Alliance Churches in Thailand and Myanmar Respond to Dual Crises

As a result of the powerful earthquake that struck Southeast Asia on Friday, March 28^th, 2025, the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) churches in Myanmar and Thailand are offering a vital response—meeting urgent physical needs while pointing to lasting spiritual hope.

Though the earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay—a city of 1.2 million people—the greatest concern in Myanmar remains the ongoing civil war. Just days before the quake, bombings in the region killed several men, leaving behind widows and young families. Yet in the face of such compounding tragedies, the Myanmar Alliance Church, with help from regional and international C&MA partners, has mobilized quickly.

Because of existing support structures and ongoing relief to pastors affected by civil conflict, Alliance churches were uniquely positioned to respond immediately following the earthquake. Funds were swiftly sent to the national president of the Myanmar Alliance, who then distributed aid to pastors near the hardest-hit areas. These pastors and partners converted the support into food and clean water, reaching families in need within days.

The first relief run to Mandalay successfully distributed over $2,500 worth of goods—including essentials like rice, noodles, cooking oil, and clean water. The next phase is already underway, aiming to provide food packages, basic hygiene items and mosquito nets, solar-powered lamps, and plastic sheeting and blankets for shelter.

This work is carried out in partnership with the C&MA Canada, CAMA Services (USA) workers in Thailand, former Myanmar-based CAMA Craft staff relocated due to the war, and Dutch partner CAMA Zending.

While providing tangible help, the churches are also offering emotional and spiritual support, seeking to stabilize lives and share the hope of Christ amid chaos.

“We’re not only responding to physical need,” said a C&MA representative. “We’re reminding people that Jesus has not forgotten them—even in disaster.”

Still, prayers are urgently needed for:

• Peace and an end to the civil war,
• Relief supplies to reach those in need,
• Protection from rain, wind, and further displacement,
• Healing and shelter for the newly homeless.

In contrast, Thailand saw limited damage from the earthquake, with only one tragic building collapse. “We thank God that our church buildings were not affected,” said a representative from the C&MA in Thailand. “But our hearts go out to those who are grieving and in need. We are praying and doing what we can to help each other.”

Both in Thailand and Myanmar, the Alliance’s response is rooted in long-standing relationships and trust. In Myanmar, pastors have remained on the frontlines despite the dangers of civil unrest, continuing to shepherd their communities and serve the vulnerable. In Thailand, churches are standing ready to serve their neighbors in crisis, offering safe spaces and spiritual care.

The commitment of the C&MA in this region is not new—it is part of a broader vision to share the love of Christ in both word and deed. From distributing rice and blankets to praying with grieving families, the Alliance is demonstrating what it means to be present in the storm.

Even as the news cycle moves on, the needs remain great. Long-term recovery will require sustained support, prayer, and partnership.

“Please continue to pray for our pastors and churches in Myanmar,” said one field leader. “The needs are overwhelming, but we are seeing God at work. People are responding to the hope of the gospel because they see it in action.”

For those looking to help, contributions through CAMA Services and other C&MA relief partners are helping to fund emergency distributions, support displaced families, and equip local churches for long-term recovery. You can donate via the AWF donation link by including a note specifying “Myanmar Earthquake.”

As Southeast Asia endures the dual blows of war and natural disaster, the church is there—faithful, resilient, and full of compassion. The Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) family is not only responding to crisis but helping communities move toward healing, rebuilding, and renewed hope in Jesus Christ.