Mission Trip to Yangon, Myanmar 3-6 Jan 14

We praise God for another opportunity to serve Him in the mission field. This is our first mission trip form the year 2015.


 The following came on this trip:
            Rama and Jeya
       James and Marilyn 
      Julie Tan (friend of James)
      Iwan (friend of James)


The objectives of the trip are as follows:
  •          Graduation of the 1st batch of church planters in Myanmar
  •         Visit Revival Christian Church and Hlawga Children's Home
  •        Conduct remaining sessions on leadership for the church planters 
Graduation of Church Planters

This was held at the Myanmar Theological Centre on the afternoon of  3 Jan. This was history in the making and another milestone for PEC. About 90 people attended the ceremony. It was a simple yet dignified ceremony.  As I set through the ceremony, I recalled how God gave the vision to start the training in Myanmar. It was by divine appointment that the right people were brought to gather though strange but divine arrangements. I thanked God for Bro David Kriner, Pst John Phongshar, Sis Evelyn, Bro James and his wife and PEC for being instrumental in running this program. I am also thankful to Bro Suresh (India), Bro Samuel, Bro James and Bro Chew, who on their own expenses, came to teach in the program. It was indeed a fulfilling event for all who labored on this assignment.

Sunday morning service 

We attended the Adonai City Church, in downtown Yangon, pastored by Pst John Phongshar. It was good to meet friends, who now have become part of the ministry. Bro James shared the Word. We had a blessed time. 

Other activities on Sunday

In the afternoon, Bro James and the team went to visit another church, “Revival Christian Church”, which also housed an orphanage, about an hour’s drive Yangon. Bro James had been acquainted with Pst Daniel of this church through some connections in Singapore.  Bro Iwan shared the Word in the church and they spent some time with the kids on the orphanage. They had a great time and are happy with the work in that place.

Jeya and I, together with Pst John Phongshah, went to minister to an Indian church about two hours drive from Yangon. The pastor of that church attended our Leadership training a year ago. The drive to the destination reminded us of the sceneries in India. When we reached the village, we were appalled by the condition of the place. About 20 believers gathered in a shed for the meeting. Even the animals have a better place to stay. The believers, mostly of Indian origin, are poor and neglected. I was moved to tears by seeing their condition and hearing their stories. Now I understood how Nehemiah would have felt, when he heard the news about his brethren in Jerusalem. Yet in the midst of such poverty they loved the Lord and worshipped from the bottom of their hearts. As we travelled back, I was guilty-struck for taking things for granted. We in Singapore are so fortunate. It reminded me not to take things for granted and use all God given resources wisely. Many out there are in dire needs. We need to be good stewards. God have mercy.

Bible School and Hlawga Children's Home

On 5 Jan, I wen back to the Bible School to conduct the remaining lessons on leadership while the rest of the team went to visit the Hlawga Children's Home. They also had time to visit the orphanage in Revival Christian Church. The team enjoyed their time during the visits.

In the afternoon I interviewed all the church planters. They were all excited about starting the work of church planting.

Follow-up actions

Church Planters - Now that the church planters have been trained, the next step is to help them to plant churches in the areas where God is leading them. The harvest is indeed plentiful and we the workers ready. I personally spoke to each of the church planters and they all are eager to start the work. It takes $100 a month to support each church planter. In addition, some of the worker are moving to new villages and hence need some start-up cost, like rentals and home. If the Lord burden's you to partner this work, please get in touch with me.

Continuation of Church Planters training –Everyone we spoke to, said that the training was good but needs a little modification. Together with Pst John Phongshah, we will refine the syllabus and God willing, the next course will start in Aug 2015. The cost of running the program is $750 a month for ten church planters for six months.

Conclusion

I can tell you that we will see new churches planted through our joint efforts and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for all your support, prayers and love. Myanmar can never be the same. All Glory to God

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