MYANMAR CHRISTMAS UPDATE / Rev Dr John Thaung 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your partnership in our Christmas outreach. Your support has been a tremendous blessing in these challenging times. Myanmar remains under military rule, where freedom is scarce, and fear and uncertainty have become a daily reality. The soaring cost of living has made survival a struggle, and many live without joy or peace—only the constant anxiety of when the soldiers might come, when homes might be searched, or when sons might be taken for military service. In the midst of this darkness, people long for security and peace—something only God can truly provide for He is the only way. It is our mission to bring the reality of God’s love to those who are suffering, and we chose the Christmas season as a time to share this hope.

We travelled to six villages, and everywhere we went, people came out to hear us. Our students performed dances, taught Christmas songs, and shared the Gospel. It was a beautiful moment of joy and transformation. Worship, music, and the message of the Gospel brought people together and gave them hope, even if just for a few hours. In those moments, fear, worry, and struggles faded away. Praise God for the 14 people who responded to Jesus. In some areas, we also distributed food parcels to the poor, many of whom had no food to eat.

When we journeyed to the delta area—a four-hour trip—we took only 10 students due to concerns for their safety, as there were four checkpoints along the way. We prayed for God’s protection and favor. As we reached a checkpoint, the students prayed silently while soldiers approached our truck. They studied the logo on our van and asked if we were Christians. We answered yes and explained our purpose—to conduct Christmas outreach programs. By God’s grace, they allowed us to proceed.  Upon arrival, about 150 villagers gathered to hear the Word of God. Even the local authority, who was not a Christian, attended and was filled with joy upon hearing the Gospel. We ended early due to a power outage, but people lingered, eager to hear more. That night, 25 people raised their hands to receive Jesus.

In every area we visited, we were warmly received. Some believers invited us into their homes to share the Gospel with their neighbours and families—many of whom had never heard the Good News. One of our church members, a teacher at a private school, invited us to conduct an outreach program at her school. We ministered to 300 students and their parents, openly performing dances and sharing the Gospel. The principal was deeply moved and requested prayers for her and her family. The favor of God was evident upon us, and the people were greatly blessed by the joyful worship and dedication of our Bible students.

At another location, my wife boldly approached the local authority and requested permission to hold an open-air evangelistic meeting. By God’s favor, he agreed and even volunteered to help us set up. We were in awe of how God had prepared the way for us. My wife and the students prepared a simple meal, and the local authority invited about 500 people. At the end of the meeting, the people urged us to continue, hungry for more of God’s Word. Though we were exhausted, we recognized this as a God-given opportunity and pressed on. We really thank God for his grace and favour with the local authorities and we saw the Way Maker in action.

All this would not be possible if not for the Lord. We made ourselves available and God did the rest. We originally planned for five programs, but by God’s grace, we conducted 15. The hunger for peace and truth was evident. In total, we reached 2,215 people, and about 80 individuals confessed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. At the end of our journey the Bible students were so tired but I encouraged them with the words of Jesus in John 9:4: “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you. Thank you, Asian Outreach, for standing with us to bring light into the darkness. May God continue to bless this partnership as we work together to proclaim His love and salvation.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

 

THE HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH /Peter U, Chairman

The Foot Soldiers Ministry

The Foot Soldiers/Church Planting Ministry has always been the heartbeat of Asian Outreach. Our focus has always been to help the people we serve live out the Great Commandment (love God and love our neighbors as ourselves), so we can fulfill the Great Commission (make disciples of all the nations and teach them everything Christ has taught us). The starting point for fulfilling the Great Commission starts with us.

In a fragmented world, genuine relationships are a powerful testimony of God’s love. Loving our neighbors begins with knowing them. As we love God and our neighbors authentically, we create fertile ground for the Gospel to take root and flourish. In a world desperate for hope and restoration, our communities and neighborhoods can become beacons of Christ’s light, one relationship, one act of service, and one conversation at a time.

Pastor Biswajala of Odisha is a vessel of God’s power, bringing the reality of Christ to the people around him. Through the Gospel, he has touched and transformed countless lives, including that of Sunit Mahananda. Sunit was born into a Hindu family and at an early age, developed severe kidney problems. Others in his village suffered from the same condition, which they attributed to contaminated water. Unfortunately, his family was too poor to afford treatment, and their village had no medical facilities. With no hope for recovery, Sunit was devastated.

A friend took him to meet Pastor Biswajala who prayed for him and shared the Gospel. As Sunit’s condition worsened, Pastor Biswajala continued to visit him, offering prayers and encouragement. One day, the pastor shared Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” As Sunit heard these words, he immediately felt something shift in his body. Over the next few days, his weakness faded, and strength returned. As he continued to pray with Pastor Biswajala and read the Word, he realized he had been completely healed. His family and neighbors were astonished by his transformation. Sunit was baptized, and today, he boldly proclaims Jesus wherever he goes. His testimony is a powerful reminder that our stories foster faith in God.

Our Foot Soldiers carry powerful testimonies of God’s goodness, and our missionary in Indonesia, Honey, is no exception. Her journey is a testament to the miraculous healing power of God and the unwavering faith that sustains His people. In 2015, while actively serving in the mission field, Honey began experiencing severe constipation and constant pain. Without access to proper medical care due to financial constraints, she simply prayed and trusted the Lord. However, her fellow missionary friends came together and raised funds to help her visit a specialist for a proper diagnosis.

After undergoing scans and tests, doctors confirmed that she had a cancerous tumor in her colon. Faced with this life-altering diagnosis, Honey surrendered herself completely to the Lord, continuing to pray and trust in His divine plan. When she went for a follow-up scan after her initial diagnosis, the results left the doctors stunned—the tumor had completely disappeared. Unable to explain the sudden and complete healing, the doctors attributed it to an “anatomical error”. But Honey boldly responded, “God never makes mistakes in creating people.” Left without words, the doctors could only admit that it was impossible—but perhaps, just maybe, it was a miracle.

Today, Honey continues to share her testimony, encouraging people and bringing the reality of God to those around her. Through her story, many on the island have found renewed hope in Christ. Her life is a shining example of how God can take our trials and turn them into a powerful message of faith, healing, and redemption. God is able to take our mess and turn it into a message! May Honey’s testimony remind us all of His faithfulness and power to do the impossible.

We lift up these faithful workers who are laboring in the harvest fields of Asia. God sees their struggles, fears, and sacrifices. We pray He will strengthen their hearts and fill them with an unshakeable peace, renew their joy daily, and may hope abound in their spirits even in the face of trials. Through these men and women who have given their lives to serving God, may His Kingdom advance, and may many come to know God through their faithfulness.