Baptists meet in Bangkok to work on aid to Myanmar and China

Representatives from several Baptist agencies, including American Baptist International Ministries, met in Bangkok on May 24 to discuss ongoing relief efforts related to both Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province.

In addition to International Ministries, and an official from the Myanmar Baptist Convention (MBC), other participants included representatives from, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Mission, Baptist World Aid, and the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, as well as counterparts from Australia, Hungary, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.

The agenda included an update regarding Myanmar Baptists' ongoing relief response to the cyclone that devastated the Irrawaddy Delta region on May 3, and a report on the status of funding for relief and rehabilitation.  With overall fatalities estimated well over 100,000 persons and 2 to 3 million left homeless, the MBC reported as of May 22 their cyclone response team had coordinated the establishment of 47 relief centers serving 13,678 persons.  In addition, rice and other non-perishable foods as well as medicines and diesel fuel had been distributed within the affected area.

Challenges to the response include the lack of infrastructure in the region and the restriction of various types of foreign aid.  However, a viable means of enabling financial assistance from global Baptists was recommended.  

To continue carrying out relief work as well as to implement a subsequent rehabilitation phase which includes rebuilding homes and providing livelihood support, the MBC estimates that $2.2 million is needed. This amount also includes approximately $150,000 for the MBC to repair its own storm damaged campus in Yangon.

In response, Asia Pacific Baptist Aid has set a target of $100,000 with Baptist World Aid committing another $50,000.  Additionally, Hungarian Baptist Aid has provided personnel to assist the MBC with the development of reports and proposals.  Regional Baptists, including those in Singapore, Thailand and Japan, are also raising funds for relief efforts.  Officials are hopefully for dramatic increases in donations from American Baptists, given the historic ties to the region. International Ministries formed in 1814 as a direct outcome of Adoniram and Ann Judson embracing the Baptist faith and becoming missionaries in what was then known as Burma in 1813.

Regarding the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Sichuan Province on May 12, representatives from the Singapore Baptists, Hungarian Baptist Aid, Cooperative Baptists, International Ministries and Baptist Global Response exchanged information regarding ongoing needs and opportunities for response.

As of May 23 with 51,151 dead, 29,239 missing and more than 5.2 million displaced, the provision of shelter, food and basic sanitation are the top priorities. The Chinese government has also requested 3.3 million tents with accompanying household items.                 

Dr. Bela Szilagyi, chief executive of Hungarian Baptist Aid, shared that unlike neighboring Myanmar, the Chinese government has not restricted the involvement or movement of foreign aid workers.  There are also possible openings for medical volunteers. Additionally, various types of items for distribution, such as medicines, can be procured within the country.  However, the main limitation relates to the difficulty of travel in the remote region.  

Within three days of the disaster, BWAid Rescue24 (the search, rescue and relief agency of Baptist World Aid) began offering assistance in the city of Peng Zhou where only 3,000 of 10,000 residents reportedly survived the quake.  Rescue24’s main activities have been the procurement and distribution of goods most needed by the survivors, stating plans to coordinate with all Baptist aid organizations as well as the Chinese Red Cross.  

Peter Tang, representing the Singapore Baptists, shared that his churches are also focusing assistance upon Peng Zhou, seeking to extend God’s love in the midst of suffering.  The Singaporeans are currently raising needed funds to help with rebuilding and to provide medical attention.

CBF representatives, with field personnel in nearby Chengdu, reported that churches across China are raising relief funds which are being administered through local congregations.  They also shared that the Amity Foundation, which operates in conjunction with the China Christian Counsel, is handling volunteers and seeking opportunities to support government relief efforts.  Besides assisting affected churches in rebuilding, CBF personnel plan to coordinate training for local pastors and church leaders related to grief counseling.  

As this meeting was taking place, Ben Chan, International Ministries area director for China, has reported that his American Baptist congregation has raised more than $30,000 alone to assist quake victims. "We want our partners in China, like the Amity Foundation, and those meeting in Bangkok, to know that American Baptist Churches care about what is happening and they are taking action to support ongoing relief efforts both in China and Myanmar."

American Baptist International Ministries, organized in 1814, is the oldest Baptist mission agency formed in North America.  We serve more than 2,500 short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in 76 countries in cutting-edge ministries that tell the good news of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs.

This story was provided by personnel working with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist International Ministries to deliver financial aid and assess ongoing needs. The name of the author is withheld for security reasons.

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