TEAR Fund has just dispatched an initial $50,000 to help its partner working on the ground in Myanmar, deliver much needed aid to the desperate Burmese people.
“While the situation regarding restrictions on external workers and aid flows is totally unacceptable, charitable funding given to TEAR Fund is getting through and being used wisely and effectively in this very difficult and almost unprecedented situation, “said TEAR Fund NZ executive director, Stephen Tollestrup. “In fact our partner’s team is working 24/7, in ways I can only describe as heroic.”
The funds that have been sent by TEAR Fund are desperately needed and are being used to purchase food and essential relief supplies in Myanmar as well as to employ additional in-country support and specialist staff, he said.
“Our partner’s staff in Myanmar have visas or are Burmese nationals and are therefore legally engaged. This means that we are able to send funds directly to Myanmar and can guarantee those funds are arriving without restriction or government interference. “
Mr Tollestrup is urging Christians to pray that Myanmar’s military-ruled government will open up to international aid. “The situation is likely to get worse and prayer is the most effective intervention for Christians. TEAR Fund’s partner in Myanmar resourcing the church there to meet the desperate needs of the people.
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Frank, I know that you are a great admirer of Tollestrup but I also know that you don’t have a simplistic view of prayer.
In the final paragraph you quote him as saying, “The situation is likely to get worse and prayer is the most effective intervention for Christians”.
Do you agree with this statement? If so, can you explain why prayer is more effective than attempting to send aid and/or attempts at dialogue with the rulers who are blocking much of the aid?
I’ve been a fan of Tear Fund for a long time now but have to say that I struggle with the logic of a statement like this and worry that a person fronting an aid organisation who holds that prayer is more effective than food, shelter and medical help might not be using the money I donate to the best of its ability.
Damian, I appreciate and understand your concern.
The article is a direct press release from TEAR Fund, so any concerns about wording should be directed to them.
From my experience with TEAR Fund, I can confidently say that any money donated is most certainly being used in exactly the way that you would wish – to provide, food, shelter, medical help and any other items necessary for the physical well being of those struck by the tragedy.