Blessing Myanmar’s Children
Sowing God’s peace in a land of chaos
In 2006, Myanmar’s military ruler ordered the mass planting of a particular tree. This, the general promised, would make Myanmar a leading producer of a valuable biofuel that could be sold to make the impoverished country rich. The people of Myanmar could also use the oil for cooking, which would especially benefit the 40 percent of children under the age of three who were malnourished.
In reality, the project brought destruction and harm to the land of Myanmar and its people. The three-year plan was to convert seven million acres of land for the production of these trees. Both jungle and agricultural lands—vital resources—were sacrificed for the new forests of oil trees. Each family was forced to plant three hundred trees. They even had to pay for the seedlings themselves. Worse, the trees are toxic; their oil causes cancer and heart disease. Families who were coerced to switch to the new cooking oil are paying the price with worsening health. As it turned out, the trees were not even practical as a biofuel.
None of this was a mistake. It was a calculated act of Yadaya—a Buddhist ritual of atonement. Many Buddhists in Myanmar believe that through Yadaya, they can reverse karma and control fate. In response to advice from Buddhist monks and astrologers, the general saw the tree-planting program as a spiritual act to quell the chaos surrounding his regime, silence the opposition, and extend his rule. The program’s name, Totally Silencing the Chaos, was evidence of its true purpose.
Evil intentions and invocations of dark powers always lead to dark and evil results. The government has changed, but the trees remain, as does the chaos. Civil war rages in Myanmar, and the government still seeks to manipulate outcomes through rituals that cost the land and its people dearly. In contrast to these dark and selfish motives, people motivated by God’s light and love are bringing help and hope to Myanmar while planting seeds of peace. In spite of the dangers and difficulties, Christians persist in their efforts to bless the people of Myanmar.
Won’t you join with ALO in praying for their success and for liberation of the people from darkness and chaos through the light of Jesus?
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely
with joy and peace because you trust in him.”
— Romans 15:13 NL