December 2000

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you
(Colossians 1:3).

Dear Family,

I am blessed to have many people to send this letter to and remember in my prayers. Thanks to all of you who are faithful encouragers, for your prayers and friendship and love.

Why not "Myanmar"? Many people have asked me why I call the country I am focused on "Burma" rather than the new, official name, "Myanmar." Newer maps show the country to the west of Thailand as Myanmar rather than the name given by the British to the area, Burma. First, it’s important to know that this is a country with many ethnic groups—Karen, Kachin, Karenni, Chin, Shan, Arakan, Wa, Lahu, and Lisu, to name some of the larger ethnic groups—as well as the Burman people, who are the majority of the 47 million people in the country.

The military dictators renamed the country Myanmar, and the people of the country had no say in this decision. "Myanmar" is the Burmese word for the dictators’ own majority ethnic group, the Burmans. To me, the renaming represents the suppression and ethnic cleansing of minority groups, and much more. Since most people from this country continue to call it "Burma," I’ve decided to go along with them. It’s a name that is more inclusive of other ethnic identities. A goal for many is to see all the ethnic groups and Burmans work in unity for peace and freedom. I am learning more each day, and now I understand that Burma is a more representative name than Myanmar. Please pray for miracles to happen in Burma, for God’s light to replace the darkness, for the refugees, and those who are internally displaced as a result of the war.

March 11, 2001 I continue to ask for prayer for Burma. The next Global Day of Prayer for Burma will be on March 11, 2001. I am putting together materials for that day now. I hope to send out another prayer booklet and poster for the Day of Prayer, the purpose of which is to make people aware of the situation in Burma so they can take action as God leads them. Having a church service, prayer meetings, and information sessions focusing on Burma are ways to encourage solidarity with the people in their hopes for peace, freedom, and unity in their region. People I know from Burma are always encouraged and thankful to hear that there are others who know of their situation and will pray and work with them.

The Karenni Recently I visited one of the Karenni refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. I haven’t been there in two years, and it was good to see old friends and meet new ones. I learned that there are really no proper villages left in Karenni state. The SPDC (military regime) aims to eliminate the Karenni and take their land, which is full of natural resources. Through contacts I made in the camps I am able to help send support to the refugees for all sorts of projects—from buying pigs for families to raise to guitars and music ministry. Please pray that these projects make a difference in the lives of the people in the camps, for God’s glory.

There is a lady in the camps who raises support for Karenni orphans. They need everything: shoes, food, clothing, school supplies. Please pray their needs are provided for. They are loved and learn about God in Sunday school and from my friend.

While I visited the camp we also saw the Sticky Rice Festival (I think the way it sounds in Karenni is "deeku"). Groups of dancers in traditional Karenni costumes go to each house and dance for the residents. The symbolism is basically unity of the Karenni people—sticky rice sticks together.

Thailand I have been able to go to more outreach events, led by Thai friends, to university students in Chiang Mai. I am thankful to see God work through them to reach students with God’s love. I can invite students I meet on my own to come to these events, which will be in their language and where they feel at home and learn about God’s love for them. A difficulty for Thais who want to become Christians is how their family will react. Rejection can follow. Pray for strength for new Christians living in Buddhist homes. Pray for many to know God and be satisfied in Him alone.

Prostitution is another thing that is on my mind as I live here in Thailand. People come from all over the world to visit prostitutes here. It is especially visible at this time of year. Pray for the women and men and children who are in that business by choice or force. Pray they will be saved physically and spiritually. Also pray for those visiting them, that God would work on their hearts.

Personal I am enjoying my time here so much. Each day holds new surprises and experiences. Praise God for his new mercies for each day. "O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress" (Isaiah 33:2). "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" (Psalm 90:4). Please pray that I will be bold to love others and share Jesus with them. My love to each of you, with thankfulness.

Merry Christmas I will miss my family while I am here during the holidays, but I am so thankful for their encouragement and support while I live here in Thailand. I hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends.

Amy Davisson

The 2000 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 158