OBI relief teams distributed more than 32,000 pounds of rice to villagers affected by the famine.

MYANMAR (formerly Burma) - For many residents of Western Myanmar, the decision was clear: let the children eat first.

Ripe harvests had been devoured by plagues of rats, causing a famine known as Mautam that occurs about every 50 years.

“When the rats suddenly flooded our land, we had to fight for our survival,” said one villager. “We had to scavenge for any food we could find. At times, we even ate the rats that had eaten our crops just to survive.”

For those families who couldn’t find food, children were given preference to eat first.

“As parents, we let our children eat what they needed first while we fasted from at least one meal a day,” said a father of six children.

Villagers carry bags of rice back to their homes.

To help meet the immediate needs of these desperate families, Operation Blessing sent relief teams to the affected areas.

After 3 days of travel and battling monsoon rains, landslides and broken bridges, teams arrived and were able to distribute over 32,000 pounds of rice to 927 hungry yet grateful villagers.

“I am amazed at their faith in God,” said relief team leader Cheich Maung. “Despite their dire situation, they could still rejoice, and never uttered words of complaint. They faithfully believed that God would send them the help they needed.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
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