Diakonia 2025 Volume 1
Myanmar in Crisis: Earthquake and the Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
An Update from Gospel Outreach Worldwide (GOWW)
Priscilla Tan (goww2005@gmail.com)
Myanmar continues to face tremendous hardship in 2025. Still reeling from the aftermath of the military coup in February 2021, the country remains gripped by political instability, widespread civil unrest, and military violence. This prolonged conflict has led to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis marked by economic collapse and food insecurity.
On 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, compounding the suffering of an already fragile nation. The disaster damaged vital infrastructure, displaced many families, and hindered relief efforts due to the ongoing conflict and unrest. Among our few Brethren Assemblies in Myanmar, the Mandalay Gospel Centre (MGC) was the most affected, being situated near the epicenter.
Emergency relief was quickly mobilized through the generous support of Malaysian assemblies and believers coordinated by Gospel Outreach Worldwide (G.O.W.W). In the first phase of emergency response, 27 families from MGC received rice, cooking oil, and 200,000 MMK (approximately RM200) per household
Earthquake victims taking shelter in temporary tents
These necessities were a lifeline for many, as the majority have been unable to work and have no choice but to sleep outdoors due to continuous aftershocks, over 200 of which have been recorded, including a magnitude 5.1 tremor on 13 April. Money for the second emergency response has been sent over, and aid will be distributed not only to believers, especially the six families whose homes were damaged, but also to those suffering friends and neighbors, many of whom are still living in tents.
Our fellow brethren play a critical role in responding to the needs of their communities. The Mandalay Gospel Centre, comprising approximately 80 believers in worship, has stepped up, ministering not only to their own members but also reaching out to neighbors and gospel contacts with compassion and love, by providing both physical aid and spiritual hope.
The long-term impact is equally concerning. Many of the brethren in Mandalay who previously worked as security guards in banks and office buildings are now facing the threat of unemployment, as many of those structures were either destroyed or deemed unsafe. With growing fears of unemployment, the economic future for these families looks bleak.
In Monywa, another Brethren Assembly with over 50 members and growing outreach, the need for teaching, training, discipleship, and a larger meeting place is becoming increasingly urgent. Recent gospel efforts have drawn more individuals toward Christ, and as the local believers continue to serve faithfully, the prayer is for more workers to rise up and for structured teaching to strengthen the faith of new believers.
MGC providing clean water to neighbors affected by the earthquake
Mandalay Gospel Centre and Monywa assemblies are growing rapidly, but lack consistent teaching, age-specific ministries, and mature shepherding. There is an urgent need to train and raise leaders who can disciple the flock in sound doctrine and guide the church with wisdom and care.
As Myanmar begins to recover from the earthquake’s devastation, continued prayers and support are essential for healing, rebuilding and renewing hope. As Myanmar continues to grapple with political instability and compounding hardships, we believe by faith, that God is actively at work through our fellow brethren. We pray for peace in a land torn by strife, for softened hearts that are hardened by fear and pride. We pray for reconciliation among families and believers where there is division. We also remember those grieving the loss of loved ones and homes after the earthquake.
We continue to invite Malaysian Churches and individuals to partner with us, to constantly remember the Churches in Mandalay and Monywa in continuous prayer. May the Holy Spirit empower them to be beacons of light in the darkness. May our Lord raise up shepherds to lead with compassion and truth, and by mercy, may the gospel of our Lord Jesus advance to see more souls brought into, and kept in the kingdom that cannot be shaken; to the glory of our triune God.
Let us therefore not grow weary in supporting them. Continue to pray for:
- Peace in Myanmar, and for the healing of the land and its people.
- Provision for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
- Believers in Mandalay and Monywa to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and be firmly built upon the Word of God.
- Faithful shepherds to be raised for teaching, discipleship and pastoral care.
- Open doors for the gospel to reach more hearts in this broken land.
- Strength, wisdom, and focus for Tin Htay-May and Mok Khai-Ni Ni Win as they serve in Mandalay and Monywa.
Distribution of food and financial aid to 27 families from MGC as part of the first phase of emergency relief
Even in suffering, we give thanks that God’s purposes remain unshaken. May the Holy Spirit empower the assemblies in Myanmar to stand firm and shine brightly and may the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ spread through this land, drawing many into the kingdom that cannot be shaken, to the praise of His glorious grace.