Martin
Thanksgiving:
- The Lord has been strong and faithful in keeping me and encouraging me since returning from Myanmar in February. He has also equipped me and given me the ability to complete all my assignments (11,000 words in total) during the Bible college semester just gone.
- For finishing my Associate Degree of Theology at Bible college.
- For the provision of a vehicle after mine was written off (minor accident, I’m fine).
- For the opportunity to speak about the work in Myanmar and preach at a few churches in NSW and QLD during the last few months.
- For the faithful supporters both in prayer and finances. I’ve been blessed by many in getting by financially since February and I know the prayers have been there too. Thank you Lord and thank you friends.
- For the blessing of Bible College and the opportunity to learn and be equipped for future ministry*
- For God’s providence in the short-term mission work so far*
Petition:
- I’ve busied myself so much lately that I’ve neglected spending time in the Word and regular prayer. Please pray that I would make these a priority and keep them as such regardless of my schedule.
- I’m spending June 29th to July 15th in Victoria doing Mission Interlink’s Transition Training. Please pray that I’d get the most out of it whilst being stretched and strengthen in preparation to serve full-time.
- Beginning August 1 I’ll be in QLD for 6 weeks visiting numerous churches and church groups talking about the work in Myanmar, requesting their financial and prayer support. Please pray for safety while travelling as I’ll be driving to most of the destinations, and please also pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of the church folk there to support the work.
- For financial pledges and promises to come in soon. Without them I’ll not be able to leave as planned in October. We, mission partners and I, are looking for pledges and promises of support totalling $25,000 per year.
- For my walk with the Lord to deepen and my dependence on him to increase*
- To finish the correspondence TESOL course I’m still working through*
- For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*
ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:
- For the successful completion of a two weeks refreshment course by Rev Dr T. Bwee to candidates for full time ministry in April/May.
- For the sending of rice to Chin state for famine relief of those affected by the rat plagues of the last few years.
- 9 new students have started Theological training at ERC’s RBI.
- For the increasing number of school children at the training centre compound in Sami,lower Chin State. (An increased number of children means more are being educated. Having more at Thang Bwee’s compound means that they are being cared for by trusted Christians in a safe and nurturing environment).
- For the opportunity to preach the Gospel at Tada myo by Rev Dr T. Bwee during a recent funeral service. Tada myo is a new church-plant by ERC. Christian outreach was made possible there during Cyclone Nargis (view Nargis related posts here). ERC went to offer assistance and care for many affected by the cyclone and afterward were allowed to return to share the good news of Jesus.
- For Thang Bwee’s second son Benjamin who has passed his University entrance exams. Traditionally these exams are very difficult to pass.
Petition:
- The urgent need of Tada Myo mission. Thang Bwee writes, “We need to find a regular sponsor for Mor Dang [(the graduate pastor who has been put in charge of that church-plant)] and also the need to buy a single block of land for building. Presently I have rented a house to live. Things there seem to be going well in the mission. I might be able to manage for house rent but need some donors to buy land there and for the building.“
- In order to get help for the 70 school children during schooling at Sami where Mr. Issac is looking after them. This includes their food and shelter and other items. These children are also the victims of the rat famine.
- To get sufficient help in finance for 15 RBI students and 6 staff members.
- For the trip of Betty Murray and Jan Turner, members of one of the Toowoomba Presbyterian churches, to Myanmar in August and September 2010.
- For Rev Dr T. Bwee who is fully engaging with teaching and pastoral ministries.
- For Thang Bwee’s father who is now over 90 years old and whose health is becoming very poor.
FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving (as quoted from James’ latest e-mail):
- I praise the Lord for He has guided us all the way in our church ministry. The Lord is surely gracious and able to deliver us from all struggle ministry ’til today.
- I praise the Lord for we have already [bought] a plot of land for FRCM church and GBS building.
- Now we have opened our Bible School GBS.Praise be the Lord !! Some students are converted in our Bible school and ministry and they become really Christian. And now they are studying the Word of God at Grace Bible Seminary it is very praiseworthy.
- It is very difficult for the working of our church and Bible school, but our Lord leads us in His hand ’til today.
- I really praise the Lord [for] our faithful Partnership mission between mission partners and FRCM, and all of our friends in Australia. The Lord is merciful when He heard the prayers of both [mission partners] and FRCM.
Petition:
- request you in Jesus Name to please pray for FRCM church ministry. The children’s ministry in South Dagon is needed to return as well as pastors needed for many ministries.
- For the construction of better buildings for FRCM and GBS on the newly purchased property.
- For a telephone in the new premises.
- For all the teachers and students of GBS – their health, their learning, and their support.
* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.
