Many have called and emailed and asked about the well-being of our International Partners in Myanmar. At this time we have only heard from one partner, John who lives about 500 miles northeast of most heavily damaged areas. John is attempting to contact our National Director, Thomas, who lives with his family in the heart of the devastation (Yangon). Once we know something we will pass information along.
Many have asked about giving. There is difficulty in sending money to Myanmar. Checks are not accepted, and so you must use a ‘cash conduit’. At this time that is almost impossible. The best response at this time is through international relief organizations. The Aquila Project will be involved long term in the lives of leaders, and as this saga unfolds, we will make appropriate response. But the need is for all people immediately.
Below I have posted some thoughts regarding international relief, and have sent this information to various news organizations – hopefully it will be helpful in clarifying our ongoing response.
Thanks for taking this journey with us!
Keep praying,
David
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The devastating reality of the destructive force of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma) is making news in our nation. The catastrophe of the loss of life is hard to imagine because the TV sized images are less than ‘real’ in many ways. Many of us are seeing images of a far away land, and far away suffering, and simply thinking, ‘wow, that’s too bad’ then our mind shifts to another more pressing matter as we ask for a second helping of mashed potatoes.
As one who has been on the ground in Myanmar, the images that I am seeing are familiar. I am looking intently at every image and video hoping to see the faces of friends so that I will know that they are safe. Because of power outages, I do not know the status of my friends in Yangon (Rangoon). I have heard from friends who live farther north, and even they have not heard from loved ones in the former capital city and the Irrawaddy region.
Global frustration mounts because of the iron-fisted grip of the military dictatorship of Myanmar, and their slow response to allow international aid. One thing that makes a dictatorship successful is the ability to limit the outside influence of our world in the lives of the people you rule. The Burmese general’s mantra; ‘keep them ignorant and dependant’ ensures power.
So what is the proper response to global catastrophe? What can the average person ‘do’ in reaction to the suffering that we are aware of because of television and internet images and sound bites? Allow me to offer a few suggestions.
1. If you are a person of faith, please pray! Pray for the military regime to open doors to assistance so that those affected by this devastation can receive the support they so desperately need. Pray that all of the ‘side issues’ associated with a catastrophe like this will be headed off – disease, water-related illness, sanitation-related issues, and even things like snakebites. Pray for a generous response from the global community and that response may help end the military dictatorship in Myanmar.
2. Be generous! But be wise in your generosity. Last year (in 2007), Non-governmental organizations were severely limited in their ability to work in Myanmar because the generals feared that they were using humanitarian relief in order to promote democracy. Nevertheless, the Burmese government has a relationship with several organizations and is asking for specific help from specific organizations. For example, World Vision (www.worldvision.org) has been asked to provide zinc sheets, tents, tarpaulins, medicine, clothing, and blankets to the area. Investigate the organizations who purport to be raising money for relief, and make sure that it is intentional and that administrative costs do not diminish your donation. The Red Cross is mobilizing support.
3. Realize that there are immediate needs and long-term needs. The spotlight is on Myanmar right now, and there is a great immediate need for water, food, and support. However, recovery from this devastation will be ongoing. Once the media spotlight moves to the next area of need, do not forget about the ongoing needs in Myanmar.
4. Be aware of the Burmese nationals who may live in your area. They are in need of support, as they most likely have family members still living in Burma. Be available to talk, listen, and do what you can to provide them with friendship.
5. Use this calamity as an opportunity – to talk with your children, friends, neighbors about the situation in Myanmar. The only way that the oppression of a military dictatorship will ever be changed is by pressure from the international community. Let’s see if we can use this tragedy to heighten awareness and change the status quo in Myanmar.
International disasters are always heart wrenching. The current death toll estimate is at 22,000 but there are many areas not surveyed. The old saying “to whom much is given, much is expected” applies in this situation. Don’t neglect to be a channel of support to the people of Myanmar.
David Robbins, President
The Aquila Project, Inc
