Dear Pastors and Congregations of LCMS,

Cyclone Nargis, with gale force winds of up to 200 km per hour, hit Yangon directly late last Friday, 2 May. In the aftermath of the storm and wave surge, the Myanmar state news agency has reported that more than 10,000 people have been killed by collapsing trees and houses, and the death toll is expected to rise by the day. Humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross and CARE estimate that at least hundreds of thousands are affected, but actual figures will be difficult to ascertain due to the inaccessibility of many places. Electricity has been cut off in most areas and there is a shortage of food and shelter for many.

The LCMS has been trying to contact our sister church – Myanmar Lutheran Church – but to no avail as all forms of communications have been cut off. We will continue to try to get in touch with Rev. Andrew Manlone, and if there is any news of their situation, we will keep you informed.

Our Church will also continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in Yangon, and will take the necessary actions to bring relief to our sisters and brothers in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, we urge all LCMS pastors and their congregations to lift up Myanmar Lutheran Church and the nation of Myanmar in your prayers. In addition, LCMS congregations are encouraged to make a donation in support of the relief work which we hope to do in the near future. Kindly designate your contribution to "Myanmar Relief Fund" and channel them to the LCMS office. We thank you for your prayer and financial support.

By His Grace
Bishop Philip Lok