Burma Cyclone: Aid for Persecuted Christians
The devastation caused by the cyclone and tidal surge which hit Burma (Myanmar) this month has shocked the whole world. The suffering is beyond imagining, with an estimated 150,000 dead, a million homeless and no one knows how many lacking food and fresh water. The media do not report the severe prosecution which the Christian minority in Burma has been enduring for decades. The repressive military junta has been merciless in their treatment of ethnic minorities, amongst whom are many Christians. Forced labour and forced relocation, destruction of villages and crops, have resulted in untold hardship, starvation, and many deaths. Some of the persecution focuses specifically on churches and Christian activities.
An estimated two million Christians live in the five regions which have been declared disaster zones. This is about half the total number of Christians in the whole of Burma. Many Christians live in rural areas, where building materials are often made from bamboo or wood, much less able to withstand a cyclone than the brick and concrete used in cities. In two regions where the cyclone was at its strongest, Rangoon and Irrawaddy, there are around 726,000 Christians. Another of the disaster zones, Karen, has a population which is 44% Christian. Karen Christians, especially women and children, have often been used as human mine sweepers, made to walk in front of troops in areas where mines have been laid.
Barnabas Fund is working with Christian partners in Burma to ensure that victims of the cyclone receive help. The disaster will have long-term effects. After emergency relief has been provided, there will be the need to rebuild or repair houses. To make a donation, please contact Barnabas Fund on 07 3806 1076. Please pray for the people in Burma. They have endured so many years of persecution and their faith has not failed. Pray that they will have grace to face this new trial.
