Mission trip to Yangon, Myanmar 6-10 Feb 2026

After almost a 8 year hiatus, Jeya and I have had the opportunity to make this trip once again. My last visit to Myanmar was in 2017 (I think), after which the COVID pandemic and the subsequent military takeover made travel to the country virtually impossible.

With the situation appearing somewhat calmer, we prayerfully sensed it was time to “test the waters.” We were grateful to receive an invitation from Pastor John Phongsah to speak at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of MTC, as well as to participate in the Sunday service at Adonai Community Church.

We embark on this visit with thankfulness to the Lord for opening this door once more, trusting Him for wisdom, protection, and fruitful ministry.

After almost a 8 year hiatus, Jeya and I have had the opportunity to make this trip once again. My last visit to Myanmar was in 2017 (I think), after which the COVID pandemic and the subsequent military takeover made travel to the country virtually impossible.

With the situation appearing somewhat calmer, we prayerfully sensed it was time to “test the waters.” We were grateful to receive an invitation from Pastor John Phongsah to speak at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of MTC, as well as to participate in the Sunday service at Adonai Community Church.

We embark on this visit with thankfulness to the Lord for opening this door once more, trusting Him for wisdom, protection, and fruitful ministry.

Even more meaningful was reconnecting with familiar faces. There was a sense of warmth and continuity as we shared conversations over lunch, catching up on life, ministry, and God’s faithfulness through the intervening years. 

Moments like these reminded us that while circumstances may change, relationships forged in the Lord endure.

7 Feb 2026

Today marked the graduation ceremony for eleven B.Th students who had faithfully completed four years of study at MTC. The occasion drew about 200 family members, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate this significant milestone. The programme was exceptionally well organised, orderly, dignified, and professionally conducted. It served as an excellent model of planning and execution, and I sincerely hope our coordinators from other Bible schools will be able to observe and learn from this example.

I had the privilege of sharing the Word of God from Proverbs 3:1–6, reflecting on the sound counsel Solomon gave to his son. I anchored my exhortation to the graduates around three key charges:

  • Trust God with all your heart
  • Do not lean on your own understanding
  • Acknowledge God in all that you do

I encouraged them to carry these principles into their ministries, reminding them that theological training equips the mind, but a life anchored in trust and dependence on God sustains a lifetime of faithful service.

The ceremony concluded with a sumptuous lunch, during which I had the opportunity to reconnect with many friends and ministry partners. It was a joyful time of conversation and renewed fellowship, adding a meaningful personal dimension to the day’s celebrations.

8 Feb

Today we attended the Sunday service at Adonai Community Church. About fifty people had gathered for worship, and it was encouraging to witness both the warmth of the fellowship and the clear potential for growth within this congregation. 

There is a sense that the Lord is at work here, laying foundations for future expansion and impact. I had the opportunity to share the Word, and I was grateful for the attentive spirit of the congregation. Many were encouraged by the message and responded positively, which was deeply heartening. It is always a joy to see God’s Word minister to hearts and strengthen His people. We continue to pray that the church will grow in faith, unity, and effectiveness as a light in its community.

 

That evening we had dinner with the faculty of MTC and their wives. The food was delightful, and the fellowship even more so. 

It was a blessing to listen to their stories and hear how God continues to work through their ministries despite the challenges faced in the nation’s current political climate. Their resilience and commitment were deeply encouraging.

The 9th of February was a quieter day for us. Pastor John Phongsar had to leave Myitkyina to be with his siblings. Their father passed away end January and Pst John Phongsar could not be there for the funeral due to unforeseen circumstance.  We spent the day with Sis Seng Mai. We toured Yangon together and enjoyed unhurried conversations about family, children, and the future of ministry. It was a meaningful time of connection and reflection.

In the evening we marvelled at the beautiful sunset over the Pago river. Both Pastor John Phongsar and his wife carry tremendous responsibilities, and I continue to marvel at how they faithfully manage their ministry commitments while caring for their family. When asked about it, Seng Mai simply attributed it to “the grace of God.”

That humble response says much about their hearts, and is one of the many reasons they are my favourite couple. We are truly grateful to Sis Seng Mai for really taking good care of us during this trip. She is such a gem.

We returned home on 10 Feb, evening, after a time well spent, thanking God for His favour.

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