"The magnitude of this crisis is overwhelming," said Stephen Than, the Primate of Myanmar, describing the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck six regions across Myanmar in late March.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre near Mandalay, was also felt in Thailand. It was the strongest quake to hit Myanmar in more than 100 years.
"Many lives have been lost, and countless buildings have collapsed. The crisis has led to a severe shortage of rescue workers, essential supplies, and medical personnel," Archbishop Than wrote in an appeal to Australian Anglicans. "Two dioceses of the Church of the Province of Myanmar—the Diocese of Mandalay and the Diocese of Taungoo—have suffered extensive damage."
With the death toll exceeding 4,500, Archbishop Than explained that the Church of the Province of Myanmar has mobilized a Disaster Management Committee, which is struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for relief and rehabilitation.
"Additionally, our churches have become places of refuge for non-Christian earthquake victims seeking shelter and humanitarian assistance," the Archbishop added.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel and GAFCON Australia have commended an appeal launched by the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Australia (ARDFA).
According to ARDFA, the most urgent needs are food, water, and temporary shelter.
"The Mandalay Mothers Union is initially organising 1000 lunch boxes per day for those affected by the earthquake. Both the Mandalay and Taungoo dioceses are mobilising volunteers to distribute food, water, medicine, temporary shelter, mosquito nets, and torches in the first instance." ARDFA says.
The appeal page is here.
Dear Lord,
You are the God of all comfort, sovereign over all creation. We come to you today with heavy hearts for all those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. We ask for your protection for all impacted by the earthquake, especially those needing to be rescued, medical assistance, and emergency aid.
We pray for those displaced, injured, and mourning. We pray for comfort and strength for those who have lost loved ones, homes, possessions, and livelihood. Please help them as they look to you in their times of trouble. Hear their cry for help in their time of affliction. Help them to find hope in Jesus, in the depths of their despair.
We pray for those involved in the rescue operation and emergency efforts. We pray for the ministry of the Anglican church in Myanmar, as they bring hope and help to those made vulnerable by this disaster. Give them the physical and emotional fortitude to continue their selfless efforts. May the name of Jesus be praised through their efforts.
Please be with Archbishop Stephan Than, Bishop David Nyi Nyi of Mandalay Diocese, Bishop Saw John Wilme of Toungoo Diocese, along with their clergy and laity, and the Disaster Relief Committee as they manage the relief effort and demonstrate the love of Jesus to those affected.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen
Photos: Myanmar official broadcaster MRTV
