Wednesday, July 23, 2008
July Update
(Initials used in lieu of names to protect the identities of the individuals due to persecution.)
Unable to enter the Irrawaddy, your MARCH Nargis relief team focused its attention on continuing the relief work in the blighted villages of Yangon. The aid distribution to Labutta which we started during my trip last May has been continued by Partners in Progress. They are doing a good job sending our few handful of Burmese brethren to Labutta with relief goods. Since there is not enough manpower to send to Irrawaddy at the moment, we have opted to help in Yangon Division in the meantime.
WINNING THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
Two villages in Kyauktan township, Addutaw and Ye Aungs, composed of roughly 300 families, have been adopted by your MARCH for Christ team. We put up bamboo and thatch storerooms to become classrooms and meeting halls in each of these two villages. From June 30-July 9, we distributed about 250 sacks of rice, dahl, dried fish, vegetable seeds, thatch leaves and cooking oil. In addition to this two villages, help was given and committed to two orphan/refugee homes and the neighbourhood of the church of Christ in Hmawbi (K. S.).
We were blessed to be witness to the baptism of a Buddhist couple whose daughter had earlier this year been baptized by Brother K. S.
One of the breakthroughs during this trip was God using us to convince the village leaders of Addutaw and Ye Aungs to allow us to construct the storerooms to become classrooms and meeting halls. In a country where an assembly of five people is enough ground for treason, I consider this a miracle coming from God. Please pray that we will continue to have the support of the village chief of Addutaw, a simple but powerful man who is in charge of six villages and reports directly to the township. Please pray for us and our MARCH teams who are working hard every day to render service and aid to win for Jesus the hearts of the predominantly Buddhist population. We need God’s wisdom, discernment and plenty of patience and love.
So far, aside from food distribution mentioned above, we have conducted medical treatment and Vacation Bible School. About five patients who require hospitalization and major operations will be sent to a Yangon hospital for work up. If we can afford it we will immediately have them operated on.
We are also providing the roofing sheets for a new two-room classroom that the villagers are building after Nargis flattened an old wooden classroom.
Seventeen rice farmers from Addutaw have asked our help in providing 86 sacks of urea fertilizer for 86 acres of rice land. An agreement has been reached with them that for every one sack of fertilizer they receive, they will repay the equivalent of one sack of rice at harvest time, which in turn will be distributed to the village. Please pray that this will work out well and give glory to God.
DOORS OPENED FOR MARCH TO GO TO IRRAWADDY
We have unofficially forged an agreement with an international NGO called World Concern so that we can work in the Irrawaddy delta. World Concern is composed of Christians (some are Filipinos) involved in relief and rehabilitation in the southernmost villages of Labutta, providing food and draining/cleaning water ponds for over 30 villages. They are bringing us in either in a complementary capacity or to adopt additional villages. We chose to work with them initially in a complementary capacity. I am on my way back now to the Philippines to form a Psycho-Emotional/Social Counselling team. According to them, this service is badly needed for the adults, children and even their aid workers. Please pray that our busy doctors will be able to join us.
While we will be absorbed by World Concern under this arrangement, we are allowed to keep our religious identity and to discreetly pursue our religious agenda. They are establishing staff houses in strategic areas which will be available for our international teams to use; likewise, we will have access to their infrastructure. I have also offered this information to Partners for Progress so that they can augment the present manpower.
Take note that the main reason why the south is often neglected by the government is because most of the population are Karen Baptists. They belong to the Karen tribe who are fiercely fighting and at war with the military in the North. No wonder up to now, dead bodies are discovered when the water ponds are drained.
LEARNING ENGLISH
The MARCH team that took my place that did medical clinics this week and continued the VBS is also assigned to get more info about these English schools and Tutorial schools. We see an opportunity that can open doors for the Lord’s work.
OPPORTUNITY FOR ENGLISH INSTRUCTION TO OPEN DOORS
Please pray that we will be able to put up a sustainable English school. B. L. is now with G. C. and Dr. E. I. in Yangon. B. L. is a schoolteacher who is also the Founder of a Christian School in Cebu. Part of her mission is to encourage W. to put up a school. She and some brethren can serve as teachers, and even some brethren who know broken English can serve in this work.
~ C. C.
Unable to enter the Irrawaddy, your MARCH Nargis relief team focused its attention on continuing the relief work in the blighted villages of Yangon. The aid distribution to Labutta which we started during my trip last May has been continued by Partners in Progress. They are doing a good job sending our few handful of Burmese brethren to Labutta with relief goods. Since there is not enough manpower to send to Irrawaddy at the moment, we have opted to help in Yangon Division in the meantime.
WINNING THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
Two villages in Kyauktan township, Addutaw and Ye Aungs, composed of roughly 300 families, have been adopted by your MARCH for Christ team. We put up bamboo and thatch storerooms to become classrooms and meeting halls in each of these two villages. From June 30-July 9, we distributed about 250 sacks of rice, dahl, dried fish, vegetable seeds, thatch leaves and cooking oil. In addition to this two villages, help was given and committed to two orphan/refugee homes and the neighbourhood of the church of Christ in Hmawbi (K. S.).
We were blessed to be witness to the baptism of a Buddhist couple whose daughter had earlier this year been baptized by Brother K. S.
One of the breakthroughs during this trip was God using us to convince the village leaders of Addutaw and Ye Aungs to allow us to construct the storerooms to become classrooms and meeting halls. In a country where an assembly of five people is enough ground for treason, I consider this a miracle coming from God. Please pray that we will continue to have the support of the village chief of Addutaw, a simple but powerful man who is in charge of six villages and reports directly to the township. Please pray for us and our MARCH teams who are working hard every day to render service and aid to win for Jesus the hearts of the predominantly Buddhist population. We need God’s wisdom, discernment and plenty of patience and love.
So far, aside from food distribution mentioned above, we have conducted medical treatment and Vacation Bible School. About five patients who require hospitalization and major operations will be sent to a Yangon hospital for work up. If we can afford it we will immediately have them operated on.
We are also providing the roofing sheets for a new two-room classroom that the villagers are building after Nargis flattened an old wooden classroom.
Seventeen rice farmers from Addutaw have asked our help in providing 86 sacks of urea fertilizer for 86 acres of rice land. An agreement has been reached with them that for every one sack of fertilizer they receive, they will repay the equivalent of one sack of rice at harvest time, which in turn will be distributed to the village. Please pray that this will work out well and give glory to God.
DOORS OPENED FOR MARCH TO GO TO IRRAWADDY
We have unofficially forged an agreement with an international NGO called World Concern so that we can work in the Irrawaddy delta. World Concern is composed of Christians (some are Filipinos) involved in relief and rehabilitation in the southernmost villages of Labutta, providing food and draining/cleaning water ponds for over 30 villages. They are bringing us in either in a complementary capacity or to adopt additional villages. We chose to work with them initially in a complementary capacity. I am on my way back now to the Philippines to form a Psycho-Emotional/Social Counselling team. According to them, this service is badly needed for the adults, children and even their aid workers. Please pray that our busy doctors will be able to join us.
While we will be absorbed by World Concern under this arrangement, we are allowed to keep our religious identity and to discreetly pursue our religious agenda. They are establishing staff houses in strategic areas which will be available for our international teams to use; likewise, we will have access to their infrastructure. I have also offered this information to Partners for Progress so that they can augment the present manpower.
Take note that the main reason why the south is often neglected by the government is because most of the population are Karen Baptists. They belong to the Karen tribe who are fiercely fighting and at war with the military in the North. No wonder up to now, dead bodies are discovered when the water ponds are drained.
LEARNING ENGLISH
The MARCH team that took my place that did medical clinics this week and continued the VBS is also assigned to get more info about these English schools and Tutorial schools. We see an opportunity that can open doors for the Lord’s work.
OPPORTUNITY FOR ENGLISH INSTRUCTION TO OPEN DOORS
Please pray that we will be able to put up a sustainable English school. B. L. is now with G. C. and Dr. E. I. in Yangon. B. L. is a schoolteacher who is also the Founder of a Christian School in Cebu. Part of her mission is to encourage W. to put up a school. She and some brethren can serve as teachers, and even some brethren who know broken English can serve in this work.
~ C. C.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Preparations Underway for Return Trip
June 10, 2008
I got my business visa yesterday and I am now preparing for my 2nd relief trip to Myanmar.
Since Shem and Dr. Conrad left Myanmar last May 30, Partners in Progress has been working with the same four preachers with whom we had started to send money into the remote villages of the Irrawaddy. With Phil G. leaving Myanmar this June 13, I expect that the funds you all entrusted to MARCH will take over the funding of these trips and aid distribution. One of the first things I will do when I arrive in Myanmar this weekend is to sit down with them and make an assessment of their work so far, and find out what they see remains to be done.
I know that the four have been bringing in money to buy food, diesel, etc. in the remote villages that are reachable only by boat. The rehabilitation of wells is also one of their priorities. The Barrier Brothers had earlier brought water purifying tablets for distribution. Let us continue to lift these brothers in prayer that God will sustain them with health, vigor, endurance, integrity and His over-all protection. Their tireless efforts are very instrumental in keeping our supply lines to the Irrawaddy open.
A fifth preacher, K. Sein, who is a retired township official, is also waiting for me so we can firm up his proposed livelihood assistance to villages which have received help so far. There is also the scholarship program that I am optimistic will be a fruitful tool for evangelism. Imagine having an influence in the lives of these future village leaders. I am excited to see how we can set this in motion.
