Safe in Christ
KT4C YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CAMP, APRIL 2-6, 2024
My name is "Saw Maw Thaw" (not his real name). During my childhood, I was constantly fleeing from the Burmese military, living in perpetual fear. The sound of gunfire sent me scrambling into the safety of the forest. Alongside the horrors of war, I faced numerous other challenges - from food scarcity and lack of shelter to constant health concerns. I vividly recall the loss of a sibling in the wilderness due to the unavailability of medical aid during one of our escapes.
The civil unrest deprived me of a proper education. Even in grade 8, attending school meant navigating through daily gunfire in neighboring villages. Despite my fears, I pressed on, driven by the dream of a better future beyond this war-torn land. Eventually, I embarked on a perilous journey, with other families, seeking refuge in a camp across the border in Thailand. Our pas-sage was dangerous; from evading military pa-trols to facing uncertainties at the Thai border.
In 2009, I found sanctuary in Ban Don Yang Refugee Camp. I finally felt a semblance of security and the freedom to pursue my studies without the constant spectre of violence. However, living without my parents brought financial struggles, which I silently bore, relying on prayer for sustenance. Despite occasional doubts, I held on to faith, trusting that God would provide, and indeed, He did, often in miraculous ways.
My journey led me to embrace Christianity, where I found solace and strength in God's unwavering presence. I have experienced physical and spiritual blessings through Him, feel-ing His guiding hand even in the darkest times. As I pursued theological studies, I marveled at the abundance provided, realiz-ing that true faith brings contentment beyond material concerns.
Today, as a volunteer teacher at the camp, I am committed to serving my community and sharing the love of Christ with others. With its diverse population and array of educational institutions, the camp stands as a beacon of hope amidst adversity. Recent events like the KT4C Youth Camp, Children's Camp, and Leadership Training have further enriched our collective spirit, empowering the youth and nurturing future leaders.
Yet, even as we celebrate these moments of joy, my thoughts turn to my loved ones still enduring the horrors of conflict back in Myanmar. I fervently pray for their safety, as well as for the countless others affected by vi-olence and displacement. May they find ref-uge, sustenance, and peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
