“It is a miracle that you found my family and me. Not many people know that we live here in secret,” exclaimed an amazed Karen father. Barnabas Fund’s project partners in Myanmar (Burma) had arrived at his makeshift home in the jungle, bringing food, baby milk, blankets, mosquito nets, soap and other aid.
There are estimated to be 20,000 newly displaced ethnic Karen people hiding in the jungles of Myanmar, amongst whom are many Christians. Some are constantly on the move, shifting every day or two when they hear the Myanmar army approaching. Others have buried themselves so deep in the jungle that our partners have to search for them with drones.
2021 a time of horror
The early months of 2021 have been a time of horror for the Karen people, marked by a huge upsurge in violence by the Myanmar armed forces. Firing mortars at villages, fields and even into the jungle, the military are forcing the terrified villagers out of their homes and deeper into the jungle, so they cannot tend their crops or animals.
The last weekend in March saw a fresh wave of airstrikes on the Karen people.
“God takes care of us … sending you to bring us food”
“Now we are here in this place and trying to survive,” explained a Karen widow “Paula” to Barnabas Fund’s partners. Her husband died when he trod on a landmine 16 years ago, leaving Paula with three children and a baby. It was through the intense sorrow of her bereavement that Paula (now 56) came to know and love the Lord Jesus.
She has been on the move for the last two years, trying to find safety from the increasing army attacks. “We are praying every day and God heard our prayers,” Paula continued, “You brought us a lot of food … Although we have a hard life, God takes care of us. I am so grateful for what Jesus did for us on the cross and that He is sending you to us to bring us food.”
Priority needs
Thank you for your generous help for Karen Christians already this year. What a difference your gifts have made! But as the violence continues, we need your continued support.
The current main needs are blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, rice, dry food and medicines.
