Global Ministries had an inquiry this week from a woman who wanted to send funds to support the Monks who are protesting in Myanmar.  The sad reality is that there is no way to send funds to any entity in Myanmar with assurance that it will assist those for whom it is sent.  Most embassies and travel agencies discourage travel to Myanmar for the same reason.  Your travel dollars will indirectly support the regime that is oppressing the people. 

Support the Oppressed of Myanmar

There are other ways of showing our support for the people of Myanmar, particularly those who have been ethnic minority targets of the regime.  The Myanmar military has been fighting an undeclared war with several ethnic minority populations for years - burning their villages, killing men and boys, raping the women and conscripting children and women by the thousands to serve as unpaid porters during the day and sexual slaves at night for the soldiers.  Many, as you can imagine, have fled to Thailand. 

Global Ministries' partner the Thai Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) has been serving this population for many years.  For those who wish to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Myanmar, Global Ministries suggests a gift designated for the TBBC.  As of June, 2007 the TBBC's ten refugee camps along the border are serving an estimated 156,560 refugees from Myanmar.  Some of these refugees have lived more than a decade in the camps.  Resettlement of the refugees is a slow but continuing process.  At least 9 countries are resettling the refugees.  The United States has announced that up to 15,000 may be resettled into the US in 2007.  The camps provide healthcare and schools.  Life in the camps is very simple.  Rations are just adequate.  Supplies are minimal.  Some livelihood training programs are underway to help the refugees integrate into the communities where they will eventually be resettled.  Church World Service is helping to resettle refugees from Myanmar.

Mission in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is another place where mission is especially challenging today.  In Afghanistan Global Ministries partners with International Assistance Mission (IAM), an international association of Christian organizations.  IAM's work in Afghanistan includes mental health work, a Comprehensive Eye Care Program and a Micro Enterprise Development project.  All IAM programs aim at building the capabilities of the Afghan people.  IAM provides about $5 million in medical assistance to the people of Afghanistan each year.

IAM writes:  "While the IAM can do little to directly influence stability, we can empower Afghan leaders by teaching them English, enabling them to enroll in higher education.  We can save the lives of children by training community health workers in sanitation and hygiene.  And we can strengthen families and economies by helping people who have disabilities, such as blindness or physical handicaps, to gain the tools they need to reintegrate into society.  In the end, the IAM believes that addressing the causes of poverty and ensuring basic healthcare is an important component of lasting peace."

If you would like to support Myanmar refugees click  here

Global Ministries welcomes gifts to support our partnership with  International Assistance Mission.

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