Burdens Lifted

Maem’s heart was filled with anxiety and fear. Both of her parents were drug addicts and her mother had recently been arrested for selling drugs. Her father worked at night and slept during the day and Maem was afraid to be in her house alone. She was weak and exhausted since she had hardly slept or eaten all week. And now Maem couldn’t even go to school because her father had burned her school uniform in a fit of rage.

But as Maem wandered around the slum where she lives in Thailand, she saw her missionary friend Louise Sinclair-Peters. Maem sat with Louise for a while and opened up to her about her anxieties and struggles. Louise’s heart broke as Maem shared her story. It didn’t seem right for this young girl to have to carry such heavy burdens.

Louise shared with Maem about the Saviour who longs to take her burdens and give her rest. She told her the good news of Jesus’ deep love for her and Maem prayed to receive Christ!

Louise assured Maem that God has the power to take care of her even in difficult circumstances. Maem was very hungry and sleep-deprived so Louise fed her and sent her home to take a nap. She made plans to come by later and take her to church.

When Louise came to pick her up that evening, Maem burst out of her tin shack, exclaiming, “Ajaan Louise, what you told me was true! While I was sleeping, a man named Jesus came to me. He told me to love my family and that He would take care of me!”

God showed His glory to Maem in her dream, and He impressed His love on her heart. He assured Maem of His promise to never leave or forsake her so now she can walk confidently in this truth.

Pray for Louise as she works with Maem’s teachers to get her back into school. Praise God for redeeming Maem and pray that He will protect her and continually fill her with peace, love, joy, and hope. Pray that Maem’s parents will turn to Jesus and will be set free from their addictions. Pray that God will raise up Maem as a witness of His love and grace to her family, neighbors, class-mates, and friends.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30