13 New Ranger Teams Graduate, Go on Missions

Karen State, Burma

Dear friends,

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement to us and to the people of Burma. Things are changing in Burma, but oppression continues and it as important as ever to continue to stand for freedom, justice and reconciliation. We continue to train men and women from all over Burma to work together to bring help, hope and love to their people. 13 new Free Burma Ranger teams graduated from Leadership and Relief Team Training on 3 December 2013. During the course of an eight-week training in northern Karen State, the teams learned a variety of topics, including leadership, basic medical care, reporting, human rights documentation, video and digital camera use, land navigation and GPS use, mapping for land-rights investigation, landmine removal, Good Life Club and counseling, physical training, and rappelling. The training culminated in a three-day final exercise that incorporated the new skills they learned in a compressed mission which they completed without food or sleep. This year, teams are from Arakan, Karen, Karenni, Naga and Pa-Oh ethnic groups.

After graduation and before starting a mission, nine rangers were baptized, including one ex-Burma Army soldier who had defected and come to join FBR. He is a young Karen man who was forced to join the Burma Army but while in the army did things he was ashamed of. He said he wanted to start a new life and be forgiven and follow Jesus. FBR welcomes people from different ethnicities and religions and those of us who have experienced the saving love of Jesus share our testimonies and encourage each ranger to decide who they will follow. Regardless of their choice, we work as one family.

We are now with the teams on their first relief mission. Afterwards, they will return to their home areas to serve. Please pray for us as we begin this mission with our new teams, and in the face of an uncertain situation in Burma. We are grateful for these new rangers who are eager to serve their people and we are inspired by the way we see God working in their lives and also in ours.

God bless you,

The Free Burma Rangers