Myanmar Cyclone - Worst Disaster Since Indonesian Tsunami

Death Toll Could Top 40,000 - Urgent Prayer Needed for Missionary Groups

YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's military government raised its death toll from Cyclone Nargis on Tuesday to nearly 22,500 with another 41,000 missing, almost all from a massive storm surge that swept into the Irrawaddy delta.

...Despite the magnitude of the disaster -- the most devastating cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people died in Bangladesh -- France said the ruling generals in the former Burma were still placing too many conditions on aid.

"The United Nations is asking the Burmese government to open its doors. The Burmese government replies: 'Give us money, we'll distribute it.' We can't accept that," Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told parliament. Full Story...

People Seeking Fresh Water in Yangon (Reuters)

Video - Cyclone's Deadly Power
Video - Myanmar Death Toll Climbs
Video - Doubts over Myanmar Aid Plan

Please Pray for Missionary Groups in Myanmar (formerly Burma)

Understand the Times ministry has a housing project for orphans in Myanmar called Bryce Lodge named after his late son. Here is an update from Roger Oakland about Bryce Lodge:

We have not been able to reach our contacts in Myanmar. As you may have read, the media is reporting that 10,000 or more people have died as a result of Cyclone Nargis. Most of the people that have perished are on the river. Many live in huts that can be devastated in the high winds and flooding that they have experienced. Bryce Lodges are concrete block buildings. We pray that they held strong during the storm and that all are safe there.

Travel to Myanmar is a difficult endeavor. Understand The Times plans on giving aid, in our Lord's name, to the people of Myanmar, especially the children of Bryce Lodge. With the uncertainty of the reports about the people many of us support, surely they will require assistance. This will require resources and we are asking for your help. Whatever you can give to Mission Myanmar is greatly appreciated!

We will continue to follow God's lead. We ask that you continue to pray for the people of Myanmar and the children of Bryce Lodge. We will send out another note as we receive more information.

You can read more about Bryce Lodge (with pictures)
at my wife's blog: Truthoughts

There is another great blog post about
other mission groups in Myanmar here: Gospel Blog

Prophecy:

Could this be another sign of the times talked about in the Bible? Jesus spoke of these things when his disciple asked when shall the end of the age be?

Luke 21:25-27 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.