Beating the weather

At the Social Development and Services Unit we had the opportunity to be a part of the relief aid into Myanmar for some of the people on the run, living in no-man's land without even the security of being in a refugee camp. They fled their home country with nothing. We are partnering with an organisation and in a race against time for getting vital aid to people before the monsoons set in fully and roads become impassable.

In mid-June the team, along with the practical support of other Church of Christ in Thailand units, and local church communities on both sides of the border were able to supply 300 survival boxes to support 300 households living in the forests, under cover of the trees to avoid drone attacks from above. This aid will provide means of shelter in the form of makeshift tents, warm blankets, cooking utensils and seeds to plant and grow. The next aid run, hopefully in the next month, if not sooner, will be to provide nutritional support for a month for these households, and we trust run over at least 3 months. This support is a drop in the ocean compared to the many hundreds of thousands needing help, but it is a start and supports the local church communities who are stretched to their limits in trying to support the influx of people fleeing across the border. Pray with us as we try to represent the CCT and the wider church response to an escalating situation along the Myanmar/Thai border. Pray that the love of God is manifest clearly through the practical support, but also through the words they hear from the local people distributing the aid for the church, and that each family will sense the warmth of His love and care for them in the midst of such hard times in their lives. May He be their strength and peace.

This situation resonates close to home for me too, since over half of our staff are also from Myanmar and worrying about their family members that are there, and whenever possible sacrificially sending them support. The first hand stories I hear from staff are distressing, and yet, for those with a strong faith in Christ, there is the resolute trust that God is in control and has not abandoned their nation and people groups. I admire their courage, their sacrificial support of those left behind, their ability to forgive and move on, and their ability to look ahead to a brighter future. For me, I am grateful for the opportunity God provides for us to help families from Myanmar who are now living and working in Thailand by providing safe work, accommodation and security. Their presence with us is a blessing in so many ways. Pray for them and their family members who have stayed behind in Myanmar facing multiple challenges in unsafe and uncertain surroundings.

Praise God with us too as we rejoice in the slow but steady progress of the community playground adjacent to Hope Home. We have one area surfaced and set up with accessible swings, and half a pavilion / shelter being built, hopefully a whole one by the time the letter goes out. The children are enjoying the new swings and we are all looking forward to having more equipment installed safely and the general area pathed and planted so that we can open up to our local community too. Patience is the name of the game.

Towards the end of July I will be coming back to the UK to have time with family and to visit churches across the country. There is a schedule of visits, and if interested please email me for details of these dates and locations. My colleague Becca has been away in the USA the month of June and we have missed her. Unfortunately in this time we have had one of our girls unwell and in intensive care, the second time within a month for her. Pray that all will stay well and as much hospital free as possible while I am away.

I look forward to catching up with church supporters, family and friends. May I once more take this opportunity to thank you for your support of BMS through prayer, encouragement and giving. We are partners together seeking to make Jesus known wherever He sends us, and to whomever we meet. Thank you for this partnership.

I pray you will know the abundance of His grace, the warmth of His peace and the embrace of His love in your lives each day, whatever our present circumstances. He is faithful.

With love and prayers

Judy