Updates From Jo Anne Lyon

WHAT CAN I DO?

Many times people ask me, "What can I do?" regarding a particular world issue. After hearing of the tragedies people want to "kill the traffickers," "round up the rebels," "adopt all the orphans" - rather grand schemes. So they are a bit disappointed when I respond with "educate yourself about the complexities of the issue then determine your action."

I have had to take my own advice within the last few weeks. One of my sons works for the government and he received word that he was being sent to Iraq for a four month period. Suddenly I find myself reading entire articles from Iraq in the newspaper and news magazines rather than only the first paragraph.

In the last few days our TV screens have been filled with scenes of courageous, Saffron-robed monks protesting against the repressive military junta of Burma. What was not reported was the long term persecution Christians have endured under this regime as well. In 2002 I was invited to speak for a "Spiritual Festival" held in the northwest region of Burma which is the home of the Chin people - a large Christian population. This is a restricted area patrolled heavily by the military and it was necessary for me to secure an additional visa to go there.

When I arrived I was immediately escorted to the Festival. I could not believe my eyes or ears when I walked in to see 8000 people sitting on benches very low to the ground, worshiping and singing praises to God in spite of the military surrounding them.

While unloading a new compact laboratory for a clinic we help to support in that area I was struck with the commitment and competence of the doctor and staff. He told me how the Christian women in the area pray to have their babies in that clinic. When I observed the limited resources the thought crossed my mind, ""Western women would pray NOT to have their baby here." Yet, when I heard the alternatives I realized I would join my Christians sisters in that prayer.

The women reported to me experiences they had had in government hospitals. When they would deliver a baby the attendants would cut the umbilical cord of the newborn but not tie it. They would then put the baby out of physical reach of the mother where she could watch the baby die but do nothing about it. Cruelty! Fear instilled! Space does not permit me to report the many stories of cruelty and pain I heard. Yet, their faith in the living God continues to flourish.

Through this experience I began to read of the National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but was unable to receive it in person as she was under house arrest by the military. She was elected Prime Minister by 80% of the vote in 1990 but the military ignored the results and seized power. Today, she remains under house arrest in Burma. Her husband has since died in England and she has very limited contact with her children. She has and is paying a price for democracy. Christians in Burma are similarly paying a great price for their faith.

The oppressed people of Burma have been praying for an international intervention. Therefore it is incumbent on us as believers to stand with our brothers and sisters in this hour. Below are some websites and places you can be advocates for peace, justice and freedom for the oppressed of Burma. Yes, this is bold action. Truly this is living out the Old Testament law as well as the words of Jesus - "Love your Neighbor as yourself.”

Thank you for your boldness and courage in being a voice for the voiceless!
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Jo Anne Lyon
Founder & CEO

*** Avaaz: People power can win this. Burma's powerful sponsor China can halt the crackdown if it believes that its international reputation and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing depend on it. To convince the Chinese government and other key countries to intervene, Avaaz is launching a major global and Asian ad campaign including full page ads in the Financial Times and other newspapers to deliver its message. Avaaz needs 1 million voices to be the global roar that will get China's attention. Visit http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/t.php to sign the petition.

*** You can email the EU President Luís Amado to strengthen the EU position on Burma at http://burmacampaign.org.uk/eu_action.html.

*** You can also send an email to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at inquiries@un.org, urging him to coordinate a strong response to Burmese repression at the UN Security Council and reminding him that waiting, as the UN did in Darfur and Rwanda, could cause untold suffering.