Three evangelical alliances are urging believers worldwide to join an online prayer event Saturday for the people of Myanmar, following two powerful earthquakes that killed thousands and left many more injured or missing.
The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28. It was followed by a second 6.4-magnitude tremor. As of April 3, the ruling military junta reported 3,085 deaths and 4,715 injuries, though the numbers are expected to rise. Countless people remain unaccounted for.
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), in partnership with the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance (MECA) and Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), issued a call to prayer for April 5 at 7 p.m. Yangon time (GMT+6:30) / 12:30 p.m. GMT via Zoom [register here].
“We urge you to join us in fervent prayer for the people of Myanmar and the surrounding nations impacted by the devastating earthquake,” the evangelical alliances said in a joint email invitation titled “Myanmar Earthquake Response 2025.”
On LinkedIn, the WEA expressed gratitude for survivors and asked for continued prayer for “healing, restoration, and relief efforts.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Myanmar in the wake of the recent earthquake,” the WEA stated.
An evangelical Christian in Myanmar identified by the WEA as “Dr. TT” thanked supporters for their prayers.
“By God’s grace, we are safe,” Dr. TT wrote. “Three of our church buildings have been affected, and one of our pastors is currently in the hospital, still unconscious. Please continue to pray for his recovery. There is much rescue and relief work to be done in Myanmar. We ask for your continued prayers and support during this time.”
In the joint prayer invite, the evangelical alliances emphasized the importance of faith in trusting God’s presence to bring hope to those despairing at this time. The church must be a “beacon of love and support in this time of crisis.”
“As communities face loss, destruction, and uncertainty, let us lift up those who are grieving, injured, or displaced, asking for God’s comfort, provision, and healing,” they said in the invitation.
“Pray for emergency responders, relief organizations, and churches working tirelessly to provide aid, that they may have strength, resources, and wisdom to meet the urgent needs.
“Let us intercede for stability, swift recovery, and for the hands of generosity to extend across borders, embodying the compassion of Christ in action.”
Hard-hit regions face chaos as health care and infrastructure crumble
Reuters reported that hospitals were toppled, communities flattened and many have been left without food, water and shelter after the quakes struck. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported three hospitals “completely destroyed” and another 22 partially damaged.
Regions affected were “some of the most vulnerable and conflict-affected,” and recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the WHO, calling it more than a natural disaster, rather a “crisis upon crisis.”
The affected regions are Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, and Eastern Shan, where health systems were “already on the brink.”
The WHO stated that communities in central Myanmar are now struggling to deal with the aftermath of the quakes. They are grappling with “collapsed health facilities, broken infrastructure, and renewed fears of disease outbreaks.”
“The people of Myanmar are enduring unimaginable hardship. This earthquake has only deepened the suffering of communities already battling displacement, fragile health systems, and limited access to basic services,” said Dr Thushara Fernando, WHO Representative to Myanmar. “We are acting with urgency to deliver the support they need now.”
Tearfund, a Christian aid charity, also reported a “chaotic and severe” situation with hospitals overwhelmed and injured patients being treated on the street or even in car parks. The charity estimates the death toll could rise up to 10,000 people and that’s not counting the effect of water-borne diseases such as cholera after water supply systems were damaged.
“We are particularly concerned that disruption to power supplies means battery power is running low and communications will be difficult in the coming days as the devastation of this earthquake is more fully realised,” said Tearfund’s Programme Director for Myanmar, Jude Seares.
“Tearfund’s local partners are assessing whether markets are able to function in these conditions and will be working to provide access to food, clean water and temporary shelter.”
Damaged roads, collapsed power lines and constant disruptions to both electricity and internet services are hindering rescue operations.