I have a team of doctors that is on standby and already have visas for Myanmar. I will ask our Philippine ambassador for assistance in accrediting them to do medical work. My first option is to work with the medical contacts I was able to make during my visit. I will propose that we fund these local doctors to deliver medical services to combat the spread of disease and to treat the sick.
I will also assess whether we can now start sending our children and youth ministry team composed of Gigie, Mhalbe Lagria and Bernie Lagria-cal. If they can work in the villages in nearby Yangon where we have on-going relief work through our Burmese brethren, then they will be in Myanmar around June 17. Mhalbe is a great youth worker while his sister's expertise is teaching children.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I will keep in touch.
Your brother and fellow servant in Christ,
Chito
I got my business visa yesterday and I am now preparing for my 2nd relief trip to Myanmar.
Since Shem and Dr. Conrad left Myanmar last May 30, Partners in Progress has been working with the same four preachers with whom we had started to send money into the remote villages of the Irrawaddy. With Phil G. leaving Myanmar this June 13, I expect that the funds you all entrusted to MARCH will take over the funding of these trips and aid distribution. One of the first things I will do when I arrive in Myanmar this weekend is to sit down with them and make an assessment of their work so far, and find out what they see remains to be done.
I know that the four have been bringing in money to buy food, diesel, etc. in the remote villages that are reachable only by boat. The rehabilitation of wells is also one of their priorities. The Barrier Brothers had earlier brought water purifying tablets for distribution. Let us continue to lift these brothers in prayer that God will sustain them with health, vigor, endurance, integrity and His over-all protection. Their tireless efforts are very instrumental in keeping our supply lines to the Irrawaddy open.
A fifth preacher, K. Sein, who is a retired township official, is also waiting for me so we can firm up his proposed livelihood assistance to villages which have received help so far. There is also the scholarship program that I am optimistic will be a fruitful tool for evangelism. Imagine having an influence in the lives of these future village leaders. I am excited to see how we can set this in motion.
I have a team of doctors that is on standby and already have visas for Myanmar. I will ask our Philippine ambassador for assistance in accrediting them to do medical work. My first option is to work with the medical contacts I was able to make during my visit. I will propose that we fund these local doctors to deliver medical services to combat the spread of disease and to treat the sick.
I will also assess whether we can now start sending our children and youth ministry team composed of Gigie, Mhalbe Lagria and Bernie Lagria-cal. If they can work in the villages in nearby Yangon where we have on-going relief work through our Burmese brethren, then they will be in Myanmar around June 17. Mhalbe is a great youth worker while his sister's expertise is teaching children.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I will keep in touch.
Your brother and fellow servant in Christ,
Chito
May 30 Report - Partnering with Partners In Progress
Yangon Myanmar, May 30, 2008 First Response effort: The local Christians are feverishly involved in distributing first response relief supplies to the areas hardest hit by the cyclone. From Yangon to the most devastated area is a 2 to 3 days journey by bus and boat so they are going and coming, taking supplies from Yangon that cannot be purchased there and buying food stuff on the scene fro distribution. Thus far they have only been able to help about 150 families but with our input of funds they are gearing up to provide for 2000 or more in especially chosen areas that have been neglected thus far by others.
Longer Range plans are being formulated in an effort to impact the chosen areas for good and to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible while establishing a permanent presence for the church.
The death and destruction is unbelievable. Whole towns and villages disappeared. Brethren report dead bodies are floating everywhere and that the Government is using large ships with nets stretched between them to gather the bodies. Because of the fear of cholera epidemics they are towing the bodies out sea and releasing them rather then attempting to retrieve them for burial.
The sea water that came inland more the 200 miles has turned their rice paddies into salt paddies where nothing will grow for three or four years and has left the poorest of the poor without a means of food production.
Politics and Old Tribal rivalries has played a roll in who is receiving aid from the government and people of minority groups are being basically condemned to death unless they get help from outside.
Now is the time for Christian to act quickly to save hundreds of thousands of people and show God's love while sharing His salvation. Many whom have never had the opportunity to hear that Jesus lives, can now be taught if we will respond to this crisis while there is yet time.
William E. "Bill" McDonough
International Director
Partners In Progress
**************************
Dear Bill,
Thank you for your report. I am glad that we will be able to work together in Myanmar to bring relief and the message of Christ's love to its hurting and "abandoned" people. Being among the first from the church of Christ (if not the first) to be able to see the devastation in the Irawaddy delta region, I realize how great is the task and how important for us to pool resources.
M.A.R.C.H. (Medical Action for Relief, Counseling and Healing) for Christ has been doing medical mission work and disaster relief since 1991 in the Philippines. We have been blessed to have participated in the Sri Lanka Tsunami Rebuilding, the Pakistan and Jogjakarta, Indonesia earthquake disasters, Bangladesh typhoon relief and now in the Myanmar Cyclone Nargis Relief work.
Please take note that the trips that were made by our brethren, as reported, were undertaken with limited funds channeled through MARCH. From May 12 up to May 30, daily we tirelessly partnered with brethren to deliver as much goods as we could to the Irawaddy and some affected villages around Yangon. Bringing rice, dried fish, dahl, candles, tarps, water, bread and even diesel fuel, we made it known that it came from Christians who cared because Jesus cares. We did not choose whom to give the goods, but gave freely to those who were in need. We found many wherever we went.
Today we have many contacts and friends in these villages. As you make plans for long term relief work to be undertaken by PIP, we are also looking forward to continuing our assistance to this villages in the Irrawaddy and the Yangon area. This time we want to help in rebuilding their houses, their sources of livelihood and for their psycho/emotional healing. Perhaps we can work on this together.
I hope you can consider the services of our volunteers. We have medical doctors, psychiatrists, counselors and experienced relief workers who can read (and teach) the bible, conduct VBS and children's bible class from the Philippines who are available. Some already have their visas.
While our 2nd team is already back in the Philippines, I will be returning to Yangon within the first ro second week of June. I look forward to meeting you and your man on the field to discuss how we can work together to use this time as a means to further the boundaries of God's kingdom. A 3rd team is already undergoing training and preparing for friendship evangelism and children's ministries to commence in the last week of June.
I would like to thank the brethren from the Double Springs (Alabama) Church of Christ, Saturn Road Church of Christ, Ada (Oklahoma) Church of Christ, Bread from a Hungry World, Richland Hills Chruch of Christ, Rapha International, Body and Soul Ministries (J.C. Bailey), Betty Choate,the Barrier family and Geylang (Singapore Chruch of Christ) for the funds they sent and for their continued support. Thank you for the continued prayers offered for our good health, safety and success in bringing glory to God.
Your brother and fellow worker in the vineyard,
CHITO CUSI
and the men and women of MARCH for Christ
Matt 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Longer Range plans are being formulated in an effort to impact the chosen areas for good and to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible while establishing a permanent presence for the church.
The death and destruction is unbelievable. Whole towns and villages disappeared. Brethren report dead bodies are floating everywhere and that the Government is using large ships with nets stretched between them to gather the bodies. Because of the fear of cholera epidemics they are towing the bodies out sea and releasing them rather then attempting to retrieve them for burial.
The sea water that came inland more the 200 miles has turned their rice paddies into salt paddies where nothing will grow for three or four years and has left the poorest of the poor without a means of food production.
Politics and Old Tribal rivalries has played a roll in who is receiving aid from the government and people of minority groups are being basically condemned to death unless they get help from outside.
Now is the time for Christian to act quickly to save hundreds of thousands of people and show God's love while sharing His salvation. Many whom have never had the opportunity to hear that Jesus lives, can now be taught if we will respond to this crisis while there is yet time.
William E. "Bill" McDonough
International Director
Partners In Progress
**************************
Dear Bill,
Thank you for your report. I am glad that we will be able to work together in Myanmar to bring relief and the message of Christ's love to its hurting and "abandoned" people. Being among the first from the church of Christ (if not the first) to be able to see the devastation in the Irawaddy delta region, I realize how great is the task and how important for us to pool resources.
M.A.R.C.H. (Medical Action for Relief, Counseling and Healing) for Christ has been doing medical mission work and disaster relief since 1991 in the Philippines. We have been blessed to have participated in the Sri Lanka Tsunami Rebuilding, the Pakistan and Jogjakarta, Indonesia earthquake disasters, Bangladesh typhoon relief and now in the Myanmar Cyclone Nargis Relief work.
Please take note that the trips that were made by our brethren, as reported, were undertaken with limited funds channeled through MARCH. From May 12 up to May 30, daily we tirelessly partnered with brethren to deliver as much goods as we could to the Irawaddy and some affected villages around Yangon. Bringing rice, dried fish, dahl, candles, tarps, water, bread and even diesel fuel, we made it known that it came from Christians who cared because Jesus cares. We did not choose whom to give the goods, but gave freely to those who were in need. We found many wherever we went.
Today we have many contacts and friends in these villages. As you make plans for long term relief work to be undertaken by PIP, we are also looking forward to continuing our assistance to this villages in the Irrawaddy and the Yangon area. This time we want to help in rebuilding their houses, their sources of livelihood and for their psycho/emotional healing. Perhaps we can work on this together.
I hope you can consider the services of our volunteers. We have medical doctors, psychiatrists, counselors and experienced relief workers who can read (and teach) the bible, conduct VBS and children's bible class from the Philippines who are available. Some already have their visas.
While our 2nd team is already back in the Philippines, I will be returning to Yangon within the first ro second week of June. I look forward to meeting you and your man on the field to discuss how we can work together to use this time as a means to further the boundaries of God's kingdom. A 3rd team is already undergoing training and preparing for friendship evangelism and children's ministries to commence in the last week of June.
