We present a touching testimony in which Fr. Joseph Thang Ha, SJ shares his experience of faith lived at the heart of the conflict in Myanmar.
His story accompanies us on the everyday journey with young people and communities affected by the ongoing violence. With eyes of faith, Fr. Joseph recognises God’s presence in the pain and resilience of the people, in education as a gesture of hope, and in prayer as a strength to discern and act. A unique and powerful challenge to seek God not away from suffering, but right at the centre of it, where love and justice are concrete signs of the coming Kingdom of God.
Carla Bellone
Assistant to the Secretary for the Service of the Faith
As a religious, I believe in finding God in all things, even in the most painful and difficult times. Conflict and violence such as airstrikes destroying homes, communities are still going on many parts of the country.
Upon seeing such situations, sometimes, I ask myself, “where is God?” The greatest challenge is staying hopeful while witnessing the endless pain of the people. In the midst of destruction where people are living in fear, and facing hopeless situations, how do we show God’s love? It is hard to talk about faith and hope when freedom, equality, and peace feel like distant dreams. Yet, I believe that God is with our own suffering people.
With the eyes of faith, I see the suffering Christ in those who are wounded, and oppressed. My faith and love must lead to action. One part of my current mission is to accompany the youth, both Online and offline. It is difficult because many young people are deeply affected by the violence and feel hopeless about their future. Some do not have daily basic needs such as food, shelter, internet access as well as other communication tools.
My role is walking with them in their struggles and pains, listening to their stories, and sharing in their grief shows them that they are not alone. In these moments, I see God working in the resilience, courage to keep going despite their struggle. I see God in their small acts of kindness, like sharing food with those in need or comforting people who are grieving.
Another step is through education. Many people in Myanmar have been denied the chance to learn and grow because of the conflict. Teaching children and adults helps them see a better future. Even small efforts, like teaching them how to read or offering a safe space to learn, can give them hope and courage.
Prayer and discernment sustain our mission. In the chaos of war, prayer helps me stay focused on God’s love and peace. The discernment gives me courage and wisdom to know the signs of the time where God’s Spirit is leading me, even in the darkest times. Finding God in all things does not mean accepting suffering as God’s will; rather, it means recognizing that God is with us, especially in our struggle against injustice. In Myanmar, where freedom and peace seem so far away, we work to bring light into the darkness. Every small act of love and care brings hope to those who need it most.
Finally, it’s a daily challenge to remain faithful in such a context, but it’s also a profound grace. Standing with the oppressed, we stand with suffering Christ. And every small act of love and justice, we proclaim that God’s kingdom is breaking through, and God’s love is stronger than evil. Even in Myanmar, even now, God is here.
