Myanmar and China

We've all heard about the horrible disasters in Myanmar and China. You may have wondered what OM is doing in these areas. Here's the latest update we've received. Pretty cool to hear what our brothers and sisters are doing on the ground.

Myanmar:
We've now heard more of how the team responded in the first days after
the cyclone hit. They bought rice and noodles and immediately began a
coupon system, distributing coupons which would entitle the recipient to
receive food in a fair manner. People were very grateful. Because our
team there are nationals, eventually they were able to travel to within
18 miles of the coast. They distributed food and found that most people
had received nothing. So they returned with blankets, water purification
tablets, some medicine, and plastic barrels to catch rain for clean
water. In one area as they began driving back to Yangon, they found
perhaps 10,000 people standing along the road in the dark up to 18 miles
out of town--nowhere to go, in need of everything. The team plans to
return with three doctors. Our workers there are extremely tired,
physically and emotionally.

China:
Lawrence Tong just returned from a week in the earthquake area. He
reports that three very influential leaders in the house church
movement--people who have relationship with OM--arrived in Chengdu the
day the earthquake hit. They immediately sent word through the house
church network of the needs, and Chinese believers from around the
country responded. House churches took offerings, and representatives
traveled to the area with money, goods and willingness to help. So far
they have made 90 trips into affected areas distributing tents, food and
supplies. Because of what they've seen in the Christians, the government
has offered to work with them and has even provided vehicles to help.
One local official even apologized to the believers for misunderstanding
them in the past. OM is working with this network and with other relief
groups in helping supply tents and other items. We are also providing
translation for foreign aid workers. Our facility in Chengdu is serving
as the "headquarters" of the Christian relief effort and it has been
used to train volunteers. We are also working with Christian leaders to
develop a long-term strategy to help the victims rebuild their lives.