I would like to thank the brethren from the Double Springs (Alabama) Church of Christ, Saturn Road Church of Christ, Ada (Oklahoma) Church of Christ, Bread from a Hungry World, Richland Hills Chruch of Christ, Rapha International, Body and Soul Ministries (J.C. Bailey), Betty Choate,the Barrier family and Geylang (Singapore Chruch of Christ) for the funds they sent and for their continued support. Thank you for the continued prayers offered for our good health, safety and success in bringing glory to God.
Your brother and fellow worker in the vineyard,
CHITO CUSI
and the men and women of MARCH for Christ
Matt 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Relief Efforts Continue Through Dangerous Situation
May 29, 2008
Note: Shem and Chito now have to use Tagalog, their national language, to communicate. There are too many actual and internet spies especially in the internet cafes. Please continue to keep these efforts in your prayers.
Every day the wind changes here. Yesterday, the papers said that we could distribute relief goods. Two days ago, even the vehicles of relief workers were impounded. We will verify the status from the township council in Kyauktan before we go out and distribute today. We just found out that Douglas has a brother-in-law who is in authority there.
Philip and the Labuttan team arrived this morning. They showed up here in the hotel and we let them go home because they were tired and traveled all night. The people are truly in desolation. There are still many dead bodies that remain unburied. Philip and the Labuttan team were glad they went.
The man from Partners in Progress is also here now. We had dinner with him last night. PIP had a license to operate here, but they were not able to renew it. Perhaps that is what he is working on at this time. The Barrier boys have some funds, but this will be for follow-up evangelism.
We will go later to the Bible school to talk to the brother who is a retired township member. We will ask him if he is willing to follow up with the contacts and the work in Labutta since he is known to have connections there.
* * * * * * * * *
My beloved brethren!
We are in good hands, but the situation is becoming more difficult with regards to relief work. Starting yesterday they prohibited the giving of relief in the Yangon area. The brethren did not allow the two Americans to go out yesterday, but we proceeded to north Dagon to visit the cousin of Winsome. We brought some relief bags for their neighbors while we were there. We are on our way to Kyauktan to "sightsee". Trucks are no longer allowed to go in the area so we are in two cars. The two Americans are with us today because Doug knows some people in the area.
Teaching children in the villages is a good idea. W also wants to do VBS. We will try to evaluate the situation today to see whether we can continue to come here (on the pretense of teaching children). We can also let them teach at the orphanage behind the school. I suggest that if it is possible, let G get a business visa.
Last Monday, Dr. C gave a lecture at the orphanage on hygiene and we gave deworming meds and vitamins. We shall return tomorrow.
In the afternoon, there was a small clinic at Sister E's house where 15 patients came. They are also thankful to us because the large pile of garbage in the middle of the road in their neighborhood is no longer there (we paid for it to be removed). Yesterday the brethren were afraid to go out so we only had a few patients.
By the way, we also gave seven (7) sheets of GI roofing to the cook at the Bible school who lives in north Dagon.
Note: Shem and Chito now have to use Tagalog, their national language, to communicate. There are too many actual and internet spies especially in the internet cafes. Please continue to keep these efforts in your prayers.
Every day the wind changes here. Yesterday, the papers said that we could distribute relief goods. Two days ago, even the vehicles of relief workers were impounded. We will verify the status from the township council in Kyauktan before we go out and distribute today. We just found out that Douglas has a brother-in-law who is in authority there.
Philip and the Labuttan team arrived this morning. They showed up here in the hotel and we let them go home because they were tired and traveled all night. The people are truly in desolation. There are still many dead bodies that remain unburied. Philip and the Labuttan team were glad they went.
The man from Partners in Progress is also here now. We had dinner with him last night. PIP had a license to operate here, but they were not able to renew it. Perhaps that is what he is working on at this time. The Barrier boys have some funds, but this will be for follow-up evangelism.
We will go later to the Bible school to talk to the brother who is a retired township member. We will ask him if he is willing to follow up with the contacts and the work in Labutta since he is known to have connections there.
* * * * * * * * *
My beloved brethren!
We are in good hands, but the situation is becoming more difficult with regards to relief work. Starting yesterday they prohibited the giving of relief in the Yangon area. The brethren did not allow the two Americans to go out yesterday, but we proceeded to north Dagon to visit the cousin of Winsome. We brought some relief bags for their neighbors while we were there. We are on our way to Kyauktan to "sightsee". Trucks are no longer allowed to go in the area so we are in two cars. The two Americans are with us today because Doug knows some people in the area.
Teaching children in the villages is a good idea. W also wants to do VBS. We will try to evaluate the situation today to see whether we can continue to come here (on the pretense of teaching children). We can also let them teach at the orphanage behind the school. I suggest that if it is possible, let G get a business visa.
Last Monday, Dr. C gave a lecture at the orphanage on hygiene and we gave deworming meds and vitamins. We shall return tomorrow.
In the afternoon, there was a small clinic at Sister E's house where 15 patients came. They are also thankful to us because the large pile of garbage in the middle of the road in their neighborhood is no longer there (we paid for it to be removed). Yesterday the brethren were afraid to go out so we only had a few patients.
By the way, we also gave seven (7) sheets of GI roofing to the cook at the Bible school who lives in north Dagon.
A Day in Kyauktan
May 28, 2008
We have great day today at Kyauktan. God has kept the doors of that place opened for us.With the B boys in the lead car, we checked out a new place for us where we can demonstrate the Lord’s love in deed. This is an upper village area, and is not visible from the road because of the terrain. It’s a village that can definitely use our relief packs. Jerry B asked about their water supply, and we couldn’t believe where they get their water for drinking. It comes from an uncemented open well with brownish-greenish water.
The team plans to donate a water pump (manual) that can be used in that area by the less fortunate families. They say the cost of the entire jet is about $300 US plus costs for the labor. There are about 300 kids in that community so we have another possible venue for VBS.
We visited a man along the road whose house is surrounded by water. He was given book by Phil and he complained to us that he couldn’t understand that material printed in Burmese. When Joe saw the book, he said that we’ve been handing out books for preachers on "sermon preparation" -- ha ha! The man might study in the Bible College as per Phil’s invitation. He is like the leader in their small community.
We inquired about their water supply, and received the same story except their well is actually a small lake. We could put the 2nd water pump there.
After visiting the patient we sent to the hospital, we had to turn back because of strong winds and downpour. On our way back, the B boys noticed the tent city of Kyauktan. We met the Lao medical group with the Burmese Ministry of Health stationed there and also a representative of foreign affairs. We told them we went to Kyauktan to see the floating pagoda.
In the tent city, many have returned to their homes already, but about 38 families were left simply because they don’t have houses to go home to and they have no resources to put up a new one. W.V. befriended the lady in charge and asked if it’s okay for us to give relief. She said that relief efforts are welcome so we might go back tomorrow. This is for your info, in case you want to build 38 bamboo huts when you come back soon.
Phil called W to inform they’ll come home tomorrow.
Glory to God!
Shem
We have great day today at Kyauktan. God has kept the doors of that place opened for us.With the B boys in the lead car, we checked out a new place for us where we can demonstrate the Lord’s love in deed. This is an upper village area, and is not visible from the road because of the terrain. It’s a village that can definitely use our relief packs. Jerry B asked about their water supply, and we couldn’t believe where they get their water for drinking. It comes from an uncemented open well with brownish-greenish water.
The team plans to donate a water pump (manual) that can be used in that area by the less fortunate families. They say the cost of the entire jet is about $300 US plus costs for the labor. There are about 300 kids in that community so we have another possible venue for VBS.
We visited a man along the road whose house is surrounded by water. He was given book by Phil and he complained to us that he couldn’t understand that material printed in Burmese. When Joe saw the book, he said that we’ve been handing out books for preachers on "sermon preparation" -- ha ha! The man might study in the Bible College as per Phil’s invitation. He is like the leader in their small community.
We inquired about their water supply, and received the same story except their well is actually a small lake. We could put the 2nd water pump there.
After visiting the patient we sent to the hospital, we had to turn back because of strong winds and downpour. On our way back, the B boys noticed the tent city of Kyauktan. We met the Lao medical group with the Burmese Ministry of Health stationed there and also a representative of foreign affairs. We told them we went to Kyauktan to see the floating pagoda.
In the tent city, many have returned to their homes already, but about 38 families were left simply because they don’t have houses to go home to and they have no resources to put up a new one. W.V. befriended the lady in charge and asked if it’s okay for us to give relief. She said that relief efforts are welcome so we might go back tomorrow. This is for your info, in case you want to build 38 bamboo huts when you come back soon.
Phil called W to inform they’ll come home tomorrow.
Glory to God!
Shem
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Lord's Day in Myanmar
We had a great Lord's day here in Myanmar. Ubah Tai's daughter and son-in-law attended the morning worship at Sister Winsome's place. He is the only Christian in his family so we were so glad to see some of his clan whom we gave medical aid last friday. Attendace is 26 plus 5 children. Joey Barrier preached in the morning, and Jeremy is scheduled in the afternoon at Sister Esther's house. Joey had a bum stomach so they were late in the evening worship, and I had to fill in as the speaker. We had 5 visitors in the pm service; the nieghbors who helped with the preparation of the relief packages. No need to worry about Joey. We got him some medications already.
The Barrier brothers are in Uncle Ronnie's place as I write to get info and help through their organization. If they can give us certification, we can go to Lapoda on Tuesday. Joey will also meet with the President of Myanmar Economical Movement tomorrow morning to see if the group can help 4 foreigners (2 americans+2 pinoys) get into the delta region.
