2020 hasn't been easy for anyone, and Burma is no exception. Along with the shutdowns, the complexities of keeping people safe, Burma has continued to see civil unrest and even localized wars. This is why when we heard about the opportunity to connect with a minister in the heart of a warzone with bible needs we jumped at it. To our delight and shock Ps. James' friends here in the US brought refreshing reports of revival and Bible needs there. "Thank you very much for your consideration." were the humble words of Ps James as we reached out to him to try to determine the needs. He followed that by "we are praying for you"... which kind of recked me. Such a humble servant, He's been ministering there in a Yangon for years. His home, his people. He loves them and through it all, he's been reaching out but as of late a refreshing wind of change has hit the hearts of the people there, and again and again, Pastor James has been receiving requests for Bibles in the Burmese tongue. People want to hear the good news, to know salvation, and hear the stories of faith.
It has been some time since our organization has worked in Burma and so we couldn't find anyone with the ability or desire to risk the travel to Yangon. Even our partners in West Bengal and others just couldn't find anyone with the ability. But God had a plan and so we reached out to some Burmese translators and by His grace, they were traveling through Yangon on their first (since COVID) trip through the country. We rejoiced to see what God had done! As it turned out they even had a box full of Burmese study Bibles that they could bring on this first trip. These weren't just any Bibles either, these are Study Bibles that will empower leadership for what God is doing there. It is our great joy to take part in such amazing adventures with God! and we're so grateful for all of our partners that make this possible!
This story continues, as there are many hundreds now reported to be joining the church in Yangon around the missional efforts of Pastor James. We are still working with the translators and will get more resources to Pastor James as is possible. Thank you for continually praying for our efforts, for the people in Myanmar, Burma to prosper, to know God, to have encounters with His love and provisions that will set them free and bring healing to their nation. Pray that leaders would flourish and that hope would arise through the power and strength of Jesus Christ.
We received the following on Oct 24th, 2020 from Pastor James:
Dear Joshua,
Greeting in Jesus name! Hope you are feeling good. We all are praying for you. Thank you very much for your concern for my people. Today i received 28 books which are both OT and NT. I am very grateful to you for your help. I appreciate your efforts for my people. We have been praying for you and your ministry.
This is God's word for you. In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness," Psalm.31:1.
