On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation. The death toll has surpassed 3,000, with thousands more injured and countless others displaced. The quake hit near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and severely damaging infrastructure. In addition to the immediate damage, the country has been struggling with ongoing ethnic and political conflict, further complicating relief efforts. The earthquake only worsened an already dire humanitarian situation, with over 3 million displaced before the quake, and nearly 20 million people already in need of aid.
In the aftermath, Myanmar’s ruling military government declared a temporary ceasefire, hopefully lasting until April 22, to facilitate the entry of much-needed humanitarian assistance. This decision marks a significant development, as it allows international relief organizations to begin their work on the ground. Despite the ongoing conflict, this pause offers a crucial window for organizations like New Life International to respond with aid, especially to vulnerable populations in conflict zones. Therefore, we need to respond now.
As we at New Life International continue to assess the situation and gather insights from local partners, our primary focus is to deliver safe water and other health care solutions. The earthquake has caused numerous injuries, and access to clean and safe water is urgently needed to prevent the spread of disease. We are exploring opportunities to deploy hypochlorous solutions to front-line medical workers, which are effective in providing acute wound care and preventing infection, especially for diabetes and leprosy patients. Hypochlorous serves as a critical part of our response and longer-term health programming, ensuring that the most vulnerable—especially those in remote or conflict-affected areas—receive the necessary care.
We are working alongside partners strategically positioned in Northern Thailand and Myanmar to assess logistics and strategies for getting resources into the country. However, Myanmar’s military junta has taken steps to restrict the flow of international aid, particularly in regions with Christian populations, who are often the first to respond. This complicates efforts, but it also highlights the vital role that the local Church plays in these crises. Myanmar’s Christian community has consistently shown resilience, even in the face of oppression and conflict, and is ready to help their own people in this moment of need. They know best how to navigate through the challenges.
As we prepare to support Myanmar’s short term needs and longer-term recovery, we ask for your prayers for favor and guidance as we navigate creative solutions to deliver assistance aid. Pray that the Myanmar Church will be empowered to expand its life-saving work, and that resources like safe water and wound care solutions will reach those who need them most. Your generosity and continued prayers are crucial as we aim to meet this crisis with both physical healing and the hope of the Gospel. We are confident that, with God’s help, we can bring lasting change to a country desperately in need of both humanitarian relief and spiritual hope.
Today, would you consider sponsoring the critical efforts to bring life-saving resources to Myanmar? Your support makes all the difference. Please join us!
