Mass Exodus

Everyday, long queues of young people are waiting outside the passport office in downtown Yangon. They are hoping to obtain that precious travel document in order to find their fortunes in a foreign country.

Contrary to their policy in previous years, the Myanmar government is now actively encouraging people to go abroad, as they then become a good source of foreign currency when they send money home to their families, and many agents are now facilitating the process.

Other South-East Asian countries remain the favourite destinations for Myanmar emigrants, but there is an increasing demand for workers in emerging Middle Eastern countries.

But all too often, these young people find themselves stranded in a foreign country, or exploited by ruthless agents, employers or harassed by local authorities.

Sadly, they are also ignored by the local Christian communities, which could show them love in action by helping them meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Pray

• For God's protection over these young people

• Also for Him to reveal Himself to them as they are in foreign, and sometimes hostile environments

• For local churches to minister to these foreigners in their midst