Local Thai-Burmese congregation members get ‘yes’ to their prayers

TRENTON, N.J. – Pray Meh is from Burma, a country near Thailand, and is among more than two dozen Thai-Burmese congregation members at First Baptist Church of Trenton, (FBCT) whose prayers have been answered for the safe rescue of the Thai Wild Boars soccer team and their coach from the flooded Tham Luan Nang Non cave complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Although many of the Thai-Burmese members at FBCT said they are not cavers themselves, what was happening in their country certainly affected them because of their Christian beliefs to show love to humanity and community.

“They are very-loving people, and so when anything happens in their country they are affected because they are a family-oriented people,” said Rev. Nadir Powell of FBCT.

So, while the Thai Navy SEALS were preparing for their dramatic rescue efforts inside the cave, the Trenton-area Thai-Burmese members of FCBT were praying for a safe and timely rescue, and were trying to stay upbeat at Great Adventures with Rev. Powell who thought the trip would help them cope.

They have been following the developments of the story, and were exercising their faith.

“Of course when I found out that they found the boys I was really happy, “ said Christal Hla. “I was happy that everyone was alive. But one of the rescuers died in that cave, and that’s sad. It’s gonna take a long time to get them out of the cave. I am hoping they’ll make it out safe – all of them.”

The comments were nearly all similar. They were very prayerful and faithful even though they understood the rescue would be treacherous.

Martha Hla also said she was worried about the situation, and was hoping they will make it out safely. She believed God would show a miracle, and said we can all support them with our prayers.

Kahmiya Win was concerned that the boys cannot swim, and was hoping the Thai Navy SEALS and other rescuers would find another way to get them out.

She also praised the diver who died while trying to help the boys and their coach.

“It’s sad that one passed away. But he kinda gave his life helping others. It’s kinda good, but it’s probably not.”

However, the recent success of the rescue where all 12 boys from the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach have been saved is definitely a great outcome for the Thai and Burmese folks at FBCT.

The reverend of the FBCT was a crucial support for them during that time. He said that they asked him to pray for them.

“So, one of the teenagers came to me and showed me the clipping about (the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach who were trapped in the flooded cave). She told me to let us pray for them. I said to myself, that’s nothing but the love of God,” said Rev. Powell.

According to Rev. Powell, most of the Thai and Burmese people who come to his church are God-fearing, God-loving people who have experienced religious persecution for being Christians in their homelands.

“Most of them who come here are already a part of the body of Christ,” said Rev. Powell. “So they come and want to serve, and they just want to do God’s work. They are praying people.”

The Rev. Powell also explained that the Thai-Burmese people are conditioned to care about human lives because of their plights of life experiences in their countries.

Hardships in human lives really affect them because “some of their families came out of refugee camps, and some came out of villages that were ransacked by the military, but there is just a natural God love in them,” said Rev. Powell.