A COVID Testimony from Pastor David

If you’re wondering more about the state of COVID-19 in Myanmar, then we are happy to share some insight from our associate there, Pastor David. We asked David a few questions to get more information on the state of their nation and ways we can help.

1. How many days did your family battle COVID-19?

We battled for 14 days and nights with COVID.

2. Tell us about your local doctor during your illness.

There is no clinic or hospital in our hometown for COVID patients. No doctor comes to your home to treat a positive patient. By the grace of God, I got in contact with a young Christian doctor who is serving at the COVID volunteer center where my eldest son and a young person from our church are serving. We talked to each other through my son two days before we were infected (he had already known our football team, the reading room and our activities among the community through social media as he was actually inspired by it). This was a divine appointment from our Father as he and his medical team were ready to treat us when we were infected on August 23, 2021. The medical team came daily to our home to treat us, a miracle in itself.

The doctor advised infusions of Remdesivir for me, my mother and my aunt because we have diabetes, but the Lord had already provided the Remdesivir through Firefall! Hallelujah! Actually, we would have had to wait several days if we had to order these medications. The Lord worked on time for us.

3. What was your greatest fear and how did the Lord meet it?

More than 300 pastors and missionaries passed away during the third wave of COVID in our nation. Many of them were my classmates at the Bible school, my spiritual leaders and colleagues in ministry. Some went to their eternal home while I was infected. That made me consider every minute might be my last minute. The third and fourth days were the most difficult time for me as I suffered from high fever, heavy breathing, coughing and vomiting. My mother was also unconscious during this time. I did not want to die when I thought about my family, my flock and the lost souls in our nation. That was my greatest fear!

Though I feared much when thinking about it, the peace and joy that I received from Jesus was much stronger than my fear, as I considered the passage from Phil. 1:21 and John 21:19 (I shared this message to the flock through Zoom last Sunday). On the fifth day, I was better and my mother felt better, too, through an oxygen supply. I received confirmation from our Lord that He would like to extend my life on the sixth day. All of my family has now recovered.

4. What did you learn about God and about yourself during COVID and after?

The Lord gave me the word “remnant” on the seventh day (I Kings 19:18; Isaiah 1:9; Rom. 11:5). The Lord has given me the privilege to be a remnant for His kingdom and righteousness in our nation. The Lord reminded me also that death is nearer than tomorrow. I desire to serve more for His glory in our country for lost souls. I do understand and learn that our God is sovereign over life and death. I have to be humble in my everyday life by serving and obeying Him alone.

5. How has your life been changed by this experience? What adjustments will you make?

This experience has inspired me to pray for my nation and my people at least three hours each day with tears now. I am very excited to share about Jesus to my neighbors, my unbeliever friends and many lost people in our town after COVID! Now, I am telling the gospel to our footballers, readers at our reading room and community leaders through phone, viber and messenger. Sometimes fear and shyness hindered me before, even though the Lord opened the doors. I will not hesitate to share the good news in the coming days.

If I want to continue to serve Him and share the good news to my people, I have to be healthy and need a long life so that I can see more souls saved. To implement this, I have to take care of my health more in the coming days.

6. What else do you want to share with Firefall partners?

First of all, I would like to give thanks to God for all the mercy He has shown to us. Then, I would like to say a word of thanks to Firefall partners for praying for us while we all were ill and fighting with COVID. It means a lot to us.

Hear from Pastor David’s family

Thanks for your financial support for our family as we could prepare for the pandemic by buying medicines (especially the Remdisivir from India as Mum Nancy suggested), oxygen concentrators and cylinders (our doctor told us that these saved us from a medical viewpoint).

May God bless you all! The Lord chose you to use you for our people during these very difficult times in Myanmar! Please continue to pray for us and our nation.

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In Closing

There is nothing I can add to Pastor David’s eloquent and challenging words. Jim and I praise God for extending David’s days and ministry on this earth.

