As of this past week, the Karen National Union has officially signed a ceasefire with the Burmese government.
{Please take a minute and let that resonate.
Please let a warm, thankful smile spill onto your face.}
The Karen have been the most determined in their defense, and they have resisted and fought the Burmese government and military for decades. They have also set the tone for resistance in many ways, and since pursuing a ceasefire, other ethnic groups have followed into talks and now into signing.
We had a long staff meeting today discussing the hopes, fears, and dreams that are encompassed in this event.
And as we discussed it, you can sense the deep hope. It is a step forward; it is a reason to be excited. It could be the horizon of something beautiful. This could be the beginning of the end.
But, a ceasefire was signed a few years back right around the time of Karen New Year. The celebration that year was huge as Karen from all over came to celebrate.
The party was interrupted with gunfire and a brutal attack.
One of our staff members was actually present at this New Years celebration many years ago; and her excitement today was through teary eyes.
And now, more than ever, we are praying.
We are praying for the Karen; we are praying for freedom. We are praying for Partners to be wise and discerning. We are praying for hope to resonate in the hearts of the Karen, for prayer to come forth out of hope, and for hope to not put them to shame.