"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
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"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 |
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Uncertainties, fear, and loss associated with the current war in Burma are emotionally traumatizing, especially for the children who have been prematurely robbed of their childhood and innocence. Many of these children are left to fend for themselves - separated from their parents (living or dead), wandering the jungle, hiding from the military, mending their own wounds, and almost losing faith and hope. Therefore, the Good Life Club (GLC), a program devoted to child welfare and care for displaced children who have been marginalized by war, specifically focuses on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of IDP children who are often otherwise forgotten in the struggle.
With inspiration and guidance from John 10:10 - A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of (MSG) - the Good Life Club found not only its name, but also its purpose. GLC works to actualize, for the children, the "good life" that God offers.
Partners, working closely with the Free Burma Rangers, trains relief team counselors who distribute supplies, counsel children traumatized by war, help establish sustainable care for children who have been orphaned or otherwise separated from their families because of military offensives, and record IDP conditions and human rights violations.
The counselors' mission is centered on the significance of several symbols of safety, security, and solidarity: t-shirts displaying the child-friendly GLC logo - a large smiley face - are distributed to children to help fulfill not only a physical need for clothing, but also a psychological need for comfort and unity. Special GLC patches are worn by trained counselors and other adults who have been identified as child-friendly, and help children recognize which adults they can trust and feel safe with. Finally, the wordless book and bracelets are used by GLC counselors to teach a simplified version of the Gospel and reaffirm the children's faith in the love of God and hope for the future.
GLC counselors are also prepared to share several different fun and informative activities, such as games, puppet shows, movies, etc., so that they can adjust their program to best serve the needs of the children they encounter. Also, along with GLC t-shirts, relief teams distribute Kid and Mom & Baby Packs that include basic hygiene necessities and other comforting items.
Once the children are attended to, and receive the counseling and encouragement they need, GLC counselors turn to mothers and other village members. However, it is the GLC counselors' sole responsibility to serve the children, focus on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of the people, and encourage other relief team members to do the same.
It is our goal to help all IDP children recognize and benefit from the "Good Life" that God provides.
Tsunami Interview with Greg Toews
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A Snapshot of Partners (1.2 MB)
A Campaign of Brutality,
the new report by FBR (3.1 MB)
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