The three evangelical alliance is urging believers around the world to take part in an online prayer event on Saturday for the people of Myanmar, following two powerful earthquakes that killed thousands and left many more injured or missing.
The first tremor, the size of 7.7, struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28th. It was followed by a second 6.4 magnitude tremor. As of April 3, the ruling junta reported 3,085 deaths and 4,715 injuries, but the number is expected to rise. Countless people remain unrecorded.
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) collaborated with the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance (MECA) and the Asian Evangelical Alliance (AEA) to pray via Zoom (register here) at 7pm on April 5th at Yangon Time (GMT + 6:30pm)/12:30pm.
“We encourage people in Myanmar and those in the vicinity of the surrounding countries affected by the devastating earthquake,” the Evangelical Alliance said in a joint email invitation entitled “Myanmar Earthquake Response 2025.”
On LinkedIn, WEA expressed gratitude to the survivors and called for continued prayers for “helping, restoring and relief efforts.”
“Our minds are in the people of Myanmar in the wake of the recent earthquake,” WEA said.
Evangelical Christians in Myanmar were identified by Weir as “Dr. TT.”
“By God’s grace, we are safe,” writes Dr. TT. “Three of our church buildings have been affected and one of our pastors is currently in the hospital, but still unconscious. Please continue to pray for his recovery. There should be a lot of rescue and relief efforts in Myanmar.
In a joint prayer invitation, the evangelical alliance emphasized the importance of faith in trusting God’s presence to bring hope to those who are currently despairing. The church must be “a sign of love and support in this time of crisis.”
“Let’s lift up those who are saddened, injured or refugeed in search of God’s comfort, supply and healing as our community faces loss, destruction and uncertainty,” they said at the invitation.
“I pray that emergency responders, relief organizations and churches will make tireless efforts to provide assistance and have the strength, resources and wisdom to meet the urgent needs.
“Let us mediate the hands of stability, rapid recovery and generosity cross the borders and embody the compassion of Christ in action.”
Hard Hit Regions are facing chaos as healthcare and infrastructure collapse
Reuters reported that hospitals have collapsed, communities flattened, and many people have been left without food, water or shelter after the earthquake struck. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that three hospitals were “completely destroyed,” and 22 more reported that they were partially damaged.
The affected areas are “some of the most vulnerable and conflict-affected,” and according to the WHO, they have recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and call them more than natural disasters.
The affected areas are Sagar, Mandalay, Magway, Bago and East Shan, where the healthcare system is “already on the brink.”
The WHO said the community in central Myanmar is currently struggling to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. They are tackling “a new fear of collapsed health facilities, broken infrastructure, and disease outbreaks.”
“The people of Myanmar are enduring unimaginable difficulties. The earthquake only deepened the suffering of communities already fighting evacuation, vulnerable health systems and limited access to basic services.” “We are urgently acting to provide the support they need now.”
Tierfund, a Christian Aid charity, reported “chaotic and serious” situations in which hospitals overwhelm patients who are both on the streets and in parking lots, and have injured patients. The charity estimates that deaths could increase up to 10,000, which does not count the impact of waterborne diseases such as cholera after water supply systems have been damaged.
“We are particularly concerned that power disruption will mean low battery power and communication will become more difficult in the coming days as this earthquake will be more fully realized.”
“Tearfund’s local partners are assessing whether the market is working under these conditions and are working to provide access to food, clean water and temporary shelters.”
Damaged roads, collapse of power lines, and constant disruption to both power and internet services are hampering rescue operations.
