It has been a while since I sent out my last update. We were in Malaysia for visa purpose last week. Now back in Thailand.
There has been many things going on in Burma, but I will keep this short. The situation in Burma has improved to some level. More foreign aid workers are allowed to do their job. KBC (Karen Baptist Convention-supported by Friends of Burma) has bought all required tractors for the villages, total 100 tractors, leaving them with about $35,000 debt. However, they are just happy that villagers can work on their fields in time for rice season. In
addition to tractors, KBC sent, and still sending, diesel fuel for the tractors and rice for the villagers as well. Thank you all for your help, so far about $10,000 has been given to help victims of the cyclone.
On the good side, because of the cyclone many countries came to know Burma and its long struggle for democracy from the military dictator who has been ruling the county since 1962. Many churches in the country learned to work together. Based on reports from friends who are working among cyclone victims, many have learned the power of the wrath of our sovereign and loving God. Many (Christians) have come to realize the sinful lives that they have been living in. Families are closer together. I believe God has a good reason for letting this storm happen.........Parents often do not want to punish their children but discipline is done for the good of the child. We hope to learn from His discipline and grow to be stronger followers of our Lord.
Blessings, Htaw
(Note from reporter - This attitude is so indicative of the Burmese people. They are truly living in the Grace of God due to their struggles and persecution)
And this Positive News Report:
TOKYO : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon pledged on Tuesday to press Myanmar to bring "genuine freedom" to its people after he struck a deal to bring in international aid after a devastating cyclone.
Ban in May became the first secretary general in 44 years to visit Myanmar where he persuaded junta leader Than Shwe to accept foreign disaster experts. The government, suspicious of the outside world, had waited weeks before letting in significant international help to cope with the disaster, which left more than 138,000 people dead or missing.
"If and when it is necessary, I am going to broaden and deepen this process in my dialogue with the Myanmar authorities," Ban told a news conference on a visit to Tokyo. "You have my firm commitment and assurances that I will work very hard to help the Myanmar people to enjoy genuine freedom and democracy," he said.
Ban said that despite the delay in accepting international aid teams, the government has largely lived up to its word in allowing access. "Things seem to be moving in the right direction," Ban said. "As far as I know as of today, international workers and UN staff have been able to carry out their humanitarian assistance as has been agreed," he said.
