Lights in the Darkness

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

The young family spent their nights in darkness.

The Pah family (not their name) fled Burma when their village was bombed. Now they live in a makeshift hut near our school for persecuted Christians in Thailand.

Students at Christian Freedom International’s school are also refugees from Burma (also called Myanmar). As part of their ministry training, they do outreaches throughout the area.

“We connect with these families, our lives are so similar,” said one student.

They found the Pahs and brought food, fellowship, and a new item that students at Victory Bible Academy are giving with your support: a solar-powered light.

As the Pahs told their story in the dim hut with one candle burning, our students turned on their new solar light.

Light filled the room.

In that moment, God gave a glimpse into what He is doing. He is transforming our students into bright lights for Christ as they bring love – and light – to others.

The Pahs explained that they used to be animists, believing all objects and places have spirits, when they arrived along with thousands of other refugees.

Living among displaced and desperate people, they saw a stark difference between the Christians and their animist community. They saw animists steal from each other, horde items, and try to make money from each other. The Christians share meals, share hardships, share supplies, and help each other.

This made them curious. They didn’t believe that Christians would help them since they were animists. But they reached out and were surprised. Even though the Christians were also persecuted, hurting, and needing help, they opened their hearts to others.

The Pahs became Christians and have never turned back.

“It’s a beautiful story of how the church, even though it is persecuted, continues to be the body of Christ,” said Joe Scott, director of Victory Bible Academy. “Christians help each other and then others, growing the church and ultimately fulfilling the great commission.”

CBN News recently reported that a growing number of refugees from Burma are becoming believers as they see Jesus through Christians. (“I felt the love of Jesus: Refugees Flee War in Myanmar, Find Peace and Freedom” published 10/23/24)

Our partner in another area (unnamed for security) is reporting a similar move of God. He disciples and delivers aid to persecuted Christians – supplied by you and other supporters of Christian Freedom International – and they carefully share Christ with other refugees who are disillusioned by the evil they see in their religion.

At Christmas, I can’t help but wonder, how bright was the star of Bethlehem when the heavens declared the birth of Jesus? It was bright enough to lead the Magi to Jesus.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Will you pray for our students and other persecuted Christians to be lights in a dark world?

Thank you for equipping persecuted Christians with your prayers and support.

For Christ,

Wendy Wright, President

P.S. The solar lights that our students give come with a bonus. They can also charge cell phones. Now families can see in the dark and tell others of the good things God has done for us.

Your gifts will equip our students and other persecuted Christians to be and bring light to the world.

This family’s life brightens with a solar light, given by Victory’s students. They became believers when they saw God’s love through Christians.

Being Lights in the Darkness

Victory Bible Academy, a ministry of Christian Freedom International, trains persecuted Christians from Burma to show God’s love in word and deed. Near the school are thousands of refugees who fled from military attacks, living in makeshift huts.

As part of their training, students go to people and learn to meet their tangible and eternal needs. They bring food, repair huts, teach Bibles stories, listen and pray.

Here is what they said:

“We went to see a man we were told about, his family had lost everything because of the fighting.  No one in the village would help him because he wasn’t Buddhist. He was so thankful to see us. We prayed for him and gave his family some rice, oil, and fish paste.”

“Our outreach is important. We can’t fix what hurt the people, but they are so happy to see us and share what has happened to them. They know they aren’t alone. They know Jesus loves them.”

“We often visit families in need, some very poor, lacking food and clothing. We share what we have and always remind them of the hope of the Gospel.”

“During our weekly visits we encourage with the Word of God, explain the Gospel, sing songs, and pray. It doesn’t fix everything, but the families tell us they feel peace, love and joy when we visit.”

“One elderly man who could not walk welcomed us with open arms. He told us he was deeply touched by our visit and prayer. We left feeling blessed.”

“Sharing the Gospel and the hope of salvation is part of every visit. Despite their challenges, the people we visit tell us they feel encouraged to hear God’s Word and get practical help.”

“We worked alongside them, planting seeds of hope and physical labor. Their joy and gratitude were evident, and they felt the love of God through our actions.”

“On Wednesdays, we joyfully venture out to share the good news and the community always welcomes us with open arms, grateful for our help.

“The village Christians are always willing to share their struggles. So, we listen, pray, and remind them of the hope of the Gospel”

“Victory’s guidance has taught us the power of listening first and then acting in a way that is personal and directed towards their needs.”

“We have learned the courage to boldly share Christ’s love.”

 

Bringing Lights to the Darkness

A new item students give to refugees is a small portable solar light. One light brightens a room and can spark conversations about Jesus, the Light of the world.

Victory Bible Academy’s director reports:

Most families fleeing persecution in Myanmar can only take some clothes, food, a cellphone, and medicine. When they arrive at a safe location, they need to build a makeshift shelter and likely are not welcomed by the locals. They have no electricity, no candles and no help. The only things they have in abundance are fear, uncertainty, and prayers.

But with a simple solar-powered and rechargeable electricity source, their world changes.

Health and Hope

Fire and Health Safety: No more worrying about a candle getting knocked over and setting their shelter ablaze. Solar power is clean and safe. With solar instead of lamps and candles, there is no more choking smoke, leading to healthier lungs, less risk of fires, and fewer illnesses.

Protection from Harm: With brighter nights, they not only can see better inside their shelters, but the portable light allows them to recognize potential dangers if they need to go outside to use the latrine, suddenly evacuate, or visit another family after the sun has set.

Connection: The solar sources we provide have USB connections which means the family phone can be charged. This is invaluable for keeping in contact with family members who scattered when they fled, a means to warn of potential danger and a way to get help when needed.

Lighter Moods: Brighter spaces can lift spirits, especially amid displacement and trauma.

Education and Opportunity

Longer and More Productive Hours: Most refugee parents work from sunrise until sunset for local farmers and factories to provide food for their families. The only time they are at home it is dark. A solar light means children can study, meals can be prepared, and time with the family isn’t spent stumbling or confined in the dark.

Spiritual Light

Evening Worship: With solar lights communities can gather to pray, encourage each other, and study the Word of God, finding comfort and strength in His promises. As Psalm 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

A simple solar light can bring hope and transformation to a refugee’s life. It is small, portable, and a tangible way to share God’s love and light in the darkness.

Pray for persecuted Christians to be lights for Christ – in words and deeds.

Since the 2021 coup, the Burmese military has targeted religious leaders and communities. Pastors have been jailed and killed. Churches destroyed or burned down, and some used as military barracks. Thousands of Christians flee into jungles and across borders when the military attacks their villages.

Christian Freedom International provides aid and equips persecuted Christians to serve others.