Cord has the privilege of partnering with some amazing organisations, including Wan Lark in Myanmar. Operating since 2010, Wan Lark’s work involves emergency relief, community development and defending human rights. They are based in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State. This port city on the Bay of Bengal at the mouth of the Kaladan River, boasts beautiful sea views, busy markets and delicious spicy dishes.
The last few years have been incredibly challenging for people living in Sittwe due to coronavirus and the military coup. Now they face the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha. Although this region is prone to cyclones, this is the most severe to hit Rakhine state in history. Smashing in to Myanmar’s Western states on Sunday 15 May with gusts as high as 250kmph, it continued to lash communities with torrential rain on the following day.
Cord has been working with Wan Lark since 2019 as part of our Freedom of Religion and Belief programme in Myanmar. But now, our friends are having to suspend this work and direct all their efforts to rescue and relief. Wan Lark’s office has suffered huge damage including the upper storey being ripped off. They don’t expect to resume their normal activities for many months.
We’re doing all we can to support Wan Lark at this time. For example, we are asking some of our institutional funders if they can provide emergency support. Wan Lark have identified the provision of non-food items to the communities which they support, the reconstruction of the office and purchasing of new office equipment as their immediate priorities. Fortunately Wan lark were able to remove most of their important documentation and records before the cyclone hit.
Please join with us in praying for Wan Lark.
Please pray for all those who work for them and their families, that they would have wisdom to know how best to serve their city and region. Please ask God to give them courage and determination during this traumatic time. We also lift up the people of Rakhine state and pray for peace and hope as they recover from this terrible event. We pray for strength and healing as they grieve, deal with loss and, in time, begin to rebuild their lives.
If you want to pray regularly for the work of Cord, please download Reflect, our prayer diary, produced 3 times a year. You can also sign up to receive Reflect and our other publications by post or email.