As of today, according to Douglas, only Burmese are permitted to go there. By the way, the remaining staff of Winsome's former office will travel to Lapoda tomorrow so four of our church members (Phillip, Sian Tal, Ubah Tai, and Nim Mou) have decided to join the group. Like I said earlier, Uncle Ronnie's group already has machineries in that area. He gave our group permission to travel with them even if we will do our own thing. They are willing to provide logistics and provide necessary contacts to our team going there. So our three preachers and one member will serve as our advance team. They will come back Thursday, Lord willing. Four or five of us will follow on Tuesday if we can get passes, or if and when the military government will make an announcement allowing all foreigners passage to the delta area. I will contact the Philippine Ambassador early tomorrow and ask about the Philippine team and how he may help us.
I released $500 US/pax as recommended for the advance team as their relief budget. Jeremy also handed the team a handy water purification system and lots of puritabs for their use and for the people they're going to help with instructions that they will pass it on to the next team going there. Meanwhile, Dr Conrad and I will go back to Mhawbi tomorrow morning for a basic healthcare lecture for the orphans beside the Bible College. Edward, the Tamil Burmese guy you missed last Monday and the Barrier boys will follow in the afternoon. By the way, Phillip is asking if the generator set can have at least 5KW power. The rationale is that they need at least 5kw in order for the school's electric power water pump to work. The "made in china" generator set with that capacity is about $650 US. Please include above-mentioned plans and our health and welfare as well in your prayers.
To God be the glory!
Shem
The Barrier brothers are in Uncle Ronnie's place as I write to get info and help through their organization. If they can give us certification, we can go to Lapoda on Tuesday. Joey will also meet with the President of Myanmar Economical Movement tomorrow morning to see if the group can help 4 foreigners (2 americans+2 pinoys) get into the delta region.
As of today, according to Douglas, only Burmese are permitted to go there. By the way, the remaining staff of Winsome's former office will travel to Lapoda tomorrow so four of our church members (Phillip, Sian Tal, Ubah Tai, and Nim Mou) have decided to join the group. Like I said earlier, Uncle Ronnie's group already has machineries in that area. He gave our group permission to travel with them even if we will do our own thing. They are willing to provide logistics and provide necessary contacts to our team going there. So our three preachers and one member will serve as our advance team. They will come back Thursday, Lord willing. Four or five of us will follow on Tuesday if we can get passes, or if and when the military government will make an announcement allowing all foreigners passage to the delta area. I will contact the Philippine Ambassador early tomorrow and ask about the Philippine team and how he may help us.
I released $500 US/pax as recommended for the advance team as their relief budget. Jeremy also handed the team a handy water purification system and lots of puritabs for their use and for the people they're going to help with instructions that they will pass it on to the next team going there. Meanwhile, Dr Conrad and I will go back to Mhawbi tomorrow morning for a basic healthcare lecture for the orphans beside the Bible College. Edward, the Tamil Burmese guy you missed last Monday and the Barrier boys will follow in the afternoon. By the way, Phillip is asking if the generator set can have at least 5KW power. The rationale is that they need at least 5kw in order for the school's electric power water pump to work. The "made in china" generator set with that capacity is about $650 US. Please include above-mentioned plans and our health and welfare as well in your prayers.
To God be the glory!
Shem
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Small Villages Overlooked by Many Relief Efforts
We share the same ecstasy when we heard the news last night about the government opening to all aid workers, but for now it's only news. Many are asking WHEN? At our meeting, the group felt that we should go as far as Lapoda because that's where many small villages are neglected, and there are talks that the ones without relief aid are buddhist. According to them, the majority of the populace in the delta region are baptist Christians. With the Karen's baptist group relief machinery (that we can atest), the baptist burmese in the delta region have sufficient relief supply now. The small villages with buddhist beliefs are the ones in dire need of relief goods.
Church members here feel it's a good time to show the love of the living God to our buddhist freinds now in small villages in the delta by going there and helping them. After dinner last night, we went straight to get some fresh info from uncle Ronnie, Winsome's boss, who is now the president of Myanmar Coordinating Council for Relief-composed of churches, medium business and political groups. We went to his house late last night so i wasn't able to email you because the internet cafe here closes early. He just came from the delta a few days back and said the same thing- that the relief stage has diminished because most people there have enough food supply, except for the small villages that were overlooked.
One has to ride a boat to reach these villages. The rehabilitation stage has commenced and his organization will start with the housing and procurement of tractors, diesel-fed engines, saws, and others. He is wanting to join us and allowed us to use their contacts there in the delta region. Most of his staff are already there, except for his secretary who is going to the church tomorrow to have a meeting with us in regards to our delta trip. There is NO official word that foreigners can go there now, but we are hoping that it will come out tomorrow after the UN meeting at the hotel. Please continue to pray for a favorable outcome because even the locals are hesitant to bring us along with them to Lapoda. Yes, Winsome made arrangements with our small limo to pick up the Barrier brothers tomorrow. They've been here six times so even Uma Win knows the two Americans.
As for our activities:
Last Thursday, May 22, Dr. Conrad, Phillip, and I went back to Kyauk Tan for medical consultation. We were told up on arrival that the Laos medical team went around the area that morning, too, so we went straight to the people we had befriended the day before, and Phillip distributed to them the jc choate book in burmese. We even prayed for the friendly guy who offerd you a chair the 2nd time we were there. His house is a shanty now. We also gave a little amount for the bed-ridden patient; enough to bring her to the hospital and pay for routine physical tests. The doctor consulted about four patients that time. Nim Mou and the others helped with the relief pack preparations at Sister Esther's house that day. We joined the group later that afternoon, after we canvassed for the generator set for the Bible College.
Friday, May 23, we had a medical consulation at U Ba Htay's residence. Many neighbors came. There was a total of twenty-two (22) patients who sought medical consultation. I had a patient there, too. His 4th daughter was suffering from neck pain.
Today, May 24, we visited the Bible College in Hmawbi. There was a medical consultation there as well, and the good doctor saw at least twenty-three (23) patients, not including the children from the orphanage whom i served with multivitatmins. I will give the money needed for the expense of removing the big tree that fell and blocked the entrance of the school tomorrow. They are only asking for that lone tree to be cleared. They will leave the other nineteen (19) trees on the ground, keep them a little green, and use them for firewood one tree at a time. We will try to purchase the generator set tomorrow because I need to see their situation first as per Winsome's advice. We scheduled another mini-clinic after worship at Winsome's place tomorrow, Lord willing. Pray for a clearer delta trip planning tomorrow.
MINGKALABA!
Shem
Church members here feel it's a good time to show the love of the living God to our buddhist freinds now in small villages in the delta by going there and helping them. After dinner last night, we went straight to get some fresh info from uncle Ronnie, Winsome's boss, who is now the president of Myanmar Coordinating Council for Relief-composed of churches, medium business and political groups. We went to his house late last night so i wasn't able to email you because the internet cafe here closes early. He just came from the delta a few days back and said the same thing- that the relief stage has diminished because most people there have enough food supply, except for the small villages that were overlooked.
One has to ride a boat to reach these villages. The rehabilitation stage has commenced and his organization will start with the housing and procurement of tractors, diesel-fed engines, saws, and others. He is wanting to join us and allowed us to use their contacts there in the delta region. Most of his staff are already there, except for his secretary who is going to the church tomorrow to have a meeting with us in regards to our delta trip. There is NO official word that foreigners can go there now, but we are hoping that it will come out tomorrow after the UN meeting at the hotel. Please continue to pray for a favorable outcome because even the locals are hesitant to bring us along with them to Lapoda. Yes, Winsome made arrangements with our small limo to pick up the Barrier brothers tomorrow. They've been here six times so even Uma Win knows the two Americans.
As for our activities:
Last Thursday, May 22, Dr. Conrad, Phillip, and I went back to Kyauk Tan for medical consultation. We were told up on arrival that the Laos medical team went around the area that morning, too, so we went straight to the people we had befriended the day before, and Phillip distributed to them the jc choate book in burmese. We even prayed for the friendly guy who offerd you a chair the 2nd time we were there. His house is a shanty now. We also gave a little amount for the bed-ridden patient; enough to bring her to the hospital and pay for routine physical tests. The doctor consulted about four patients that time. Nim Mou and the others helped with the relief pack preparations at Sister Esther's house that day. We joined the group later that afternoon, after we canvassed for the generator set for the Bible College.
Friday, May 23, we had a medical consulation at U Ba Htay's residence. Many neighbors came. There was a total of twenty-two (22) patients who sought medical consultation. I had a patient there, too. His 4th daughter was suffering from neck pain.
Today, May 24, we visited the Bible College in Hmawbi. There was a medical consultation there as well, and the good doctor saw at least twenty-three (23) patients, not including the children from the orphanage whom i served with multivitatmins. I will give the money needed for the expense of removing the big tree that fell and blocked the entrance of the school tomorrow. They are only asking for that lone tree to be cleared. They will leave the other nineteen (19) trees on the ground, keep them a little green, and use them for firewood one tree at a time. We will try to purchase the generator set tomorrow because I need to see their situation first as per Winsome's advice. We scheduled another mini-clinic after worship at Winsome's place tomorrow, Lord willing. Pray for a clearer delta trip planning tomorrow.
MINGKALABA!
Shem
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Seeds Being Planted
Dear brethren,
Today was a special day for me and your brethren here in Yangon, Myanmar. It rained very hard the whole morning, and we thought that we would again be rained on as we got terribly wet yesterday. But praise God, our prayers were answered, and it only was overcast the whole day and did not rain at all.
