It is worth reminding ourselves that the Tatmadaw is not the only army engaged in the field of HIV in the country.
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The Salvation Army in Myanmar – Real gutsy Salvationism
27 August 2007
Salvationists in Myanmar carry out their work in incredibly difficult circumstances, but they are full-on in their commitment to spreading the gospel.They continued to serve and grow despite restrictions and the closing of the borders from 1962 to 2002. The Myanmar Salvation Army survived all that time without external support, and in fact it actually grew!
When the borders were opened TSA in Norway began supporting a HIV/AIDS programme. HIV/AIDS in Myanmar is one of the highest rates in the world because there are no harm reduction strategies whatsoever. (Typically a “fit” will be used up to fifty times, by many people – this compares with Australia for example, where a fit will be typically used four times by one person.)
Even though the military junta impose strict controls, and there are high levels of illiteracy, rampant AIDS, high incidence of malaria, considerable poverty, and a shortage of officers, the Salvos are reported to be full of energy, optimism and commitment to the Lord and to his service. They have to be careful, because they know that they what they do is closely monitored, but they do not fear for themselves, but their greatest concern is that they may do something that will damage the ministry of TSA.
The HIV/AIDS programme is centred around two towns Tahan and Tamu, close to the Indian border, where TSA is growing most rapidly. As AIDS spreads, more and more children are being orphaned. The AIDS project helps orphans financially, so they can buy things such as schoolbooks. It also maintains a network of volunteer Salvos who visit homes, schools, villages and the sick, and operates two clinics.
Even before the current political-economic crisis, Myanmar was a poor country and many families could not afford such basics as food. An average family has only one or two meals a day. Illiteracy is widespread because the schools are too expensive. Most families also need their children to work in order to increase their income. The Salvation Army is also looking for ways around these problems. There is a plan to start agricultural projects in order to increase the income of the people.
Pray for the people of Myanmar, that bloodshed will be averted, and that our fellow Salvos can be both protected by God, and effective in serving the people in a time of great instability.
Posted by Mike Coleman
(The views expressed here are those of the author only and do not represent the official position of The Salvation Army.)
http://schoolofprophets-australia.blogspot.com/2007/08/tsa-in-myanmar-real-gutsy-salvationism.html
