Dear Friends,
As you are aware, I am in Myanmar, and have a real heart for the people here. I have also been in Mae Sot, and seen the border situation, but not like it is at the moment.
Please, if you have been following my adventures, take the time to read this newsletter from my friend who is there at the moment. Please also pray!
If you are able to help, or better yet, if you can find others who can help too, please contact me or any of the others listed in the newsletter.
Thank you for helping.
With an aching heart,
Chelle
NEWS FROM JUDAH AND EH CHRIST HTOO AND RAY...
These past few weeks have been the biggest roller coaster ride of my life. So many ups and downs I have felt almost every emotion possible and more than once. I am taking the time just to write those things that are the most important or indeed urgent. Please as you continue to read pray for everyone, especially those in need and think about what you can do today to help others.
Eh Christ Htoo arrived safely after a long struggle with applications, visas, and governments. I am so happy he is here to join with us, he is such a strong man of God, and the presence of worship surrounds him. Raylor Emper is also joining the team but just during the week at the moment as he has other commitments also at this time.
All our school projects and hostels are going so well, we received a terrific donation from my mother’s Church Port Hedland Christian Church. So we are able to start our latest project getting our most needy children in our school into a housing unit, where we will be able to provide food and help them in their daily life with relationship building and family support.
We are currently waiting to start the building, at this time we will be providing food for the children at school daily, as well we have started to communicate with them and their parents about their individual situations at home. We will keep you all posted on the progress. We have reached half way of what we originally wanted for this project. Thank you only $5000 to go. We will also be looking for ongoing personal sponsors, please keep an eye out for the children’s profiles.
We have also seen in the past few weeks one of the worst military actions against migrant people inside Burma this decade. There is a reported 4000 IDP people that have crossed the border into Thailand to escape the fighting. These past weeks I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what war can do and how grossly affected the civilian population are as a result. It has truly cut me to the core I have been working in the camps for over 2 years now and going into these IDP temporary shelter is something so different. The air is so heavy with pain and struggle I almost can’t explain what the feeling is like. And yet we have organisations that turn out reports saying things are improving, they are giving such a false sense of security to you all at home. I read reports put out by these organisations and I can’t say enough how contradictory they are to the truth.
There are people here that really need your help, we are pouring everything we have into this and we would ask that you would partner with us and help people less fortunate than yourselves.
1200... Is not just a number
As we were helping in Noh Bo to supply to the IDP people that have fled Burma due to the latest attacks on civilians by the Burmese Army. We heard there was another temporary camp set up atop of a mountain. As we began to scratch the surface it became clear what monumental task was before us. 1200 people men women and children unable to go back to their villages in Burma and unable to come down the mountain because the Thai army would not let them. They were trapped; they had no food and no way out. I have heard reports that other people had tried to reach these IDP’s but were turned away by the Thai Authorities. It was disheartening but 1200 people...
HOW CAN I DO NOTHING?
My greatest thanks goes to the team at Compasio and Ole (Blessing Home Director) they took up the monumental task with me and we went out packed up 2 trucks with almost 3000kg of rice and headed out.
The task went off without a hitch, we arrived, I sent word to the other IDP’s and they came down from the mountain which is more than a 1 hours climb. The Thai Authorities stood aside and let us distribute to everyone.
I am still praying Loaves and Fishes, these bags of rice won’t last; we need a miracle. Not knowing if they can ever return safely to Burma and not knowing what the Thai government plan for them this may last some time. I’m not sure what we will be able to do in the future, BUT
HOW CAN I DO NOTHING...?
We are asking for anyone who has a heart for people to give.
Here is a list of people you can send your donations to or get more information on how you can help.
Western Union is also available.
Thank you and God Bless
Mae Sot Team (Judah Tana)
Jem.org Australia: admin@jem.org.au (supporting organisation taxable donations)
Judah Tana Direct Deposit: judes_in_thai@hotmail.com (please email for info)
Diane Kennedy Australia: diane.kennedy@yahoo.com.au (information)
Carla Olsen Canada/America: esperanza_12@hotmail.com (info for Canada/America donation)
