A letter from Amy Davisson Galetzka in Thailand
October 1, 2012
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”—Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV).
Dear Friends and Family,
A Fresh Start…
What a beautiful past few months. The Lord has blessed me in many ways. I spent July in Thailand and have been in the U.S. for August and September.
Saw Nawng at a Karen State, Burma, Good Life Club Program on a relief mission
During this time of working remotely, preparing and waiting here in Oregon, I’ve had time to see loved ones for extended lengths of time that we haven’t had together in years. I have been able to see the weather start to change (seasons!) and also keep in touch and continue working on projects for work. We are still waiting for our little girl to arrive. (Due date is October 6, so maybe she’ll be here by the time you receive this letter!)
As I’ve had time to work on finance reports, emails, website, newsletter and other ways we thank donors and communicate with people to share what is happening in Burma (which is also known as Myanmar), I’ve been starting to think of the upcoming birth of our daughter as a time to start fresh.
I realize every day that God gives us the opportunity to start fresh—even more often than every day, we have the grace to start fresh every moment. I am so thankful for that promise and gift.
Burma—Good and Bad News...
An overview of good and bad news that summarizes what has been going on in Burma recently. This report was written by Free Burma Rangers (FBR)’s director.
FBR Report: Positive Change and Ongoing Oppression in Burma, 29 September 2012.
Dear friends, we thank God for all the recent good changes in Burma and congratulate all those who have been recognized for their efforts towards a free, just and reconciled Burma. At the same time oppression continues. Here is an update on current events in Burma and especially how we experience the situation on the ground where the FBR relief teams operate.
Good news:
1) Aung San Suu Kyi holds a position in parliament and she along with others has received honors on behalf of the international community for their dedication to freedom for the people of Burma.
2) Many political prisoners have been released.
3) Censorship has been eased and travel restrictions also eased.
4) There are now ceasefire negotiations ongoing with many of the ethnic groups with an overall reduction in fighting.
5) Burma Army leaders have signed an agreement to end forced labor and there has been a reduction in some areas.
6) The FBR had the opportunity to meet leaders of the new government and this is a positive step.
Sai Nawng closes a Shan State, Burma, Good Life Club Program in prayer
At the same time there is ongoing bad news:
1) Burma Army attacks against the Kachin continue with over 70,000 Kachin people displaced by over 100 Burma Army battalions in northern Burma.
2) In the Shan State fighting and displacement continues and in the southern Shan State there have been over 30 clashes between the Burma Army and Shan resistance this year. FBR medics have given medical treatment to many of those wounded in these attacks by the Burma Army.
3) In the Karen State the Burma Army has used the ceasefires to supply their camps beyond the normal supply rate and continue to use forced labor. They have also built three new camps in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Border Guard Forces under the authority of the Burma Army have continued attacks in Karen State.
4) As of this report, at least 311 political prisoners remain under arrest.* Censorship laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act remain in effect as does the threat of arbitrary arrest. *AAPP report.
5) In Arakan State 80,000 people have been displaced by inter-ethnic violence between the Rohingya and Arakan. This has been partially fueled by repressive Burma Government policies.
6) Humanitarian access is still blocked in many areas of Burma.
In our view, we see two things happening at once, positive change and ongoing repression. The FBR will continue giving help, hope and love to those under attack, to get the news out, and to stand with the oppressed. We pray for changes and will continue to develop the beginning of a relationship we have with some in the new government, as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and others, for the purpose of reconciliation, justice and freedom for all.
A Personal Story...
Amy and Johnny (August 2012)
To go along with the idea of a fresh start and the current news from Burma, I want to share how the relief work we are doing has affected one person’s life. He became a Christian after working with our organization.
We have deputy directors of the relief work who are all from Burma and each coordinate a different set of relief teams in their area. One recent report we did highlighted Sai Nawng, our Shan relief coordinator. His complete story can be found at www.freeburmarangers.org/Reports (Story of a Shan Ranger).
This is the story of many answers to prayer, and God’s working in one man’s life. Sai Nawng is married and his first child is on the way; he is the coordinator for all of FBR’s Shan teams. He first came to FBR in 2004, came back and became a team leader and soon was the coordinator for all the Shan teams. Sai Nawng is a joy to be around, always joking, and can make those around him laugh even across language and cultural barriers—he has brought his team on several headquarters missions in Karen State, for training, and he is always ready to help with the children’s program, never failing to make the children—and all the mothers around—laugh. Sai Nawng is humble and willing to help with anything, equally ready to cook for everyone, write a report, translate, or whatever might be required. He leads the Shan teams like a family, working in some of the most difficult areas of Burma—areas both dangerous and physically challenging to get to.
In his own words: “Originally I was Buddhist and I was converted to a Christian in 2007. Why? Because a problem came into my life. I met missionary friend and he said to me that whenever you have a problem or disappointment you should pray to God. And I said I do not know where God is—but I did pray for a test and finally God answered my prayer, so I learned that God also tests my faith.”
The rest of his story describes an experience when the Burma Army attacked and shot at his relief team while they were bringing help to villagers. He survived but one of his co-workers was killed.
More Thanks and Requests...
Thanks
• Praise God for your prayers and for God’s faithfulness and answers.
• For Burma: That there has been some good news recently and a glimmer of hope.
• For my mom: her surgery to remove a portion of her lung (due to cancer) went well and she is recovering. The preliminary report said she does not have to have chemo or radiation.
• For my co-worker Shannon: She recently had an MRI and her condition has not gotten any worse.
• Thanks to friends and family who have blessed me with baby showers (Liberty, Jena and Janet) and with gifts in preparation for baby girl.
Requests
• Continued prayer for peace and justice in Burma: There are still people being oppressed and who are in great need there.
• Preparations and plans for the Global Day of Prayer for Burma: MARCH 10, 2013.
And Finally...
Please feel free to get in touch with me while I’m in the U.S.A.
Email is best: amygaletzka@gmail.com (or use the "Write to" link below)
Phone: 626.807.1976 (mobile) or 503.873.2818 (home)
Skype: amydavisson
I am also on Facebook!
I would be happy to talk with you by email or phone, or if I can visit with you or with your church in person while I’m in the USA, that would be wonderful!
Love and Blessings,
Amy
Financial Support Information:
1) Online at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/give/E074131/ (you can use the "Give" link below)
OR
2) To make a gift by check, please mail it to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include a note including this information: E074131/Mission Worker: Amy Lynne Davisson Galetzka. A receipt will be sent to you when your check is processed. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
The 2012 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 183
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