We visited the village of Klaiktan ( kyak-tan), and even if we did not announce our arrival, there were about 150 women and children lined up in the streets waiting for a relief van to come. None had arrived that morning, and so at 1 pm, our arrival caused some excitement in the crowd. Immediately people lined up behind our Dyna truck; except, it wasn't a line, it looked more like a hungry crowd.
We asked them to return to their homes instead because we said we wanted to meet them in their houses. So one by one, we went to over 200 houses spread apart in muddy fields. Dr. Conrad said there was an instance he had to jump over a pool of muddy water. There were six (6) teams of brethren accompanied by two (2) locals who carried our sacks of packed rice, dahl, dried fish, and candles. For the houses that did not have a roof, we gave away tarpaulin roofing material. It was a great opportunity to interact with them as we went to their homes and wrote down their names. They are so thankful and appreciative! Some of our teams even taught them how to say, "Thank you, Jesus," and even those who were not taught how to say this would repeatedly say, "Thank you, Jesus".
I particularly was able to go to three of the bigger wooden houses that were still intact. In two of them, they agreed to allow us to teach them how to read the Bible in Burmese and to conduct lessons for children. In one house, Winsome and I interviewed the men and women about how they expect to get their livelihood now that the cyclone destroyed their harvest. I preached a little to them about how they must continue to trust God and to be thankful that they are alive and still have food to eat even if it has to come from strangers; that in their time of suffering they must be drawn closer to God and listen to His voice. They were very receptive and I taught the children how to sing Jesus Loves Me and Happy Birthday. Please pray that seeds planted in Klaiktan today will be implanted deeply in their hearts and that your brethren will be able to bring them to salvation in Christ.
And this is perhaps why today was special. We all saw how important it is not to just hand over the gifts to the monks or village leaders, but to meet the people and immerse ourselves in the village. All of us had very gratifying experiences! Everyone in the team felt an openness to Christians, perhaps because there was no Buddhist monastery nearby. In our dinner meeting we decided that we shall return to the village tomorrow and deliver more gifts, since there were over 500 families in the area and we brought only 300 bags. Please keep this in your prayers.
As we left Klaiktan with joy and gladness at what had taken place, we passed several more villages that had been damaged greatly by the cyclone. And as we drove the 1.5 hours to the city, and having been to Irrawaddy the previous week, I pondered on how great the need is to rebuild and how humongous the task ahead to rehabilitate their livelihood. For three seasons now they have not gained money from their harvest. They have managed to survive through this. Many of their homes are gone or badly damaged, their livestock diminished, their sources of firewood and income cut down by the winds. And now with this third harvest destroyed, how will they survive in the next few months? They are healthy now and they still have food, but what happens next week or next month? Indeed it is a disaster that will continue to unfold especially with a military junta that cares only about holding on to power and not the people's well-being.
Please continue to give and ask those who have not given to give. When we first asked for funds for the cyclone Nargis victims relief fund, I told you that I would be content with only $20-$25k. You have been so generous and gave in excess of this, up to the amount of $50k. We would like to help them to rebuild their houses; sturdier ones that will stand more cyclones to come. We would like to be able to provide them with funds to buy seeds and fertilizers. We would like to be able to reach more people. Most of all, we would like to be able to provide them with Godly men from the church who can edify them and nurture them in the way of the Lord.
I leave Yangon on Thursday, and leave behind Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad Diestro, able men who will carry on the work of providing relief aid in partnership with our Burmese brethren and volunteers. But I will be back! With your support and blessings I would like to bring two Filipino missionaries to work with me in the months of June, July, and beyond if needed. There are already some men and women in the church of Christ in Myanmar who are stepping up their commitments and whom we are asking to move to Yangon to reinforce the brethren in the relief and evangelism work. With your prayers and support this is all happening because we saw cyclone Nargis as God's way of opening doors and hearts for the gospel to be preached and Burmese people to be added to the number of the saved.
I am yours in Christ,
CHITO CUSI
Today was a special day for me and your brethren here in Yangon, Myanmar. It rained very hard the whole morning, and we thought that we would again be rained on as we got terribly wet yesterday. But praise God, our prayers were answered, and it only was overcast the whole day and did not rain at all.
We visited the village of Klaiktan ( kyak-tan), and even if we did not announce our arrival, there were about 150 women and children lined up in the streets waiting for a relief van to come. None had arrived that morning, and so at 1 pm, our arrival caused some excitement in the crowd. Immediately people lined up behind our Dyna truck; except, it wasn't a line, it looked more like a hungry crowd.
We asked them to return to their homes instead because we said we wanted to meet them in their houses. So one by one, we went to over 200 houses spread apart in muddy fields. Dr. Conrad said there was an instance he had to jump over a pool of muddy water. There were six (6) teams of brethren accompanied by two (2) locals who carried our sacks of packed rice, dahl, dried fish, and candles. For the houses that did not have a roof, we gave away tarpaulin roofing material. It was a great opportunity to interact with them as we went to their homes and wrote down their names. They are so thankful and appreciative! Some of our teams even taught them how to say, "Thank you, Jesus," and even those who were not taught how to say this would repeatedly say, "Thank you, Jesus".
I particularly was able to go to three of the bigger wooden houses that were still intact. In two of them, they agreed to allow us to teach them how to read the Bible in Burmese and to conduct lessons for children. In one house, Winsome and I interviewed the men and women about how they expect to get their livelihood now that the cyclone destroyed their harvest. I preached a little to them about how they must continue to trust God and to be thankful that they are alive and still have food to eat even if it has to come from strangers; that in their time of suffering they must be drawn closer to God and listen to His voice. They were very receptive and I taught the children how to sing Jesus Loves Me and Happy Birthday. Please pray that seeds planted in Klaiktan today will be implanted deeply in their hearts and that your brethren will be able to bring them to salvation in Christ.
And this is perhaps why today was special. We all saw how important it is not to just hand over the gifts to the monks or village leaders, but to meet the people and immerse ourselves in the village. All of us had very gratifying experiences! Everyone in the team felt an openness to Christians, perhaps because there was no Buddhist monastery nearby. In our dinner meeting we decided that we shall return to the village tomorrow and deliver more gifts, since there were over 500 families in the area and we brought only 300 bags. Please keep this in your prayers.
As we left Klaiktan with joy and gladness at what had taken place, we passed several more villages that had been damaged greatly by the cyclone. And as we drove the 1.5 hours to the city, and having been to Irrawaddy the previous week, I pondered on how great the need is to rebuild and how humongous the task ahead to rehabilitate their livelihood. For three seasons now they have not gained money from their harvest. They have managed to survive through this. Many of their homes are gone or badly damaged, their livestock diminished, their sources of firewood and income cut down by the winds. And now with this third harvest destroyed, how will they survive in the next few months? They are healthy now and they still have food, but what happens next week or next month? Indeed it is a disaster that will continue to unfold especially with a military junta that cares only about holding on to power and not the people's well-being.
Please continue to give and ask those who have not given to give. When we first asked for funds for the cyclone Nargis victims relief fund, I told you that I would be content with only $20-$25k. You have been so generous and gave in excess of this, up to the amount of $50k. We would like to help them to rebuild their houses; sturdier ones that will stand more cyclones to come. We would like to be able to provide them with funds to buy seeds and fertilizers. We would like to be able to reach more people. Most of all, we would like to be able to provide them with Godly men from the church who can edify them and nurture them in the way of the Lord.
I leave Yangon on Thursday, and leave behind Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad Diestro, able men who will carry on the work of providing relief aid in partnership with our Burmese brethren and volunteers. But I will be back! With your support and blessings I would like to bring two Filipino missionaries to work with me in the months of June, July, and beyond if needed. There are already some men and women in the church of Christ in Myanmar who are stepping up their commitments and whom we are asking to move to Yangon to reinforce the brethren in the relief and evangelism work. With your prayers and support this is all happening because we saw cyclone Nargis as God's way of opening doors and hearts for the gospel to be preached and Burmese people to be added to the number of the saved.
I am yours in Christ,
CHITO CUSI
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Eyes, Hands, and Feet of Jesus
Day 8
We went to this village today that is about an hour and a half from Yangon. It is not in the Irrawaddy delta, but our UN Aids contact tipped us about the great needs in the area. It rained very hard, yet they came.
There is always a ceremony that they insist upon when we deliver gifts to the people, as you see from this handover ceremony to the burmese monk.
On the way back, we passed a new route to escape the traffic, and we found this village where virtually no help has arrived. We will be going tomorrow with tarps and food (300 to 500 bags) in an attempt to start a mission work there (pictures). By the way, two Filipinos who will relieve me arrived this morning, and I quickly put them to work. We have been looking for a place to help out with housing materials, so we ask you to pray with us for God's confirmation.
Our meeting this evening ended at 9:30pm. This is late by Burmese standards. I try my best not to dictate or lead the meetings. I always tell them that this is a Burmese church project, and i am there just to oversee them. I am so blessed to see how the brethren are growing in leadership daily.
Below are just some of the faces from today's giving. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for the daily relief efforts and for the families who are being affected.
Your brother in Christ,
Below are just some of the faces from today's giving. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for the daily relief efforts and for the families who are being affected.
Your brother in Christ,
Chito
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lessons Learned Along the Way
May 18, 2008 (Day 7 in Myanmar)
Dear brethren in the Lord,
Greetings of grace and peace in the Lord! I thank God for our safety and how the Holy Spirit has led us to show the love and care of Jesus in all that we have been able to do. During the 6 days that I have been here, we have learned many lessons. Allow me to share this with you.
First, the needs of the brethren have been attended to, with their houses repaired and made as good as they were before (if not better for some). Your sending me was a great source of joy for them! Some were surprised why we all even bothered, but because you sent me they know that our love and kinship is deeper than blood relationship.
