Think and Pray About

On November 7th, 2010 as many as 10,000 refugees escaped across the Thailand-Burma border in fear of their lives being taken. A person from our point of view in the USA may view elections as a time for change, progress or hope. Being able to vote is even an expression of our freedom. In Burma, on the other hand, not only are people forced to vote but they are punished (even killed) if they don't. Another awful fact about elect
ions in Burma is that the same party always wins the election and they are a military dictatorship that is killing and oppressing it's own people. The regime specifically targets the Karen people, who they want to wipe out completely because of jealousy and hatred from the past.

This is the environment that the Forgotten families have come from. Actually, there are now 3 new families living in the Forgotten land as a direct result and we have been able to help many others through our team in Thailand and your support. They were being hunted, with all of their belongings being regularly burnt and confiscated. They have all been the prey of oppressors with no way to defend themselves.

There is still hope and we must continue to fight for the Karen. We are one organization of many who are reaching out to the Karen people and by God's grace, we are an important instrument . He is giving us the wisdom, provision, and love that we need in playing our part. God has called us to reach out to these people specifically, to bring hope and a future that is only possible in Jesus. We want to give them the opportunity to have a home and develop a community in peace without fear.

"The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God. But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. Arise, O Lord, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O Lord; let the nations know they are but men." Psalm 9:17-20

A sweet woman of God named Savanna Gloetzner said this about the above Scripture which can help us better touch God's heart for the Karen refugees and others who are suffering in the world:

"When [my family and I] were reading this the other day, immediately the orphans and the hunted in Burma came to mind. Even if they do not know the Lord yet, still they are not forgotten. God sees them. He loves them more than any of us ever could. He is their God and will provide for them. I also sensed the Lord may be saying that we should pray the last part of this Scripture ["let not man triumph..."] over the Burmese government. To pray that those who are hunting and killing might even be brought to their knees in front of Christ and call Him their Lord. The fact is that those who will not turn their face towards God will "return to the grave" as the Psalm says.

Psalm 9:17-20 could be prayed for any nation, but I especially felt it impressed upon me that it was for the Burmese refugees and those people who no one knows about, who are "forgotten." God sees them and he will not forget them.

God bless you in this special season as we remember God's first coming and expect His return,

The Forgotten Team

Monthly Expenses

(Click on pic to open and enlarge if needed)

Pics

(Pastor Ninja Stephen)

(Julie, in the green; teacher)

(Karen kids with new shoes....camera shy?)

(Daniel School; Established by Miles Gloetzner. Part of FF)

September/October 2010 Update

“Going a little farther he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
These are some of the most intense words spoken by Jesus. This is the point when he decides, “Not my will but yours be done” which meant that he was to be crucified and tortured for our sakes. This was the Father’s will: to crush him, though he was the only one to live in perfect love and service to the Father. Now in heaven he is glorified, and one day all humanity will give him highest honor. In light of this, what is God’s will for us? Is it not to follow in his footsteps? Does this mean that we will have suffering on earth, but there in our promised heavenly home there will be peace, salvation, and endless joy? We want to encourage you that our pain may last through the night, but our joy will come with the morning. His discipline may feel unbearable in the moment, but his blessings and love is forever. Be of good cheer, he has overcome. Let us follow his example, not being upset that things are not yet as they should be, but knowing they will be one day. The Forgotten people have a deep understanding of this, especially in light of the sufferings of Jesus.

It’s wonderful, inspiring and challenging to hear about how life is going for those serving the Forgotten people in Thailand. Their stories are important because you have graciously accepted being part of their lives and have taken on their loads in different ways.

There is a new Thai-Karen volunteer serving among the Forgotten families. Her name is Julia. She has finished studying music and Bible in Chiang Mai. Now she wants to give her time and life to the families we support. Julia is a very talented musician with a beautiful voice. She has encouraged the children very much and is making a big impact in the community as she lives sacrificially. Also, Julia speaks Karen and English which makes her very beneficial for opening up even more communication with the refugee families.

A little while ago, Pastor Manat was on a bus in the Mae Sod area and overheard an encouraging conversation. Mae Sod is a city that is traveled through in order to go into Burma or the deeper jungles towards the Karen community we serve. Manat heard someone talking about why he decided to follow Jesus. This man had been watching Pastor Stephen’s life for four years. The man on the bus saw the way Stephen lived and his life was attractive to the man. By seeing Pastor Stephen’s example of love and faithfulness, this man decided that he wanted what Stephen had. More and more people are getting connected with deeper life and meaning because of “simple things being done with great love.”


Our work with refugee orphans is developing and we are seriously seeking deeper involvement in the lives of these children God has brought to our care. We believe even more orphan children will come into our range of service. The orphans living in the Forgotten home are also students at the school for refugee’s called the “Daniel School.” We would like to build a play ground and also add a library to this school. Contact us if you are interested in assisting these children or want to know more.

Please pray for the Karen, for the orphans, and for our workers. Also, search your heart about what you could give to them—Our website is currently down and we are in need of someone to help fix it and add a shopping cart. We would like help in managing a Forgotten Facebook or Twitter account. Any advice or experience you have on running an orphanage, which is a new road we are headed down. Giving financially; we need $250 to supply blankets as we head into the wet season and could use a commitment of $65 a month to help with food for the new orphans. Contact us about any of these needs or questions you have.



Thank you all so much! Many blessings to you and your families,


aj@forgottenfoundation.com
james@forgottenfoundation.com
mgloetz@hotmail.com

www.forgottenfoundation.org