An already tenuous existence gets more ambiguous

 You have no doubt seen news of the coup in Myanmar. And you probably saw news about Rohingya refugees going to Basan Char island in the last month. Even the major news medias have had these on their headlines. 

This article describes well some of the emotional challenges that the Rohingya go through by virtue of being stateless and living in the largest refugee camp in the world (not to mention the trauma-filled life they have lived). Fortify Rights is one of the foremost human rights organizations in the region. That articles also gives some idea of how one could advocate for the Rohingyas through one's governmental officials. 

Under the rubric: when you feel
like crying, it's good to laugh
 (link)

These are some of the challenges that the Rohingya look towards as they stare squarely in the face an
uncertain future. It is helpful for us to understand some of these challenges. 

Then this week added a new dynamic to the situation that the refugees face - an overthrow of the "civilian governement" in Myanmar by the military. The government here had been negotiating strongly with this civilian government for the repatriation of the Rohingya back to Myanmar. This coup calls all of that negotiation into question and reminds the Rohingya (as if they needed reminding) who is really in charge in Myanmar. 

The refugees themselves have a rather varied response to this coup, as this article explains. There has certainly been no love lost between the the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and the Rohingya since her justification of the atrocities committed against them in Myanmar. 

Unquestionably the coup does, however, simply contribute to the ambiguity of the life that the Rohingya live - both in the refugee camps of BGD and around the world! So your support to them is, as always, greatly appreciated!

Praise for: 

• a good finish to 2020 and great beginning to 2021!
• Juwel embracing his new role as Logs Manager (he was Deputy Logs Manager under me), and making some very positive changes to the team!
• some rest and relaxation for Christine and I - we are very thankful for it after working weird hours in the US and a full load of work since returning to BGD.
• Phil's unrivaled good health over the last 4 months.

 Prayer for: 

• the Rohingya and their well-being (spiritually, emotionally, materially - that in all aspects of their life they may the know God's shalom)
• our visa process - we have sent our passports to the embassy in the US, and are in discussion with them about requirements. 
• God's Justice to roll like a river, and God's Righteousness like an ever-flowing stream in the lives of the Rohingya around the world!