An unexpected Christmas for Chin refugees
With the holiday season still fresh in our minds, we wanted to share a lovely story with you. One of our local team leaders oversaw a recent support effort for Chin families living in refugee camps along the Indian border. These families have faced many challenges, including unemployment and limited resources, which has made it difficult for them to provide for their children. An American donor had made a special request to our nonprofit to donate Christmas trees to these mostly Christian Chin families. Our team leader writes about the impact of this support and the importance of such small acts of kindness, especially during the holidays. We hope that this report will inspire you to consider donating towards providing gifts and/or essentials for these refugee children. By supporting these families, you can help bring some joy and hope to their difficult circumstance, in whatever season of the year.
“There are 500 children under the age of 10 in refugee camps, and it would be greatly appreciated if there were a way to help these people, especially during the Christmas season.”
The situation in Myanmar has caused many problems, and as a result, many people have had to flee their homes. Many Chin people, for example, have escaped to the border between India and Myanmar since the February 2021 coup. Once they arrived at the border, they were not allowed to work, and many of them had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. Now, after two years, they are unemployed and have no income, which has made their daily lives difficult and has made it difficult for them to even buy small Christmas gifts for their beloved children.
We had Christmas trees were distributed to the Chin refugees, who are Christian. The recipients were pleasantly surprised to receive such a thoughtful gift, as they had not been expecting it. It was a special moment for one elderly family in particular, who told us that it was their very first time receiving a Christmas tree as a gift! They were grateful beyond words for the donor's generosity and care towards refugees in Myanmar, promising they would pray for them and their family. Although it was a challenge to purchase and deliver the trees in such a short time frame, our team was able to make it happen and distribute them on time.
We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to bring some joy to people who are going through a difficult time. It can be especially meaningful to celebrate Christmas this year, given all the hardships and challenges that have been faced. Even in the position of exile, being a refugee family can feel special with the gift of celebration and togetherness. It is a time to come together with loved ones and find joy, despite the difficulties. Receiving gifts can be a way to feel appreciated and loved, and it can help to brighten spirits and bring a sense of normalcy during difficult times. It's important to focus on the positive aspects of the holiday and try to create special memories with loved ones, even in the midst of hardship.
There are an estimated 500 children under the age of 10 in refugee camps, and it would be greatly appreciated if there were a way to help these people by providing small gifts for the children such as toys, socks, and school aid materials such as exercise books and pens. This would bring joy and hope to the children.
