matt2819.com/myanmar

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• Thank God for his patience, grace, mercy, and loving hand upon my life.
• For an improvement to sleeping patterns over the past few months. Though I’ve had a few nights where sleeping’s been difficult, for the most part I’m sleep normally. I’m no longer feeling like a zombie every day.
• Thank God for the opportunity to learn the Myanmar language. I thank him for what I’ve learnt and for the encouragement of my friends here to “jaw za”, which means keep trying.
• I’m grateful to God that the university learning is over though, and that I can now focus on that which I came here for – teaching, preaching, and evangelism.
• Thank God for providing for my physical needs, with good food, good shelter, clothing, friends, transport, safety, and so on.

Petition:

• I didn’t learn all I wanted to or needed to while at uni, so I’m considering a private tutor. Please pray that I would have wisdom regarding this, and that if I proceed I would find a good teacher who’s not too expensive.
• On October 15th my visa runs out and at the time of writing this we’ve not found a way to secure my long-term residency. We’ve had a couple of possibilities for assistance but they’ve not eventuated. Please pray that I’d be able to extend my visa with the least amount of disruption to the work and with minimal costs.
• I’m preparing for lectures that will begin in November. I’ll be teaching two subjects, evangelism and post-reformation church history. Please pray that I’d prepare well for these lessons.
• I had this as a prayer point last time (April’s prayer points) and I want to include it again as it’s so very important. Please pray, as Paul did for the Colossians (Col. 1:9-12) …
  • “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.“

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• Thank God for his continued blessing upon the work and ministry of ERC.
• For the continued partnership with Mission Partners and the financial support that that brings with it.
• Thank God for the many new students this year at RBI. They’re a keen lot and, like sponges, ready to absorb everything. They’re obedient and willing to learn and follow, and they’re good students too.
• Thank God for providing full sponsorship to all of the students of the Reformed Bible Institute (RBI), the Bible college of ERC.
• The ongoing discipleship (which started in July) is proving to be helpful to everyone with growth already evident in many.

Petition:

• Please pray for the minister of the Tada Township church plant, Mr Mor Dan, who is working tirelessly in evangelism and church planting for the Lord in that place. Please ask the Lord to strengthen him, to give him wisdom and knowledge, and to be diligent in all he does, walking in a manner worthy of the Lord (Cf. Col. 1:10).*
• Pray for Thang Bwee’s translation work on Concise Theology by J.I. Packer.
• For guidance and protection for the English teaching classes to be held at RBI during October by Betty Murry and Jan Turner from QLD pressie congregations.
• For God’s blessing and guidance for the upcoming seminars in January 2012 at RBI. These seminars will be on selected major prophets and reformed church history taught by Peter Barber (Townsville Presbyterian Church) and Peter Barnes (Revesby Presbyterian Church) respectively.
• Pray for the needs related to building a Church building at Tada Township as well as a dormitory at Shinletwa (in Chin State) in 2012.
• And for God’s ongoing providence for all the essential needs of Thang Bwee’s family.

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• Thank God for his grace. James writes, “We enjoy the life of FRCM and GBS. We thank God for His helping us up to this day with every blessing we need.”*
• Thank God for providing full sponsorship to all of the students of the Grace Bible Seminary (GBS), the Bible college of FRCM.
• For some significant financial blessing over the past couple of months that has helped them out of debt.
• The injection of funds also allowed them to finally get a concrete floor put in throughout the house. This is where James and his family along with all the GBS students live. They’re thrilled to no longer be walking through the muddy, slippery floor inside and that things aren’t so dirty any more.
• For the ongoing discipleship sessions of the FRCM congregation and GBS students.

Petition:

• That God would provide the needed funds for the daily needs (food, water, etc.) of the FRCM community.*
• That the students would learn well and be properly prepared for future ministry.
• That the church would grow in numbers as well as maturity.
• For finances for Pastor Samuel’s mission field. Pastor Samuel is a recent addition to the leadership and outreach team of FRCM.*
• For the safety of GBS’s leaders and students as they travel around Yangon. Particularly, there is a lot of travel required during October when the students of GBS will travel about 1 hour each week day to attend the English classes being held at RBI by Betty Murray and Jan Turner.
• The financial needs of this fledgling church plant are many at this time. Please pray that there would be an outpouring of generosity toward these folks so that they may be equipped and ready to grow in number, maturity, and influence.

