An Inspiring Read

 

Displaced Reflections is a wonderfully inspiring look at the peoples of Burma, 1.5 million of whom are on the run in their own country, fleeing a brutal military dictatorship.  I highly recommend it.  Not only because this book sheds light on the Shan people whom I love, but because it is written in such a wonderfully personal way by a woman (Oddny Gumaer, co-founder of Partners Relief & Development) who really knows the people of Burma. 

Here’s a little taste:

We are in a refugee camp housing thousands of people who have fled a war. Bugs are buzzing around our sweaty bodies. There is no breeze to move the hot air. Little children are playing. From a house close by we hear music. Several people must be gathered together. They are singing in beautiful harmony. Praise songs. “Is there a church meeting?” I ask. “No, one family is having a Thanksgiving service,” my friend replies. “Thanksgiving for what?” “For all the good things God has given us over the past few months and for his faithfulness. Most Christian families have a Thanksgiving service twice a year to remember what God has done for them.”

     How many times a year do I conduct a Thanksgiving service to remember what I have received? These people who are singing praises to God right now are refugees who have lost everything they own. They do not even have a birth certificate. They are some of the poorest people in the world. But they are thankful. They are thankful that they are still alive, that they have food to eat and a floor to sleep on. They are so much bigger than me.

Purchase your own copy of Displaced Reflections here and learn more about the displaced peoples of Burma.