Myanmar Trip Report from Pastor Dave

Purpose

Thank you for praying for my recent trip to Myanmar. Pastor Miller had originally planned to go, but when he was unable, I was happy to go in his place. My primary purpose was to preach in the first missions conference held by Grace Baptist Church (GBC) and to teach a week-long seminar on missions at the Grace Baptist Theological College & Seminary (GBTCS).

Missions Conference

Several years ago, GBC sent their first missionary to a northern town on the Myanmar-China border. Today the church supports seven national missionary families serving throughout Myanmar. This was the first time that they were able to host all the missionaries for a conference in Yangon. ODBM gave funds to cover their travel expenses. Some had to travel by bus for nearly 20 hours. Each missionary gave a report of their church planting efforts and enjoyed the fellowship with each other and the church family. I enjoyed being with them and preaching on missions.

Discouragement

The GBC members were engaged in the conference, but with heavy hearts. One of the deacons passed away on the first day. He was the brother of former MBC/ODBM missionary En Khan Kham, who passed away in 2021 from Covid and cancer. At the same time, reports of increased military oppression and war in the north further dampened our spirits. Everyone knew of churches or relatives impacted by the fighting in these areas. Two missionaries were directly impacted being cut off from their homes and churches. It took several days to return home, taking the bush roads and avoiding the main highway. Despite the heartaches and concerns, the conference went forward with a greater sense of the need to advance the Gospel. 

College Seminar

During the week, I taught 3-5 hours/day at GBTCS. Enrollment dropped during Covid and the coup, but they are slowly growing again and have over 50 students. Their new campus is almost finished. While the work has been steady, it’s been slow due to the impact of the coup. Morningside has had a long partnership with GBTCS by helping with various projects and sending a container of theology and ministry books for their library. This was my 5th time to teach at GBTCS and I always enjoy interacting with students. I taught on the biblical philosophy of missions and the importance of being “in the world but not of it.” The students responded well and shared testimonies of God working in their lives to prepare them for Gospel service.

MBC Missionaries

My visit was a great opportunity to reconnect with Morningside missionaries.  Dr. En Khan Kham was supported by Morningside and served under ODBM before passing away. He was critical to the launch and growth of national missions efforts throughout Myanmar. The missionaries shared with me that he had a huge influence in their lives, and that he faithfully trained, visited, and encouraged them. It was a blessing to meet with his widow and adult children to see that they are all well during these difficult times.

It was also a blessing to be hosted by Dr. Hung Kim, the president of GBTCS. Hung & Priscilla attended Morningside while studying at BJU and continue to be supported by MBC. It was a blessing to fellowship and serve with them at GBC and GBTCS. I’ve enjoyed partnering with Hung in strategizing national missionary efforts to the Unreached People Groups in Myanmar.

Our Future Ministry

The trip was a key part of our gradual transition to serving as missionaries in Asia. I plan to return to Myanmar in May for more missions teaching and training. We look forward to living in Asia so that we may serve full-time to help develop national missions efforts in Myanmar and other countries. Please continue to pray with us for a new ODBM Director and for God’s provision of our support.

Thank You

If you look up Myanmar on the US travel website, it has a Level 4 rating which is the highest warning, meaning “Do not travel.” It reminds me to pray and thank the Lord for our MBC/ODBM missionaries and national believers who are enduring affliction for the Gospel. I’m thankful for Morningside’s commitment to send and partner with those going to the hard places to proclaim the Good News and make disciples of Christ.  It was my pleasure to represent Morningside to share your love in Christ with them and let them know that they’re not forgotten. They asked me to express their thanks to you for your love and support.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

- Pastor Dave