Location

Bo Tin Gone is located between Canthar Aye Gone and Sar Chet village, all three villages are connected by one main road that stretches about 2 miles.

Cyclone Nargis

Similar to Sar Chet, storm surge reached 12 ft and destroyed all houses in this village including their church. 192 lives were lost to Cyclone Nargis and at least 4 families were completely wiped out.

Livelihood

Villagers are living in houses made out of wooden frames, roof constructed out of palm leaves and canvas.

A total of 10 tractors have been donated by KBC and the government which has aided the replanting progress. Farmers expect a harvest of less than 50%. It appears that crops in this area are facing two main problems, lack of rain water and insect infestation that was affecting the harvest.  Farmers still need rain for the month of November and dry weather for December in order to harvest.

Food & Water

Villagers have been getting food from Save the Children and ADRA. Food supply should be sufficient. Drinking water is a problem as wells have been polluted containing salt. An NGO has spoken of possibly bring a water purifier, however villagers do not think it will materialize.  They are currently relying upon rain water.

School

Bo Tin Gone has no schools as all its students attend school in neighboring Sar Chet.

Church

The church used to serve 600 members, however after Nargis, they now have 713 members. While some members were lost to the cyclone, new members have joined the church as they moved into the village. The pastor mentioned that prior to the cyclone; the church was more about quantity of believers than the depth of their faith.  After Nargis, he has seen members become more fervent believers.

They had been planning and building a new church building for the past 5 years and was near completion when the cyclone hit, destroying everything. All that is left is the foundation. They said it is highly unlikely that they will be able to find funding to rebuild their church building. They now meet in a building made from metal scraps that they were able to salvage from the ruins.

Left: Congregation in Sunday service

Above: Exterior of church building made form salvaged tin

Above: Interior of church building

i Love Myanmar Team 

A night crusade was held in Bo Tin Gone where the I Love Myanmar team lead worship, preached the gospel, did skits and performed various songs. Famous Myanmar singer Htoo Ell Lynn also performed to the delight of the audience. Approximately 600-800 villagers attended the evening. Many villagers were very grateful and thanked us personally afterwards. The pastor also insisted on treating the I Love Myanmar team to dinner the next day.

Left: Audience at evening crusade

Right: Children dancing to songs

As the day after was Sunday, the I Love Myanmar team ministered in their church in Word and song before the pastor treated the team to a wonderful feast. Given their circumstances, one would say they truly gave out of their poverty.

 Dinner at pastor’s home

Conclusion & Prayer

Going forward water is the immediate concern; like many other villages, a viable solution for renewable water supply is needed. The villagers said their houses are secondary, their main priority and only hope right now is to rebuild their church.