God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea…
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Psalm 46:1-2, 11
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The earthquake affected the region as far as Thailand, China and India.
The early reported death toll is 144 but expected to grow. Rescue efforts are hampered by lack of resources.
The government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, however the ongoing civil war affects the government’s ability to respond.
Airports, highways and bridges are damaged which may quickly result in food shortages since distribution flows from the countryside to the urban areas. Power generation facilities are also damaged.
In neighbouring Thailand, a high rise building under construction collapsed. An unknown number of workers may be in the rubble.
“Praise God that my family and the Mennonites in the Yangon and Delta region are safe,” writes the leader of Bible Missionary Church, Mennonite, in Myanmar. “However, the exact situation of the Mennonites in central Myanmar is still unknown.
“Please pray for Myanmar. Your prayers are the only solution to the problem of Myanmar.”
As a global church, we surround these brothers and sisters in prayer.
Please join us in prayer:
- For those grieving, those trapped, and those who have lost everything.
- For God’s peace and intervention amid civil war, and strength for aid workers.
- For the Mennonite communities and others suffering, that they may find hope and resilience.
- For swift relief and access for those providing aid.
- For leaders – especially pastors and leaders in our MWC member churches in the affected region: may God grant them strength and courage to sit with those most impacted and be the loving arms of Jesus.
- For the global Anabaptist family to respond with solidarity, generosity and faithfulness in prayer.
*Developed with Mennonite Church Canada Witness
update: 31 March 2025
*As of 31 March 2025, the reported death toll is 1 600. However, rescue efforts have not been sufficient to respond to the magnitude of need.
The leader of Bible Missionary Church, Mennonite, in Myanmar expresses particular concern for Muslims who are a marginalized minority in Myanmar. Since the quake happened on Friday during Ramadan, many were gathered in mosques which collapsed on them. “The Muslims of Taungoo are close friends of our BMC in peacebuilding.
“We are willing to assist with food and water for the Mennonites, the surrounding communities and to provide humanitarian aid to our Muslim friends as much as we can.”
Add your own message of prayer and solidarity in the comments below.
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