Dear Brethren and Friends,
I just returned from a short trip to Yangon, of from 26 to 28 July. This was to deliver much needed money for relief efforts at the Irrawaddy Delta. It is well into the third month since the cyclone Nargis struck and, instead of hoarding money, we decided to deliver it regularly to meet the needs. Malaysian Airline System was kind to allow me to carry excess luggage again, consisting of surplus clothing for the relief work.
26 July, Saturday
At 7.15 am, our church elder, Brother W came to take me to the airport, together with the boxes of surplus clothing. At Yangon airport, I was met by Pastor M and Pastor J. The latter happened to be in town, doing some shopping. I passed to him the nutritional tablets needed by his wife, who has had a few miscarriages. Pastor M took home all the boxes of surplus clothing.
At 2.00pm, some church leaders gathered at the hotel. Each group gave its report. One group had made three trips to Pinsaloo Island and Haingkyi Island. Another group had made three trips to the Bogale and Ma U Bin townships. Another group had made fifteen trips to three villages. Another group, represented for the first time, had made five trips to five villages. After exhorting them, I distributed US$6,500 to Brother KL, US$1,000 to Pastor JK, and US$3,000 to Pastor M. Pastor M is sending out a team of four, and possibly five, men this Tuesday.
All the groups reported the continuing need for rice and other foodstuff, tarpaulin sheets, boats, fishing nets, and tractors. Houses, churches and schools need rebuilding, wells need to be cleaned, and bodies need to be buried. Spiritual counsel, consisting of Bible reading, prayer, and exhortation is needed each time. Orphans need to be cared for.
The gospel meeting scheduled for the evening at the Yangon RBC had to be cancelled because Pastor M and others had to attend a funeral in town. I decided to visit a family. We had Myanmar noodles, and discussed various matters connected with gospel work.
27 July, Sunday
I preached at the Yangon RBC, speaking on 1 Kings 14:1-20, “The True Colours of Unbelief”. At 12.00pm, I traveled by pickup with Pastor M and a few others to Hlaing Tha Yar. A meeting was held in a low-cost apartment at which some 40 people were present. Pastor M taught on the importance of the Lord’s day, based on Jeremiah 17:19-27. I spoke from John 14:6, “The way, the truth, and the life”.
On returning to the hotel, I was taken to another group which meets at an industrial zone. This ministry focuses on migrant workers. About 100 people were crowded into the meeting place. I gave an expanded version of the message, “The way, the truth, and the life”. On returning to the hotel, I again went to the Yangon Reformed Baptist for the evening service. There, I spoke on 1 Kings 14:21-31, “Beware of Idolatry!” As usual, I stayed back for a cup of coffee and discussed church matters with Pastor M and his family.
28 July, Monday
After breakfast, I visited a family nearby the hotel. These long-time friends were pleased to see me. At 10.00am, Pastor M and a church member came to take me to the airport. They left me there and went straight to the funeral of the relative in town. Sister C came with her brother to see me off. She handed me some things to pass to her husband in Malaysia, and the photos of the relief effort at the Delta.
I arrived home thankful for all that had been accomplished in Myanmar. My heart was heavy throughout the trip. I was conscious of the prayers of many. Let us continue to pray for the needs in Myanmar – for the survivors of the cyclone, for the safety of those making trips to render aid, for the funds needed, and for souls to be saved. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~