Dear Brothers and Sisters,
May I humbly request to pray for Myanmar for such a time as this. State of emergency declared in parts of Myanmar as she was hit by the Cyclone Nargis last night. Rangoon(Yangon) has been totally devastated. Most of the people have never experienced this kind of storm in their lives.
I tried to call to my family and all the people I know this whole day and it did not work as all the phone lines are damaged. The electric poles are flattened, trees are uprooted from the ground. Zinc sheets are in the street. People could not go out even no dog. I read this news from www.mizzima.com

You may read some news there.
I have been here in Bangkok for a week to attend conference. My husband and the two children and the rest of the family are in Yangon. My husband is joining me to attend conference this evening, but due to this situation I am not sure he could make it. Last night I woke up trembling. I have that kind of awake whenever something goes wrong. I prayed to God to protect my family, collegues and my people. Only this morning I came to know what happen when receiving email from a friend from Singapore that Yangon where I live has been damaged by the cyclone and it has been totally devastated.
Please pray that
1. People may have peace and receive help and assistance. Churches may take the initiative to help the people. Even christians may be helped in this kind of situation.
2. Our government may not be stubborned to receive help from international. They may allow churches to help the people in need. (I am very, very sad that we could not help our people. Our government never wants outside people know that there is natural disaster in Myanmar. Although they themselves could not help the people they never allow Christian groups or any association to give assistance to people whenever disasters come)
3. May the Lord show Himself and His compassion and glory to the people who reject Him and who need Him desperately.

Lift our people in your prayer to God. As I write this letter my heart is so grieved. May your prayers be answered and our people find relief in holistic ways.
Charity

This disaster reminds me so much of what happened in Aceh province where Louise and I have been helping and working since January 2005. It is again a reminder of how precious and vulnerable our lives are, and how short the time we have here on earth.

I can only add that we do not wait for things to happen but make things happen, whether you support a non profit locally or internationally by your donations, or be part of a volunteer team to help.

Any deeds done for those in need gain eternal rewards.

Roy van Broekhuizen

Chairman & CEO of Laga Designs International, Inc.

Laga handmade handbags from Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia