The Innocence of Suffering

Love For Myanmar Ministries Update

Christ Centered, Servant Hearted, Myanmar Focused

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” Saint Basil

I could spend the rest of my life trying to comprehend the incomprehensible. Yet another tragedy, a 7.7 earthquake, has been inflicted upon the Myanmar people. What flashes through my mind when the violence of nature sweeps across any land becomes that gnawing thought “Is this the best instrument of a loving God to draw souls to His side?” The resulting suffering I see causes my Christianity to begin unraveling as my heart caves in on itself, and my mind just can’t find an explanation worthy of my God. My faith is once again slain by trauma that leaves me in spiritual darkness.

What does the uncommon sharing of suffering endured by the Myanmar people mean for them? If you are a Christian in Myanmar, how do you stay spiritually sane? Is Myanmar destined to be a country in spiritual confusion?

It seems that from the instrument of tragedy comes another tool called love. From the mystery of tragedy (why did this happen to us?) comes the mystery of compassion (why are you braving these conditions to help us?) Compassion and love cut through tragedy, and enriches the curiosity of “the lost” who may have no knowledge of Christianity but understands genuine kindness.

Oh, the thrill of discovering this truth! It is at the intersection of tragedy and compassion that we have the opportunity to be fully Christian, to be Christ-like and alive with the beauty of serving unselfishly in love towards strangers.

By the grace of God, our Myanmar staff and colleagues are fine and our various ministries untouched by the earthquake. God has blessed us with his protection to position us to do our small part in restoring Myanmar. Please join us and seize this moment to help us share God’s unconditional love with the hurting Myanmar people during one of their darkest hours.

Gary Watkins, LFM Co-founder

• OUR Prayer:
  Dear Heavenly Father,
  Please bring restoration to affected Myanmar families; stamina, wisdom and abundant resources for those responding to this earthquake; and a spiritual breakthrough across the affected areas as many are searching for hope while grappling with fear. Lord, we lift up to you the people of Myanmar in this moment of devastation. Bring comfort to those grieving over lost loved ones, strength to rescue workers, and shelter to those who have lost their homes. Surround everyone-Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, everyone- with Your presence. May your peace prevail over this catastrophe and your love, mercy, and hope in the midst of this widespread despair bring a spiritual transformation to the broken country of Myanmar. In Jesus’ name, Amen.