Each life that touches ours for good

This hymn came into my mind the other day when I was meeting with a student. At the end of the appointment I asked him a question, and I could feel the spirit so strongly that I began to cry in my appointment. I truly love moments like this! I will share with you a short version of his story, but I hope it will touch you like it touched me the other day.

His name is Nei Thang, and he is a refugee from Myanmar. He came here in May of last year after a terrible ordeal that lasted longer than 2 years and is still going on. Starting at the end is easier than starting at the beginning. He came into my office the other day seeking the American Dream; an education and religious freedom. I sit with students for nearly 2 hours and we talk about everything financial. These appointments are hard to not get personal but this one I couldn't help but get attached to. Nei came from a country whose government has powerful control over the people in his country. Through tyranny people are made to believe Buddhist beliefs. His family however secretly practices baptist beliefs. His family is the host to many other Christian families in that area that wish to spread the great news of a Savior named Jesus Christ. Nei's sister is their local leader and they believe their lives are to bring news of Jesus Christ to others in their country. One day while at his sister's house with his siblings news came from a close family member that his parents who had decided to stay home that night had been arrested. They were told that one of their neighbors had told the police that they were practicing Christian beliefs and the police came to arrest his sister but could not find her so instead they arrested his parents. All of the sudden at the age of 16 he and his other siblings had to flee the town in fear of being arrested also. They knew they could not remain in the country so they fled to Malaysia. After finally getting something from the UN they were allowed to come here to Salt Lake City as refugees. He has been earnestly trying to help support his family by working. He really wants to do better for himself and his family and has decided to go to school. That is how we met! I asked him if he had spoken to his parents since that day and he said, "I try not to think about it, but I don't think I will ever hear from my parents again." It broke my heart. I wanted so badly to be able to do something for his family. His parents are in prison in Myanmar and there is nothing he can do to talk to them or help them. It is people like Nei that help me to realize and put into perspective how wonderful my life here in the United States is.

I was doing some reading a week ago for a class and it was on how this generation has lost the appreciation of what this country was built upon. I couldn't agree more. If we loved our Country as our forefathers did, then why do we have such conflict in our Congress. It really saddens me to see how our government works together. I really wish that someday if given the chance that I could be apart of the government process and help re-instill these thoughts with people. Our Country once believed in God, and yes our Country is now afraid to. I wish that every one could love our Country as I do. I don't think you have to be military or military family member to be able to claim you love it the most. I love the servicemen who sacrifice everything to defend it, but it is the people who believe these things that they are protecting.

Anyway I am thankful to be here and have a family that I can talk to whenever I want. I am thankful to not be afraid to practice what I believe. I am thankful that I was brought up in Maryland where my appreciation of our Country came from. I thank my mom for sacrificing so that I could go on field trips to Philadelphia, or DC or Gettysburg. I refuse to forget what was lost so that I could gain something more! I am thankful for each life that touches MINE for good!

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior’s name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.