This past weekend brought unbelievable devastation to the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. On May 3, Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit the Yangon and Irrawaddy Delta areas of Myanmar. Current estimates are that more than 100,000 were killed, 41,000 are missing and up to one million are homeless. The numbers are expected to continue to rise and there is great concern right now for a second level health disaster outbreak in the most affected areas. This is the biggest natural disaster in Asia since the tsunami of December 2004 and the country will require immediate and substantial assistance.

WELS is providing an initial gift of $25,000 through international relief agencies that are already working in these areas. Some of the agencies and the help they are providing are outlined below. Some have been asking WELS Relief Committee about volunteering in the area. Right now that is impossible since even governments are having a hard time getting in to provide the assistance needed. Many are thankful that there are already relief agencies working in the area and they are being allowed to continue their work with the help of the outside world.

• One group WELS Relief Committee is working through is CARE. They have been working in Myanmar for 14 years, with a range of programs focusing on food, security, health, HIV and AIDS prevention, and water and sanitation. Because of their presence in country, they are one of a few organizations granted permission by the government to respond.

• CARE has 500 local staff members in Myanmar working on projects in 120 villages and towns nationwide

• WELS Relief efforts through international agencies will focus relief efforts on the provision of water, food, shelter materials and sanitation in areas severely affected by Cyclone Nargis. Our response will initially target affected communities in Yangon and Moulemain townships where there is current presence. Assessments have already started in South Dago and Thaketa, two townships in Yangon.

• Initial relief efforts will provide plastic sheeting, food, jerry cans, water purification and oral rehydration solution (for diarrhea) to those affected in South Dago and Thaketa.

International relief agencies have identified this as a Level One Emergency. This means that this is currently the organization’s top priority. The mounting financial needs to assist the victims in this time of crisis are some of the largest some relief agencies have seen. The need is great already and mounting. WELS Relief has been contacted and we are looking for ways to partner together to help provide solutions for people in dire circumstances - consistent with God’s directive to do good to all in need. This is also an opportunity for WELS members to be charitable to those who are suffering.

Pastor Phil Schupmann
Chairman, WELS Relief