8 minute read
If you believe, you will see the glory of God
By Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum, Partner in Mission
Dr. Zohmangaihi Rokhum is a Partner in Mission serving with the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar as a Lecturer at the Tahan Theological College.
n 18th March 2020, I left Myanmar for my visa renewal and reached home after two days. That was the day before the Government of India called for Janata
Curfew (a nation-wide lockdown) as a measure to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the Janata Curfew, the state of Mizoram also imposed Total Lockdown for almost the whole year of 2020. On one hand, being in lockdown with my family was a blessing in disguise, but on the other hand, I was away from my station and could not perform mission work. The outbreak of COVID-19 had also spread among the people of Myanmar; hence, our College had to be closed and we had to introduce online studies. Through God’s continual guidance, we held our online classes smoothly and conducted semester exams as well.
While we were following life in the new normal introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the most heart-breaking, shocking and saddening incident of military coup took place in Myanmar on 1st February 2021. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of un-armed protesters were killed, a thousand others were detained by the military and a year-long state of emergency was declared. In such a tragic situation, our College had to be closed for the new academic year of 2021-22.
As one of the CWM’s Partners-in-Mission (PIM), I would like to share my experiences of addressing the challenge brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic along with the military coup in Myanmar.
Donations for Myanmar Refugees. Photo by Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum
The connection
My hometown Aizawl is the state capital of Mizoram, one of the states in India. Mizoram is a landlocked state of North East India. The southern and eastern parts share 722 kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and the northern parts share domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura. Historians believe that the Mizos are a part of the great wave of the Mongolian race spilling over into the eastern and southern India centuries ago. Their sojourn in western Myanmar was estimated to last about ten centuries. Before the British moved into the hills and made a geographical boundary between India and Myanmar, the Mizo people in India and the Chin people in Myanmar were known as the same community. Due to the British ‘divide and rule’ policy, the Mizos settling in and around Mizoram states were divided and separated by international boundaries. Till today, we have had a strong and indestructible connection and relationship between the Mizos and the Chin people in Myanmar.
Shortage of Oxygen in Myanmar
After the outbreak of peoples’ movement and protests in Myanmar against the military coup, the deadly Covid-19 virus deeply penetrated into general public where more than 1,000 people have died in a day. The death toll rises each day, with a number of Pastors who were to perform funerals among them. In the meantime, one of the most tragic things which has taken place all over Myanmar was not having a supply of oxygen. The military juntas controlled the oxygen plants and restricted the supplies. Hundreds of people queued in front of the plants and agents for 24/7 to buy oxygen for their dear and loved ones who were struggling for life.
Donations collected by the ICWM. Photo by Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum
In such a heart-breaking situation, I have also heard the news about the death of our beloved outgoing Principal of Tahan Theological College (TTC). Not only that, we received the saddening news about the death of our friends and fellow members in the church every day because of the shortage of oxygen supply. The double agony of pain and loss in the midst of fear and terror and the situation of Myanmar has made us cry and mourn along with them.
Oxygen for Tahan campaign
Being a part of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar, serving at TTC, the terrible condition of Tahan (Kalaymyo) urged me to do something from Mizoram, India. With the help of a WhatsApp group of friends who are alumni of Aizawl Theological College (ATC), which is one of the best Theological Colleges in India, we initiated a campaign called Oxygen for Tahan all over Mizoram. God’s miraculous intervention was witnessed from the beginning to the end. People from different parts of Mizoram and even from abroad contributed money for the people of Myanmar. The campaign was backed by the Mizo Theological Association (MTA) whose members are Mizo Theologians from various denominations and they contributed more than 1 lakh (Indian rupee). One of the most influential Mizo Youtubers ‘Victor da Scavenger’ and his friends and fans also raised more than 1 lakh (Indian Rupee) in a campaign lasting just one night. The total amount collected was more than 13 lakhs (around 18,000 USD).
