REPORT ON MYANMAR TRIP 2008 (18^TH July – 21^ST July)

 

DAY ONE 18^TH JULY’2008, Friday

DEPARTURE

Three pieces of luggage were what I needed to travel. I was assigned the task of buying food for our two days of takeout lunch. But, honestly, how much do three grown men eat anyway? (Anyway, I over-bought so much so that we ate three meals indoor.)

At the airport, we were met with a solitary one woman send-off party. Even so, it meant a lot to us (who would wake up at 5.30am just to send four people off just for four days?).

ARRIVAL

We thank God for the safe flight to Yangon International airport (of course, it was not a bump-free ride). The new airport (completed one year ago) was way beyond our expectations. Just before we boarded the plane, Bak Wei had explained that some visitors in the past had to pay additional payment in order to clear custom. But maybe, the people’s thinking had modernised with the modern airport, we past custom without any hitch (except for some giggling by the officials who opened my backpack stuffed full, really full, of food).

Pastor Moses, clad in black pants and shirt, stood behind the glass panel, waving and smiling as we cleared our last series of custom checks. I almost wanted to offer him a hug when I remembered that it is Yangon and not Brisbane. This ‘urge’ continued for the next few days but mostly people offered me their hands first.

We left the airport. We had to cling to our luggage really tightly because it is a habit of the taxi drivers there to simply ‘snatch’ your luggage and force you to take their ride. Pastor Moses negotiated with many drivers and we eventually took a ride with his ‘friend’, the taxi driver. I could not believe my eyes (and ears) when he said we were taking only one taxi. The taxis there were almost as old as my parents (maybe even older), pretty much to the extent of disuse and really small and cramp (mind you, the back seat is almost only ¾ the length of an average car seat).  So, with Pastor in the front seat, the four of us squeezed into the back with some of our luggage, and I struggled to slam the door shut.

Ruby Hotel (former Ruby Inn) was a very pleasant surprise. It was like the sweet aftertaste of a very bitter experience.  Although checking in took a relative long time, the cleanliness and comfort of the room won me over. (Who knows, the room began its strike against me. For the next few days, the air-conditioned played pranks, the light in the bathroom fused and the toilet bowl choked.)

GRACE CHURCH / SEMINARY BUIDING

After settling in, we headed to the construction site where Grace URCM and the seminary were situated.

Works were ongoing. Zinc plates were being painted and land was being filled with mud and sand. The main structure of Grace URC was up, though they were mainly just timber beams and columns running in tandem.  Pastor Moses explained that the original building was damaged by a fire due to an electrical fault 2 years ago. Reconstruction began in 2007 until the cyclone hit and the external structure of the building was blown down. Due to the high sustainability of timber, the material could be reused. Cost factor on that aspect was reduced. However, as Pastor Moses continually stressed for the next few days, materials for flooring, windows and walls are yet to be bought due to insufficient funds. Our initial plan of getting on our knees to help the construction was not realised because we, the unskilled workforce, could not decipher where to start.

VISITING THE SICK

After standing under the blazing sun for over half an hour, we made a move to visit the sick and injured people from Grace URC. Once again we packed, four in a row, into the taxi. The taxi halted in front of a little shop selling necessities such as shoes and pens. This was where U Tun Shein, 73, a former army captain and his wife (not yet a convert) live. He has a son currently working in Kuala Lumpur. U Tun Shein just had an operation on his neck and was recovering well. He has to consume many pills a day in order to stabilise his condition. The house was left pretty much intact after the cyclone although there were various cracks visibly shown on the ceiling. We had a little conversation with him to understand more about his condition and after which, Bak Wei did an exhortation on Matthew 6:25-34. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? How appropriate indeed.

We departed and headed for Waw Ohn’s house. Her house had collapsed due to the cyclone and she was currently staying at her mother’s place (which was just next door). The house, although packed with the necessities of living, was pretty much barren. The bed was simply a wooden board propped up by some bricks. She was the wife of the deacon of Grace URC and has three children (two of whom are working in Malaysia). She has been suffering from breathing difficulty and was due to see a specialist that coming Saturday. She showed us some x-rays and we agreed in consensus that “only doctor Kwek can understand”. Jason did an exhortation and Waw Ohn pretty much ‘Amen’ to all the points shared. Praise the Lord.

Next up was an Indian family. UBa Tim, father of Rev. Peter, suffered paralytic stroke and could hardly walk. We were shown the way to the kitchen and, I presumed, that was where he sleeps. I was about to sit on a wooden chair covered with a green canvas when I heard someone vehemently shouted “no!”.  I was left quite puzzled until I realised that that was the hole-in-the-bottom chair where ‘businesses’ are done. This man was undergoing Burmese massage as a form of treatment for the past 5 days and he was, apparently, a little better. The cost, 10 000 kyat (about USD$9), a day for medicine and treatment seemed a little on the high side. He will be going through the treatment for the next two months. Joel shared an exhortation on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8- To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. We can tell for sure this man is comforted by the word of God.

