By Noel Hwande
May 7, 2008— YANGON, Myanmar: Word has come in from Myanmar (formerly Burma) that the staff at Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM)-Myanmar is safe, following the devastating cyclone last weekend. Lutheran Hour Ministries area counselor for Asia, Gunya Na Thalang, received an e-mail from an LHM-Myanmar staff member on Tuesday, May 6.
The message read, "Praise the Lord! The LHM-Myanmar director and her family are safe. Our houses are fine. Most houses around here are severely damaged. The LHM office is now closed for one week." She added that they are still trying to get in touch with others in the community.
Latest reports from Myanmar indicate that the death toll has risen beyond 22,000, with 41,000 still missing. For the survivors, the greatest challenge is finding shelter and food, as prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed by as much as 400-500% in the last few days.
"Now, all prices are rising up, and people are hopeless. Please pray for us," the staff member wrote.
Lutheran Hour Ministries is asking for your prayers for the people of Myanmar and the staff and volunteers of LHM-Myanmar at this time. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
For video from LHM Myanmar, click on:
Lutheran Hour Ministries has over 40 ministry centers around the world, engaging congregations and volunteers and equipping them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their communities. LHM uses a wide variety of outreach programs that are culturally diverse and designed to fulfill our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. Click here to learn more about LHM ministry centers: