By Rick Postma
What is the difference between a cyclone, a typhoon and a hurricane?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, a cyclone usually refers to a storm originating in the southern Pacific. Typhoons, on the other hand, normally originate in the western Pacific and hurricanes in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific oceans.
As I wrote this article, the eyes of the world were bedazzled by the opening program of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The recent massive earthquake in China and devastating cyclone Nargis, which tore through nearby Myanmar (Burma), were already receding memories. While the repressive regimes in both countries have come under criticism from the Western world and the United Nations, they have learned to simply wait it out.
Admittedly, China was quick to open her doors to a large flow of international aid. But the military government in Myanmar did all it could to keep supplies from reaching victims of the cyclone. The U.S. Aircraft Carrier Essex, equipped with helicopters, tons of water and food, and a host of willing helpers, waited for three weeks off the coast of Myanmar for approval that never came. The same story was played out again and again. It is estimated that 140,000 people died and two million people were seriously impacted by the cyclone. After allowing limited aid into their country, Myanmar’s leaders now claim no more aid is needed.
We are therefore thankful to report that we have established contact with Rev. Moses Thang of the United Reformed Churches (URC) of Myanmar. The URC of Myanmar consists of 2000 members in 20 churches. This denomination does not have official church relations with the United Reformed Churches of North America, but did attempt to send a delegate to 2007 Synod in Chicago. At that time, the delegate’s visa application was denied. These churches are able to function with little interference from the government and Word & Deed was given permission to include their names in our updates. At the time of this article $5,000 in funding has been sent with more planned for the near future. We are, however, taking a careful, step-by-step approach. Communication continues to be slow, at least from a western perspective.
The URC of Myanmar has established an Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Committee with Rev. Moses as the chairman. Two other pastors, three elders, and one deacon comprise the committee, with three different churches represented. We are very pleased to see this and can tell from the communications that have been received that these brothers have responded to the disaster in a very organized and prudent fashion.
The money is being used to repair homes, churches and wells. Other funds have been used to provide food, water, and medical supplies. A major project (approximately $60,000) Word & Deed is considering, is the need to rebuild a church-seminary facility which was completely destroyed by the cyclone. Additional funds for wells and home repairs are also needed. Representatives from the United Reformed Churches in North America and the Reformed Church of New Zealand have visited the churches in Myanmar over the past four years and are able to give a positive recommendation on their behalf.
Pray for the churches in Myanmar as the members rebuild their homes, lives, and churches. Pray that their efforts to minister to the needs of their neighbors, which they need to do carefully given the repressive government of Myanmar, will also be blessed to the salvation of sinners. While we witness from afar yet another horrible consequence of our rebellion against God, may He mercifully use it to bring eternal hope to millions of children of Adam and Eve in Myanmar.
Rick Postma is the director of public relations for Word & Deed Ministries.
