We have been praying daily for our dear brothers and sisters in Myanmar. I have regular contact with our Field Director, Pastor Thawng. He confirmed that the church White Fields planted in the capital city suffered the collapse of the apartment complex many of the church members lived in, and they fled to other places, sleeping in fields and grass areas. Thankfully, none of the church members lost their lives.
Pastor Thawng, Earthquake Update from Naypyidaw
“I contacted Pastor Cung (you visited him last time you came to Naypidaw). His family and his members are safe. Many buildings collapsed. Many in the community died, too. The apartments where Cung’s members live collapsed. They all run to safe places on the road and football fields, parks, etc., because the news announced that there will be another earthquake that will happen—aftershocks. Please pray for them.”
The destruction has been significant. I experienced the Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles, enduring the aftershocks and chaos that follow a disaster like an earthquake. The recovery will be long-term and will not happen overnight. Our White Fields churches, which have been planted over the years, are in the communities and ready to minister to the people in distress.
Help is Already on the Way
Our pastors from Yangon are planning a trip to the center of the earthquake. Here is a message from Pastor Thawng:
Due to your prayer help, our ministry is doing well, and the Lord added more members to our church and mission churches. Several people were converted to Christ. I also thank God for our Bible School; the Lord guided us to the end of the academic year. Most of our students are staying on campus because they have no place to go home. Their parents became refugees because of severe fighting.
(The civil war continues, and many of the villagers flee into the jungles to avoid the battles between the military and the rebels.)
The earthquake that occurred on Friday, March 28, was so severe that many buildings collapsed, and roads, streets, and bridges were damaged. Many people lost their lives, were injured, or are still missing. Sagaing City was the epicenter of the quake, and numerous individuals have been calling out for help. Unfortunately, rescuers were unable to reach them until just recently. Several churches are also located in the affected area.
Therefore, we are preparing to help with the rescue work in the affected Cities. We are fundraising in our community, and we hope to go to the affected area as soon as possible, at least within this week, for the first trip. We need your prayer help. Thank you for praying.
Churches in Yangon Gathered an Offering to Help with Recovery
Thursday, April 3, 2025, White Fields churches in Yangon organized the first trip to bring relief to the most devastated communities. They have coordinated with the military government to follow all rules and protocols so they can travel through all the military checkpoints. Please pray for their safety.
Can You Help the Recovery? Give to the Frontline Pastors.
The first step in all our efforts is to call upon the Lord for guidance, asking Him to bring His divine blessings and protection. I hope you will all gather members of your church to pray for our pastors. Secondly, we can give according to our ability. White Fields sends the emergency relief funds right into the hands of our pastors for relief efforts. Food, medical supplies, and clothing are the first things people need.
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
This is not just a story of recovery; it’s a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the pastors leading local churches who are determined to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus. Unlike large international relief organizations, our pastors travel directly to the affected cities, bringing hope and support to the churches and local pastors who are deeply rooted in their communities. Known and trusted, the local pastor becomes a beacon of relief, delivering aid in the name of Jesus. Our pastors possess the unique access and freedom to touch lives and uplift the spirits of those in need.
Soon, This Disaster will not be in the News
I spoke with a mission pastor from a partner church this week. He inquired about how soon they needed to gather support for us. He then considered that it would actually take a long time for these communities to recover. Their church is thinking about how to provide help over the long term.
Yes, it will be a long-term recovery. The disaster has affected many people, and they will need help. The recovery is not over. It will not be complete when the news media shifts its focus to the next major disaster that captures their attention. Your ongoing prayers and support can help churches spread the gospel by providing generous assistance to communities in desperate need. You can make a difference.
Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,
2 Corinthians 9:13
Reaching into the Remotest Village
God blesses us in many ways to support the pastors reaching the remotest villages with the Good News. Pastor Solomon was not at home when the earthquake hit. His family was at home in the two-story brick building that serves as the worship gathering and their home. Solomon’s family told him that the Church building was shaking for around five minutes at two times, but by the grace of God, the church building was saved.
Pastor Solomon embarked on an evangelistic trip to a mountain village to disciple and train the local church in spreading the gospel. He taught them how to share the message that the Creator God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. We are grateful to every partner at White Fields who has made this outreach possible.
Get involved and help bring the inspiration, innovation, and unbreakable bonds of local churches and pastors that emerge in times of crisis. Delve into the incredible strides being made on the frontlines! Become the solution today.
