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