God Is With Us
“A virgin will give birth to a son,
and they will call his name Emmanuel,
which means ‘God with us.’”
MATTHEW 1:23
In a post-COVID and post-Burma coup world, it is easy to see only the huge problems in front of us. When the enemy promises more bombs tomorrow than yesterday, when the collective resources for helping people in Myanmar are lower than ever, it’s easy to lose hope.
That is why I love December—a month of hope. I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us. The Karen call it Sweet December. For a brief moment, we can take our eyes off the challenges and focus on the One who has offered us a better today and a better tomorrow, with the promise that He is with us—with me, and with you.
My wife is very aware that I can be oblivious to my surroundings. I’m often caught up in my own world of ideas, thoughts, and problems. I might not notice her new shirt… or even that my shirt is inside out. I might even have to ask, “How long have the Christmas decorations been up?” I’m thankful that God is as gracious as my wife when I overlook something He is doing.
But when I pause and look back over the last month, I can recall—right in the middle of all the chaos—times when things simply fell into place. When a puzzle piece drops perfectly where it belongs. When something happens that doesn’t fit with the normal level of entropy. Some may disagree, but for me, when that happens I can say: Emmanuel—God with us.
As an encouragement, here are just a few examples from this past month:
God was with us during a Bible study, when the house was packed with people and a bomber flew overhead. He did not bomb us, but instead hit an abandoned school.
God was with our medical team a few weeks later, when bombs struck a house. Two girls were blown out of the building—which likely saved them from being burned. Our team reached them quickly, and although one had very serious, life-threatening injuries, both girls are now doing well (though not completely out of danger).
God is also with us in the less dramatic moments—in planning, budgeting, and giving. Our biggest project this dry season is relocating a significant part of our campus to a more secure location, including 20 buildings. We have set aside only about 5% of the needed funds, but we need to start cutting wood now so it can season.
I sent a message to two team members asking whether they knew anyone who might want to give. No response.
The very next day, a Karen-American arrived at our office with checks from his friends and family—for almost exactly the right amount for the relocation project. Each donor had requested that their gift go to specific needs (based on a list from four months ago). I assumed this meant the gifts would not align with our current priorities. But as I compared their requests with the buildings we desperately need to build and renovate, I realized the list matched almost perfectly. We had not told anyone about this need. Yet the money arrived the next day—and was already designated for the exact buildings required. I honestly don’t have words.
After more than 10 years of doing this, I can say that I am growing more and more confident that Emmanuel rings true: God is with us—if we only learn to pause and look for Him.
May God be with you this Sweet December,
Dan Ryan
Executive Director
Get Involved
As you consider your end-of-year giving, we have many ways you can help make a lasting impact on the Karen people!
Become a monthly donor
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Mail a check to our address below, give online, or contact Jill Carver, Associate Executive Director, at jill@earth-mission.org to explore your giving ideas.