Photo by Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum
Hundreds of empty oxygen cylinders were carried down from Tahan (Kalaymyo) to Mizoram border with the assistance of Kalaymyo NGO united. Transportation within Mizoram is undertaken by Champhai Sub-Headquarters YMA (Young Mizo Association, the biggest and strongest NGO in Mizoram). We, the ATC Alumni, were assigned with the responsibility of refilling oxygen in Aizawl, and distribution of test kits and other items. Through this oxygen campaign, many people who were in need of oxygen support were able to receive oxygen in time. Along with the refilled oxygen tubes, thousands of Covid-19 test kits, PPE sets and medicines were sent and distributed free of charge to various Covid Care Centres within and around Kalaymyo city. It is interesting to note that many people have benefitted through the campaign which started from a small beginning.
The Refugees
As people of the same traits, with common history and ancestry, the international boundary would never be enough to alienate the peoples of Mizoram and Myanmar. Thousands of people, especially people from the nearby Myanmar villages, have entered Mizoram for shelter and protection from the atrocities of military juntas in Myanmar. It is estimated that more than 10,000 refugees from Myanmar have entered and are currently residing in different parts of Mizoram. There are a number of refugee camps in the border villages where hundreds of refugees are residing and settling for the time being. The government of Mizoram has allowed refugee children to continue their schooling in the local government schools. The people of Mizoram, the various NGOs and the churches have provided for their basic needs by supplying foods, medical needs and social protection. Interestingly, the refugees were also included in the Covid-19 vaccination drive and have received the full dose of vaccination. Among the refugees, a few of them have been infected with Covid-19 and suffered from its related health issues. Even then, they were treated equally, with some admitted to the Covid-19 dedicated Hospitals and provided care and treatment.
Mizoram is situated in a hilly terrain; the hills are steep and separated by rivers which create deep gorges between the hill ranges. The eastern part bordering Myanmar is steeper and hillier than the western part and considering the climatic condition of the border areas where refugee camps are sited, winter clothing and bedding materials are needed for the coming winter.
Photo by Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum
A Campaign for Myanmar Refugees
On 1st October 2021, the Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM), Mizoram Unit conducted an online meeting discussing an ICWM project, during which I shared my thoughts and concerns for the Myanmar refugees, and how to help them survive in the coming winter. The meeting resolved to organise a Campaign to collect bedding materials and winter clothing for Myanmar Refugees. The campaign was very successful and there were many interesting stories which later brought spiritual enrichment to us.
The initiator, the ICWM, is a newly formed women’s forum with few members aiming to be involved in addressing contextual challenges. But we learned that we were too small to take on big challenges. However, God had given and provided us like-minded women in every locality who are more reliable and effective than us. Through the commitment of those respected women, we were able to collect many goods – blankets, quilts, bedspreads, bed sheets, pillows, different kinds of medicine, various kinds of winter clothing, sanitary pads, face masks, Bible story books for children, different kinds of utensils, rice, sugar, cooking oil etc. In addition, some people contributed money which amounted to more than 1 lakh (Indian rupee).
Such numerous contributions were handed over to the Myanmar Refugee Relief Committee (MRRC) on 27th October, 2021. The MRRC later distributed those goods to various refugee camps within Mizoram according to their needs.
Personal reflections
I am thankful to our God who guided me to participate in such big campaigns, giving me good friends who wholeheartedly joined me in my deepest concerns for the people of Myanmar. I was surprised to witness their commitment and dedication to the success of the campaigns. I know that God has opened their eyes and hearts, and helped them to have the sense of knowledge of being involved in God’s mission. Their enthusiasm gave me the opportunity to reflect on my faith and commitment to God in times of crisis. I have acknowledged how precious and valuable it is to be involved in God’s mission, and I have experienced afresh how miraculous our God is! I have realized again how trustworthy and powerful our God is!
Jesus’ words to Martha, “Did I not tell you if you believed, you will see the glory of God?” is still effectively working with us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let us recommit ourselves again to our God and we will see the glory of God.
Photo by Dr Zohmangaihi Rokhum
