We – ACGC World Outreach – arranged for the four leaders of the Advent Christian Conference of Myanmar (ACCM) to attend a Leadership Development Seminar in Yangon, Myanmar, organised by an organisation called Face to Faith Ministry, from February 6 to February 10
Part way through the first day’s proceedings, Pastor Timothy, the President of the ACCM received word that a fire had raced through the township in which he ministers, and that many houses and personal belongings had been destroyed.
He reported as follows on 7 February….
“Dear Bro Ernie
Greetings to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from Myanmar. Unfortunately,in yesterday 11:45 am when I was Face to Faith conference, my township far from my house 1/2 km was burned by fire. 339 houses were gone and many people were homeless, without food, without cloths and other things. We (H,K,J and my Church leaders) discussed about this situation so I will stop Face to Faith conference and today I and Church leader will visit there and will learn about suffering people.
Yesterday all of my Church members provided some foods (dinner) through local community leaders. I strongly believe I am not only a pastor but also a community worker and a relief worker. This is a right time for us to spread the gospel.
Please remember these suffering people.
God bless you richly.Pastor Tim
President
ACCM
Two days later he again reported as follows and send the pictures ( below) …
“Dear Bro Ernie,
I visited suffering people by fire at my area today. They are staying in 4 places. I visited only two places. 95% were very poor families (hands to mouth people). I am sending you {pictures of} their temporary homes, temporary toilet and suffering people. Please pray for them and their needs.
God bless you richly.
Tim”
Information received from the leader of the seminar indicated that Pastor Timothy’s church had been destroyed (but I have not yet been able to confirm this) but that there had been no loss of life – mainly because the fire occurred in the daytime when most of the people were away from their homes working.
Please pray for those who are now homeless and destitute and pray for wisdom, patience and compassion for Pastor Timothy and his church leaders and members as they take the opportunity to show Christian love and care for these unfortunate folk – I am blessed and encouraged and humbled by Timothy’s words…” I strongly believe I am not only a pastor but also a community worker and a relief worker. This is a right time for us to spread the gospel”
If you feel able to assist practically by sending funds for relief activities, please do so to our ACMissioNZ Treasurer at P.O. Box 202162 Southgate Post Centre, Manukau, Auckland 2246. We will remit your gifts to Myanmar as soon as possible.
(Ernie Schache)
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