The horrific natural disasters that have hit China and Burma this month have affected the lives of many local Christians.

The shocking destruction of Cyclone Nargis which hit Burma (Myanmar) has obliterated villages and left millions without homes, food, and water. It has also created an even more volatile environment for Christians who already suffer from religious and ethnic persecution.

More than a million Christians live in the five regions of the Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Bago, Karen & Mon, which have been declared disaster zones. 
Reports from this region encourage us to continue to keep on praying for Christians and those in need.

Thank God that:

• Burmese people all over the world have come back or are considering coming back to Myanmar to assist in the relief work.
• Myanmar Christians and churches are helping with relief work, even though they have limited resources.

Keep on praying for God:

• To comfort those who have lost everything and that they may see their need for the Lord.
• To strengthen and protect those who are helping the victims and that the relief work will not be hindered by the authorities or the weather.
• To empower and give wisdom to the Christian leaders in Myanmar to cooperate and work together in assisting the needy.

In China, the devastation is just as tragic with tens of thousands killed and millions homeless.

The National Director of Bible League Australia said that we should never forget the spiritual need.

“As tragic as it is, the devastation of the earthquakes has opened up an opportunity to speak into the hearts of the Chinese people,” he said. “They need to know what life in Jesus Christ has to offer—true hope, peace and salvation.

“Bible League is unique because it doesn’t just hand out Bibles. Through local Bible-League-trained believers, seekers participate in evangelistic and discipleship Bible studies. It’s through these studies that many people come to know Christ as their Saviour.

“Please pray that God will open the hearts and minds of people in China to hear His voice, read His Word and come to know Christ as their Saviour. Pray also for God’s strength and protection over Bible League—trained believers as they share His Word of hope with seekers.”

Place Bibles with persecuted Christians and seekers in China or Southeast Asia.

Go to 28 May 2008 E-news | Go to 7 May issue | Go to past issues