CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Burma aid is reaching needy, aid agencies insist

by Maria Mackay
Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008, 14:40 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

"The Burmese Government have said they would allow aid workers in. That has happened in the past with the tsunami but once the major officials went away back to their different countries the Burmese Government still didn't let people or supplies in. So I think with these headlines we have to be a little bit sceptical."

Mr Haxton encouraged Christians to still give and pray, however.

"The need is real, the need is great. So do give and pray that righteousness will prevail. Don't be negative, don't be sceptical, but give and give generously because there is real need," he said, adding that Christians should contact aid agencies to check how their donations might be used before giving.

Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, issued a similar appeal to evangelical Christians to give to appeals for Burma and China, which is still reeling from a devastating earthquake in Sichuan province.

"We need to pray and give, give, give to organisations that can help the afflicted," he said, pointing to World Vision and Tearfund, as well as other organisations successfully bringing aid to cyclone survivors in Burma, including Samaritan's Purse and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

"Prayer for China is critical at this time," he continued. "The country's recent three days of national mourning for the dead of the Sichuan earthquake gave the world the opportunity to stand together with them in their pain and we pray there will be continued openness to relief agencies."

Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of World Evangelical Alliance, has been in contact with leaders of the Evangelical Christian Fellowship in Burma. He said, "I have assured our Christian brothers and sisters, who have been directly impacted by the May 3 cyclone that we will stand with them."

Tearfund and World Vision are members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a body of 13 member agencies that provide humanitarian aid in times of disaster.

Most of the DEC members have only a modest presence in China and are encouraging donors to give to the British Red Cross directly. The DEC's Burma appeal, however, has raised more than £8 million.

Tearfund estimates that more than 55,000 cyclone survivors are receiving aid from the charity's Christian partners on the ground in Burma and could reach more if donations continue to flow in.

Another Evangelical Alliance member organisation, Samaritan's Purse has recently received permission to fly in supplies to Burma, and Mission Aviation Fellowship's Asia Regional Director has also just received a visa to enter the country.

HCJB Global Voice has been reaching Christians in China and Burma via short-wave radio, and Trans World Radio is broadcasting special radio programmes with vital health and social care information for those affected by the cyclone in Burma.

Mr Edwards concludes: "At times like this it is so encouraging to see two member organisations of the Evangelical Alliance on the DEC and to hear stories about so many more who are doing such great work."



continue to read > 1 | 2
Copyright © 2008 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Have your say on this article
Christian Today Twitter
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
Methodist Insurance
World Headline
Sri Lanka's 'forgotten war': A call for global church advocacy

Sri Lanka's 'forgotten war': A call for global church advocacy

In Sri Lanka, the conflict between the army and Tamil rebels has caught the civilian population between a rock and a...
Sponsored Features
Order "The most transforming time in my life". Why not find out more? Order books for all ages commending the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.
01582 765448 Friendly printing company for churches, charities and businesses nationwide! Professional website design and web development for businesses and charities
Sanct Maria Abbey, NUNRAW
Cistercian Monastery and Guest House
Bookings: 01620 830 228
Email: nunraw.abbot@yahoo.co.uk
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here