August 25th marks the 5th year anniversary of “Black Friday” for the Rohingya.
On that day the Myanmar Military started its campaign against the Rohingya in their homeland that lead to 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh and created the current refugee crisis, with sprawling camps housing over a million Rohingya. The stories of heartache, murder, torture, rape, and devastation can seem unimaginable and difficult to comprehend. How can such evil be in the world? Over time, the ability to show compassion and the righteous anger we hold against evil can seem to settle. However, the effects of those events still profoundly affect the Rohingya worldwide and there is deep pain and long continued suffering. They long for peace, security, and to return home, yet as one Rohingya has said “it seems someone gave suffering our address and it keeps coming.”
As Christians, let us remember solemnly this day and continue to advocate for the Rohingya before our great God and King. May He bring about real justice, reconciliation, and peace to the Rohingya as only He can. And as his children, let us not become weary of doing good. Let us overcome evil with good.
How will you continue to pray for the Rohingya?
How might you be a part of the answer to your prayers for the Rohingya?