Myanmar was still under Covid-19 lockdown when the military coup took place in February 2021. Insecurity prevails in most of the country, but it is the areas populated by Christian ethnic minorities that suffer the most violent attacks. Innocent villagers are fleeing their homes as the military conducts air strikes against unarmed civilians. Jojo (teacher) shares his faith in the Lord as his family goes on the road to find refuge and safety.
"Do not be afraid, I am with you »
It is difficult and painful to see the land, my home, looted and burned, my family members forced to flee for shelter and survival, and - worst of all - so many innocent young people forced to live day and night in the midst of so many atrocities. The usual question "How are you?" when phoning your family has long since given way to "Are you all safe?", "Are you getting any sleep?", "Do you have enough to eat? Tragedy and destruction have caused too much damage to our hearts and to our land. While those who live in conflict zones fear for their safety, we who live in supposedly safer places live in constant fear of losing a loved one.
Yes, the reality today is that we can lose our loved ones, and everything we think we own in this life, in the blink of an eye. The realisation of this scares me, but at the same time it brings me closer to God who alone has power over all the things we humans fear. It is only with Him and His grace that I feel strong, and that I can continue to hope in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Therefore, I place all my fears and all that happens to us in the hands of the Lord, for he has promised us: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be troubled, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious hand" (Isaiah 41:10).