There is excitement in the air for the brethren. As a people, the Burmese take care of each other. Inspite of their meager funds, they are helping to bring relief to the cyclone Nargis victims in Yangon and in Irrawaddy. Perhaps it is because they have learned that they have only each other to depend on under a harsh and corrupt military leadership. There is bitterness and anger when they talk about how the government has been slow in providing relief and allowing international agencies to help. I am among those who encourage them to pray that God will open the hearts of their rulers, and to just do what they can to help. Our brethren are no exception, and to them, with the church actively involved in relief work, their pride and self-esteem as Christians is greatly boosted.
Our relief work is taking shape. And what is emerging is a two-pronged relief effort. First, aid to small affected communities around Yangon, within a 30 minute ride from the city. Second, aid to the far flung areas in the Irrawaddy.
Now how do two small house churches accomplish this?
1. Under OUR (yours and ours) guidance and supervision we move to empower our local Burmese brethren to work with local Burmese NGOs in delivering vital resources to far flung areas;
2. The nearby communities are easily reached by taxi so our brethren can do the job of not only providing relief but developing friendships with the people that will lead to Bible studies;
Another question that you might have is, can our house churches evangelize the far flung areas on a sustained basis? The answer is NO. So why should we help at all? And I know that you will say, as I said in the beginning, that we will help because we want to be part of the solution, i.e. to provide basic necessities to ensure the survival of those in the delta region. God loves each and everyone of them, and we are God's messengers of hope.
At this point, let me tell you briefly what I know about the Brethren---a Bible-believing church that is recognized and has been in Yangon for at least two decades. They have the Lord's Supper every first day of the week. They also do not use instruments in worship, and the women are "silent". They have a Sunday attendance of about 1500, and a membership that is perhaps even more. As we were meeting after this morning's service, U Bah Htay, the retired soldier who used to go that church, clarified that they do not baptize for the remission of sins. They baptize because one is saved.
I met with their head pastor-Pastor Ronnie, and he informed me that they have formed ten (10) teams of 5-10 people to go to the Irrawaddy delta and penetrate its remote villages and towns. Bringing only provisions and money, they will walk through the paddies and wade in the waters. He is indenting rubber boats/dinghies, and once this arrives, their mobility will be greatly improved. Their objective is similar to ours, that is to give aid, and to evangelize. And he has welcomed us to join them; to pool resources. This is why on Tuesday, while I stay and work in Kunyangone area (which is still part of the prohibited area for foreigners, altho there is only 1 checkpoint), Philip, Winsome and Relo (members of our church) will go to Laputta---6 hours by car, and again, one of the worst hit towns. It is a town so supplies of rice, dried fish, dahl, blankets, clothes, diesel, etc. are available. Its many villages still have to be reached by aid.
We made the decision to still go with them since they know the area and they have transportation and arrangements in the delta area. We have three teams of two persons each who will join them, namely, Philip & Susana ,Sian Thang & his niece, U Bah Htay & Relo (Winsome cannot go because we have a Friendship Lunch on Tuesday in one of the areas where you helped with building materials). Their mission is to give away tarpaulins, ,and candles. They will also each bring an equivalent of $500 each to purchase vital needs for the people. They realize that for this to be fruitful work for the Lord's church, they will get the names of the persons they meet in the area with the purpose of making correspondence with them. They will also study the possiblity of forming our own relief campaigns in these remote areas that they will visit. Please pray for our teams as this is a very critical mission, they will be wading in knee deep waters in some areas, and they will be staying overnight in monasteries and convents along the way. They leave on Tuesday as scheduled.
What other needs are there where you and I can help the Burmese people in rebuilding? After food and medicine comes the need to rebuild their houses. They are made of very simple materials--- wood and thatch leaves. But even all the leaves have been blown away by Nargis and it will take another 2 years from them to re-grow. I have made a preliminary estimate and $120 will provide 10-12 roofing sheets, 6 bamboo wall panels, nails, and several pieces of lumber that will build the frame for a house that is 10 ft. by 12 ft. They will have to provide the labor.
Obviously, much remains to be done. And what I want to point out at the end of this "report" is that as we continue to support the on-going relief work, we must most of all be quick to support the evangelistic effort that needs to take place. I would like to be able to send two Filipino missionaries to work with our two Burmese preachers that are presently in Yangon. I have observed that they need mentoring and encouragement in leadership and improving their self-esteem, so this contact and partnership with ex-patriate missionaries will help. There is also one other Burmese preacher in Mandalay (sorry I don't have his name at the moment), who can reinforce this team. I hope you understand why I am not recommending US missionaries.
We had a great morning and afternoon service today. There were eighteen adults present at the V. house and twelve adults at Esther's house. I encouraged them to Claim their Victory in Christ as they live their lives and grow the church in the morning because God is on our side (Josiah 10). In the evening service I spoke about Growing the Church in Myanmar. In the morning service they brought out a birthday cake for me and sang me a Happy Birthday which was so touching for me. It is the first time I am away from my family and I wish they were with me to share the moment.
Tomorrow is another long day, so please continue to pray for us. Two medical personnel from the Philippines who are taking my place, Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad, arrive at 8:30am tomorrow, and we go straight to a new refugee center that is 1.5 hours away to give away food. We expect to be back by 4 pm, and at 5 pm we have a Fellowship Dinner with our volunteers, brethren and "non-brethren", as we pray and send off our three teams to Irrawaddy and also welcome the two Filipino relievers.
Wish you were here. There continues a great air of excitement among the brethren and I know this will lead to a growth of members and the church.
Thank you for generously sending the MARCH team to Myanmar to be your eyes, ears, hands, feet, and heart. We give God all the glory for what our partnership is able to accomplish. Please continue to give to the Myanmar Aid & Relief. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Your brother and fellow-servant in the Lord,
Chito Cusi
Dear brethren in the Lord,
Greetings of grace and peace in the Lord! I thank God for our safety and how the Holy Spirit has led us to show the love and care of Jesus in all that we have been able to do. During the 6 days that I have been here, we have learned many lessons. Allow me to share this with you.
First, the needs of the brethren have been attended to, with their houses repaired and made as good as they were before (if not better for some). Your sending me was a great source of joy for them! Some were surprised why we all even bothered, but because you sent me they know that our love and kinship is deeper than blood relationship.
There is excitement in the air for the brethren. As a people, the Burmese take care of each other. Inspite of their meager funds, they are helping to bring relief to the cyclone Nargis victims in Yangon and in Irrawaddy. Perhaps it is because they have learned that they have only each other to depend on under a harsh and corrupt military leadership. There is bitterness and anger when they talk about how the government has been slow in providing relief and allowing international agencies to help. I am among those who encourage them to pray that God will open the hearts of their rulers, and to just do what they can to help. Our brethren are no exception, and to them, with the church actively involved in relief work, their pride and self-esteem as Christians is greatly boosted.
Our relief work is taking shape. And what is emerging is a two-pronged relief effort. First, aid to small affected communities around Yangon, within a 30 minute ride from the city. Second, aid to the far flung areas in the Irrawaddy.
Now how do two small house churches accomplish this?
1. Under OUR (yours and ours) guidance and supervision we move to empower our local Burmese brethren to work with local Burmese NGOs in delivering vital resources to far flung areas;
2. The nearby communities are easily reached by taxi so our brethren can do the job of not only providing relief but developing friendships with the people that will lead to Bible studies;
Another question that you might have is, can our house churches evangelize the far flung areas on a sustained basis? The answer is NO. So why should we help at all? And I know that you will say, as I said in the beginning, that we will help because we want to be part of the solution, i.e. to provide basic necessities to ensure the survival of those in the delta region. God loves each and everyone of them, and we are God's messengers of hope.
At this point, let me tell you briefly what I know about the Brethren---a Bible-believing church that is recognized and has been in Yangon for at least two decades. They have the Lord's Supper every first day of the week. They also do not use instruments in worship, and the women are "silent". They have a Sunday attendance of about 1500, and a membership that is perhaps even more. As we were meeting after this morning's service, U Bah Htay, the retired soldier who used to go that church, clarified that they do not baptize for the remission of sins. They baptize because one is saved.
I met with their head pastor-Pastor Ronnie, and he informed me that they have formed ten (10) teams of 5-10 people to go to the Irrawaddy delta and penetrate its remote villages and towns. Bringing only provisions and money, they will walk through the paddies and wade in the waters. He is indenting rubber boats/dinghies, and once this arrives, their mobility will be greatly improved. Their objective is similar to ours, that is to give aid, and to evangelize. And he has welcomed us to join them; to pool resources. This is why on Tuesday, while I stay and work in Kunyangone area (which is still part of the prohibited area for foreigners, altho there is only 1 checkpoint), Philip, Winsome and Relo (members of our church) will go to Laputta---6 hours by car, and again, one of the worst hit towns. It is a town so supplies of rice, dried fish, dahl, blankets, clothes, diesel, etc. are available. Its many villages still have to be reached by aid.
We made the decision to still go with them since they know the area and they have transportation and arrangements in the delta area. We have three teams of two persons each who will join them, namely, Philip & Susana ,Sian Thang & his niece, U Bah Htay & Relo (Winsome cannot go because we have a Friendship Lunch on Tuesday in one of the areas where you helped with building materials). Their mission is to give away tarpaulins, ,and candles. They will also each bring an equivalent of $500 each to purchase vital needs for the people. They realize that for this to be fruitful work for the Lord's church, they will get the names of the persons they meet in the area with the purpose of making correspondence with them. They will also study the possiblity of forming our own relief campaigns in these remote areas that they will visit. Please pray for our teams as this is a very critical mission, they will be wading in knee deep waters in some areas, and they will be staying overnight in monasteries and convents along the way. They leave on Tuesday as scheduled.
