Just a little over a week ago the war-torn country of Myanmar was hit with a devastating earthquake (read more details here). Damage is extensive and the needs are many, compounded already by the years-long civil war destroying the country from within.
One of our experienced TGI relief volunteers that had been a part of many global disaster responses over the years sought to form a medical team to help in the earthquake response. Due to his current location and focus being outside the Middle East, there seemed an opportunity for him and others with him to respond rapidly to help.
However, we found that the situation in the country is such that groups of volunteers with Americans and other Westerners are not finding ready access to affected areas, or even being allowed into the country unless with a large organization like the Red Cross. Some reports indicate as well that other relief teams from non-Western countries that have gained access are finding that fighting continues in quake affected areas. Some teams and volunteers are being hurt or even killed in the crossfire and aerial bombings.
We have decided not to proceed with an outside medical team responding at this time. In praying about what could still be done, it seemed right to share about another charity we know of, Passion for the Poor International, that has been involved in Myanmar for many years prior. They currently have local Christian volunteers on the ground helping in quake-affected areas.
We would highly commend the work of this charity. They are typically focused on helping orphans from the ongoing war there, but they are currently also responding to help the Christians they support in Myanmar provide food and medicine for quake victims in their vicinity. Some of their volunteers were also involved in rescuing people from rubble over the past week. Rescue operations like that have largely ceased as of this week it seems. For anyone who wants to help via this organization, their website is here: https://passionforthepoorintl.org/
If the situation changes and a TGI medical team seems feasible and useful for helping in Myanmar, we will post an update here. But given the ongoing fighting and barriers to outsiders entering Myanmar, it seems most likely that supporting existing local Christians in the relief is the most viable and helpful option right now. Be praying for Myanmar and the persecuted believers there serving in these difficult times!
