Can You Say Myanmar?

Myanmar is a new word for me. I would have been hard pressed to find it on a map. Actually it is the place we used to call Burma. It is located west of China and its western coastline is defined by the Bay of Bengal. Now you can picture exactly where it is. (Yeah right!) The country is known for its magnificent Buddhist temples and lush mountain forests. It has life giving rivers and many wonders for the eye. However, do not let the beauty deceive you. It has been a country ruled by a notoriously repressive military government.

Tragedy struck Myanmar May 4, 2008. Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit their coast with 120 miles per hour winds. Villages in the Irrawaddy delta took the hardest hit. Although this area makes up only 5% of Myanmar's territory it is the home of 25% of its population. Those affected directly and indirectly by the storm will be in the millions. The need for food, purified water, blankets, mosquito nets, health kits, and cooking equipment is huge. The Myanmar government is not able to handle the crises alone. What is worse is that it has refused help from others.

Ironically we had Naval ships in the area loaded with supplies performing a training exercise for such an emergency. Relief was not only available it could have been delivered quickly. That is until the Military Junta denied permission to the United States for help. Some of the supplies they allowed in from other nations were stolen and confiscated by the government. That is insane!

How do you help people that will not let you help? I know in this case it is their government's fault, but as a minister I know all too well the frustration of trying to help people in desperate need - yet they refuse the help. There are marriages in need of something, families in financial crises, and lives that are simply out of control. I want you to know there is a world that longs to help. There is a church that is praying for your relief. However, relief will not come until it is received! Grace must be accepted! To refuse is simply insane.

May14, 2008