John Piper writes up 6 responses to the recent cyclone in Myanmar and the devastation in its wake. As usual, Piper is particularly sharp when encouraging Biblical prayer. Some excerpts:
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2. Pray for the followers of Christ in Myanmar:
- That they would be still and know that God is God (Psalm 46:10; 100:3).
- That they would be awakened from the illusion that this life is long or sure or the main point of eternal existence (James 4:14)….
3. Pray for the millions of unbelievers near the calamity and far from it:
- That they would see the helplessness of man before the Power that rules the world and fly to Christ who alone delivers from the final cyclone of God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10)….
4. Pray for those of us who live in the seeming security and prosperity of America:
- That we would see what is about to break over us in due time—either collectively as God removes the hand of his providential restraint, or individually as one by one we are whisked to the hospital, then wheeled to the nursing home, and then carried to the funeral home (Hebrews 9:27).
- That millions would be made to see this and repent from the adultery of treasuring anything more than Christ (James 4:4)….
Read the whole post from Piper.
I’m also greatly encouraged that our denomination has been working hard on getting immediate relief into the country, especially when there are so many political obstacles. Some details from our denomination:
Under the direction of the EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response team, ReachGlobal staff in Asia and our ministry partners in Myanmar, we are making preparations to assist those most severely affected by this devastating event. The immediate need is funding to begin the process of rebuilding lives in this area of the world. We want to show compassion to those most in need and through the efforts of our ministry partners and the generous support of our churches here in the United States, lives will be transformed.
God has shown favor to ReachGlobal by allowing us to develop an exciting ministry partnership with the Evangelical Free Church of Myanmar. This partnership has positioned us well for responding to this disaster with people in-country who can effectively meet the needs of their fellow citizens….
We have established the Myanmar Disaster Relief fund and are accepting donations. Please send checks to:
Myanmar Disaster Relief Fund #21709-3989
901 E 78th Street
Minneapolis MN 55420
And finally, if you’re worshiping with us locally, CEFC will also help channel relief help through TouchGlobal to partner churches in Myanmar. I am especially moved that we can help empower local people to meet local needs. May God have mercy on us all.