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For his loving-kindness and generosity. Thank him that I’m so ‘at home’ here.
• For continued good health (in all other areas apart from sleep, see below).
• And praise God that I’m learning the Myanmar language. Many of you have been praying diligently for me and I can assure you it’s working. I’ve been able to learn and retain more in the last week than I have in the last 3 months. This is fantastic! Please keep praying though, I’ve got a lot to catch up on.

Petition:

• That I would continue to learn the language and that it would become easier. And that I would remember long-term all that I’m revising.
• For the sermon and lecture prep I have to do in April and May (See the April newsletter for details).
• Have been having trouble sleeping. Either only sleeping for a few hours, or not being able to get to sleep until 5 or 6am. Just a few days ago (March 29th) I think I found the culprit – MSG – (but I need to test this theory more). Please pray that whatever is the cause it would stop. I’m tired and would like to stop feeling like a zombie most days.
• And probably most important of all, please pray, as Paul did for the Colossians (Col. 1:9-12) …
  • “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.“

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• For the graduation of 9 students in February.
• For the purchase of land for the church plant at Tada Township. Construction of a simple building for the minister to live in and the congregation to meet in (same building) is hoped to start soon.
• For an encouraging and fruitful teaching seminar on the minor prophets, basic first aid, and prayer (3 separate subjects). Many ministers came down from Chin State and returned home very encouraged and well equipped to train their local leaders.
• Praise God again for the partnership between the Presbyterian Church of Australia and ERC. Because of this partnership the ministry of this Church has been able to expand and impact more lives. It has also allowed for many visiting teachers from Australia to come and teach, preach, and encourage. The body of believers here has been built up and equipped time and time again, thanks to the generosity of these folks, and the folks who support them financially and prayerfully.

Petition:

• For the minister of the Tada Township church plant, Mr Mor Dan, who is working tirelessly in evangelism and church planting for the Lord in that place. Please ask the Lord to strengthen him, to give him wisdom and knowledge, and to be diligent in all he does, walking in a manner worthy of the Lord (Cf. Col. 1:10).
• For the ministries of recently graduated students of RBI – Than Tun, Paul, Samuel, Aung Htaik, Sein Bay, Joshua, Isaac, and Than Htay.
• For the coming academic study year (2011-12) of RBI.
• For the education of Thang Bwee’s children and for new sufficient accommodation (larger apartment) for the family of 5.
• For the safety of the supplementary resources of the ministry and the family (paddy farming and animal husbandry).
• I mentioned little Lazarus in previous prayer letters. He suffers with a type of Cerebral Palsy called Athetoid due to a problem that occurred shortly after he was born. He’s a bright little guy and seemingly content. His mother and father look after him with a beautiful display of love and patience, and his brothers and sister dote over him too, playing with him, cuddling him, and kissing him. Life for Lazarus will be difficult in this country, and opportunities for him to experience an almost normal life virtually zero. Unless things change, he will not receive an education or any sort of physio or physical assistance. In addition, his family live on the outskirts of a small town, down a narrow and bumpy road, so even with a wheelchair there would still be complications and limitations. So please pray as you are led on this one, and if you have any advice we’d be more than happy to hear from you. You can use the Contact Martin page if you don’t have my personal e-mail address.

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• For God’s grace. James writes, “We enjoy the life of FRCM and GBS. We thank God for His helping us up to this day with every blessing we need.”*
• For His providential gifts that they eat and drink every day.*
• For His protection from various kinds of temptation.*
• Especially for the partnership with Mission Partners, and for their great help with purchasing a plot of land with a small house which is now used for the church building of FRCM and the residence of GBS.*

Petition:

• That all believers attending FRCM would grow spiritually and have good health.*
• For the extension of FRCM’s mission fields and the many things which are needed to do this work.*
• For the Holy Spirit’s guidance and that the lost souls would be saved by their ministry.*
• That God would provide the needed funds for the daily needs (food, water, etc.) of the FRCM community.
• That the FRCM congregation might be edified and grow strong in the Lord and his Word.
• For the funds to complete the church building and to equip it with the usual – cupboards, kitchen ware, tables, chairs, etc.
• For financial sponsorship of all the Grace Bible Seminary students (GBS is FRCMs’ Bible college, find out a little more here).
• For finances for Pastor Samuel’s mission field. Pastor Samuel is a recent addition to the leadership and outreach team of FRCM.
• Another dwelling is needed for the recently purchased property at FRCM. Again, prayers for finances please.
• For all the teachers and students of GBS – their health, their learning, and their support.*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For an uplifting, encouraging, and fruitful time of deputation through Queensland, Tamworth, and Nambucca Heads during August and September.
• For the extra weeks in October and November to work on TESOL and to spend time with family and friends.
• For the healing and restorative power of God over my lower back injury (it was a pulled muscle). I experience no side-effects from the injury.
• In answer to our prayers, financial pledges have been coming in now for many months and my support has now reached 100% of what’s required. This is such a blessing and indeed praiseworthy.
• For being about 2 weeks away from finally finishing my TESOL correspondence course.
• I’ve had the time and therefore been able to organise all the other stuff that needs to be done like packing, organising freight, giving away or selling unwanted items, and generally being all ready to go.
• My mum has been incredibly supportive and caring over the last 10 months whilst I’ve been living back home with her. She’s looked after my every need, cooked all my favourite foods, and it’s been great to have had this year with her. I’d like you to thank God for my awesome mum.

Petition:

• That I’ll transition well into a new culture.
• For safe travel.
• To quickly build good relationships with folks in the ERC congregation.
• For the ability to learn and use the Burmese language well and quickly.
• For all my baggage and boxes to make it to Myanmar safely. Though insured, it would be of considerable inconvenience to lose any of it (it will leave when I do as unaccompanied baggage, which usually takes a week to arrive at its destination).*
• To find suitable housing in Yangon and to set it up so as to be useful as an office, meeting place, training centre (for small groups), visitor accommodation, and my home.*
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• For God’s providence in teaching and preaching the Word, and that they are able to teach Bible college students continually without any problem.*

Petition:

• Pray for Mor Dan who is now working in Tada Myo. This mission needs to purchase a single plot of land for ministry.*
• In order to build another dorm for school children at Samee where Isaac (an RBI graduate) is working.
• For second semester study of RBI students and lecturers.



• Pray for the farm that God will bless the harvesting of rice and they would be able to meet all the needs associated with this work.
• For the booklet translation work being done by Thang Bwee.
• For Thang Bwee’s 2nd son, Benjamin (pictured right), who is now preparing for an IELTS exam.
• For Thang Bwee’s father to maintain good health (he is more than 90 yrs old). Sadly, at 7:15am (AEDST) on November 16th, Thang Bwee’s father passed away. Please pray that the Lord would comfort them all at this time.
• For little Lazarus who is in need of good health as he suffers with a type of Cerebral Palsy called Athetoid (more details about Lazarus will come in later prayer letters).
• For Thang Bwee who is fully engaging with teaching and pastoral ministries.*

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• For God’s grace. James writes, “We enjoy the life of FRCM and GBS. We thank God for His helping us up to this day with every blessing we need.”
• For His providential gifts that they eat and drink every day.
• For His protection from various kinds of temptation.
• Especially for the partnership with Mission Partners, and for their great help with purchasing a plot of land with a small house which is now used for the church building of FRCM and the residence of GBS.
• For guiding and sending Pastor Bawi Ling (Samuel) to the mission field.

Petition:

• That all believers attending the FRCM would grow spiritually and have good health.
• For the extension of FRCM’s mission fields and the many things which are needed to do this work.
• For the Holy Spirit’s guidance and that the lost souls would be saved by their ministry.
• That God would provide the needed funds for the completion of the FRCM church building.
• For the process of digging a well for drinking water at the new house.
• For all the teachers and students of GBS – their health, their learning, and their support.*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For some much needed down time (relaxation) in between deputation duties.
• For the opportunity to preach and speak about the work in Myanmar at many churches in QLD during August.
• For the encouragement and support of so many people in various QLD churches who have been very welcoming and interested in the work the Lord is doing in Myanmar.
• In answer to our prayers, financial pledges have been coming in over the past couple of months. My support is now at around 60% of what’s required. This is a real blessing and indeed praiseworthy.
• 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.*

Petition:

