In Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine states, a heavy infiltration of rats is wreaking havoc on crops similar to these.

MYANMAR/BURMA (ANS) -- In a nation known as the “Rice Bowl of the Far East,” an estimated 200 villages in the Chin state of Myanmar (Burma) are suffering severe food shortages as a result of a massive infestation of rats. The plague of rats extends into neighboring Rakhine state as well, devastating villages’ crops.

But a Gospel for Asia missionary, Mei, in one such village is ministering to its suffering people, even as the rats destroy their corn and rice crops.

While their fellow citizens in the hardest-hit region of the Irrawaddy Delta still suffer the effects of Cyclone Nargis, these villagers face what they call a maudam, an explosion of the rat population that accompanies the blooming of the region’s bamboo flowers. Previous bloomings occurred in 1862, 1911 and 1958, and each was followed by a severe famine.

In a nation known as the 'Rice Bowl of the Far East,' an estimated 200 villages in the Chin state of Myanmar (Burma) are suffering severe food shortages as a result of a massive infestation of rats.

The people in the village served by Mei are discouraged and concerned for their survival. They are having to venture into the forests to scavenge for wild fruit to feed their families.

Most of the villagers engage in spirit worship, appealing to nats—spirits they believe can offer them protection. Traditionally, the people have had a strong hatred for Christians and normally would not allow anyone to share Christ or even distribute Gospel literature.

But as Mei is learning, the people’s struggles have made them a little more open to the Gospel—and their troubled hearts are being comforted as they hear of the hope of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for them.

Mei has had some opportunities to invite people to his church. He also reaches out to their physical needs, distributing rice as the Lord provides. Because of this demonstration of love to them, some are now listening and understanding the message of Jesus.

Sadly, overall church attendance is suffering greatly as people are having to work extra hard just to find enough food to eat every day.

Please pray for the God’s abundant provision to meet people’s spiritual and physical needs in this village in Myanmar. Pray for much grace and discernment for Mei as he reaches out with Christ’s love among those who are suffering. Pray for the rat infestation to be brought under control.

·                                 Learn more about this nation known as the "Rice Bowl of the Far East."

·                                 View a PhotoShow that shows the Lord working in Myanmar.