The Isaiah 52 Blog

I am sure you have heard at least something about the cyclone that ripped through Burma a few days ago, and I would like to supplement a little of the knowledge and ask a favor of you. 

This disaster is not over yet. Yes the waters have subsided from the 200,000 square miles of flooded land, and people from all over the country are flocking to the ruins of the most populous cities in search of basic ammenities, but without fresh water and foreign aid, the migration is doomed. The worst hit areas housed over 50% of Burma’s population, and with the death toll at 200,000, the risk of infection for the remaining survivors grows every day the Burmese junta does not step in and start burning the bodies of the dead. These people are not just mourning the loss of 200,000 family, friends, and coworkers, but they are struggling to find the most basic things – food, uncontaminated water, and shelter. The first of the foreign aid flights have landed, but aid packages are still sitting on the tarmac as the government refuses to distribute aid and refuses to give visas to foreign workers, fearing western influence that could compromise the junta’s strangle hold of power over the nation.

As you can see, this is a major disaster, and if no help is allowed in the death toll could reach a projected 500,000. As a point of reference, the boxing day 2004 tsunami took 230,000 lives. 

So when do we start worrying? When do we start praying for our brothers and sisters in Burma? When the death toll gets high enough? Why don’t we flinch until blood is spilt? Why does it take horror stories to move us to even reflection anymore? Why?

Here is what I would like you to do. As often as you think of it, please pray for the families in Burma, and for the government officials. Pray that the Lord would be glorified in the this terrible situation and that He would bring comfort to those who so desperately need it.

Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are both sovereign and good, and you delight in giving good gifts to your children. Father as we survey the world and especially this Burma disaster, we do not doubt your sovereign will but know that all things happen for your Glory and Christ’s name and that even though the evil one is alive and well in this world and has much power over men’s hearts, he is yet restrained from deceiving the nations. For this we praise you. Father I do pray this day that you would move powerfully in the hurting nation of Burma and make your name known to those that will receive the Good News of Jesus Christ. Father bring comfort to the people of Burma and restore to them their basic needs for survival. Soften the hearts of the junta and move them to finally help their own people. Use the junta and foreign aid workers as the hand that carries out your good works of mercy upon us sinners who deserve neither grace nor mercy. Father, be Lord of this situation and bring healing to Burma. I ask these things in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

-MD Letteney