Earthquake in Myanmar – The Methodist Church responds

Prayer

Loving God, we pray for all those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.  Our hearts are heavy as we see scenes of extensive damage experienced by people who are already suffering from the uncertainties and deprivations of war.  

We pray for all those who have lost friends and family members, and those unable to find out if loved ones are safe or not, especially those who fear for the lives of those trapped under collapsed buildings in Myanmar and Thailand. 

We pray for restoration of power and communication, and enough information to allow appropriate relief to be channelled quickly.

We pray for all those involved in relief efforts, and for all those trying to provide logistical, emotional and spiritual support.

And we give thanks that you, Lord God, know the details that we don't know, care about each person, and are present in every situation.  May we show your compassion through our prayers and our giving.

Update from Upper Myanmar 14 April 2025

This message was received from the Revd Mal Sawn Thang, President of the Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar.

"Greetings from MCUM.

I am sending you the current situation due to the earthquake. Please keep praying for us.

Pyaw Bwe Church

Pyaw Bwe is located 70 miles from Mandalay. The Pyaw Bwe church has a total membership of 40. Their church was destroyed by the earthquake on March 28.

The members need a place to worship because it is not suitable for them to worship in their church.

Kyaukse Church

Kyaukse is located 30 miles from Mandalay. The Kyaukse church has a total membership of 100. Their church building also badly destroyed by the earthquake on March 28.

Like the Pyaw Bwe Church, the members of Kyaukse also need a place to worship because it is not suitable for them to worship in their church.

Wesley Church

Wesley Church is a church located in Mandalay. The Wesleyan Church was founded by the British missionaries. This church is a trusted branch of the Methodist Church (Upper Myanmar). The church has a total of 350 members.

Their church building was also destroyed by the earthquake on March 28.

Like the Pyaw Bwe and Kyaukse Church, the members of Wesley also need a place to worship because it is no longer suitable for them to worship in their church.

Therefore, we ask all brothers and sisters in Christ to come together and pray for our members affected by the earthquake and reconstruction of Pyaw Bwe, Kyaukse and Wesley Church.

And also pray for Conference headquarters office building and Myanmar Theological College buildings.

Best wishes

The Revd Mal Sawm Thang (President of the Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar)"

A message from Upper Myanmar 31 March 2025

This message was received from the Revd Mal Sawn Thang, President of the Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar, by Sheila Norris of the MCB Global Relationships team.

“The devastating earthquake on March 28 has brought great hardship to our country. In this difficult time, we are deeply moved and comforted by the prayers of the Methodist Church in Britain. Knowing that you stand with us in prayer fills our hearts with gratitude and peace.

The earthquake was so strong that many buildings collapsed. Many people lost their lives and many were injured. Disaster and suffering engulfed our hometown of Mandalay. To this day, the Ambulance sirens have not stopped blaring.

Even now, the earthquake continues to tremble, keeping us on edge and forcing us to remain outside for safety.

Even now, the earth continues to tremble, keeping us on edge and forcing us to remain outside for safety.

By God’s grace, no lives among our members around the country were lost in the earthquake—a true testament to His protection. However, our church building has suffered significant damage.

The following are the ways we need help:

1. The Conference Headquarters office was badly cracked. And it didn’t even dare to go inside (needed major maintenance).
2. Myanmar Theological College main building was also badly cracked (The building is old and will need a new building). And Library building (the building is old and will need a new building). And two college lecturers’ houses were also badly cracked. They didn’t dare to stay inside and needed major maintenance.
3. In Mandalay District, Wesley Church, Circuit Headquarters and some buildings were also damaged. And Kyaukse church was also badly damaged and needed new buildings.
4. At this moment, we are without electricity, making it impossible to pump water. The city is facing a severe water shortage, and the situation is urgent.

With an engine, we could restore power, pump water, and prepare food, not only for ourselves but also to support our neighbours. The water crisis in the city is overwhelming, and immediate action is needed.

These are our current situations.

So, I’m asking you to pray for us and to assist us as much as you can.”