7 August 2015
Greetings
In this past week we have received news from Myanmar of severe flooding. Initial reports indicate that around 156,000 people have been affected, with this number expected to rise.
The area where the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar offices are based is in the midst of this disaster. The Town of Kalaymyo, where we have had many visits over the years was flooded with waist-deep water. Churches and homes have been destroyed in the Chin state. I have received an email from the General Secretary Ling Zaw describing some of the impact of the flooding.
Can you please make this an item for your prayers at services this month?
Our relationship with the PCM stems back to 2007 when a few members of our Church went to visit the PCM for the first time. Since then, our relationship has grown and strengthened into a partnership, and in 2009 the “Rice Bowl Fund” was formed.
We now have annual trips to Myanmar that enrich our lives and strengthen our partnership.
We also have regular correspondence with our brothers and sisters in Myanmar and support a number of projects each year. These projects include: development initiatives, income generating projects, mission work, scholarships and training, and emergency relief.
We are deeply saddened by the news of this flooding and the widespread devastation it has caused. You can make a difference in the lives of our friends in Myanmar, and I encourage you to take action to help. Some ways you could get involved are:
- Stay connected and be an advocate for our friends in Myanmar. You can get all the up-to-date information by visiting the Rice Bowl website: www.ricebowlmission.org.nz or by following us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiceBowlMission/ (You will find pictures of the devastation caused by flooding on this Facebook page)
- Pray for the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar, for their work in serving those in need and for the many people affected by this flooding. Pray for encouragement and wisdom to know what to do next.
- Consider becoming a regular donor of the Rice Bowl Fund. This fund helps finance numerous projects each year including offering support in times of emergency.
If you have any questions about the flooding or the wider Rice Bowl Mission, please do not hesitate to contact the Rice Bowl Mission Co-ordinator, Joanne Wieland and please read this letter from Rice Bowl.
I have also sent a letter on behalf of our Church to the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar offering pastoral support in this time of great need. Read the letter.
Blessings
Andrew Norton
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand