Good news of Easter: Manrhing's story
3 March 2025
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Born in Chin State, Myanmar, I was later forced to flee to escape political persecution. From 2001, for the next ten years, I lived as a refugee in India a time filled with pain, hardship and loss. Through it all, I placed my trust in God, believing his plans are greater than my own. Today, I'm blessed with a stable home, a loving family and a strong Salvation Army church community. My hearts desire is to share the love of Jesus with others.
I grew up in a poor family and finished high school but couldn't afford further education. Early on, I decided I wanted to start my own business. When I was old enough, I went to 'Ruby Land' in Shan State and worked in the gem trade. Although I made a lot of money, I lacked the skills to manage it.
Despite being raised in a Christian home, I hadnt yet fully surrendered my life to Jesus. I fell into addiction, but by Gods grace, I was later freed from it.
In 2001, I attended an event supporting a political leader opposed to the Burmese government. Many who attended were arrested and sentenced to years in prison. Fearing for my safety [and my family's safety], we fled to India, a journey that took seven days on foot through the forest. Hunger, thirst and dangerous animals were constant threats.
Hard years of uncertainty
Life in India for refugees was marked by extreme hardship and discrimination.My wife and I faced countless challenges: insufficient food, lack of stable housing, no access to education for our children and minimal healthcare. We survived on discarded vegetables from the night market and endured constant evictions. We were treated poorly, often dehumanised, and left to feel like less than animals.
I witnessed other refugees dying because they couldnt afford medical care, and some took their own lives, overwhelmed by hopelessness.
If you're struggling and need support, you're not alone. Reach out to Beyond Blue or https://www.health.gov.au/topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-contacts for help.
During these years, I surrendered my life to Jesus and became "born again". Practising Christianity in India was difficult. We faced restrictions, and finding a place to gather for worship was nearly impossible, often coming at unaffordable costs.
One night, I had a dream, like Jacob did in the Bible. In the dream, an old man showed me the sky. He asked what I saw, but at first, I saw nothing. After asking three times, I finally saw lightning. The man then said, "I will put you in the lightning". When I awoke, I was fearful [and unsure of the meaning], but the next day, I felt an immense peace and realised I had lost my desire for alcohol.
Through God's grace, I later connected with a Salvation Army group in New Delhi, which became like family to us. Today, I am filled with gratitude for God's provision and care.
If times are tough, we encourage you to believe in good for yourself this Easter. Contact the Salvos to start a conversation and find out how we can support you.
In 2002, we were granted refugee status by the United Nations, and in 2013, we migrated to Australia through the humanitarian settlement program. We now live in Coffs Harbour, and my wife and I have six children.
There is a Bible verse that resonates with me deeply: "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
My experiences have taught me that God has plans for each of us. Even in the darkest times, it is essential to trust in him with all our heart, mind and soul. God holds our past, present and future in his hands, and his plans are for our good through Jesus. He asks us to go and share this gospel with others, and my heart is drawn to the Burmese people, but also to all who do not yet know God.
I pray that through kindness and hospitality, I can share this good news with others.
Easter and the gift of new life
Easter is the most significant celebration of the Christian church, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Easter is a reminder of victory — a celebration of the life Jesus gave us through his death and resurrection.
Just as a chick breaks free from an egg, through Christ, we are reborn, given new life.
The Bible says that those who receive Jesus are given the right to become children of God, not by human birth, but through spiritual re-birth as God's own children (John 1:12-13).
The first human, Adam, was created from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), but those who believe in Jesus are not just created by God's hands; they are born of his spirit. Creation and birth are profoundly different.
Easter is the celebration of the new life God offers us. God's greatest plan was to live with us and in us. Now, through the Holy Spirit, God is with us always. This is the heart of the Easter message, the ultimate good news!