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Myanmar: How Partners Are Bringing Relief and Recovery

Myanmar: How Partners Are Bringing Relief and Recovery

December 1, 2025 | BFAD in Action

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake tremors which struck the Sagaing region of Myanmar in March 2025 compounded the nation’s already difficult situation affected by political tensions and power struggles. Over $200,000 was raised following the first call by the BFAD network to support the local Baptist churches to deliver aid in some of the hard-to-reach areas. The call is still active and ongoing as the populations remain affected by homelessness due to the destruction of their houses.   

Esther, from Sagaing, Myanmar who benefitted from the support by BFAD and the local Baptist church had this to say: “We have a 3-year-old son and a 11- years-old son. We couldn’t stay in the house. We made a shelter, and we had to stay outside. The church helped us a lot and cared for us. And my thanks go to all the donors who helped us when we are in need. Thank you so much.”

BFAD’s Myanmar earthquake response shows the importance of working with local actors to navigate complex  geopolitical environments. 

Ukraine: Responding to the Effects of War

Ukraine: Responding to the Effects of War

November 1, 2025 | BFAD in Action

As the attacks on Ukraine by Russia intensified, with the reports of multiple losses of lives, injuries, and displacements mounting, BFAD activated a Coordination Call that brought together the global Baptist family to respond to the crisis. Within a month of the call, BFAD raised over EUR 1 million, which was quickly dispatched to help the Ukraine Baptist Union (UBU)’s relief work.

Further calls by BFAD mobilized $10 million that enabled the local church to shelter the displaced in their churches, provide gas for winter warming, and operate soup kitchens that improved the nutrition of many. Some BFAD members also visited Ukraine, and dedicated prayer calls were made in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Through this support, thousands of IDPs in Ukraine and refugees in Poland, Hungary, Moldova, and other countries were able to access meals, winter clothes, and temporary shelter. Matthew 24:6 tells us that tumultuous times will come, when wars and rumors of war abound. As the world experiences numerous, concurrent, and sometimes prolonged violent conflicts, the BFAD calls remain a key coordinating forum that brings together the Baptist family to respond and give hope to those affected by wars.

 

 

 

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian Baptist Aid, in partnership with the Baptist Forum for Aid and Development (BFAD), has been a beacon of hope for communities enduring the war’s devastation. Ukrainian Baptist churches swiftly transformed into “Centers of Hope,” providing essential food, shelter, and medical care to displaced families. Working closely with local and global partners, Ukrainian Baptist Aid has delivered critical humanitarian support, including evacuation assistance and transportation for those fleeing conflict zones, ensuring churches remain vital sanctuaries offering both physical and spiritual refuge.

Through ongoing collaboration with the European Baptist Federation and other ministry partners, Ukrainian Baptist Aid has sustained a powerful response, channeling resources to meet urgent needs and support refugees across borders. Your ministry’s tireless efforts reflect the compassion and solidarity of the global Baptist community, empowering local churches to stand as pillars of resilience. By keeping doors open and providing hands-on aid, Ukrainian Baptist Aid continues to foster hope and strength, profoundly impacting countless lives amidst the ongoing crisis.

Igor Bandura

Vice President for International Affairs, All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists

Türkiye: Responding to a Devastating Earthquake

Türkiye: Responding to a Devastating Earthquake

November 1, 2025 | BFAD in Action

When the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Türkiye and Syria in February of 2023, once again the BFAD network responded to the call to serve our brothers and sisters.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA), the earthquake left 40,642 people dead and 108,000 injured. 

BFAD responded immediately by activating a call to mobilize resources. The network mobilized its resources to provide shelter, food packages, hygiene kits, and warm clothing for the winter, among other critical services. Our Hungarian Baptist Aid partners, who are part of the BFAD network, were among the first responders, conducting a search and rescue mission that helped to identify people trapped under the rubbles.  

Worldwide: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic  

Worldwide: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic  

October 1, 2025 | BFAD in Action

When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the world, BFAD members mobilized their resources, raising  just over $1.6 million dollars, serving approximately 1.1 million men, women, and children.  Baptist churches and institutions provided medical support, health education, psychosocial services, and food packages to communities under lockdown. This support ranged from COVID education awareness initiatives in Sierra Leone to the provision of WASH and Personal Protective Equipment to people in Lebanon.  

When vaccine education was needed, BFAD issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund vaccine education and awareness programs. Ten countries were awarded grants. Projects ranged from a Youth empowerment program in Bangladesh, to the development of policies to improve patient safety and mental health resources for hospital staff in Ghana, to a Women Helping Women project in Nepal and the Philippines to spread the word about the importance of vaccines. 

The efforts demonstrated that we can still work together, even in the most challenging situations. Not to mention realizing the power of Baptists who together contributed approximately $5.8 million to humanitarian aid and relief efforts during the COVID pandemic.