KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 4/1/25)—International Ministries has sent an initial grant of $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners who are providing humanitarian relief to the victims of the earthquake that caused widespread devastation in central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025.

The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7 struck around 12:50 local time according to the US Geological Survey. A second earthquake struck 12 minutes later, with a magnitude of 6.4. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 10 miles north-west of Myanmar’s city Sagaing. This is also near Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, with a population of about 1.5 million people – and about 62 miles north of the capital Nay Pyi Taw.

To date, it’s been reported that more than 2,900 have died and more than 3,400 have been injured in Myanmar, although it is difficult to obtain accurate information. In Thailand, authorities reported localized incidents that have left at least 13 dead and 77 unaccounted for when a building that was under construction collapsed.

International Ministries (IM) is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of its global servants, partners in the region, and the communities they serve. All IM personnel have reported they are safe, and we are assessing the needs of our partners in Myanmar and their communities as the situation unfolds.

IM Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan Rev. Kyle Witmer describes the dire situation: “Mandalay, near the epicenter, reports over 1,500 houses damaged, and collapsed structures all around. Reports are saying that Sagaing was nearly 80% destroyed. Already reeling due to the ongoing military conflict, this will add to the number of people displaced and in crisis. Reports are slow to come, but we are fervently praying that God’s mercy will be seen in this hour of need.”

One of IM’s partners shared, “The Christians are moving! Helping everyone. And I haven’t heard of any of them saying they want to attend to their own needs yet.”

IM Chief Program Officer Rev. Jim Bell notes, “This natural disaster presents a need and an opportunity to stand with and support the body of Christ in Myanmar, which was birthed two hundred years ago through the work of IM’s pioneering missionaries Ann and Adoniram Judson.  Through IM’s network of Baptist and other Christian partners, your giving will reach places and people likely to have no other sources of relief, and will bear testimony to the ultimate help and hope to be found in Christ.”

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The Committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.

While the earthquake caused localized damage and loss of life in Thailand, this appeal for emergency relief funds will be focused on the relief and recovery ministry in Myanmar.

IM calls for urgent prayer and support for all those affected by the earthquake. Financial gifts can be made through your American Baptist church, directly online, or by sending a check. Please designate your contributions “OGHS–Myanmar Relief” in the memo line of your check.

Checks may be sent directly to International Ministries should be made payable to “International Ministries” and mailed to: International Ministries, Attn: Gifts Processing, 1003 W 9th Avenue, Ste A, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

All funds will directly assist those in need. Your prayers and financial support will make a significant difference in helping those affected by this devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.