12/3/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I just got off my Zoom meeting with the Yangon Friends. It was a special day because a Friend who we seldom see was able to join & our Friend in Yangon had enough electricity to get internet access.

            Our Yangon Friend seems weary. He shared with us the many challenges he is facing. He took his wife to the hospital yesterday & now is having trouble getting the medicine that she needs. In some parts of the country food is in such short supply that someone walking with a bag of rice would be more vulnerable to robbery than someone with a bag of gold. Due to the fuel shortage bicycle sales are up & motorbike sales are down. The rule of law has evaporated in Yangon.

            Our Friend notes that the “golden key” is in China’s hands as any trust that they may have had in the junta is now gone. He says the ethnic armies are out for themselves & the NUG is having troubles.

            Despite the chaos around him, he holds on to the view that peace is the way, & he is sharing this view with whoever will listen. He pointed out that families have members on each side of the conflict & when things settle down, they will have to find a way to live together.

            The same is true in Gaza & Ukraine.

Please start talking about reconciliation & seeking forgiveness for our debts as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Peace be with you,

BYBS,