It was getting really late, and our ‘breakfast’ from the plane was almost gone. We had out mid-afternoon lunch in a local Burmese eatery which Pastor Moses insisted was “very clean”. Other than a weird plate of boiled bitter leaves, it was a relatively simple lunch. Our first taste of local food in a coffee shop!

It was nearly evening and Pastor Moses was getting tired and needed to rest. Thus, the team decided to head to the downtown pagoda (on our own!). This was where our adventure began (I will not go into details. Just that it was raining really heavily and the taxi broke down. There we were, in a foreign land, we could not even communicate with the driver!)

After our quick visit to the Pagoda, we thank God that we returned safely to the comfort of the hotel where we shared a time a prayer and devotion and also enjoyed Singapore food (and water!). The team discussed our plans for the following day and rested early (local time 10pm, Singapore time 11.30pm).

 

DAY TWO 19^TH JULY’2008, Saturday

We arose from a relatively sleepless night (or were it just me?) and breakfast was brought right to our doorstep. That morning we were to visit North Okkla Church and Galilee Church before heading to the meeting with URCM Relief Committee in the afternoon.

North Okkla Church

North Okkla has Morning Prayer meetings every Saturday morning (and Wednesday evening) and we joined them. They worshipped in a double storey wooden house (which shook every time someone moves). There were about 8 families currently in the church. During our sharing session, the pastor of the church, Rev. Mo Itlei Kup brought up a request to FERC to resume the theological training for the elders and deacons. It had been two years since they had any training. Their last training was conducted by Rev. Poleman from URCA, India.

The pastor also shared with us that after the cyclone the villagers also asked for aid. The church, however, did not have the means to provide for them. The team had unanimously agreed that out of the four churches, North Okkla was the church worst affected by Cyclone Nagris. They also appeared to be in greatest need of help, given their poor living conditions.  On the last day, we presented an additional sum of kyats to Pastor Moses to hand to the deacon of North Okkla. Hopefully, Lord willingly, the amount will be used efficiently to tide the church and her members through this difficult time.

Visting North Okkla Church’s Members

We visited a few members’ houses (mainly those whose houses were damaged during the cyclone).

The first house we visited was just a diminutive hut of rattan and leaves. It sat humbly above a swamp of murky water and vegetated waste. The floor plan of the house was simple. The entrance opened to the bedroom/living room and a wooden cupboard separated the kitchen. Gaps on the roof were blatantly visible. It’s a wonder how one could sleep through a storm under such shelter, or rather the lack of. It was a squeeze for the team, inclusive of Pastor Moses and the four members of the family. The house, as was the next one which we visited, was rented. They did not have the means to purchase a plot of land. Such house cost about a month.

The next house was a mean feat to enter. The front of the house (which was also the kitchen) was laced with bamboo flooring. Although we knew that bamboo has a high durability, the thought of it giving way never ceased to arrest our every step. The space of the house was about 6mx3m. Given the lack of space, the house was clattered with unused pots and tools. Clothes were hung on strings which ran from wall to wall. This particular house, unlike many, has a cross placed at the entrance.

The last house we visited, although it was bigger, it seemed to suffer the most damages. The house was double storey and one had to scale a ladder to access the top. It could be deduced that since the structure was made of wood and rattan as walls and roofs, the high velocity of the wind could easily take them apart. The height of the house could also make the structure relatively more unstable than those that are on ground level. Plastic sheets were currently used to cover gaps on the walls and roofs. A huge gap at the front of the house was yet to be mended. If one was oblivious, one might even thought it was intentionally left open.

GALILEE CHURCH

Time was running short, and so we headed to Galilee church. Just by passing through the markets in the township, one would be able to tell that it was a ‘slightly’ wealthier (I don’t mean wealthy) area. Part of the church was damaged due to the cyclone. It might not be too clearly pictured in photos, but the side of the church had been blown off tandem. Supports had to be placed such that the church does not eventually collapse.

Bak Wei represented the team and brought them greetings from FERC, as well as CERC and PCC. He shared from Genesis 39, with emphasis on the Lord was with Joseph in the deepest of his difficulty. It was in this church where one can see the intense concentration the members gave to the speaker. Although they went through so much physical, maybe certain amount of spiritual, turmoil, they still constantly trust in Lord, believing in His word, in Him. From my point of view, it was a very encouraging sight. It was the simple trusting faith which touched me.

Despite that, the local authorities in the area were very strict with tourist/visitors. While on our way to visit one of the members house, we were suddenly halted by the guide who told us “cannot go anymore”.

