Author David Eubank Details How the Love of Jesus is Changing the War Zones of Burma

Author David Eubank, along with Hosannah Valentine, gives us the compelling true story of learning the difference between justice and revenge and loving others at all costs, with his new book Do This for Love; Free Burma Rangers in the Battle of Mosul. From Burman to Sudan and Iraq to Syria, the Free Burma Rangers have given help, hope and love to people under attack.

The fiercest urban battle in recent history, to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS, lasted nine months. Thousands were killed, millions displaced. How to help in such a massive and desperate situation? Eubank, a former member of U.S. Army Special Forces and a Ranger officer, is the founder of the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), which is a multi-ethnic and faith relief organization. He and his family share the love of Jesus in Burman, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Sudan by giving help, hope and love while shining a light on the situations of the people in these troubled areas.

As coalition forces, led by brave Iraqi soldiers on the ground, slowly pushed ISIS out, the brutality of the terrorists was turned against thousands of civilians as they fled the fighting. There was no humanitarian template for responding to such ruthlessness; to attempt to help would take total commitment.

Birthed in the war zones of Burma to stand with villagers under attack by the Burma Army and provide medical care, relief, and reporting, the Free Burma Rangers came to Mosul with 20 years of war zone experience in the jungle. Led by Eubank, medics, cameramen from the teams in Burma, other foreign volunteers, and David's wife and three children, they came to fill the gap between the frontlines and the humanitarian community. They came living by the conviction that every person counts and the only force that can defeat hate is love. Four team members were wounded and one killed as they lived out that conviction with total commitment. This is their story of praying with faith, acting with courage and never surrendering.

Q: Dave, thanks for doing this interview with us. Let's start with Free Burma Rangers, what is this ministry about?

The Free Burma Rangers' (FBR) mission is to provide hope, help and love to internally displaced people inside Burma, Sudan, Kurdistan, Iraq and Syria, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Using a network of indigenous field teams, FBR reports on human rights abuses, casualties and the humanitarian needs of people who are under oppression. FBR provides medical, spiritual and educational resources for IDP communities as they struggle to survive attacks. For more information, please visit www.freeburmarangers.org

Q: What are some of the practical things Free Burma rangers are doing in terms of spreading the love of Jesus in these troubled areas?

We pray, and as God leads, share with all we meet the love of Jesus and His saving power. We do this directly with words, dramas and children programs, through conversation and prayer. We also do this by sharing about Jesus as we help people in physical ways - medicine, treatment, food, shelter, clothing and evacuation.

Q: How did the Lord lead you to this ministry?

First, He was real to us and helped us in our own lives. Then, we were invited first by ethnic people in Burma to come and help, and then later by the Sudanese's, Kurds, Iraqis, Syrians to please come and help. Every place we go we have been invited to come and help.

Q: Your ministry calls for lots of perseverance and love, what motivates you to love in such difficult situations?

The love of Jesus and how He enables us to love, and do what we cannot do in our own strength. We feel and see His power to change ours and others lives.

Q: You have written about this ministry in your new book "Do This for Love; Free Burma Rangers in the Battle of Mosul." Tell us a little more about your new book.

"Do This for Love; The Free Burma Rangers in the Battle of Mosul," is a story about God's faithfulness, love and the saving power of Jesus in ours and others lives. It's how we were led to help people in Burma, and then the people under attack by ISIS in Iraq in the battle of Mosul. It's how we learn to love the people there and how we learn to trust God to overcome all fear, obstacles and hate. We learn the difference between justice and revenge, and that difference is love. When you've been badly hurt, only Jesus can give that to you. This is a story of men and women bound together by love, and trying to serve God and people.

Q: How will your book challenge us in terms of sharing our faith with others? 

I hope it encourages people to call on Jesus and see how He leads and uses them.

Q: How can an average Christian help and encourage people like you?

By praying for us, by any support that God leads you to do.

 

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