This is the January 2009 edition of my “Mission to Myanmar” newsletter (previously called “Myanmar Musings”).
New Year, New Start, New Look
It’s almost 12 months since I sent out my last newsletter so I’m thinking of calling this the “Anniversary Edition” (ha ha). When I started the newsletters it was my intention to send one out every couple of months. I amended that to every few months, and now … well, I’m not making any more promises. I would like to say sorry though. Sorry for not writing, and sorry for not letting you know what was going on.
What was 2008 like for you? For me it was up and down. First semester was very busy with many assessment tasks plus a college mission trip to Tasmania. The mission trip was a great learning experience and I really enjoyed my time with everyone down there. Upon return though, there was a lot of work to do before the end of semester which brings with it exams.
I’m happy to say that, by the grace of God, I managed to get all the work in and passed all my exams. It was a great relief and encouragement to me, and I was looking forward to second semester.
The mid-semester break saw me working on TESOL (yet again) plus an overdue visit to the dentist (“he didn’t have to drill”), and an even more overdue visit to the optometrist who has provided me with a nice new set of reading glasses (I left him an arm and a leg as payment).
Then came second semester – one I’d be happy to forget. I never really got on top of it and, as a result, can’t boast of first-semester-like success. Suffice to say I’ll be re-doing some of those subjects this year.
End of year break, the one I’m at the end of now, was spent in Newcastle at my Mum’s house. It was a great place to be and afforded me, not only some much needed rest and recuperation, but also an environment conducive to catching up on things like TESOL (yes, there it is again).
So, it’s a new year and a new start. I’m in the process of simplifying things and pushing aside distractions so I can focus almost entirely on Bible College. Lord willing, I’ll be finished my studies at the end of this year and ready to head off mid-2010.
There have been some changes
You’ll have noticed a change in the design of the newsletter. The reason is to simplify it and make it easier to compose (and therefore send out more regularly).
The website has changed too, which some of you will have already read in an e-mail I sent out.
What you need to know …
me.malleeblue.com is now being redirected to
matt2819.com/myanmar
which will be the new website relating to my efforts, and the efforts of mission partners, in Myanmar.
My 2009 Myanmar prayer calendar is also available on the website or by requesting a copy, or copies, from me.
The new website address is more relevant I think, and the new design will hopefully make it easier for everyone to find the information they’re looking for. I hope you like it.
There are other changes too with the prayer and support cards, and also with the “Learn of the Lord’s work in Myanmar” brochure (now a double-sided card). If you’d like some of these new cards please let me know how many and I’ll have them in the post ASAP.
In the Media
There has been much concern about news that came out on January 8th about…
Christians in Burma’s former capital of Rangoon find themselves in a precarious state as local authorities on Monday banned the holding of regular church services and threatened to seal off churches if congregations failed to comply. “They [the authorities] warned us that our churches would be sealed off if we continue worshipping,” said a pastor of a church in Pabedan Township who attended the meeting. “Eighty percent of the churches in Yangon [Rangoon] are included in the order.”
In short, our partner churches are not affected by this, though that may change. Please pray that the Lord would give them guidance and wisdom, and that He would look after them as He always has. Please also pray for the people in the churches which have been affected, and that the Lord would be made known as a result of this persecution.
Please Pray
Mon: My year ahead at Bible College. Pray that the Lord would sustain me and keep me focussed.
Tue: Our partner churches in Myanmar. Pray for the leaders (Thang Bwee & James) and their helpers.
Wed: Students attending Bible Colleges in Myanmar. Pray for their learning and as they evangelise.
Thur: Evangelism of Buddhists in Yangon and Chin State. Pray for wisdom and boldness.
Fri: The Myanmar government. Pray for the Lord to change hearts and to bring justice, peace, etc.
Sat: Health & travel safety, here & in Myanmar. In particular, some students have Tuberculosis.
Sun: Pray that God would continue to lead all those involved in the Myanmar work (in AU and in MM).
And praise God daily for the opportunities he’s opened up in Myanmar and for his constant blessing and abundant provision thus far.
Grace be with you,
Martin
Tags: Mission to Myanmar