Notwithstanding, we managed to catch a glimpse of a house which was rebuilt by the church members. The house was completely damaged during the cyclone and the family had to stay in a makeshift ‘tent’ before aid was given. We were shown pictures (the next day) of the magnitude of the damage. Although construction was completed, there was not a bridge for the people to cross the murky water. The owner (which was the guitarist of Galilee church) had to trod across the mud to greet us.

URCM RELIEF COMMITTEE MEETING

The relief committee meeting was held at Pastor Moses residence, which is also where Grace URC is currently worshipping. We started with a short exhortation by Bak Wei from John 11:1-15. He directed their attention to God working out events leading Lazarus’ death, and resurrection for the glory of God.. The order of the meeting generally followed the format of the report which Pastor Moses had sent. However, because of language barrier, the meeting was mostly just a discussion between Pastor Moses, Rev. Van Bawi Lik and us. Most of the others present could only understand simple English, and so participated passively. Certain important portions were interpreted into Burmese. [Note: Minutes of the meeting were recorded.]

We ended the day with dinner at Pastor Moses residence.

 

DAY THREE 20^TH JULY’2008, Sunday

REVIVAL CHURCH (SOUTH DAGON)

We had decided the day before that we were to split into two groups –Jason and Joel, Bak Wei and I- to attend church services at Galilee URC and Revival URC(South Dagon) respectively.  It was almost a half an hour ride to South Dagon (but it was comfortable because there were only two of us in the back seat). Revival URC was located in an area with mainly apartment blocks (not like the local HDB). While the pastor and his family lived in the apartment just above the church, most of the members and visitors came from the villages nearby. There was currently an influx of visitors. It was really standing room only. Most of these visitors only started attending the church after the cyclone. They were encouraged when the church members did not just helped one another to rebuild their houses, but also extended their help to the non-Christians.

We began with an hour of adult covenant instruction – Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s day 1. Although we might not understand the teaching, which was in Burmese, it was very edifying to know that the church held firm to the reformed faith. The singing of the hymns could easily put the members of our church to shame. In Burmese or in English, each hymn was sung with such vigour and zealousness. We ought to learn such attitude from them.

Bak Wei brought them greeting from FERC, CERC and PCC at the start of the service.

After the sermon, there was a time of ‘testimony’. That was the time when individuals or families would  present an item or to give a testimonial. We handed out vitamin Cs and lollies to the congregation before we left them for our lunch at the hotel.

GALILEE CHURCH (Added by Joel)

Today will be the day that the groups are splitting. Revival Church will be visited by Bak Wei and Lehana while Galilee Church would be visited by Jason & me.  I sensed that Jason would have loved to visit Revival Church as we had not been there but it was not to be so. I on the other hand was quite pleased to be going to Galilee Church, among the 3 churches that we visited yesterday, they seemed the most friendly of all.

Still the thought of how the visit to Galilee ended left some fears in my mind. The ‘neighbourhood’ around Galilee apparently weren’t too fond of outsiders visiting I guess. The team visiting Revival left for South Dagon about an hour before us as the service there started earlier.  We spent the hour in the hotel chilling around while I spend some time practicing the little Burmese I knew.

Service at Galilee started at 11am and before we knew it, two of the seminary students together with the pastor came to pick us up from Ruby Inn. There were some problems with the cab and had it not been able to start we would probably have gone to the main road to get a cab. While waiting for the driver to solve the problem, a key chain on one of the students bag intrigued me, It was for the U.R.C.M Youth, it had a picture of a open Bible on a cross on the country of Myanmar, on the other side of it was written this verse. Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Ah, rest that eludes the ever busy Singaporean, oh my soul will you ever find rest?

Thankfully the cabby managed to solve the problem, we made a 30min trip to Galilee church, to get there we had to pass a Toll gate, the fee was 200 kyats. To get to Galilee we also passed a bridge which was interesting in design but pretty run down. The roads there were filled with portholes and I was hoping that I didn’t have to come down to push the car if it got stuck. (If a tractor could get stuck in it I was pretty sure a car could.) If you would like to practice your driving skills you could try going to Myanmar, apart from hazardous road conditions, there was practically no practice of traffic rules especially outside of town.

After a smooth ride, we finally reached Galilee Church.  Attempts to sit on the floor were strongly objected with many more giving up their sits till we agreed to sit on chairs. It was a church with around 30 members. The kids were the ones who sat on the floor.  This time I took Bak Wei’s advise and decided to blend in.  Almost no one Myanmar wore the bright orange/yellow colour that I wore the day before... I hadn’t really noticed it till Bak Wei told me about it.

