Thousands of people from Myanmar lost everything in the devastating 2008 cyclone, including family members, homes, and livelihoods. And now, many of them are living in makeshift shelters with nothing more than badly deteriorating tarps to keep out the monsoon rains. Others have no shelter to live in at all.

That’s why one of the projects in FEBC’s 2009/2010 Gift Catalog includes bamboo siding, flooring, and thatched roofing to help a family construct a basic shelter that will last several years.

“Reaching out to people in their time of need also demonstrates the compassion of Christ and opens the door for sharing the Good News,” says Gregg Harris, President of FEBC.

The following testimony comes from a community leader living in the Irawaddy Delta, a region decimated by the cyclone:

"On the evening of May 1, 2008, our family and everyone in our village were eating dinner together and very happy. We had no idea what was about to happen.

The very next day, my wife who was eight months pregnant and two of my children were dead, as well as many from our church. It was really difficult to deal with because it wasn’t just a few people but hundreds who perished in the storm.

This has taught us that life on earth is very uncertain and short. Still, we thank God for giving us the chance to live and work for Him. We also thank Him for FEBC, since you helped us when we lost everything. The radios and Bibles you gave us are a great encouragement, especially during times when we feel lonely and fearful. These items are priceless. Thank you so much."

Please join us in praying that God will provide the funds needed to help the people of Myanmar build suitable long-term housing for their families. And pray that many lives will be eternally impacted by our efforts in this Buddhist-dominated country!