• Still struggling with time management and making time to spend in the Word and regular prayer. Please pray that I would make these a priority and keep them as such regardless of my schedule.
• On August 25th I pulled a muscle in my lower back which has been causing me a great deal of pain when sitting and standing. It’s on the mend but movement is still restricted and all activities are being done slowly and carefully. I’m in the middle of deputation and have a lot of driving around QLD still to do. Please pray for healing.
• Many things are still to be done and, God willing, I’ll be leaving in just over 6 weeks. Please pray that I’ll be organised and able to do all that needs to be done in light of my back problem. Please pray that all goes ahead as planned with the fewest problems and delays from here on.
• For all my baggage and boxes to make it to Myanmar safely. Though insured, it would be of considerable inconvenience to lose any of it (it will leave when I do as unaccompanied baggage, which usually takes a week to arrive at its destination).
• To find suitable housing in Yangon and to set it up so as to be useful as an office, meeting place, training centre (for small groups), visitor accommodation, and my home.
• Elections in Myanmar have been scheduled for November 7th. Please pray that they will go peacefully and that they will actually bring about positive change for the country.
• 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 God’s providence in teaching and preaching the Word, and that they are able to teach Bible college students continually without any problem.
• For having English classes at RBI with Betty Murray, Jan Turner and Peta Cato from Australia.
• For getting a phone for RBI very recently.

Petition:

• Pray for the people in Chin state who are under famine because of the rat plagues of the last few years.
• Pray for school children (70) at Samee for their health, education, and food. They are suffering with malaria and food shortages are causing difficulties.
• Pray for Mor Dan who is now working in Tada Myo. This mission needs to purchase a single plot of land for ministry.
• Pray for Thang Bwee’s second son Benjamin, for his university education. They wish him to get and international education.
• Pray to get a single truck for RBI for transportation for students and to carry rice.
• Pray for Siama, Ram Uk and Tin Soe Hlaing who are doing theological study in other countries.
• Pray for the farm that God will bless the growth of rice in the paddy fields.
• For Rev Dr T. Bwee who is fully engaging with teaching and pastoral ministries.*

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving (as quoted from James’ latest e-mail):

• I praise the [Lord] that we have already [bought] a plot of land for FRCM and GBS, (that everything came from APWM). I am very thankful to director, all of APWM Committee and all of donors. God bless you all.
• Finances have been made available (happened last week of August) to purchase a plot of land with a small house of two stories next to the new land mentioned in the previous point. This is a well-timed blessing and a huge help to our ministries and our future plans. Thank the Lord for the generosity of the Australian Presbyterian Churches.
• Our church and Bible school is well under God’s hand, because of your prayer for us. Praise God for people who faithfully pray and uphold us.
• God gave 15 students at GBS, our Bible School. We received [support for the] students from APWM.

Petition:

• Finances for the construction of our church and Bible school building.
• Pastors and lecturers salaries.
• That God would give the leadership team an abundance of wisdom, humility, obedience, and love for all they minister to.
• For zealous evangelists to minister to the many needy and broken people in their part of Yangon.
• For a telephone in the new premises.*
• For all the teachers and students of GBS – their health, their learning, and their support.*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.

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 Samee, 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 Samee 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.

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in a previous prayer letter.

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For the assistance of a dear friend in helping me understand how to do proper and effective research for college assignments. I now feel empowered to succeed in this aspect of college.
• For consistent financial support which has helped toward this semester’s college fees
• 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:

• For humility, patience, grace, love and faithfulness
• 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*
• Financial support required – estimated $2000/month*
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• Three months of ministerial training has been completed successfully by His guidance. About 16 young ministers received training for ministry.
• Ram Uk, who has been studying in India, has now safely returned to Yangon for a short time of holidays
• Be Nwe has been accepted to enter to PTS, India for M.Div program
• Siama is in a good mode of study at PRTS (Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Michigan USA)
• ERC have been able to provide food for about 10 villages in Chin State, releasing them from the starvation which has ravaged that part of Myanmar

Petition:

• Financial sponsors are needed for Be Nwe and Ram Uk who are studying in India
• For the work of the RBI’s rice paddy farm which will begin by June. This rice paddy is one of many ventures owned by ERC and RBI to assist them in gaining financial independence.
• The next academic year of RBI will begin in June and continue on until March 2010. Please pray for students and staff.
• To have more financial support for the starving people of Chin State (read more here)
• To build a dormitory for the school children at Samee in Chin State
• Kyaw Htin is still in hospital with a serious illness which the doctors are still unable to diagnose. Though he has improved slightly over the last 4 months he is still paralysed and in need of constant care and attention.
• Future education of Thang Bwee’s son, Bowie Benjamin, who is now doing a computer course

