Messengers of Hope for the Flood Victims of Hpa-an
The Daughters of Mary
Help of Christians in Myanmar had the opportunity to be bearers of hope and
consolation to the flood victims of two villages in Hpa-an. Through the request
of Bishop Justin Saw Min Thide of Hpa- An Diocese, three Sisters headed by Sr.
Agatha Nant Myint Kyi were decided on reaching two villages namely, Hton Bo
Quay and Nga Net Kwin which were badly hit by the seasonal monsoon rains.
Through the generous
help of some friends from ACTS-Myanmar (Singapore) the three Sisters became the
messenger of hope assuring the families affected by the seasonal monsoon that
indeed, God cares for His people. The Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Sisters hosted
the group and in the evening with the help of the community of SFX and some of
the girls and boys the relief goods were prepared.
On August 12th,
after attending the Sunday Mass, the group left bringing with them the relief
items in two trucks and had to cross the river by small boats. Sr. Agatha, Sr.
Nicholas and Sr. Margaret were able to reach the village of Hton Bo Quay where
the villagers, 120 families, were awaiting for the arrival of the food supply
and other basic necessities. The families who received the food supply which
consisted of rice, oil, noodles, potatoes, onions, salt, beans, Milo packs for
children, chicken seasoning, and detergent such as powder, bar soap and cream
soap.
One of the ladies recounted
that in the past 50 years they have never experienced such flooding which
reached to 5 feet high level of water. It brought fear to them as the water
from Don Tha Mit river was flowing very fast.
Unfortunately, because
of the bad weather it was impossible for the group to go to the village of Nga-Net-Kwin
Near where 116 families waited to receive their supply. However, the headman of
village together with his collaborators was not prevented to take the supply of
his people. Luckily, with the help of a small tricycle and boat the supplies
were brought and distributed to 116
families.
The 236 recipients of
the food supplies were filled with gratitude to all the donors, especially
members of ACTS – Myanmar, who responded quickly to their plight
“To our dear friends from
Singapore, members of ACTS-Myanmar we, the Salesians Sisters of Myanmar,
gratefully acknowledge your generosity to our people who have been greatly
affected by the flooding these past months. You rekindled the hope in their
hearts giving them the certainty that God hears the cry of the poor. May God
bless your intentions and your family.”
