A massive plume of smoke rose above the Vuichip and Marau Mountains in Myanmar as our brothers and sisters watched with broken hearts. Their beloved church had been burned to the ground by military troops. On June 9, Thantlang Baptist Church, the largest church in Chin State, was completely destroyed, and members are reeling from the tragedy. We are standing with them in the promise that they are "persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:9)
"For the believers in Thantlang, such news has shattered their joy. For some, their hatred towards the military deepened, some are mourning their losses, some question why God allowed these tragedies to happen, while some look to God for hope and assurance," local partner Teresa shared. The church served more than 600 members.
Zuala, a resident of Thantlang who is now living as a refugee, laments over the loss of her church building: "We worked hard, we contributed money, we worked and built the church with our own hands, our church is precious to us. When we see it being destroyed and burned, it hurts us right in our hearts. It's painful. If your church was burnt, would you not feel the same?"
How many of us have put that much heart and soul into our church buildings, even participating in its construction? These members of our family have counted the cost, and the cost to follow Jesus has been great. We mourn with them today.
Lord, pour your strength into the hearts and minds of the believers in Myanmar as they struggle with this ongoing tragedy. Give these believers a will to continue in fellowship even without a physical building. Help them continue to hold fast to You amid hardship and loss. Strengthen and encourage their hearts today.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
"For the believers in Thantlang, such news has shattered their joy. For some, their hatred towards the military deepened, some are mourning their losses, some question why God allowed these tragedies to happen, while some look to God for hope and assurance," local partner Teresa shared. The church served more than 600 members.
Zuala, a resident of Thantlang who is now living as a refugee, laments over the loss of her church building: "We worked hard, we contributed money, we worked and built the church with our own hands, our church is precious to us. When we see it being destroyed and burned, it hurts us right in our hearts. It's painful. If your church was burnt, would you not feel the same?"
How many of us have put that much heart and soul into our church buildings, even participating in its construction? These members of our family have counted the cost, and the cost to follow Jesus has been great. We mourn with them today.
Lord, pour your strength into the hearts and minds of the believers in Myanmar as they struggle with this ongoing tragedy. Give these believers a will to continue in fellowship even without a physical building. Help them continue to hold fast to You amid hardship and loss. Strengthen and encourage their hearts today.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