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• Everyone is well by the grace of God
• Students are doing well with their studies. They are giving their hearts, their time and energies in studying the Word of God with complete devotion.
• Praise the Lord that missionary work is very useful to convert unbelievers
• We have a new Church at Htauk-kyant. It was started on April 5th, 2009, having no church members yet, while we focus on children mission area. The Pastor, Rev. John Piang Zam, and his family have a worship service there, and some of the local people are now interested in what our ministry is offering.
• All students are sponsored by people of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. This allows the college to provide food, accommodation, books, travel and various other tools for the students, ensuring them the best opportunity of a quality education.*

Petition:

• Richer people in the neighbourhood are very difficult to convert
• Some believers are going through difficult times and always need your fervent prayers
• Rev. John Piang Zam with his family in the new Church-plant at Htauk-kyant
• Funds:
  • for house rental. This house will be used for worship and the Bible School (GBS)
  • for teaching staff
  • for the new Church-plant in the township of Htauk-kyat (pronounced towk-chat)
  • for the young children’s ministry in South Dagon, especially for daily food, clothing, shelter, and equipment*
  • for the installation of a telephone for the Church and Bible School*
  • Students’ learning and health*

   

  View all posts ‘For Prayer’

   

  * Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in the previous month(s)

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For rest and refreshment during the December/January college break
• For the blessing of Bible College and the opportunity to learn and be equipped for future ministry
• For recent financial support, meaning that I can now afford this semester’s college fees
• For God’s providence in the short-term mission work so far*

Petition:

• Bible college has begun. Please pray that I would be able to keep up with the assessment deadlines and that the Lord would keep me encouraged as the semester progresses.
• To finish the correspondence TESOL course I’m still working through*
• Financial support required – estimated $2000/month*
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• By the grace of God two books have been published in Myanmar and are now selling in book shops in Yangon. These books are “The studies of the person and work of Christ” and “Concise Theology” (refer June ’08 prayer points)
• All students are sponsored by people of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. This allows the college to provide food, accommodation, books, travel and various other tools for the students, ensuring them the best opportunity of a quality education.

Petition:

• For the students to keep faithful in their given ministries
• For RBI to find two lecturers, and also to find students who are called by God for ministry
• For Thang Bwee to manage things properly according to God’s will and under His guidance
• There will be three weeks of ministerial training at Samee in Chin State in early March. Rev. Pyi Su, Pye Si, Pa Bawh, and Be Nwe will teach in that in-service training.
• 4 students are ill, 3 with TB and another, Kyaw Htin, is in hospital with a serious, life threatening illness which the doctors are unable to diagnose.
• Ram Uk, studying in India, and Siama who will begin studies in the United States early 2009. Pray that they would assimilate well into their new countries and study and learn with the Lord’s blessing*

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• All students are sponsored by people of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. This allows the college to provide food, accommodation, books, travel and various other tools for the students, ensuring them the best opportunity of a quality education.

Petition:

• Funds:
  • for the Church Building, firstly to purchase a plot of land
  • for the FRCM members who are in need for their daily living, food, clothing and shelter
  • for the house rent, so that James, his family, and the Bible College students may continue to use the house now occupied
  • for the young children’s ministry in South Dagon, especially for daily food, clothing, shelter, and equipment
  • for digging a good well, so that the ministers and the church members in South Dagon no longer have to buy water every day
  • for the installation of a telephone for the Church and Bible School
  • for Church planting
• Students’ learning and health*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in the previous month(s)

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• For the Lord’s comfort, patience and long-suffering with me over the last few months
• For opportunities to share with some churches and small groups about the work the Lord is doing in Myanmar
• God’s providence in the short-term mission work so far*

Petition:

• Semester 2 2008 did not see me pass too many subjects so please pray that I will do better in 2009
• To finish the correspondence TESOL course I’m still working through
• Financial support required – estimated $2000/month
• Bible college – to understand and retain what’s being learnt*
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• Work has been completed on the RBI dormitory building (read more about it and see photos here)
• Ram Uk has been accepted and is now in India furthering his theological studies
• Siama, long-time assistant and adopted son to Thang Bwee will be leaving mid-January 2009 to further his theological studies in the United States

