It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day!
Reports from Burma are seemingly positive at the moment. What with the release Aung San Suu Kyi late last year (2011) and the unprecedented release of 600 political prisoners in January 2012 ahead of April’s Bi-election. Reports are generally quite encouraging. The Government’s open dialogue and cease fire talks with the Karen people is all out of kilter with the ruling Junta’s historical conduct. However, it is important to remember that even with these fresh signs of life, things are still far from right. But we pray in the hope that we are seeing the start of Burma redeeming herself from the darkness that has dominated the atmosphere for all too long.
2011 was a significant year for BOP, as we stretched out and asked for monthly sponsorship for individual children at our orphanage. We are delighted now that all 18 children are sustained every month from the generosity of our supporters. This has meant a real consistency of support so that the children need not fear that any given meal could be their last for some time. They can learn in the freedom that their education is paid for, as well as walk to school with pride in their uniforms. We are so blessed by the growth that the children are showing and from the positive emails we receive from the family that look after them.
2012 is going to be an even bigger year! We have a few fundraising ideas and aspirations that may seem daunting. But we believe in a BIG God who is capable of everything and anything; a God who often works in the realm of the impossible! Back in 2009 when I first visited the orphanage, the immediate structural need was very apparent. I soon after sprung to action and we raised money to build a new roof to keep the monsoon rains out. After this significant success, we knew then that this was only a short term solution, as the building itself was unstable as flood water had effected the foundations. Now we are looking to build them a completely new orphanage! With the support of the Message Trust, who generously gave us a £2000 gift, our ambitious target of raising £13,000 ($20,000) to build the orphanage a new yet simple building is well under way.
In other news, I myself was married in 2011 to a beautiful bride and we took up at a collection at the wedding. The funds raised have been able to buy the orphanage a new laptop (with a long battery life! as power is inconsistent at best over there) to help really develop the children in this modern age of technology that we all live in. Pete Askew and Robin Mukherjee also ran a 10k last year which raised enough money to send the orphanage some additional money for their Christmas (see the picture above which was taken at Christmas- their faces say it all) Thanks guys!
Looking to the immediate future, in February this year, one of our trustees will be visiting the orphanage to see how things are going so we would really appreciate your prayers for a safe and fruitful trip for him and your continued prayers for the orphans and the family. We look forward to sharing the photographs with you all. Until then God Bless!
