January 9, 2026 | By Rebecca Olsen
Disasters can happen anywhere, but Southeast Asia was particularly struck last year. Between natural disasters and government conflict, hundreds of thousands of people needed support.
With missionaries on the ground in over 100 countries, Advancing Native Missions was able to provide Christian disaster relief in Southeast Asia for some of the biggest disasters.
In March 2025, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. Buildings crumbled, roads cracked, and people lost their lives.
The world responded with help, but one area of Myanmar was largely forgotten: Inle Lake.
ANM missionaries from Restoration Myanmar Ministries were some of the very first people to arrive at Inle and help the devastated people there. Donors like you enabled them to provide immediate relief, such as food supplies, to 390 families. They were able to give blankets and other support to 50 additional families.
Housing assistance was an immediate and long-term need. A dedicated team of missionaries helped 50 families safely dismantle their damaged homes. Now, they’re helping rebuild new, safe houses and sharing the Gospel with those families.
Children also needed additional care as they processed the crisis and difficult aftermath. The ministry organized a Children’s Summer Camp and Summer School, reaching and training more than 200 children with the hope of the Gospel.
The Gospel message wasn’t limited to the construction and children’s ministry teams. Missionaries distributed over 8,000 Gospel tracts during the earthquake relief efforts and organized two Summer Gospel Camps. So far, 40 individuals have accepted Christ as Savior and seven have publicly professed their faith through baptism.
Provide disaster relief like this at advancingnativemissions.com/donate. Select 095DRF1100 when prompted “I’d like to support.”
On September 30th, 2025, a 6.9 earthquake struck Northern Cebu Island in the Philippines, killing people, damaging buildings, and terrifying families. Only a month later on November 4th, a typhoon hit. More people died and the already-struggling survivors lost what little possessions they had left.
Dr. Linda of the Philippine Gospel Association responded almost immediately to both disasters.
As people camped in tents, afraid of aftershocks, and missionaries needed support, Dr. Linda and the Philippine Gospel Association helped. Donors like you enabled them to serve over 700 households in 20 affected areas.
The biggest immediate needs were food and medicine. The Philippine Gospel Association distributed vitamins and fever medications to 210 infants and toddlers, as well as medications and vitamins for adults.
They also distributed packages of blankets, mosquito nets, and food, like rice. When they could meet specific needs, such as a new nebulizer for a pastor with asthma, they did that, too.
Physical aid wasn’t the only priority; the Philippine Gospel Association shared the hope of Christ throughout relief distributions. In a country with over six million unreached people, sharing the hope of Christ after a disaster made a lasting impact.
Provide disaster relief like this at advancingnativemissions.com/donate. Select 095DRF1100 when prompted “I’d like to support.”
A violent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand erupted in late July. Native missionaries, empowered by donations from people like you, were able to respond with practical and spiritual support*.
The conflict died down thanks to international peace efforts, but worsened in December of 2025. In Cambodia alone, over 425,000 people are currently displaced, including 350,000 women and children.
Evangelical Mission Association responded quickly to the disaster. They distributed food, clean water, clothes, and other necessities to families who lost everything as they fled civilian bombings. At every opportunity, they shared the Gospel.
Sokhon, the ministry leader, shares, “At a time when many are suffering and uncertain about tomorrow, your kindness has become a source of hope and encouragement. The supplies you provided are not just physical relief, but also a reflection of God’s compassion and care through His people.
“We want you to know that your gifts have truly made a difference. Families who were fearful and struggling now have comfort, knowing that they are not forgotten. Children who were hungry are now nourished, and many hearts have been touched by your love in action.”
As the conflict continues, more missionaries need support. Petros of Hug Cambodia Ministry shares, “In this difficult time, we humbly reach out to you. If you are able to help by sharing any form of support for our pastors, their families, and our village community, it would mean more than words can express. Your kindness will bring not only nourishment but also hope and comfort to families who are living in fear.”
We hope this look at Christian disaster relief in Southeast Asia helps you better understand how God’s working through missionaries and donors during difficult times.
You can donate to all disaster relief efforts at advancingnativemissions.com/donate. Select the amount, click next, then “I’d like to support.” Choose 095DRF1100.
Pray for the following disaster relief requests:
You can download prayer guides at advancingnativemissions.com/pray.
*While we love and support our missionaries in Thailand, our Cambodian missionaries are currently the only ones responding to the conflict.
