A Call to“BLESS MYANMAR”

A WIN Global Demonstration of "One Family with One Vision"
By Pastor Butch & Manju Yu
Regional Director for WIN-ASIA & OCEANIA

 It was December 26, 2004 when the deadly Tsunami hit the coasts nearing the Indian Ocean which caused the life of thousands of people in more than 11 countries. We thought to ourselves, “this kind of devastation must only happen once in a lifetime”. However, in less than four years, another catastrophic event happened before our very eyes. An unimaginable calamity took place on May 2, 2008 when Cyclone Nargis and a 12-foot-high storm surge that followed flooded coastal Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), leaving up to 100,000 people dead and about 1 million people destitute - without shelter, food and clean water.

Myanmar is beautifully exotic but chaotic. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and yet one of the richest in natural resources, as 95% of jade (precious stone) is found in Myanmar. Its situation had been made steadily worse over the past forty years by political corruption and ineptitude. Myanmar's struggle for democracy continues to this day. It is indeed hard to imagine that such kind of oppression exists in the 21st century. It would not be a surprise though that a lot of people pray for this country. It was in our utmost desire not only to pray but also to bless this nation in our own little way. Because it is our moral responsibility.

Back in August of 2003 to this date, WIN-SQ and WIN-LA have been partners in supporting the Word Bible Seminary (WBS) under the leadership of Pastor Philip Thang, and the WIN-Kids Home (Orphanage) where in we support 26 children of different age group. It was through Pastor Martin & his wife Kim, a couple from Myanmar, who used to attend our WIN-LA church that WIN came to know this ministry.

With the recent cyclone, our WIN-Myanmar brethren were greatly affected. The WBS and the WINK Home were damaged. Food, clothing and shelter were badly needed. In response to this great need, the WIN-Asia Office launched the campaign: “Bless Myanmar”- a consolidated global prayer and support to help rebuild WIN-Myanmar.

In a matter of days, the result was an overwhelming donation from WIN churches all over the world and also from the brethren of Church of Singapore-Balestier (COSB). Indeed, this is a demonstration that we are truly One Family with One Vision. Just like in the days of the early believers in the New Testament, they all came together, gave sacrificially and helped alleviate the suffering condition of the brethren in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16). This is Christianity in action.

In our desire to see the conditions of our brethren in Myanmar, we have attempted to pay them a visit during the last week of May 2008, but unfortunately, our visas were denied. However, In God’s perfect time, Pastor Edwin Hernandez, one of our pastors in WIN-SQ, and I were finally granted business visas to Myanmar last July 5-7, 2008.

Through the generous donations WIN-Myanmar has received, we have seen that they were able to rebuild the damaged roof of WBS, Chapel and Dormitories. The damages on the WINK Home were also repaired and an extension quarter is also being built to give the boys a separate quarter. Pastor Philip also reported that they bought several sacks of rice and distributed them to their members and neighbors. As a result, their new outreach work was encouraged and strengthened.

WIN-Myanmar, through Pastor Philip Thang, continues to dream big for God. He shared that one of his dreams is to build and improve the WBS and bring it to another location. He showed us the lot that his brother donated. His prayer is to build a new facility for WBS – a new two-story school, dormitories and a chapel. His passion is to train young men and women in Myanmar who will in turn become missionaries and pastors that will reach their own people with the gospel. For the last five years, WBS was able to produce at least 10 graduates who are now serving in various areas of the country. WIN-Myanmar is committed to the Great Commission and we are all part of this great endeavor for God. We believe that one day, we will witness the birth of a redeemed Myanmar, a nation not only open for economic progress but also for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Finally, we believe that God is Sovereign even in the most difficult times. That He is God over all the nations. We also believe that God cares for the people of Myanmar and He is preparing this nation for his purpose.

As for WIN-SQ, we will continue to partner with God in His kingdom-work not just to connect people to God through the gospel, but also to help the needy, to cloth the naked and to feed the hungry. For this is part and parcel of the mandate that God has called us to do as a church.

Together, let us be a blessing to other nations!