A Sobering Experience

Meeting with Steve Gumaer, Partners Relief & Development

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – On the eighth day of mission to Thailand, the team turned its attention to refugee issues, particularly the hardships endured by those fleeing the genocide waged by the army against the Karen, the Shan and other ethnic groups in the mountains of eastern Myanmar (Burma)

Today’s activities were punctuated often by many small explosions as strings of firecrackers were set-off outside to drive off evil spirits and celebrate Chinese New Year. That provided a sobering contrast to the sound of very real. very deadly gunfire captured by videos documenting the atrocities that occur on a daily basis in Burma. Those videos were shown by Alex, as he shared with us the story of the Free Burma Rangers, a group dedicated to demonstrating God’s love to the victims of the ongoing war in Myanmar.

FBR trains relief teams that commit to missions ranging from 6 to 24 months. That mission is to provide aid – both material and spiritual – to those targeted by the actions of Burma’s army. An FBR relief team usually has 5-7 people who, between them will include a medic, a videographer, a pastor/counsellor, a team leader, a security agent, a land navigator, and someone in charge of batteries and solar power for the team’s communications equipment. Some team members will wear more than one hat to ensure all these areas are covered. By the way, a founder of the Free Burma Rangers is Dave Eubank, a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, who was born in Thailand, but educated in America – at Texas A&M University, no less.

Following Alex’ presentation, we met with Steve of Partners Relief & Development, a group that provides short- and long-term assistance to those (especially children) who face insurmountable odds. This is done through the establishment of orphanages, hostels, education and nutrition programs, trauma counselling and rehabilitation. Partners started in 1994 with a $30-per-year commitment to fund a child whose parents had been killed by Burmese army soldiers. "We are constantly examining our action in the light of faith, " Partners explains. "All of our work is measured by this yardstick: we must walk by faith, not by sight ..… by faith, God’s spirit makes seemingly impossible ventures possible as our staff factor God into all circumstances and challenges." We broke for lunch, which was provided by Partners. 

It was also a time for informal – and informative! – fellowship with Partners and FBR staff, and to learn more about these people and their mission. This was followed by a prayer service led by Franklin Williamson. All of the staffers were brought inside a circle of prayer formed by our mission team, who blessed them and prayed for their comfort, their strength, their spirit and so much more. The evening was devoted to a shared meal and a ‘debriefing’ where we revisited the past days’ developments, and looked to the days ahead.

Tomorrow, following a tour of McGilvary Seminary and a worship service in Chiang Mai, the mission team will depart for Mae Sot, a small town on Thailand’s border with Burma, and a center of relief activities for refugees. And remember, if you have any questions you would like to ask our team members, you can e-mail your question to us at missioner@fpcmid.org