myanmar trip

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Firefall Challenge Cup #8 & More in November

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Firefall Football Challenge Cup #8 Resumes!

Jim and I have the joy of announcing Firefall Football Challenge #8 will take place in early November in Myanmar. This is extra special for Jim, as it is the very first football (soccer) tournament he has been able to attend. I am thrilled for him to experience the excitement and enthusiasm firsthand. 

The number of teams (12) will be the same as usual, but their makeup will be a bit different. Due to restrictions on travel from many areas, the teams will come from a closer proximity and participants will be invited by their believing friends. The teams will be 50% Christian and 50% yet to receive the good news. 

Our goal is to offer days of competitive play and friendship-building. Over the past four years, young people have faced many COVID outbreaks plus the closing of their schools and colleges due to the turmoil in the nation. Many battle depression and discouragement. 

Playing and cheering on your team provides a wonderful break from the bleakness of everyday life plus an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with hearts the Holy Spirit is preparing through prayer and the gift of God’s Word. 

WOULD YOU JOIN US IN PRAYER AND SPONSORSHIP?

Help us meet our goal!

144 will participate in this tournament. Each sponsorship of $65 covers all expenses for a player. Please prayerfully consider funding 1,2,5 or even 10 football players. Any amount helps and 100% of your gift goes to support this special event. 

Thanks for being a part of our team to bring hope to the nations. 

-Nancy

Times of Refreshing for Weary Church Planters 

Every time I visit Myanmar I’m humbled by the heroic faith of our ministry associates. How can they face so many challenges and remain faithful, preaching the gospel boldly? I think of the Apostle Paul’s testimony about the hardships he endured and the burdens he carried.

I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 2 Cor. 11:27-29

Together, we can offer these 12 faithful church planters a time of needed encouragement. They are scattered all over the nation and look to Pastor David for friendship, accountability and mentoring in growing God’s family. David taught a few of them in Bible School years ago. In November, they will risk gathering together for what we believe will be a time of three days of refreshing in the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). Let’s join together in prayer asking the Lord to pour out His Spirit to renew their faith and strengthen them to “endure hardship, doing the work of an evangelist.” (2 Tim. 4:5)

Your financial gift of $200 will cover one church planter’s travel, food and lodging for the days of worship, time in the Word, prayer and mutual encouragement.

These are the laborers in the harvest field. What a privilege it is to share in their time of rest and renewal. If you care to share a verse of scripture, we are happy to see that it is translated and given to them. 

-Jim

My Whirlwind Week in Myanmar

The current cuppa of choice is a strong and malty Golden Yunnan tea with a touch of sugar and a splash of half and half.

As I rest on my comfy couch on this quiet Sunday evening, I can hardly believe the miles I have traveled since a week ago Friday. That ‘s when I made a quick trip to carry some of the provision you gave to fund the construction of the creative outreach center in Pastor David’s city. I did not share openly about this trip in an effort to be wise. Thanks be to God for His provision and protection for His purposes. 

I joined Pastor David and his wife in a city high in the mountains of Shan State, Myanmar. The Glory team was there playing in a national tournament. They lost in the penalty kick portion but represented themselves well. Delivering your generous gifts to David and his wife in my hotel room that night was a holy moment of prayer and partnership. Many of you had the joy of meeting David this summer as he shared his vision for the outreach center. With provision gathered, a construction document can now be issued and construction will begin in October! 

A highlight for me was the invitation to share with church members on Wednesday evening. Approximately 60 people packed the “upper room” of a home, sitting on the floor to worship, fellowship and hear the Word of God. Most touching for me was the glimpse of David’s mother lost in worship, just weeks after the passing of her beloved husband. He died a few hours before David returned from his summer visit to America. David’s mother taught David (and many others) to pray by her righteous example. She is the mother of House of Glory.

At the home gathering, I was struck by the ability of even the youngest children to sit and sing and listen to the teaching. As I shared (with David translating), my goal was to exhort the church to remember their identity as a people of prayer and God’s Presence, especially during the upcoming months of construction of their physical location. They are the church, not the long-awaited building. May this truth continue to be their legacy. Lastly, we were offered rice soup with chicken, quite delicious. The youth group served and cleaned up afterward.

My last two days were spent visiting the Reading Room and catching up with the lovely family who leads this ministry. I saw firsthand the dozens of sturdy, colorful and engaging children’s books recently purchased through your donations. Children in Myanmar are just like children here — they want to enjoy colorful and engaging books! Now we can offer them many more. Thank you. 

Supper on Thursday night was very memorable. I had the joy of hosting the leaders chosen by the ladies of the congregation. We enjoyed sharing a family-style meal and a free flow of ideas about ways to help women and children in the area. This group of ladies pray together each week and their love for one another as well as their community is evident. How beautiful is the body of Christ!

Walking with Jesus is certainly never dull. A few weeks ago I had no idea I would be making such a trip this fall. I am grateful for your generosity and for the calling by Jesus to partner with His vision in extending the family of God. I am also thankful to be back home, safe and sound. 

Thanks for having a cuppa with me,

Nancy