In This Storm

I’ve had a heart for Burma for many years. A dear friend from college was actually born in Burma and his family literally escaped the country:

Selwyn was born in Rangoon, Burma in 1971. As the grandson of Selwyn Khin, the founder of the Burmese Air Force during Burma’s post WWII democracy period, Selwyn’s family was constantly under suspicion by the Burmese military junta that overthrew the democracy in 1962.

In 1973 his family left Burma and sought political asylum in the United States. His mother left the country with Selwyn, age 2, and his sister, age 5. His father had to escape through the jungle and reunited with them in Bangkok weeks later.

It is a fascinating story, and you can hear more about Selwyn’s personal story as well as a wonderfully put-together history and educational lesson about Burma at this page on his website: An Overview Of Burma

Why am I talking about Burma today?

See the big orange button on my sidebar?

For Myanmar?

Yeah. That’s Burma.

Or, rather, Burma is Myanmar.

That, too, is a fascinating story. In a horrible, terrible, no good, verybad kind of way. And heart wrenching. And positively maddening. Selwyn’s site is not to be missed.

With my heart so tender to Burma for so long, I have been surprised to see so few people in my “blogging rounds” talking about the deadly cyclone that hit Burma less than a week ago. But maybe we just don’t know what to say. I’ve been mulling over what to write all week. My heart is so heavy for a country and a people that were already suffering in so many ways.

And now as many as a million people have been left homeless and with virtually no food or water. And so many lives are simply no more.

It is my earnest prayer that out of such tragedy, good will come. In speaking with missionaries who were preparing to go to Burma we learned in many ways it is easier to find a way into China as missionaries than to go into “Myanmar.”

And more than anything, we know the people of Burma need the hope that comes only from knowing Jesus. I am praying that hearts will be open to the vast spiritual need in that country.

I’m also praying that eyes will be open to the people and the politics of Burma.

That we, as a nation, as a people, as the people of God, will take this opportunity to be educated about the needs there which lie outside of the desperate needs for a country literally torn apart by a cyclone.

That big orange button on my sidebar will take you to the page at Samaritan’s Purse for donating. When you “land” on their donation page, the question “To Which Project Would You Like To Contribute?” is already set to “Myanmar Relief.” It’s certainly not the only way to donate money to the relief efforts. But, a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, A full ninety percent of SP’s expenses are for ministry. And always in the name of Jesus. If you don’t have a favorite organization through which you might donate, I highly recommend them.

Most of all, won’t you pray?

And don’t forget to take a few moments to learn about Burma and the Burmese people.

Selwyn also has lots of ideas for Family and Child Friendly Events in Madison, Wisconsin

and some ideas about Visiting Disney With Children With Special Needs