Disaster in Myanmar

You have already heard about the Crisis in Myanmar.

I received an email this weekend, from a high school and college friend who is the C.O.O. of Samaritan's Purse. This is the Missions Ministry Franklin Graham leads. We have partnered with them in Shoe Boxes at Christmas for kids around the world. I do not normally recommend folks going to Missions sites since many will never let you go, and inundate you with emails and mail forever. Well, in the Crisis times, we must do things differently. I want to make sure we have a way to participate in helping these poor folks. This country is not open to the USA.  Samaritan's Purse has found favor with many countries closed to the Western World. Note below they have planes and supplies ready to go in. If you can help, I recommend sending an offering through Samaritan's Purse. You'll find their link below.

Please be praying for the physical and spiritual survival of this country. We have no families on record from there. If you know someone let us know. 

REPORT                         

Cyclone Nargis – 9 May 2008

BACKGROUND

As reports indicate that the number of dead has likely risen to 100,000 or more, and as aid workers continue to seek access to the country, the situation on the ground is growing more desperate.

HOW SAMARITAN’S PURSE IS RESPONDING

The Incident Management Team is currently coordinating with Affiliate Offices in Canada, the UK, and Australia as well as field offices in the area to determine the most effective response. In addition, we are in contact with U.S. and foreign government agencies to seek access to the area. Our preparations currently include:

► We have a tentative agreement with the government of Myanmar to airlift a 747 cargo plane loaded with 12 WMI water filter systems and 4,000 rolls of heavy-duty plastic from Charlotte to Yangon.

► PuR sachets and kits are expected to arrive in Bangkok from Dubai today. We will try to forward these into Yangon as soon as possible.

► One staff member from Canada will be traveling into Myanmar Saturday morning.

► The Canadian office has had a water-purification team on the ground in Yangon. They confirmed that clean water is a top priority. Salt water pushed inland by the cyclone flooded local wells. Wells need to be pumped out and allowed to refill with fresh water.

► We have been told there is a need for chainsaws to clear fallen trees, generators, and pumps to help remove salt water from wells. The WMI filter systems have generators and are capable of pumping contaminated water from wells.

► The Water Missions International filter systems from S.C. and the heavy-duty plastic from our warehouse in N. Wilkesboro will be sent to Charlotte as soon as the airlift is confirmed.

► There are audio reports posted on the Samaritan’s Purse Web site.

► A media release was distributed Tuesday.

► SP staff from six countries have been mobilized and are en route to Bangkok and Myanmar. The team will include our Livestock and Agriculture Advisor and our Food Advisor.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Pray:

·        For the victims of this disaster.

·        For favor with the government so that we will be allowed access into the country.

·        For wisdom as the Incident Management Team determines the best way to help the people of Myanmar.

Donations: Go to www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-828-262-1980.