One of the greatest things about being on-site in our ministry areas is the opportunity to sit face-to-face and listen to the reports of what God is doing. Jeff had that opportunity to hear about church planting efforts in Burma. Our desire to train leaders is not about just providing information – it is with the goal that churches will be planted and people will be won to Christ.
Over the past 5+ years, we have partnered with a school that trains church planters. These young people (all under 24 years old) move to a remote area, build a lean to, and begin working in the rice fields developing relationships. As those relationships develop, they share the Good News of Jesus. It is difficult work. Food is scarce. The work is backbreaking. But their joy is complete as they are following the calling of God to win their country to Christ. There are currently 34 church planters (associated with the school) who are working in Burma. At this time, 10 of those have established viable churches. Our national partners define a viable church as one where there are more than 10 baptized believers, where there is a church structure, and weekly worship gatherings. All of the church planters are seeing people won to Christ. But for a Burmese person to take the step of obedience to be baptized is a huge thing. In essence, they are turning away from everything they have known when they follow the Lord in obedience and are baptized. Most often, their families disown them, and they are considered “traitors” to the predominate religion of Buddhism. Imagine leaving everything you have ever known. Pray for our friends as they work under difficult circumstances in order to bring the light of the Good News of Jesus Christ to a very dark place.
Thanks for taking this journey with us through your giving, your encouragement, and your prayer support! Growing leaders…
Giving HOPE!
David
