Life in Myannmar

In October , the Myannmar government signed a ceasefire agreement with eight guerrilla groups to end more than five decades of conflict.  There are still about ten more rebel groups in the country.  Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy Party said that peace in the country would be the first priority of the new government.  It will come a little late for one of our Barefoot Doctors, but it is promising for Myannmar.  

In July of last year Yawhan Mdh and his family were falsely accused of planting landmines around their house in support of the Karin rebel army.  Yawhan is not Karin.  He had no knowledge of any landmines and certainly would have destroyed them had he known.  He has a wife and two small children.   The "army" did not believe him and mortared his home and the church where he works.  He lost all his earthly possessions and had to move from the village.  He says " I cannot go back."

Yawhan also lost all of his medical supplies

Recently, Yawhan and his family moved to the village of his in-laws.  He has been able to rebuild and recover things.  He faithfully trusts the Lord to provide and has already been blessed, but there is much need and more healing needed.

Yawhan with Abraham at the Jones Building

Still singing praises to the Lord for the safety of his family

It is still difficult for us to believe and understand the sacrifices of our Barefoot Doctors.  They walk long distances to come to Thailand for training and spend two months away from their families. Then they journey home.  The students come from far north to the very south of Myannmar.  They risk being robbed and persecuted.  Another of our students, San San Win, is in the area where there is fighting with the RakHine and Muslim Rohingya, a stateless people.  And the Kachin Independence Army is also constantly in battle.  It is important for us all to be praying for the new government that is forming and for its desire for peace. The government wants to abolish all of the faction groups and have one military for defence.  Please continue to pray for Myannmar and for democracy and the freedom of religion.  We trust God is opening doors to reach many for the Good News.