One natural disaster after another....

I feel at loss for words with the recent catastrophies in Myanmar and now, China. The combined death toll and the level of suffering people are experiencing are just staggering.

Over 100,000 people are estimated to have already died as a result of the recent cyclone in Myanmar, many of them children, and it could easily go up to 150,000 due to the government’s slow response in allowing aid to enter the country. Literally hundreds of thousands have been rendered homeless, losing everything, and are now in danger from exposure, disease and starvation. These figures are beyond comprehension in terms of the immense human suffering.

I have been feeling pretty angry at how the ruling junta in Myanmar has been handling the disaster and the lack of concern shown toward its own people. I have been praying that relief would get in there quickly. Even though I live so much closer to Myanmar, it still feels so far away.... I don't like that feeling... I guess it's this feeling of helplessness that I don't like....

I know that foreign aid, especially from the U.S. is not very welcome in Myanmar currently. Cindy P. (an ex-pat worker who has been in this region for 20+ years) has some contacts with Burmese Christians there who can make sure relief funds get into the country quickly as possible. If you want to help or want to know more about how to give, please send me an email.