Light and Salt in Burma

My apologies for not writing this blog entry sooner. We have all heard about the terrible devastations occurring around the world in the past few weeks: food shortages, cyclones, earthquakes. There is potential for us to feel overwhelmed by the suffering and to do nothing, paralyzed by the sheer numbers and depth of loss. But Jesus tells us a different story, that he has “overcome the world” along with its suffering and loss. Even though we can only see that victory through a blurry window at the moment we choose to believe Jesus’ perspective, his story.

So please join us in taking action on behalf of those suffering. Rebecca and I know the good people at Partners Relief and Development and recommend them to you as a group of Christ-followers who know the situation on the ground in Burma. These guys are connected and ready to put your donation to work in Burma. This is our time to BE the church we claim to be. Visit their site here. Here’s their latest update:

As the world waits for the junta to allow more workers and supplies into the country, the toll on the people of Burma continues to mount. One woman in the town of Bogalay expressed the sense of despair, saying she has nothing left, and that she is totally dependent on the monastery where she is seeking refuge. Sadly her story is repeated all over the region.

One survivor in Labutta said that around 80 per cent of the people in his village were killed, including his family (his wife and two children). Again another woman shared that everyone in her family, including her brothers and sisters and their families, were taken by the devastating storm surge. These stories are just a drop in the ocean of despair across Burma’s delta region.

In spite of the regime’s blockades, we have partnered with our coworkers in the delta region. Already a truck loaded with supplies including 7 tons of rice and grain along with 100 rolls of plastic to serve as temporary shelter has made the overland trip to Rangoon for distribution. Further supplies are being purchased from within Burma for direct distribution to the people who need it, while we are also arranging the delivery of water purification systems, medical aid, and people to be on the ground as ministers of love and healing.

-Russ