Exhortation was given by one of the Seminary students (John 4:24), this was followed by singing, sharing of testimonies and perhaps some memory verses by the kids, most of which weren’t practiced in our church. Their church was plain and simple with a pulpit to preach and a table to sit behind it. There were some pictures of Jesus which to me served no purpose, to reform and argue however, was not the purpose of my visit. I did enjoy the service though,  the person who played the guitar was the one who’s house had no steps to it and his feet would be all muddy just coming to greet us. I can still remember the coarseness of his hands, and I can only imagine the work that he does.  As all who have gone to Myanmar can testify, the singing was good. After the exhortations, presentations, and singing, there was the collection of offering and a prayer. I was like what? Is this it? Is service over? As Jason was also new to their service, he didn’t have the answer to my questions either.

That however was the start, the Pastor, Rev Van Bawi Lik would give his sermon to the 20-30 odd people that have gathered at the church. As I didn’t understand the language, I read my Bible throughout the worship service.  We would be having our own unique “service” in our room that very night. After the sermon and prayer, Jason gave the congregation the greetings from the FERC, CERC & PCC. (Their prayers can be unique at times as sometimes they prayed as individuals together at the same time) During those times I would pray as an individual as well. A sentence from the Pastor would regularly end with the word Amen from the congregation.

After service, I decided to share something about offerings since I was greatly moved by their offering song.  I shared from Luke 21:2-4 a really short sharing. To me they were really like the poor widow. Well if you remember our own offering song, it ends with this words, I yield my heart, my offering. With church camp over and the lesson of John Calvin’s seal still in my heart, I was certain God was speaking to me as an individual as well. Certainly it was the heart that mattered most to God, yes Singapore is rich in material things but how poor we are in spirit, how much trust do we put in our riches? Upon reflecting further, I was certain that the time of Christ second coming was certainly drawing nearer as well. Now they have a Bible in Burmese, before Christ return, all the earth would have heard of him, I look forward to that great and glorious day, till then my duty on earth is to use my talents together with its weaknesses for him.

After my sharing, we gave out the sweets, biscuits, vitamins & tuna. Only the kids gathered around to eat the tuna though. We then managed to visit the house that we were unable to visit the day before. We took photos of the reconstructed houses but did not enter it. We however did enter the Elder’s home, there Jason prayed for his family, his son had pretty bad rashes, considering their living conditions I was amazed that many of them were still healthy. I guess the human body has a way of adapting to different conditions. After praying for the family there, we made our way back to Galilee Church, said our goodbyes, and hopped onto the waiting cab which drove us back to Hotel Ruby.

Grace URCM (Evening Service)

We (the four of us) joined Grace URC for their evening service. The service was conducted in the Chin Language. The sermon that Sunday was by a student from the seminary.

After which, we headed to the deacon’s house to view a series of videos and photographs taken 2 weeks after the cyclone.  We could see the damaged caused during the Cyclone.  [Note: Yangon was not directly hit by the Cyclone, but had experienced a very heavy thunderstorm with strong winds for 12 hours]. In comparison to what we saw in the towns, it could be concluded that much were done to restore normalcy.

 

DAY FOUR 21^ST JULY’2008, Monday

DEPARTURE

On the last day, Pastor Moses picked us from the hotel. While in a conversation with us, Pastor Moses brought up that if the session was to consider resuming deacon aid, it should also constitute Kaley, Falam and also the mission field.

With all these in mind, we departed from Yangon.

 

CONCLUSION

In summary, the visiting team concluded that the churches in Yangon did not suffer too much damage to their properties during the recent Cyclone in Myanmar.  There was no lost to lives.  The main disaster area was really the Irrawaddy Delta (which is altogether a different story!).  In Yangon, it was more like a very very bad thunderstorm, lasting 12 hours.

The damages were confined to damaged houses (roofs blown away, windows damaged, walls collapsed) or destroyed houses (non-concrete), fallen trees, fallen electrical poles, etc.  The greatest damage was to the rattan huts, which mostly had to be rebuilt.  The wooden houses suffered partial damage.  Of course, the concrete houses mainly had damaged roofs.  By the time we visited, most of these damages were rectified or repaired, or had some temporary measures (plastic covers).  In some ways, life in Yangon was almost back to normal, with people living in their own homes (although we could not get signal on our mobile phones!).

We were satisfied the homeless were comforted, and were back to their homes.  The sick were cared for.  The people were given essentials such as food and water.  The churches, though slightly damaged, could still function somewhat.

Our attention will now shift to longer-term needs, such as the reconstruction of Grace Church and the Seminary building.  The need to replace the damaged tubewell with a new, deeper, motorised one to supply clean drinking water to the churches and the neighbourhood.  There is also a need to consider some diaconate assistance, seeing that some of the church members had lost their jobs due to reduced economic activity in the country due to the Cyclone.

 

Written by Lehana Guo, Joel Ee

Edited, vetted and concluded by Deacon Tan Bak Wei