When Jae started using drugs as a youth, he knew it was wrong. As an addict, he knew he was hurting himself, hurting others, hurting his Christian parents. He figured that it was only a matter of time before God would give up on him. 

He figured that it was only a matter of time before God would give up on him.

Jae’s parents sent him to rehabilitation centers in Yangon more than once. Even after one three-month stay, he still went back to using drugs. Desperate, they enlisted him in the army for two years. He completed his training, even becoming an officer in rank, yet was frequently in trouble for using drugs, gambling, and drinking. 

He ran away twice, looking for an escape and convinced he could only find that escape through drugs. When he finished his military service, his parents sent him to another state in Myanmar, hoping a new environment would provide a new beginning. Instead, new friends simply enabled old habits. Nothing worked; Jae could not escape his own unhappiness.

Until, one day, he heard the sound of singing.

The lyrics bewildered him, at first, then brought him to tears. Somewhere nearby, people were singing about the love of God. “You never stop loving us,” they sang. “You love us, even though we are sinners.” 

In that moment, Jae felt the love of God. God, who had not given up on him, after all.

His parents had not given up on him, either. In January 2024, after the military coup in Myanmar, his mother saw an opportunity for escape, and fled with her son across the border into Thailand. There, they met a man named Pastor Stephen.

This pastor invited Jae into a two-year discipleship program at the Rhema Bible School. Could this be the change that will set me free at last, he wondered? And, for the first time, he felt a spark of hope. If God, family, and others refused to give up on him, then perhaps he should not give up on himself, either.

Change was slow, painfully slow. During the first months at the school, Jae was still smoking, drinking, and using local drugs. But daily exposure to the Word of God brought an unexpected, increasing desire to be free of his addictions. He sensed that God was touching him, working inside of him.

One rainy day in July 2024, a planned soccer competition was canceled, and Pastor Stephen asked to talk to him.

“With the game cancelled,” said Pastor Stephen, “today is a free day.” Then he paused. “Do you want to be free?” 

Struck to the heart, Jae told the pastor that yes, he genuinely wanted freedom from his addictions. “Would you pray for me?” he pleaded.

As the pastor laid hands on him in prayer, Jae felt a sudden, profound relief. It was gone. Just like that; gone. In an instant, God had taken the cravings away. He was… free.

It was gone. Just like that; gone. In an instant, God had taken the cravings away. He was… free.

On that day, his life was completely changed. With new purpose and peace, Jae returned to his studies of the Word at the school. Then, full of newfound gratitude, he also began serving in the kitchen, cooking breakfast every morning and helping with Sunday meals. Pastor Stephen, seeing his humility, kindness, and servant’s heart, invited him into a discipleship internship with the Lighthouse Church. 

Jae began to show particular aptitude for caring for children, and became involved in teaching languages and helping with special events. While helping to run birthday parties, he was always surrounded by a swarm of happy children. When Jae was then asked to serve at the Joy Maker Center, there was no hesitation; he would do whatever God asked of him. That is what people do, when they are set free.

Today, the song of God’s unfailing love is resonating in this man’s life. Glory to God!

PRAY 

Pray for national partner Pastor Stephen and the Lighthouse Team, working to bring the hope of the Gospel to the people of Myanmar and the multitude of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. See: multiply.net/team/lighthouse