Working with Burmese Refugees
Much of Brother Beeching's work in Thailand has involved accompanying Mon refugees and monks, who have taken shelter at Wat Prok, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
The Mon are indigenous Burmese people, who have been brutalized by the ruling military regime of Burma (Myanmar, as the military government now refers to the country). Brother Beeching joins the Mon and other Burmese ethnic groups in demonstrating in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, helps them secure visas and passports, and assists them in getting supplies to some of the refugee camps along with the Burmese/Thai border.
Prior to Bangkok, Brother John served first in Chile and then in the Middle East, working in Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. In war-ravaged Beirut he experienced numerous narrow escapes with mortar attacks and terrorist bombings. It was also a time when he became involved in interfaith dialogue, an interest that has grown within the old walls of Wat Prok, Thailand. For him, Christian love and Buddhist compassion comprise the same call to action. Buddhists say you are a brother to the mosquito you slapped on your wrist. The tree, the water-it's all part of what is happening in you. It's a brotherhood that embraces all life."
Your gift is an answer to the hopes and prayers of those we serve in mission. Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers will use your donation to support this
special appeal and other similar appeals. All financial contributions to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers are tax-deductible.
