"In the past, whenever there was a problem of any kind, our people got involved in helping. That is why the government and the people there look at us with good favour," Yohannan said.
The missionaries and staff at the Bible college are taking care of the people's basic needs by offering meals, prayers and the love of Jesus for those who have lost all hope. They will continue caring for the people, but the task before them is daunting.
"Rangoon is in total darkness and they are estimating that there will not be electricity for at least three months," Yohannan said.
Obtaining enough food to feed all those at the Bible college presents another challenge. At present, the banks are closed and fresh food and water are in short supply. Yet these are simply the immediate problems before the aid workers.
"We are facing at least six months of continuous work ministering to the people. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to reach out in love to them, just like we did after the tsunami in 2004," Yohannan said.
Whilst part of one Bible college building is still standing, portions of the campus - including the building where the people are now staying - were severely damaged.
"We will need to rebuild the Bible college, staff quarters and hundreds of homes of those in our churches," Yohannan said. "Also, dozens of churches are sure to have been destroyed."
Whilst many missionaries and staff will remain in Rangoon assisting with the work at the Bible college, many others are already going out into the villages looking for survivors and surveying the damage.
Yohannan asks for continued prayer for the people of Burma as they come to grips with this crisis. He also asks for prayer for those who are helping them.
GFA has activated a cyclone relief fund and 100 percent of donations to that fund will go straight to the field to assist survivors.
