New changes = new challenges

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i just read this at the OM regular update on how the political changes in Myanmar affected the ministries there:
"The change has been very rapid," reports the leader of OM Myanmar, "and people feel more freedom in the media, in the streets and in the church. As this is all very new, no one is sure to what extent that freedom will reach, but we thank God for the open door and answered prayers!" In the midst of this new freedom, new challenges abound. Adds the leader of OM Myanmar, "Under the old regime, there was a certain level of protection from human trafficking and drugs, etc. There is a deep concern that this new freedom will be used in the wrong way. Significant inflation resulting from increased foreign interest and investment has also made life very expensive for locals. We struggle to make ends meet as a team."
It is intriguing to think that the team won't have issue making ends meet before political changes, while needing to be careful about their work in the previously closed up country. Now that the country seems to be opening up, the reality of economic growth (a fairly steep one I suspect due to the low base it begins with) will struck all the people in the land. With economic growth, it is almost certain that prices of stuff will increase but whether it will increase in pace with the increase in wages, it is almost a certain 'no'. On further reflections, this is a just a reality that all missionaries will have to face in these external environments. Yet, challenges are challenges for a reason, that we can keep our feet on the ground and continue to rely on God for His providence.

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