Bring Light to Rohingya Refugees

The Rohingya people have fled violence in Myanmar Since August 2017, over 720,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh The Rohingya population in the camps near Cox’s Bazar is more than 919,000 Around 55 per cent of the refugee population are children The Rohingya people – sometimes referred to as Arakanese Indians – originate from what is now western Myanmar. The majority are Muslim but there are some Hindu Rohingya. Since 25 August 2017, more than 720,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh, fleeing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Most are now based in the crowded camps near an area known as Cox’s Bazar. The total Rohingya population in these camps is now more than 919,000 people. Around 55 per cent of the refugee population are under 18 years old, three per cent are elderly and 16 per cent are single mothers. The influx of refugees has caused a humanitarian crisis that affects around 1.3 million people in Cox’s Bazar, with assistance needed by both refugees and host communities. For more information about the Rohingya emergency visit: http://www.unhcr.org/rohingya-emergency.html Read Gul Zahar’s story: http://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2018/6/5af99df74/life-ive-known-five-minutes-peace.html

Co-ordinated response with local government and NGOs in Bangladesh The Salvation Army will supply LED lights and solar panels to 2,800 families living in camps The sustainable source of light will contribute to safety in the huge, hazardous camp setting The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services visited Bangladesh in February 2018 to assess the situation with local Salvation Army leadership and staff. The Salvation Army in Bangladesh is working with the local government as well as international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide a co-ordinated and shared response to this humanitarian crisis and avoid duplication of efforts. As part of a wider response, The Salvation Army will be providing much needed power and light to residents of the camps. Solar panels with LED lights and accessories will be provided to 2,800 families in camps, with a focus on the most vulnerable people (such as the elderly, people with disabilities, female-headed households). The lamps will enable people to perform tasks at night without the need for batteries or dangerous open fires. It is also hoped that this new source of light will reduce crime and increase safety as people use them to navigate treacherous pathways through the camp.

Pray Buy a solar lamp £72 Solar lamps cost $95 each. Could our corps support by donating the equivalent £72 to this project? Where possible, corps are encouraged to work together with their local mosque and Muslim neighbours to raise money to buy a solar lamp and support this project. Any money raised over and above the project cost will support The Salvation Army’s work with refugees.

‘I am the Lord, and I consider all people the same, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living among you.’ Numbers 15:16 ‘You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.’ Matthew 5:14,16 Invite people to spend some time reflecting on the verses and praying through the prayer points in small groups.

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…’ Matthew 25:35 ‘See that justice is done – help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.’ Isaiah 1:17 ‘Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.’ Hebrews 13:2 Invite people to spend some time reflecting on the verses and praying through the prayer points in small groups.

An end to violence and persecution in Myanmar Rohingya people as they journey to seek refuge Safety in refugee camps A welcoming spirit in host countries/communities of refugees Invite people to spend some time reflecting on the verses and praying through the prayer points in small groups.

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