WHAT WOULD INSPIRE A GROUP OF Burmese natives, steeped in Buddhism and devastated by a killer tsunami, would be interested in Jesus. Incredible changes take place when compassion is poured out on people during their time of greatest need. In January, 2005, just two weeks after the catastrophic tsunami devastated portions of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Burma (Myanmar), one of our FEBC broadcasters received word that several hundred Burmese migrant workers living in Thailand were stranded and in desperate need of food, medical relief, and shelter. Since some of them were not officially registered as workers and others had lost their work-permits during the disaster, they were afraid of being arrested. As a result, they went into hiding, including newly orphaned children from the tsunami.
A Quick ResponseWhen our broadcaster heard about the plight of these people, he quickly assembled as much food and medical relief as possible, then drove 12-15 hours to deliver the aid. When he arrived at their remote jungle refuge, he discovered hundreds of helpless Burmese on the verge of starvation. He and his helpers quickly passed out food, blankets, clothing, radios, and medical supplies, and listened to their stories of loss and despair.
Committed to helping them recover from the disaster, our broadcaster and a group of pastors and believers committed to visiting these Burmese migrant workers on a monthly basis. Since January they have faithfully made the long trek to southern Thailand to distribute relief items, offer encouragement and love, and help the people build shelters.
Migrant Workers Respond to Outreach Efforts"Now we are getting a good response from one community," he recently commented. "At least four people have made a commitment to follow Jesus, and they have asked us to teach them how to pray and worship the Lord. We see how their lives are changing. They are giving up their old ways, and are eager to do right in the eyes of the Lord. A few more are also showing interest in the gospel, and every time we visit there are 50 to 60 people, including children, who gather together to listen to our testimonies and study the Word of God."
During their in the village, the FEBC team saw the need for a multi-purpose building to house recreational activities and health education programs. It would also be a suitable place to meet to share the gospel. "We wanted it to be operated as a Mercy Center," he explained. But first land would have to be donated or bought on which to build the center.
No Time to Wait
However, the Burmese workers were so eager to learn about Jesus that the team had to act quickly, and one of them offered to spend two weeks every month living with the villagers to teach them about God's Word. Soon after that a local employer offered his land as a site upon which to build the Mercy Center. The building is now under construction and should be ready by mid-November. "We're planning to do something special at the center this Christmas," our broadcaster explained. "Please pray that the Mercy Center will soon be completed and that the Christmas celebration will be a blessing to everyone here."
Out of the AshesThe love of Christ, demonstrated by an FEBC broadcaster and his Christian brothers and sisters, touched the hearts of these people, preparing the way to learn more about the Good News of Jesus, their Savior.
Grant those who mourn in Zion...
A garland instead of ashes,
Oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
-Isaiah 61:3 |
