NOTE from ANDREW STROM: I wasn't asked to do this, but I just felt we needed to talk about it because of the Myanmar Cyclone. Like many of you, when we ourselves give we look for truly biblical ministries to give to. The best possible cause to give to according to the Bible seems to be "Christian orphans and widows". But how can we find a godly Christian organization that reliably sends all the money to the orphans? Some years ago we found David Servant and Orphan's Tear - and a lot of people on this List who have got to know David will agree that he is doing wonderful work with Christian orphanages in many Third World countries (-especially in Myanmar which just got hit by the hurricane). We know David's ministry well, and I cannot recommend a better place to give money in the most effective way. It will literally go exactly where it needs to go! (Please remember, you can become a regular "sponsor" of orphans through them too - for $20 per month. And the orphanages truly are CHRISTIAN). David did not ask me to do this, and doesn't even know I am doing it. But below are some brief reports about the orphanages that went through the hurricane - and how you can donate or become a sponsor through Orphan's Tear. -Highly recommended! THE CYCLONE & the MYANMAR ORPHANS In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, the situation in Myanmar has become very serious. It is estimated that over 22,000 people have died, and 1 million people are now homeless. Clean water is in short supply, the price of food and basic necessities has skyrocketed, and the government is being very slow to accept international aid. Many of you have written and asked if we have heard anything from our orphanages in Myanmar. Only ten of the orphanages we assist in Myanmar are in Yangon, the commercial capital of Myanmar. The rest are in Northern Myanmar and have been unaffected by the cyclone. Of those ten in Yangon, we have heard from three so far (Victoria Orphanage, New Heritage Orphanage, and Shalom Children Home). They write that everyone is fine, but their buildings sustained damages. We are trusting the Lord that the children at the other seven orphanages have been protected from harm as well. We are posting updates on the Orphan's Tear blog - http://www.orphanstear.org/blog/ - as we receive them. Below are some reports we've received so far: -New Heritage Orphanage lost their roof, and are going to need help to repair their building. -From Yangon Shalom Children home: "As you know we faced hard weather. But by the grace of God we all are fine. Only our bamboo house and campus are broken." There are many more orphanages in Yangon besides the ten orphanages we regularly support. You can help us send the urgent help they desperately need. We will use 100% of the funds received to repair damages to Yangon orphanages, including those we don't regularly support. Any excess funds we receive will be used for relief for believers who have suffered. This money will be administrated through our Myanmar friends. Orphan's Tear is a registered charity. To donate securely with your credit card, please go to the following website: http://www.orphanstear.org/blog/ 100% of what we receive from you that is designated to the Myanmar Disaster Relief Fund will be sent overseas to bring relief to the orphanages in Yangon, Myanmar. You can contribute securely by credit card on the above site, or by mailing a check to: Heaven's Family, P.O. Box 12854, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Please write "Myanmar Disaster Relief" in the memo of your check. Heaven's Family is a 501c3 non-profit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are fully tax-deductible in the United States. Heaven's Family is also a registered charity in the U.K. and most gifts qualify for Gift Aid, significantly increasing the amount of your contribution.