Please pray for us

She was born in Myanmar. When she was orphaned, she made her way to a children's home in Mae La refugee camp, on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. That is where we met her for the first time, more than twenty years ago. We supported the home and helped the caretakers look after the children in their care.

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Today, our friend is an adult. She is a mother. She works with an NGO and gives herself every day to helping her people, the Karen. Don't try to give her money for herself. She will spend it on others. Every time.

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"They have less than I do." (our friend, explaining why she gives everything away)

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She sends us updates about her children, about new projects, about the communities she serves. But a few days ago, her message was different. It was brief and it was urgent.

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"Please pray for us. There are many airstrikes, and many lives have been taken."

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We read the news soon after. While the world's attention has been fixed elsewhere, the military dictatorship in Myanmar has escalated its campaign of violence. In recent weeks, airstrikes targeting civilians have increased across the country.

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WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE GROUND

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One of the most horrific incidents was the massacre of 30 civilians in Yaetwinkone Village — widely condemned as one of the most brutal atrocities reported this year.

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In Mu Traw and Dooplaya districts, jet bombings, suicide drones, and artillery strikes have damaged civilian infrastructure, killed a Karen National Liberation Army soldier, and caused further civilian casualties. For thousands of people already living in IDP camps, this has meant the destruction of what little shelter they had, and a deepening crisis around access to food, water, and medical care.

Karen State — recent weeks    Myanmar military forces have carried out coordinated drone, air, artillery, and ground attacks across multiple districts. At least several civilians — including children — have been killed, and more than a dozen wounded. In Kler Lwe Htoo District alone, nearly 1,800 people have been displaced. IDP camps, including Amoe Pyar and Palat Port, have been directly targeted.

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AND STILL, OUR PARTNERS REMAIN

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They do not leave. Day after day, in the middle of unimaginable fear and pressure, our partners stay and do the work.

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Free Burma Rangers has been providing medical care, evacuations, and food aid to displaced communities. They have set up a mobile clinic serving multiple villages across the affected areas.

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This is what faithfulness looks like. It doesn't make headlines. It doesn't trend. It is simply a decision, made again each morning, to show up for people who have nowhere else to turn.

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Our friend made that decision long ago — born of loss, shaped in a refugee camp, and carried forward every single day. We are grateful for her, and for everyone who stands with the Karen people in this moment.

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Please keep Myanmar in your prayers and in your attention.

Oddny Gumaer

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