Petition:

• Ram Uk, studying in India, and Siama who will begin studies in the United States early 2009. Pray that they would assimilate well into their new countries and study and learn with the Lord’s blessing
• Different students continue to contract Tuberculosis (TB) which, though curable, isolates them for 6 months as well as halts their learning and weakens their bodies. Names aren’t important but your prayers for healing are, currently there are 3 students with this illness.
• A 4th student is ill, though it’s not known what his illness is
• Graduate student, now staff member at RBI, Be Nwee, hopes to do further study in India. Contact has been made with the faculty of PTS in India but no reply received yet
• Famine throughout Chin State (read an article here)
• Students and staff would have the leading of the Lord in evangelism*
• Rev. Pyi Su in Chin State and his outreach to Buddhist families*
• Church planting in Yangon and Khumi area of Chin State*
• ERC’s Sunday school classes around Yangon*

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Petition:

• Continued financial support*
• Students’ learning and health*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in the previous month(s)

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• Semester 1 2008 was a very busy one with 7 assessments due totalling 15,000 words and I managed to pass all subjects
• God’s providence in the short-term mission work so far*
• Some generous and thoughtful people have again provided me with some very timely financial support*

Petition:

• Boldness in evangelism
• To have more regular personal devotions and prayer times
• All the preparations for life in Myanmar
• Bible college – to understand and retain what’s being learnt*
• Travel mercies (safety, health, etc.)*
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry*
• Financial support required – estimated $1500/month*

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• During a teaching trip to his home state, Thang Bwee found an orphanage which needed financial and spiritual assistance and has begun supporting the work there

Petition:

• Thang Bwee is translating J.I Packer’s “Concise Theology”, 50% is complete (Answered! see Feb ’09 prayer points)
• RBI needs at least two part-time lecturers in theology for the 2008/2009 academic year
• For the welfare of the country
• Need sponsors for the costs of printing 3 translated books
• RBI students – for their study and evangelism
• Students and staff would have the leading of the Lord in evangelism*
• Rev. Pyi Su in Chin State and his outreach to Buddhist families*
• Church planting in Yangon and Khumi area of Chin State*
• ERC’s Sunday school classes around Yangon*

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Petition:

• James is looking for 2 other men, similar to elders, to support and guide him in his ministry
• For the Lord to encourage and guide James
• Provision of some visiting lecturers
• Continued financial support*
• Students’ learning and health*

View all posts ‘For Prayer’

* Thanksgiving and petition items with an asterisk indicate an ongoing prayer point, that is, one that was listed in the previous month(s)

Martin
Thanksgiving:

• God’s providence in the short-term mission work so far
• Some generous and thoughtful people have provided me with some very timely financial support

Petition:

• Bible college – to understand and retain what’s being learnt
• Travel mercies (safety, health, etc.)
• For God to prepare the way in Myanmar for ministry
• Financial support required – estimated $1500/month

ERC (Evangelical Reformed Church / Thang Bwee’s church)
Thanksgiving:

• People are being led to Christ through the outreach and evangelism throughout Yangon
• Finances have been provided for the purchase of another a taxi which will help the church and bible college support itself better
• Translation work and publication of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) has been completed

Petition:

• That the Lord would encourage the church leaders, especially Thang Bwee
• The education of Thang Bwee’s children
• Students and staff would have the leading of the Lord in evangelism
• Rev. Pyi Su in Chin State and his outreach to Buddhist families
• Church planting in Yangon and Khumi area of Chin State
• ERC’s Sunday school classes around Yangon
• Work on the mission field at Samee and at the training centre also in Samee

FRCM (Free Reformed Church of Myanmar / James’ church)
Thanksgiving:

• US$4000 has been provided through support from the Broadford Presbyterian church members for land so they can now build their own bamboo house for living and college
• A computer has been provided for the translation work through support from the Broadford Presbyterian church members

Petition:

• Continued financial support
• Students’ learning and health
• Future projects:
  • FRCM church building construction, and a plot of land in Yangon
  • telephone for Bible school and church
  • FRCM church building in Chin State

View all posts ‘For Prayer’