Update: Successful efforts in Myanmar

We have received an update from Understand The Times International Ministry regarding their relief efforts in Myanmar (Burma) Yangon area. I will include the email sent to us from Roger Oakland in the following:

 
June 18, 2008

Report on Nargis Disaster Relief Trip - June 4-12, 2008

A representative from UTT journeyed to Yangon, Myanmar from June 4-12, 2008 to help provide disaster relief from Cyclone Nargis, distributing funds from Understand the Times donors and helping to organize future relief efforts utilizing friends and ministries already established in Yangon and the severely affected Irrawaddy delta area. Three others representing UTT also were in Yangon as tourists and were able to take in funds for disaster relief. We also were able to take in several power tools with rechargeable batteries.

Over $50,000 has been provided from people all over the world who responded to the UTT Myanmar Relief Fund. At this point we have distributed approximately $20,000. All of the funds that have been donated for the Myanmar Relief Fund will be used for this purpose.

We first provided for the immediate needs of the 120 children and adults that we are supporting in Yangon. Meetings were held and a plan was then established to supply food and assist in providing shelter for people in the outlying areas that were most devastated by the cyclone.

The following report put together by Tom (UTT Board member who was in Yangon) lays out some of the things that have been done and what our long-term plan is for assisting and evangelizing. We have not named specific people for their protection, as you will understand.

While we will continue to receive and distribute funds for the Myanmar Relief Fund, our concern at this moment is that we meet our budget for supporting the 120 children, students and adults that we are committed to supporting. While many of the children and students have sponsors, we have many other expenses and immediate needs. In the future we will be posting what these needs are.

This is just the first few paragraphs of the report. Please click here to read the entire report with pictures.

As you can see, there is a lot of positive efforts being done in Myanmar despite the rejections of the Junta government. We are keeping the Bryce Lodge orphanages and the people of Myanmar in our prayers as well as those involved with the ministry efforts of Understand The Times.

If you go to the link provided by the email, you will see much more information and some really great pictures of what is being done there. They are actively trying to support those in surrounding areas as well as those associated with the Bryce Lodges.

If you would like to help them in their future efforts, you can give to the cause by clicking here. The people of Myanmar will greatly appreciate all of your support whether it be financially or by prayer. You are making a difference in the lives of those devistated by cyclone Nagris.