Myanmar (Burma) is a country of extreme contradiction, from golden clad pagodas to beggars who sleep outside. A place where democracy and persecution coexist. Where old conservative laws do little to protect throw away children from drug lords and human traffickers but… a camera pointed at the wrong sign has been known to land people in jail.
Myanmar was the second most closed country in the world, next to N. Korea until recently. In 1962, it was taken over by an aggressive communist military junta. This began to break down the infrastructure of the country and impoverished most of the population. The military dictatorship formally ended in 2011, but many of the political leaders are still now former military officers, causing continued unrest.
Around 80% of Myanmar’s population are practicing Buddhists, while animisms is also practiced by some it mixes well with Buddhism and causes no threat to those who want Buddhism the national religion. Islam and Christianity (about 9% of the population) on the other hand are not endorsed. They are considered a fringe element who are openly discriminated against, and many have suffered and still suffer unspeakable torture, genocide and persecution, even now as the world watches Myanmar trying to develop democracy.
In July of this year while most of Burma was excited about the future, the largest flood in recorded history struck, leaving a very teetering country on the verge of economic collapse. Unfortunately, most of the devastating and lingering damage was suffered in both a Christian and a Muslim state. These states have been closed to foreigners for many years due to the military occupation, civil wars and unrest. Many roads have not been cared for and many of the remaining ones have been washed away. The government of Myanmar has declared them disaster areas and they have asked for help for the first time from the international community. With the damaged and lacking infrastructure, it has been estimated that it may take 10 years or more to repair the damage.
In January two local women will be traveling to Myanmar. They will first head to the infamous golden triangle to visit a shelter for girls rescued from the human traffickers who service and are enslaved by drug lords in the triangle. Where they also plan to do some art therapy outreaches in the slums, passing out clothing and food to the neighborhood children. They then plan to visit some orphanages and meet with ministries in the city of Yangon. The last part of the journey is to a remote area that borders Chin state for a woman’s ministry conference, as well doing some feeding events in local orphanages. For more sustainable food sources to these children they hope to purchase chickens, goats, pigs and cows.
One pig cost is 20,000 KS (about $20); one cow is 450,000/500,000 KS (between $450-$500); one chicken is 5000 KS ($5); one bag of rice cost is 23,000 KS ($23), better rice costs 30,000 KS ($30).
The women have decided to give local Christians and caring people the opportunity to help with the outreaches they are planning. If you, your church or small group would like to have Darlene or Corinne speak to a group or if you would like to make monetary contributions to any of the feeding or art therapy or even general expenses please feel free to contact them at 419-487-1686 or 260-750-5721.
