Bishops’ Appeal supports Christian Aid’s response to South East Asia earthquake

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Following the devastating earthquake last Friday (28th March) in South East Asia in which over two thousand lives have been lost, the Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee is sending emergency assistance of €10,000 (currently equivalent to £8,400) to Christian Aid’s appeal for Myanmar.

Parishes and individuals are encouraged to donate directly to Christian Aid to ensure that what we can give reaches those affected as swiftly as possible.

Bishop Ferran Glenfield, who chairs Bishops’ Appeal, remarks: “Myanmar is one of the most closed countries in the world, and generally doesn’t welcome international aid, but the monstrous earthquake has presented an opportunity for organisations such as Christian Aid to offer help to those whose lives have been devastated.  Bishops’ Appeal always works with trusted partners on the ground and Christian Aid is one of those partners.”

Examples of aid are shared below to show how donations can make a direct difference:

  • £10 / €12 could help fund access to safe drinking water.
  • £20 / €24 could support a family to eat for a week by offering a food parcel of essentials such as oil and rice.
  • £20 / €24 could buy hygiene supplies for a family of five for two weeks.
  • £50 / €61 could buy a food parcel for a family of five.
  • £140 / €170 could provide blankets, mattresses and alternative sources of heating material for a family of five.
  • £200 / €240 could fund an emergency shelter for a family who’ve been made homeless.
  • £1,000 / €1,200 could fund emergency shelters for five families who’ve been made homeless.
  • £5,000 / €6,000 could buy food parcels for 100 families, meeting their urgent nutritional needs.
  • £10,000 / €12,000 could provide vital cash assistance so that 70 families can access shelter, food and safe drinking water.

Donations can be made directly through the Christian Aid Ireland website at this link:
https://www.christianaid.ie/appeals/emergencies/myanmar-earthquake-appeal

Julie Mehigan, Christian Aid’s Head of Asia, Middle East and Europe, adds: “Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need. Every prayer and every gift will bring hope to people hit by disaster.”

Christian Aid has shared the following prayer for Myanmar, to encourage intercession:

God, our strength and our refuge,
We pray to you for the people of Myanmar.
We hold in mind those who are injured or have been bereaved.
We ask your protection for everyone awaiting rescue.
May those who have lost homes and belongings be comforted.
May emergency workers and medical staff be safe as they pour their energy into saving the lives of others.
May the international community respond quickly to support those affected.
God, our strength and our refuge,
Be with our global neighbours today.
Amen.