When Typhoon Yagi struck Southeast Asia in September 2024, it left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Typhoon Yago swept through northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar in early September 2024, killing more than 500 people. In Myanmar, the typhoon triggered severe floods and mudslides, leaving at least 226 dead as whole villages were destroyed.*
Thousands of people were left homeless or with seriously damaged homes and businesses.
Amid the destruction, OM workers and partners throughout the area demonstrated God’s love in action by helping some of those in need.
In Southeast Asia, OM, working with local churches, helped three women impacted by the typhoon.
Restoring hope
Recently widowed Nghia** lives with her 16-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter. As the family's sole breadwinner, Nghia opened a small eatery in her community to earn an income. Beyond providing for her family, she hoped to use the space to share the love of God with the children in her community.
When Typhoon Yagi hit the city, the business sustained significant damage. Nghia tried to make repairs after the typhoon, but she could not complete the work that was needed to reopen.
Nghia prayed fervently for God’s provision so that the repairs could be completed and she could reopen the eatery and continue sharing the gospel — especially after the recent disaster. Her prayers were answered when she was connected with the OM team in the area. The team visited her and provided financial aid and basic necessities. With this assistance from fellow Jesus followers, the restoration work was completed and the eatery could reopen.
Nghia was extremely encouraged and inspired to further share the love of God with the children in her community.
Rebuilding with love
Mai**, a 53-year-old widow, lives with her daughter’s family and earns money by making sweet corn juice and rice soup in her backyard.
But her backyard was blown away when Typhoon Yagi swept through. OM workers heard of Mai’s situation through her church and visited her. With the gift of $200 USD and the love and encouragement she received from the team, Mai began to rebuild her tin shed kitchen.
Peace in the storm
Huyen** searched for peace for many years before finding the One True God.
“I was a Buddhist before I became a believer in God and I was frequently terrified without peace,” she said. “One neighbour, Thuyen**, was a believer and never touched food that [was] offered to the idols. That made [me] wonder what religion she practised. My friend extended an invitation for me to visit the pastor's home.
“At first, when I went to the pastor’s house, I didn't understand anything. After listening to the sermon, I had some doubts about certain topics and some that seemed reasonable. Then, I followed both religions because I believed that they were both good for human beings.
“In one sermon, the preacher declared that when people lay hands on the sick, they will recover and that they will drive out demons in God’s name. I've read the Bible, and I knew that this is the way that people have to live. The following day, after hearing God's Word, I prayed by myself, demolished the altar [in my house] and threw it out. I called two sisters to come and help.”
When the typhoon came, Huyen’s house was severely damaged. OM team members heard about her and visited to give a ‘love package’ of essentials and a small financial gift to help repair her house.
“I give thanks to the Lord for bringing me out of the darkness and into Your Word's light,” Huyen said. “May God give me the strength to minister in the church and wherever God calls me.”
Praise God that the OM team was able to encourage these women — and many others —with the love of God through their actions.
Pray that God will provide abundantly so that those affected by the typhoon can make repairs and return to their homes and businesses.
Pray for those who lost loved ones in the storms to feel God’s comfort in their lives. Pray they will find peace and hope for the future after these terrible events.
*BBC
**name changed