What other needs are there where you and I can help the Burmese people in rebuilding? After food and medicine comes the need to rebuild their houses. They are made of very simple materials--- wood and thatch leaves. But even all the leaves have been blown away by Nargis and it will take another 2 years from them to re-grow. I have made a preliminary estimate and $120 will provide 10-12 roofing sheets, 6 bamboo wall panels, nails, and several pieces of lumber that will build the frame for a house that is 10 ft. by 12 ft. They will have to provide the labor.
Obviously, much remains to be done. And what I want to point out at the end of this "report" is that as we continue to support the on-going relief work, we must most of all be quick to support the evangelistic effort that needs to take place. I would like to be able to send two Filipino missionaries to work with our two Burmese preachers that are presently in Yangon. I have observed that they need mentoring and encouragement in leadership and improving their self-esteem, so this contact and partnership with ex-patriate missionaries will help. There is also one other Burmese preacher in Mandalay (sorry I don't have his name at the moment), who can reinforce this team. I hope you understand why I am not recommending US missionaries.
We had a great morning and afternoon service today. There were eighteen adults present at the V. house and twelve adults at Esther's house. I encouraged them to Claim their Victory in Christ as they live their lives and grow the church in the morning because God is on our side (Josiah 10). In the evening service I spoke about Growing the Church in Myanmar. In the morning service they brought out a birthday cake for me and sang me a Happy Birthday which was so touching for me. It is the first time I am away from my family and I wish they were with me to share the moment.
Tomorrow is another long day, so please continue to pray for us. Two medical personnel from the Philippines who are taking my place, Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad, arrive at 8:30am tomorrow, and we go straight to a new refugee center that is 1.5 hours away to give away food. We expect to be back by 4 pm, and at 5 pm we have a Fellowship Dinner with our volunteers, brethren and "non-brethren", as we pray and send off our three teams to Irrawaddy and also welcome the two Filipino relievers.
Wish you were here. There continues a great air of excitement among the brethren and I know this will lead to a growth of members and the church.
Thank you for generously sending the MARCH team to Myanmar to be your eyes, ears, hands, feet, and heart. We give God all the glory for what our partnership is able to accomplish. Please continue to give to the Myanmar Aid & Relief. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Your brother and fellow-servant in the Lord,
Chito Cusi
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Optimism in the Midst of Destruction
May 15, 2008---Day 4
Dear family and brethren in the Lord,
Today was not as exciting as yesterday's trek into the Irrawaddy delta. But it had its share of exciting events and opportunities.
First, I met brother U Ba Htay (a retired soldier who had been baptized recently) in his damaged house. He was surprisingly robust and full of energy for the gospel at age 70. I pray that he will be instrumental in bringing many to Christ. He has 3 married sons and one of his daughters-in-law listened intently as I delivered a short message and Philip Lian translated. He used to worship with a denominational church, and his search for true worship has led to the church in Yangon. And yes, of course, we will repair his house, that of his sons, and also the house of a lady who he has been studying the Bible with.
Second reason for optimism is I met two elderly women who came to meet me this afternoon at my hotel! They are both doctors and wanted to join our mission, but when Philip and I told them about our trip to Irrawaddy, they realized they are too old. Now, the optimism comes from the promise of the ladies to introduce us to the group of their children who have a medical and relief team that went out today to Irrawaddy. Please pray that we will be able to utilize the energy of these young men and women to deliver relief to the far flung areas. If this materializes, we will always take opportunity to provide spiritual inspiration and direction.
Third of all, the meeting with 7 pillar-members of the church in Yangon was very fruitful. Everyone is enthusiastic to participate in helping to organize and participate in the coming relief missions to Irrawaddy. We have divided into several assignments and once all the tarps, rice, and dried fish are packed into 1,000 bags, we will leave Saturday dawn either for Bogale or Kunyangone. We also have an invitation to go to the farthest point south which is in Lopatta, where a doctor will be coordinating efforts with us. This is the place where the stench of death permeates your skin and where the floating bodies remain unrecovered.
Some disappointments so far:
1. To-date I have not received confirmation to go to the island of Hiene-Gyi with the retired admiral's party;
2. The general's convoy to Irrawaddy has not yet materialized (only up to planning stage);
3. I have over $6,000 ($100 dollar bills) that I cannot use because money changers do not accept bills that have the face of Benjamin Franklin smudged or creased. I have told my coming teams to make sure they will not bring such bills.
Other than this, I am so blessed to be here to be your eyes, ears, hands, heart, and mouth. Pray that I will be able to return to Irrawaddy undetected. Please pray that the rest of our Filipino team of workers will finally get their visas tomorrow; there has been a delay with one whose visa was marked as aid worker when he went to Pakistan. Most importantly, continue to pray with me that the church will grow spiritually from this experience and the church will grow in numbers as they unite to work together.
Please pray also for the contacts we have made so far and those whom we have yet to make. Pray for Saiman, the housekeeping supervisor, and Winnie (Winsome's friend), sales manager of the Dusit Inya Lake Hotel; Douglas Vertaines, his wife, Weenie, and 3 grown children, Linda, Henry & Suzy; the businessmen brothers Ta-te & Mee Yat; brother Htay's family; the community secretary and his family; U Mah our driver, and, everyone else the Lord will put on our way.
This is all for now, and I pray for another blessed day of service tomorrow.
Your brother, partner and fellow-servant in Burma,
Chito Cusi
Dear family and brethren in the Lord,
Today was not as exciting as yesterday's trek into the Irrawaddy delta. But it had its share of exciting events and opportunities.
First, I met brother U Ba Htay (a retired soldier who had been baptized recently) in his damaged house. He was surprisingly robust and full of energy for the gospel at age 70. I pray that he will be instrumental in bringing many to Christ. He has 3 married sons and one of his daughters-in-law listened intently as I delivered a short message and Philip Lian translated. He used to worship with a denominational church, and his search for true worship has led to the church in Yangon. And yes, of course, we will repair his house, that of his sons, and also the house of a lady who he has been studying the Bible with.
Second reason for optimism is I met two elderly women who came to meet me this afternoon at my hotel! They are both doctors and wanted to join our mission, but when Philip and I told them about our trip to Irrawaddy, they realized they are too old. Now, the optimism comes from the promise of the ladies to introduce us to the group of their children who have a medical and relief team that went out today to Irrawaddy. Please pray that we will be able to utilize the energy of these young men and women to deliver relief to the far flung areas. If this materializes, we will always take opportunity to provide spiritual inspiration and direction.
Third of all, the meeting with 7 pillar-members of the church in Yangon was very fruitful. Everyone is enthusiastic to participate in helping to organize and participate in the coming relief missions to Irrawaddy. We have divided into several assignments and once all the tarps, rice, and dried fish are packed into 1,000 bags, we will leave Saturday dawn either for Bogale or Kunyangone. We also have an invitation to go to the farthest point south which is in Lopatta, where a doctor will be coordinating efforts with us. This is the place where the stench of death permeates your skin and where the floating bodies remain unrecovered.
Some disappointments so far:
1. To-date I have not received confirmation to go to the island of Hiene-Gyi with the retired admiral's party;
2. The general's convoy to Irrawaddy has not yet materialized (only up to planning stage);
3. I have over $6,000 ($100 dollar bills) that I cannot use because money changers do not accept bills that have the face of Benjamin Franklin smudged or creased. I have told my coming teams to make sure they will not bring such bills.
Other than this, I am so blessed to be here to be your eyes, ears, hands, heart, and mouth. Pray that I will be able to return to Irrawaddy undetected. Please pray that the rest of our Filipino team of workers will finally get their visas tomorrow; there has been a delay with one whose visa was marked as aid worker when he went to Pakistan. Most importantly, continue to pray with me that the church will grow spiritually from this experience and the church will grow in numbers as they unite to work together.
Please pray also for the contacts we have made so far and those whom we have yet to make. Pray for Saiman, the housekeeping supervisor, and Winnie (Winsome's friend), sales manager of the Dusit Inya Lake Hotel; Douglas Vertaines, his wife, Weenie, and 3 grown children, Linda, Henry & Suzy; the businessmen brothers Ta-te & Mee Yat; brother Htay's family; the community secretary and his family; U Mah our driver, and, everyone else the Lord will put on our way.
This is all for now, and I pray for another blessed day of service tomorrow.
Your brother, partner and fellow-servant in Burma,
Chito Cusi
Surviving the Checkpoints
May 14, 2008
It has been raining in Myanmar, but this and strict checkpoint guards did not prevent us from going deep into the Irrawaddy province. We left at 6:50am and returned just past 10:30pm. I will exclude all details since I am in a public internet cafe with many people looking over shoulders every now and then. We went as far as Bogale, which is about 10 miles from the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Today we are buying tarps, rice, noodles and dried fish---some of the items badly needed in the area; shelter and food. Some complain about needing dry clothes, but this will have to follow. $5 worth of goods in a bag will contain 1 kg of dahl, 1 kg. of rice, some noodles, and dried fish. Hopefully, a supply that will last for the more than 40,000 families living along the road in small tent-shaped thatched shelters. I have plenty of pictures and video, but for some reason this cafe cannot open it. Children are lined up on the streets waiting and begging for gifts of food. In one 40 km stretch, we saw nothing but thatch houses on their sides and roofs blown or totally destroyed on each side of the road. It could have been more than 40 km, because the first damaged/destroyed houses appeared at around 8am. It did not stop till two hours later, and still there were intermittent clusters of destroyed houses and people living in thatch tents. I think the place was in Kyaunggon.
