Recently, Irislee and I made a presentation about Imagine Thailand and the Burmese crisis. After our presentation, a gentleman engaged me in conversation about the whole issue of child trafficking. We talked about how pervasive this issue is in Asia but also that it is happening in North America. He mentioned that it is difficult to keep the issue front and center because it wasn’t taking place in “his own backyard.”
Fair enough.
There are many international issues that could occupy our time, attention, financial resources, and prayer focus.
Overwhelming.
However, we need to define “backyard.” From a global perspective, we’re so interconnected that it seems foolish to assume that issues on the other side of the world don’t affect me. The particular issue of child trafficking, has actually moved very close to home. Benjamin Perrin, author of Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking talks about girls from Winnipeg who are trafficked to other cities in Western Canada.
Just one story of many…
In this case, for us to hide behind the “not in my backyard” argument indicates, at the very least, our ignorance of current affairs, and at the very most, our motives of self-protection.
Admittedly, some international injustices do not affect us directly. Burma’s lack of democracy does not change Canada’s laws. Still I’m not sure that creates an exemption for us. From Jesus’ perspective, we are to love our neighbours and he doesn’t just mean the people who live next door. In the famous story of the Good Samaritan, the “neighbour” who is in need of medical attention is actually from a people group who are sworn enemies of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus’ backyard was very large.
I would even suggest that Jesus’ backyard was global. This was made clear when his followers travelled though out the then-known world to spread his message. Not a message limited to a certain group of people…Jesus’ concern was for the world. In his worldview, issues of freedom, justice, and mercy become our responsibility no matter where they take place.
How big is your backyard?
This weekend, we were reminded again of the Burmese crisis through the sham of an election that took place in Burma on Sunday, November 7th. Forcing allegiance to the ruling party, tampering with election boxes, and passing unjust laws to guarantee success has thrown the nation of Burma into a post-election frenzy that could lead to civil war. Good information is available at www.irrawaddy.org.
In our own town of Mae Sot, 15,000 Burmese men, women, and children have crossed the border from the town of Myawaddy to escape the fighting between the Burmese government soldiers and the DKBA – a Karen army that at one time actually fought with the Burmese government. In the border market, where some of you have been, a woman was killed because of errant mortars that have crossed over to the Thai side of the border. Here are a few pictures from Mae Sot sent to us by Day Mu, one of our Karen staff. Perhaps this crisis will lead to permanent change. In order for that kind of change to happen, the people of Burma need to unite and we need to support them.
From a social justice angle, I encourage you to write your MP’s and MLA’s about encouraging our Canadian government to get involved. Write your local newspapers, post articles from youtube and news agencies on your facebook page. It’s time for the military junta to hear that the world does not approve of their illegal activities.
Spread the word.
From a mercy angle, give an extra donation to your favourite relief organization working in the region. If your choice is Imagine Thailand, go to www.imaginethailand.org and click on the “donate now” icon. Choose “International Missions” as the category. For specific areas, choose “Projects” and then select “Thailand – Imagine Thailand”. Send a quick email to info@imaginethailand.org informing the office of the purpose of your donation which should be listed as “Mae Sot Relief”.
Together we can change our backyard…
