Somina weeps as she recalls the nine years she spent in jail in Thailand. Now resettled to a safe country, the trauma she suffered for so long was tangible as she spoke.
Somina had been intercepted in 2014 on her way to Malaysia, a country where around 200,000 have sought refuge over the years. There is no official UNHCR protection in Malaysia, and refugees are still at risk of detention. However, it is the destination of choice for Rohingya people, as many can find work there.
Somina is now in a safe country, but is finding it hard to adjust. She keeps her coat on as we sit together in my friend’s house, still adjusting to our colder climate. She lives hours away from other Rohingya people and has not spoken her language face-to-face with others for some time.
As I sit back, I am struck by how the women surround Somina, offering her consolation and encouragement. They tell her they were alone too when they arrived, but now they have found solidarity and family with each other. They sit her down to eat, ensuring she has her fill and piling more food on her plate, especially the meat. They then give sacrificially from what they have: a bag of clothes, food to take away, and money.
I felt I witnessed true community and healing in these moments as these ladies shared the pain of a stranger.
Join us in prayer:
- Pray for other Rohingya people held in detention in Thailand. Ask for divine comfort and an end to their suffering.
- Thank God for the way Rohingya people show mercy, compassion and generosity.
- Pray for all who give, that as they give, they will be blessed by God tenfold.
- Pray that through their generosity, they would also come to know the generous and sacrificial love of Jesus for them.