We plan to go first to Bogale and distribute the goods we will prepare. Then we will continue to the Kyaunggon area. We definitely need more help so tonight I am meeting with the brethren and some local volunteers. And yes, no foreigners allowed. We had to go through four (4) checkpoints, and thank God I am Asian. We saw a group of five (5) Caucasians at a checkpoint pleading their case, surrounded by soldiers.
BBC announced today that volunteers from five (5) Asian countries will be allowed to enter the delta, but they did not say which nations. I hope the Philippines is one of them. I have to rush. Please continue to pray for me. I have a soldier two (2) booths away from me.
To God be the glory! Please continue to send those donations to the MARCH account. Hopefully, I will have more Filipinos with me this Sunday or Monday.
Chito
It has been raining in Myanmar, but this and strict checkpoint guards did not prevent us from going deep into the Irrawaddy province. We left at 6:50am and returned just past 10:30pm. I will exclude all details since I am in a public internet cafe with many people looking over shoulders every now and then. We went as far as Bogale, which is about 10 miles from the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Today we are buying tarps, rice, noodles and dried fish---some of the items badly needed in the area; shelter and food. Some complain about needing dry clothes, but this will have to follow. $5 worth of goods in a bag will contain 1 kg of dahl, 1 kg. of rice, some noodles, and dried fish. Hopefully, a supply that will last for the more than 40,000 families living along the road in small tent-shaped thatched shelters. I have plenty of pictures and video, but for some reason this cafe cannot open it. Children are lined up on the streets waiting and begging for gifts of food. In one 40 km stretch, we saw nothing but thatch houses on their sides and roofs blown or totally destroyed on each side of the road. It could have been more than 40 km, because the first damaged/destroyed houses appeared at around 8am. It did not stop till two hours later, and still there were intermittent clusters of destroyed houses and people living in thatch tents. I think the place was in Kyaunggon.
We plan to go first to Bogale and distribute the goods we will prepare. Then we will continue to the Kyaunggon area. We definitely need more help so tonight I am meeting with the brethren and some local volunteers. And yes, no foreigners allowed. We had to go through four (4) checkpoints, and thank God I am Asian. We saw a group of five (5) Caucasians at a checkpoint pleading their case, surrounded by soldiers.
BBC announced today that volunteers from five (5) Asian countries will be allowed to enter the delta, but they did not say which nations. I hope the Philippines is one of them. I have to rush. Please continue to pray for me. I have a soldier two (2) booths away from me.
To God be the glory! Please continue to send those donations to the MARCH account. Hopefully, I will have more Filipinos with me this Sunday or Monday.
Chito
Help Arrives in Myanmar!
May 12, 2008
Saturn Road church of Christ is helping the people of the former country of Burma, where more than 100,000 people may have died from this devastating cyclone! Thousands are still missing in this communist country which is ruled by a military junta.
Chito Cusi with MARCH for Christ arrived in Yangon, Myanmar May 12. Saturn Road has sent funds to help those suffering after the terrible cyclone (hurricane) that has devastated this nation. Please read a portion of his email below:
Mingalaba! Greetings, good morning, good afternoon or good evening in Burmese. Whatever time of day it is said, it is a respectful welcome by a humble and friendly people.
It is Day 2 for me in Myanmar and everything is moving very fast. I have always said that when in Asia, MARCH for Christ can hit the ground running, and indeed that is how our almighty God has put us to work.
So far, we have been blessed to accomplish what we have set out to do on my first two days here. The surprised faces of the Vertaine family and their neighbors at my arrival was a golden moment. It was an emotional time to see them safe, and for them to know of your concern for them. They are very happy and grateful that we remember them and that you have sent me with aid for them.
Roofing sheets, plywood, nails, lumber, etc. have been purchased for the repair of their leaking and damaged roof. We also have the materials for the 6 small houses a short distance from their home, which were damaged by the typhoon. One of these 6 is the house of the community secretary. He is the overseer of what they refer to as 100-1000 households in the area where the Vertaine family live. Through the years he has been supportive of the house church. As we have found out in Myanmar, all he has to do is air a complaint against the church and the military will come and close down the church. We also visited the Preacher Training School, and found that it has suffered almost no damage at all.
Tomorrow (May 13), a vanload will head to the Irrawaddy River Delta. A checkpoint at a
bridge prevents foreigners from entering, but hopefully, being someone who looks Burmese, I pray that I will be able to sneak in. If not, I will stay at a aid center before the bridge, and let the Burmese survey the Delta region as deep into the region as they can. We leave at 6 am and expect to be back by 9 pm.
Ah yes! How faithful is our God and how He has answered your answers. Providing us the good health and energy to go on, and letting us meet people with whom we can partner with in delivering aid to the suffering and desperate people in Irrawaddy. So far, I have 4 Burmese doctors who are willing to conduct a medical mission with our brethren inside Irrawaddy. I also talked to a man who is close friend of the Vertaine family, making arrangements for me to join a convoy of a general who will bring aid possibly on Thursday to Irrawaddy. In addition, the son of a retired admiral, is going to the partly submerged Hiene-Gyi Island, the most badly damaged by cyclone Nagris. I have put in a request to join them on Friday or Saturday for a 2 day mission. In both the general and admiral’s trips, I will be bringing relief goods, tarps and medicines badly needed by the cyclone survivors.
It has started raining since I came. And for now drinking water is not a problem, but disease, exposure and famine continue to be major problems that might kill more than the cyclone.
I am waiting for my team that will start to arrive before the weekend. One of them already has a visa while three other doctors and one of our team leaders hopefully will get theirs tomorrow. I am also waiting for Thai brethren to join us. We also still have to go to ICRC/Red Cross to find out where else we can help.
I understand that you continue to raise funds in the US, and I pray that our brotherhood will generously give. Now whether you give it to March for Christ to manage or to another group does not matter to me so long as the help reaches the poor suffering people. God will be glorified to see His children doing acts of charity and in preparation for a harvest.
This will be all for now. Please continue your prayers for us.
Your brother, fellow servant and partner in the work,
Chito Cusi
Saturn Road church of Christ is helping the people of the former country of Burma, where more than 100,000 people may have died from this devastating cyclone! Thousands are still missing in this communist country which is ruled by a military junta.
Chito Cusi with MARCH for Christ arrived in Yangon, Myanmar May 12. Saturn Road has sent funds to help those suffering after the terrible cyclone (hurricane) that has devastated this nation. Please read a portion of his email below:
Mingalaba! Greetings, good morning, good afternoon or good evening in Burmese. Whatever time of day it is said, it is a respectful welcome by a humble and friendly people.
It is Day 2 for me in Myanmar and everything is moving very fast. I have always said that when in Asia, MARCH for Christ can hit the ground running, and indeed that is how our almighty God has put us to work.
So far, we have been blessed to accomplish what we have set out to do on my first two days here. The surprised faces of the Vertaine family and their neighbors at my arrival was a golden moment. It was an emotional time to see them safe, and for them to know of your concern for them. They are very happy and grateful that we remember them and that you have sent me with aid for them.
Roofing sheets, plywood, nails, lumber, etc. have been purchased for the repair of their leaking and damaged roof. We also have the materials for the 6 small houses a short distance from their home, which were damaged by the typhoon. One of these 6 is the house of the community secretary. He is the overseer of what they refer to as 100-1000 households in the area where the Vertaine family live. Through the years he has been supportive of the house church. As we have found out in Myanmar, all he has to do is air a complaint against the church and the military will come and close down the church. We also visited the Preacher Training School, and found that it has suffered almost no damage at all.
Tomorrow (May 13), a vanload will head to the Irrawaddy River Delta. A checkpoint at a
bridge prevents foreigners from entering, but hopefully, being someone who looks Burmese, I pray that I will be able to sneak in. If not, I will stay at a aid center before the bridge, and let the Burmese survey the Delta region as deep into the region as they can. We leave at 6 am and expect to be back by 9 pm.
Ah yes! How faithful is our God and how He has answered your answers. Providing us the good health and energy to go on, and letting us meet people with whom we can partner with in delivering aid to the suffering and desperate people in Irrawaddy. So far, I have 4 Burmese doctors who are willing to conduct a medical mission with our brethren inside Irrawaddy. I also talked to a man who is close friend of the Vertaine family, making arrangements for me to join a convoy of a general who will bring aid possibly on Thursday to Irrawaddy. In addition, the son of a retired admiral, is going to the partly submerged Hiene-Gyi Island, the most badly damaged by cyclone Nagris. I have put in a request to join them on Friday or Saturday for a 2 day mission. In both the general and admiral’s trips, I will be bringing relief goods, tarps and medicines badly needed by the cyclone survivors.
It has started raining since I came. And for now drinking water is not a problem, but disease, exposure and famine continue to be major problems that might kill more than the cyclone.
I am waiting for my team that will start to arrive before the weekend. One of them already has a visa while three other doctors and one of our team leaders hopefully will get theirs tomorrow. I am also waiting for Thai brethren to join us. We also still have to go to ICRC/Red Cross to find out where else we can help.
I understand that you continue to raise funds in the US, and I pray that our brotherhood will generously give. Now whether you give it to March for Christ to manage or to another group does not matter to me so long as the help reaches the poor suffering people. God will be glorified to see His children doing acts of charity and in preparation for a harvest.
This will be all for now. Please continue your prayers for us.
Your brother, fellow servant and partner in the work,
Chito Cusi
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