Urgent Appeal for Our Companion Diocese of Yangon | Bishop Kevin

Dear Friends in Christ,

I appeal to our congregations and members to join Stefanie and me in giving generously to aid our Companion Diocese and friends in Myanmar. After a rollercoaster rise and fall of Covid cases in the United States, now on the relative decline, a third wave of COVID has been ravaging Myanmar in general and the Anglican Church in particular.

Archbishop Foley Beach wrote: “Across the world, the pandemic continues to rage. And no more than in the country of Myanmar, where our dear friend, the Most Rev. Stephen Than Myint Oo is leading that Province during these dark times. The country is already struggling after the February 2021 coup. Now a third wave of COVID is decimating the country. This has hit the Anglican church especially hard and the crisis is worsening. Many died in July, including more than 40 church leaders. There are many in serious medical condition who need medical attention. The price of oxygen has skyrocketed, as all aspects of the economy fall victim to COVID.  With the medical system in shambles, the Bishop’s compound has become a makeshift hospital. The Church of the Province of Myanmar, together with other agencies & humanitarian organizations, is racing against time to get oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and medication to those who need it. The situation is dire.”

Archbishop Stephen shared with me this week that all of the families in the Bishop’s Compound have COVID, including his son. Also, it is with great sadness that I learned my friend, Archdeacon Judson Tun (shown here), recently died of COVID. 

Due to government restrictions, funds have become unusually limited, which has restricted the church's ability to fight COVID and or even to meet basic needs. To treat those with COVID and prevent additional deaths, there is an urgent need for oxygen tanks and supplies. This is how our generous giving can help our brothers and sisters in need.

Thankfully, Deacon Jimmy Chua, Diocesan Treasurer of Cascadia Anne Ni, and I have been working along with other ACNA and Anglican Relief and Development Fund leaders to make it possible for donations to reach the Diocese of Yangon, our Companion Diocese.  Archbishop Stephen will share these resources with other Myanmar dioceses, as well.

How can you help? This is a two-fold appeal.

First, to meet their dire emergency and save lives, I invite our churches and individuals to give generously to the Cascadia-Yangon relief fund. Please click to donate below or make out your checks to the Diocese of Cascadia and note: Yangon Relief. These should be mailed to Anne Ni, our Cascadia Treasurer, at 724 N 182nd Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.

Second, I am asking every congregation to prayerfully consider making a four-year pledge commitment to help fund the recovery of Church of the Province of Myanmar.  Whether large or small, your pledge, along with your prayers, will make a great difference and be an encouragement for those who have been suffering greatly.  It is my hope that we will present and bless these pledges at the Diocesan Synod Festival Eucharist Saturday October 16th at Holy Trinity Church in Edmonds.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our Myanmar friends and for considering how you can help save lives and help a Church in great need.

Yours in Christ,

+ Kevin