MVM Cyclone Nargis Update
One year after Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar's Delta region, MVM's relief efforts continue to meet physical and spiritual needs. Since the storm hit back in May of 2008, MVM has traveled many times to the Delta region, the area hardest hit by the cyclone. MVM volunteers have helped villagers rebuild their homes and lives after losing everything in the storm's aftermath. Under the harshest of conditions at times, these MVM workers labored tirelessly to help these predominantly Buddhist villages. Immediate needs for water, food and other emergency supplies were brought in by truck and by boat when roads were not available. Workers helped clean up the carnage left behind and cared for victims who were in shock. Often the victims couldn't even bury their dead and MVM workers stepped in to comfort and help.
As relief efforts have continued over the last year, spiritual needs have become a priority in addition to the physical needs. Villagers previously not open to the Gospel message were now willing to listen to these outsiders who day after day, week after week, and month after month showed mercy, love, compassion and generosity. Soon, outreach was as commonplace as bringing relief supplies. The JESUS film was shown in many of these villages and ministries for children, youth and adults were begun. These ministries continue to this day with reports of many conversions and baptisms. New converts have even traveled to Tamwe Christian Center in Yangon for discipleship training so that they can be effective witnesses and leaders back in their native villages. Eight Delta converts were baptized this year at the SLS Seminars.
You can view photos from these relief efforts and ministries here on this website. We hope you browse through them and see God working, even in the midst of tragedy. VIEW PHOTOS