief.  Please pray with us that the flood will not reach our center, and that the children will be safe and in good health.”

Chowkee has been part of a team working to provide help to the flooding victims since September.  AMG has sent funds to help purchase boats, food, bedding, drinking water, medical kits, etc.  Contributions to the AMG Disaster Relief Fund are needed to help with this disaster response, and to be prepared for the next disaster.  Please pray, and please give. 

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Thailand, Diaster Relief   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Thailand Floods
October 26th, 2011 8:00 AM

Earlier this month we reported on the flooding caused by excessive monsoon rain that has drowned Thailand since July.   These rains have put 700,000 people out of work, caused billions in damage, and at least 356 people have died due to the floods. Thailand is still experiencing flooding today. 

Phithakchai, one of our co-workers in Thailand, recently gave us a report on how the AMG Thailand childcare centers are doing and how AMG Thailand plans on reaching out to those in desperate need.  Thankfully he reported that none of our childcare centers have been affected and all the children are safe.  AMG Thailand is located in Bangkok and currently the Don Mueang airport is closed. The government has called a five day holiday to allow everyone living on the outskirts of Bangkok to evacuate. Our co-workers are taking precaution in case the flooding spreads into the heart of the city.  AMG Thailand hopes to get a boat with an engine to survey the damage and help the victims giving food, water, shelter, and clothing to those who have lost everything.  AMG Thailand hopes to be an encouragement to those devastated by this flood and to share the hope of Jesus with them. 

Please pray for the country of Thailand as they continue to fight the flooding and try to recover from the massive losses.  Pray for AMG Thailand for the needed recourses to give out to those who have lost their homes as they share Christ’s love.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Disaster Relief, Thailand   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Thailand Flooding
October 6th, 2011 11:13 AM

Flooding in central Thailand has affected two million families. 

AMG has two childcare centers in central Thailand, Living Stream and Bright Home. While the centers have not been damaged, the project manager of Bright Home stated that one child’s home has been affected. They have moved to live with a relative.

In Muang district Uthanithani, flooding has devastated around 80% of city. The residents are unable to return home until flooding decreases over the next month or two. Victims need food, medicine, shoes (boots shoes) to protect their feet and a punt for transportation. A punt is a flat- bottomed boat used for navigating small rivers or shallow water.

Last week, AMG Thailand visited a church member in Uthani Thani district who has been affected by the flood. Please pray for Thailand and the many people affected by this flood.

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Thailand, Disaster Relief   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Quick Response
June 17th, 2011 7:34 AM

God had been preparing Popular Springs Baptist Church to respond after the tornados devastated their community on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Many church members had spent time in Waveland Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. After several years of mission trips to Waveland they had gained valuable experience in disaster relief and relationship building with the community.

When the senior pastor arrived at the church on Thursday morning, members of the church had already cleared debris and fallen trees from the church property. Even though there was no power at the church, they organized three meals per day, counseling for victims, and a food pantry. 

AMG came alongside Popular Springs in their effort to help Ringgold recover from the storms. They provided shelving for food items. They also purchased a generator to run the kitchen and emergency lights in the gymnasium.

Many people came to the church for support. One incredible story was of a couple who had moved to Ringgold several months before the storm. They had no family or friends in the area. After the storm this couple needed help. Popular Springs provided food and counseling. Now the couple is coming to various fellowships at the church.

Before the storms, Popular Springs had been burdened to connect with their community. God had been preparing their hearts so they could respond with Christ’s love in a tangible way. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God calls His people to demonstrate His love by helping one another.   

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Disaster Relief, Ringgold Georgia   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Recovering after the Storm
May 3rd, 2011 9:52 AM

On April 27^th the south was hit by multiple storms which brought strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and destructive tornadoes.  Many in the Chattanooga area left without power, without homes, and some lost loved ones. 

AMG International is partnering with Poplar Spring Baptist Church in Ringgold, GA and Apison Baptist Church in Apison, TN which are FEMA staging centers.  These churches have been serving the community as a meal center, preparing and serving 3 meals daily to those with damaged or destroyed homes, or are yet without power.  Both are also a distribution center for water, food, and supplies while sharing the love and hope of Christ.    

What can you do?

1.       Pray for the victims, their families, and the disaster relief workers, teams, and support personnel.

2.       Donate to these relief efforts through AMG International.  Give online here and click on "Local Tornado Disaster Relief", or call 1.800.251.7206 and ask for Holly or Ruth.  We are only accepting monetary donations at this time. 

Posted by Karen Farney   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: India Fishermen Community
April 25th, 2011 7:30 AM

Fifty-five houses of a fishermen community in Bheemili were destroyed due to a fire on April 15^th 2011.  The fishermen families lost all their belongings and were left on the road.  The Commissioner, Bheemili Municipality called the AMG Director the following day to request food for the victims.   AMG provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to the victims.  Please pray for the familes in this community.

AMG India extends a helping hand by providing emergency relief for victims of tsunami, fire, flood, famine and cyclones.  Here is the AMG India website for more information.

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in India, Disaster Relief   |  0 Comment(s)

Disaster Relief: Myanmar Earthquake
March 29th, 2011 12:17 PM

Myanmar Earthquake on March 25th caused damage in the Golden Triangle Area near the Thai border.  AMG director in Thailand shares what happened in several remote villages.

Ten houses in the Yan shin village were destroyed beyond repairs.  There were no casualties in this village, only injuries.
 
In the Kyar Ku Nyi village, all the 145 houses or buildings were damaged beyond repair. The village church collapsed during the evening prayer meeting. Twenty-two were killed and fifty others were severely injured.  The hospital medicine supply was not enough to treat victims.
 
In Tarley, all the building were either collapsed or destroyed.  Some two-story buildings were swallowed or sunk into the earth.
 
In Monglin, 40 people died under the collapsed buildings. The whole village was totally destroyed or damaged.  

All the motor car roads leading to Tarley were cracked.  Vehicles were unable to pass along these roads.  It was reported that 70 people died in Tarley and Monglin.
 
All the 120 houses or buildings in Bethel (Ba Ta nik) village which was also in Tarley were damage beyond repairs.

Church collapse

 Searching for victims

         Destruction in village

Rescue teams devoted to helping the victims do not have enough equipment to do the work.  Specific needs for these villagers are:  
* Drinking pure water
* Foods
* Medicines
* Clothes
* Tents etc.
 
Pray for the victims, as they struggle to rebuild their lives from the devastating earthquake.  AMG is working to help victims in northeastern Myanmar.

Posted by Stephanie Pickard   |  0 Comment(s)