Nunnak Biatak

The Strength to Forgive: Building Unity in a Divided Myanmar By Danny Bawibikthawng “The author of this paper is not a politician or a revolutionary, but a former citizen of Myanmar and an immigrant pastor in the United States. This reflection is written from the perspective of one who has closely observed the suffering, resilience, and hopes of his people—both in the homeland and in the diaspora. It is offered with the sincere hope that unity will emerge through forgiveness, and that Burma may one day flourish in peace, justice, and shared dignity among all its people.” Introduction Myanmar is a country rich in ethnic diversity, cultural heritage, and spiritual resilience. Yet, its history has been scarred by conflict, colonialism, military dictatorship, and deep internal divisions. The collapse of national unity cannot be attributed merely to external threats or oppressive regimes, but also to the fractures within. Today, as the nation suffers under renewed violence following the 202...

  Mother’s Day: Honoring Our Mothers as a Sacred Pathway to God’s Blessing By Danny Bawibikthawng    Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, though the date may vary depending on country and tradition. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Myanmar, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May. While many see it as a modern holiday, the practice of honoring mothers goes back much further—rooted not in social custom alone, but in God’s Word. The Origin of Mother’s Day The modern celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States began through the efforts of a Christian woman named Anna Jarvis. In 1908, she organized a service in memory of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Her mother had served faithfully as a caregiver during the Civil War, offering support and compassion to many. Although the U.S. Congress initially rejected the idea of a national holiday, Anna persisted in her campaign until Preside...

Hard Truths About True Change in Burma (Why Inner Transformation Among Revolutionists Is Just as Crucial as Defeating the Regime) (Danny Bawibikthawng) The revolution in Burma has now entered its fifth year. Since the military coup in February 2021, millions of people across the country have resisted the regime with courage and determination. Civil servants left their posts, young people took up arms, and ethnic groups joined together with the common goal of ending dictatorship. But after more than four years of sacrifice, it is time for a bold and honest reevaluation of where we stand. The fight for Burma’s freedom is not only a struggle against a brutal military regime. It is also a confrontation with ourselves. While the military bears full responsibility for decades of oppression, a painful truth must be faced. Some within the revolutionary movement are repeating the same harmful behaviors they claim to oppose. True and lasting change cannot come from toppling the regime alone. It ...

Honoring God with Our Bodies: A Biblical Perspective on Substance Abuse and Self-Control (Danny Bawibikthawng) Introduction   While the Bible does not explicitly address modern issues such as drug use, smoking, or addiction, it offers clear biblical principles that guide how Christians should approach these behaviors. These substances, when abused, not only harm the body but also undermine spiritual health. This paper explores why substance use, including smoking and drug abuse, can be considered sinful and destructive, drawing on biblical principles related to the sanctity of the body, the importance of self-control, and living according to God’s will.   Biblical Foundations   The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit   The Bible teaches that the human body is a sacred vessel, a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) states, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not you...