Daily Devotion for Wednesday 12th June 2024

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all. 

Reflection

Myanmar needs our urgent solidarity and action. As you may have seen on the news things are moving quickly as the blood stained military rule looks to come to an end. 

A few years ago I was introduced to Swam Yee, a civil servant with the Myanmar Ministry of Labour.  After the coup in February 2021 he joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. Like so many, he had to flee to the jungle for his life as democracy leaders were killed and imprisoned. There are now over 350,000 Civil Disobedience Movement workers who need help. 

In Galatians, Paul reminds us to remember the poor but also to take up the opportunity to work for the good of all.   I knew we had to respond.  It didn’t seem much but what we did have was seedbeds.org with experience in social enterprise and community development alongside good will from churches.  Therefore, we began to work with the Civil Disobedience Moment to design, and start, what became The Change Incubators programme in April 2022.  This included online and in-person enterprise training and the opportunity to pitch ideas for change to a seed-funding panel. 

We have been inspired by the work of our participants and their role in change and are working to help create new markets for their products and services. Many have emerged as leaders who have a key role to play as the legitimate National Unity Government prepares to rebuild Myanmar.   Small investments in care, time, and seed-money have seen these remarkable people create all kinds of new freedoms. 

I’m excited that we have 107 participants for the third cohort starting next week but feel a bit daunted too! It’s double what we had last year. It feels like there is hope that freedom could grow in Myanmar over the next 12-18 months.  These new participants could well be the national rebuilders. I look forward to being with them in person in June and would appreciate your prayers and support. 

Prayer

Lord, could you please bring an end to the destruction of life in Myanmar and bring liberation and fullness of life through our friends and colleagues there? Help us always take up those divine opportunities for good. No matter how feeble they may seem to us in your hands they can make a difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.