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Friends of Burma Annual Report 2023

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FRIENDS OF BURMA ANNUAL REPORT 20 23 548 Home Ave. Ft. Wayne, IN 46807 neildianasowards@ gmail .com ( 260 ) 745-3658 http://friendsofburma.org   “SOME VILLAGERS ARE EATING PIG FEED”  (Free Burma Rangers) “PEOPLE ARE DIVIDING PAIN PILLS INTO 4 PIECES AND SHARING” F.M. Sorting supplies for refugees (IDPs) Dear Friends and Supporters of Friends of Burma, The comments above are some of the things that are being conveyed to us about the situation in Burma.  This has been a year of great suffering for many people.  There is a civil war going on between the military and long time ethnic armies, joined by volunteers from the cities and villages.  If this is not bad enough, the military has been paying people to form militias to fight against the Peoples’ Defense Forces (PDFs).  This will have long term consequences because it is neighbor fighting neighbor.  There is little prospect for a cessation of fighting. Living arrangement for IDPs Since this is happening, the long time focus of FOB (th

No Safe Place

As you may have already known, the recent conflicts in Burma due to the military coup in 2021 have caused many people to be displaced from their villages. The military airstrikes against villages are causing havoc to local populations in various places. Free Burma Rangers , led by David Eubank, has been active on the frontline. "No Safe Place" is a new documentary following the Free Burma Rangers on a relief mission in Karenni State, Burma. We thought that it would be of interest to you regarding the latest situation in Burma. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vmKPDNRVDII

Friends of Burma, Inc. Newsletter Fall 2023

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Dear our partners and friends, may the wisdom and blessings of the Fall Season be with you. As the brilliance of fall foliage is all around us, we are in many ways reminded to reflect on what we had sowed and relish those that have ripened and come to fruition, while also being aware of the need to let go to give way to new beginnings. Together with you, we have been able to brighten and give some hope to the people of Burma, struggling through one of the most challenging times in its history. While the troubles seem never-ending for them, we are humble to witness how they are blessed with resilience and perseverance. And for that, FOB is grateful to be part of the blessings. Your love, care and support are greatly appreciated, and we are convinced more than ever that your continuing support is increasingly essential for those in dire needs. In Romans 12:12, it reads “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Let us continue to bring hope, share the pain and pray r

Friends of Burma, Inc. Newsletter Spring 2023

Dear friends, Spring is here once again, and we thank the Lord for His faithfulness and His provision. In this time of the year, everything around us become more alive and vibrant, pointing us to the creator who is in control of every season.  The war in Ukraine continued and many people in Burma continued to suffer due to conflict inside the country.  Many around the world are also suffering under various circumstances.  We pray that these trying times will be over soon and hope will come again to those who are in the midst of the suffering season. We look around and see many things that are unsettling and worrisome, but we encourage ourselves in the Lord and carry on with the strength of our Creator.  2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “For we live by faith, not by sight”.  We thank you for partnering with us to bring hope and healing to the people of Burma.  Your generous gifts and prayers are greatly appreciated.  One of our board members wrote why she supports Friends of Burma: My na

Friends of Burma Annual Report 2022

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Friends of Burma, Inc.   548 Home Ave. Ft. Wayne, IN 46807 Tel. 260-745-3658, Email: president@friendsofburma.org Website:  friendsofburma.org , Blog:  http://blog.friendsofburma.org E-Newsletters:  http://news.friendsofburma.org Recently I was reading ProPublica, a news station, on my computer. They were talking about how to evaluate a nonprofit before you donate. Although we are a small charity, we are proud of careful handling of the money our donors send us. Here are some of the ways to evaluate us. Look at our 990 form filed online . Check our IRS status.  We are a 501(C)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductable. Program spending:  Check our website to see how your donations are being spent. Professional fund raising.  FOB spends no money on professional fund raising. Executive Salaries.  All work in the U. S. is done by volunteers who receive no compensation.  They also spend their own money to attend our Annual Meeting.  We do have a paid Financial Secretary in Burma

Friends of Burma, Inc. Newsletter Fall 2022

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Fund Raising for Matthew 25 Clinic On June 11,2022, our FOB Co-founder, Diana Sowards ran a 100-meter race for the age group of 80-84 in Evansville, Indiana, Senior Games and got a medal. She started training for the race in December 2021 at the YMCA. She is an amazing woman. There was a fund raising project for a large generator for the Matthew 25 Love clinic in Pathein. Due to an outpouring of love and affection, $9,970 was raised.  It went toward the $15,000 needed for this clinic - which functions as a hospital - making it possible to have power during surgery. Matthew 25 was facing a hard time because power shortage due to the country's situation.  The fund was quickly transferred to Pathein. Please be sure to read the feedback from the clinic in the next page to see what a blessing.  Diana just wishes she could run a race for other great needs for IDP children who are living in the jungle on the borders of India and Thailand.  Thank you very much Diana for such an inspiratio