In the heart of Myanmar, life has become increasingly difficult for families struggling to survive under the weight of poverty, natural disasters, and ongoing instability. When the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mandalay on March 28th, fear and uncertainty rippled through already vulnerable communities. Many lost what little security they had, and for countless families, even daily necessities like food became scarce.
Amid this hardship and with your partnership, GAiN’s local relief team stepped in to bring practical help, comfort, and hope — one family at a time.
Food distributions across ten different villages, totaling 600 families have consistently received aid every month providing roughly 336,000 meals over the last five months.
Near Mandalay, lives Aye, a 59-year-old woman with no family to care for her. Divorced and in poor health, she has long relied on the kindness of her neighbors just to get by. When our team met her, her abdomen was swollen and painful, and she shared through tears that she frequently vomited blood. Unable to afford medical care, her condition worsened after the earthquake. The painkillers she clutched in her hands were her only relief — taken even on an empty stomach because she had no food.
Our team gently encouraged her to seek proper medical attention and explained the importance of taking medicine only under a doctor’s direction. Then, we provided her with six baskets of rice, a bottle of cooking oil, instant noodles, and canned fish. As we prayed with her, she expressed deep gratitude, saying our visit lifted a heavy burden from her heart and eased her fear of hunger.
Not far away, another woman, Myo, was also facing hardship. At 40 years old, she and her husband work tirelessly to provide for their two daughters by cultivating crops on a friend’s land — land they neither own nor control. When the earthquake hit, her husband was away, and she clung to her children in terror, fearing for their safety. Though their simple home in the field was spared from major damage, the aftermath was devastating. For two weeks, the family was too afraid to go out, leaving them without income and unable to buy food.
When our team arrived, we offered the same essential supplies — rice, oil, noodles, and fish — along with a listening ear and words of encouragement.
As she shared her struggles, tears flowed freely. She said that being able to talk about her fears brought her relief, and the food provided renewed hope for her family.
Also in another village near Mandalay, we met Thu (picture below), a 38-year-old mother of three school-aged children. Her husband works as a bricklayer, while she supports the family by selling vegetables from a tricycle in her village. When the earthquake hit, their home suffered minor damage, and household items were broken. Slow sales have often made it difficult for her to make ends meet, yet her determination shines through — personally driving her tricycle each day to ensure her children can stay in school and her family has what they need. Our team commended her resilience and provided the same emergency supplies. Her joy was evident as she shared that she no longer had to worry about finding enough food for her children.
Each visit reminded us that even in the darkest circumstances, simple acts of compassion — a prayer, a listening ear, a basket of rice — can bring light and restore dignity.
During July – September,
• 9,500 people received aid
• over 600 people heard about the love of God
• solar lighting were provided to 325 families
• local pastors conducted discipleship training that focused on trauma care
• two different building projects took place in the country
In the coming months,
• local pastors are committed to making repeat visits to help see these villages flourish and share God’s love
• aid will continue to be distributed to those who are still suffering
• we are helping restore homes for 50 families
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