August 15, 2008
UPDATE BURMA CYCLONE. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, many humanitarian agencies tried to offer their help from day one, but were continually rejected by the military junta. Ultimately achieving their goal, they were finally able to send in food and other life-saving supplies!
Many Christian Aid supporters responded to the initial requests during the first week of the crisis. The timing was perfect because only local people (with the funds) could purchase necessary provisions and only the locals were allowed to travel into affected areas to distribute them. Ministries assisted through Christian Aid were empowered to help at a most crucial time.
But as the country enters the third month of the crisis, it is evident that the focus now needs to be placed on children. An estimated 2,000 children were orphaned due to Cyclone Nargis. The parents or a remaining parent of other children were severely injured or traumatized. Children may have one or both parents, neither of whom is able to care for the family due to the present chaos. And children everywhere still need medical or trauma-related care and follow-up.
The need to help these children is urgent. Those who do not get care will soon face greater risk to life-threatening hunger, injury and disease.
Christian Aid is receiving pleas from ministries in Burma that say they have willing, caring workers – but lack the funds necessary for such an undertaking. Contributions are being accepted that will provide the means to help these ministries show the love of Christ to these little ones.
Help support native missionaries ministering to victims of Cyclone Nargis
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