In light of this great mercy of God, what is our response? For me, it is threefold:

• Praise and thanksgiving to the One who alone can heal and save and restore.

• I am challenged to ask Jesus what is hindering me from sharing the gospel of Jesus with more urgency.

• Needs for food and medicines are critical in Myanmar. In Vietnam, there is a great need for food. I am quickened to give personally to supply our faithful associates with funds for food to demonstrate the love of Jesus as they go to serve the lost and those who are in need within the body of Christ.

Your prayers and generous giving are being used by the Lord to advance His kingdom. Please use the button below to support these needs, as the Holy Spirit leads.

With our thanks and love,

Nancy & Jim

'Please Tell Jesus: Thank You So Much!'

Today’s cuppa is a perfect one for the “dog days” of August. It’s a frosty glass of strong iced tea enhanced by fresh mint sprigs from the pot on my front porch. So refreshing!

Proverbs 25:25 says: “Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Though the situations remain dire in both Myanmar (military coup and COVID lockdown) and Vietnam (COVID lockdown), your prayers and giving are reaping good news through our associates.

Last week, we invited thirty writers, poets, journalists and other frequent visitors to come to the Glory Reading Room. Pastor David gave a short greeting of welcome and the announcement that, because of God’s goodness, followers of Jesus had supplied food bundles for each of their families.

As they came forward individually to receive their provision, many had tears of gratitude. Some shared they had spent all their savings on the first and second waves of COVID and had nothing left to feed their families.

They blessed us in return by bowing in the traditional manner. Some even said, “Please tell Jesus, thank you very much.” Let’s continue to pray that as the food is consumed this week and the next, they will have a hunger to know this Jesus who has blessed them.

Pastor David’s son Shem and his friend Wiliam felt called by God to move into the local quarantine center and serve those with COVID.

They are wearing PPE, filling and delivering oxygen cylinders and assisting with food distribution. These young men are our heroes. Several Buddhist monks are currently housed at the quarantine center. They requested books be brought to them from the Glory Reading Room since they are bored. Pastor David has sent some books (gifts, no need to return) along with 25 copies of the Evangelistic Bible in Burmese, complete with his contact information in case they have any questions or want to discuss what they are reading.

Please pray for hungry hearts and good conversation as God’s Word is consumed.

Thanks to your generosity, here are other outreaches:

• Each House of Glory family received much-needed food staples, plus vitamins and supplements to support their health

• Food parcels were given to the local community workers who care for the neighborhood

• Two special hot meals (with protein) were cooked and served to the 90 patients in the quarantine center. They had no chicken or fish for weeks.

• Minh in Vietnam has purchased rice, oil and basic items to administer in Vietnam during their COVID crisis. The government is unable to assist and welcomes the giving through Christians.

My heart rejoices in this good news from two far countries! Your giving is manifesting the love of Jesus to many and we thank God for each one of you. We are humbled by your generosity.

Much love in Jesus Christ our Lord,

Nancy

Update from Myanmar: Zoom Services & Current COVID Situation

I preached in Myanmar!

Because of the military coup (and COVID, too!), no one is allowed to enter Myanmar. It’s been tough to learn about the suffering of those we love yet unable to be with them. Nancy and I long to give them hugs of love and words of encouragement.

Zoom around the world

At least we got to speak with our beloved friends by Zoom. It meant so much to see the faces of so many whom we’ve grown to love so dearly. Last month, Pastor David invited us to join their Sunday morning service (11:30 p.m. Saturday night our time). Nancy shared words of blessing from the Scripture and prayed for the nation. I preached the Sunday sermon then Pastor David led us in receiving communion (each home had prepared the elements).

Still longing for the day

We long for the day when we’ll be together in person. Still, we thank the Lord that through Zoom, we could celebrate His presence and worship Him with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.

-Jim

From Pastor David: The Current Situation in Myanmar

Thanks for your love, concern and encouragement during the pandemic and political crisis we are facing. We are praying at least three hours each day for our people and our nation with tears. We are not fasting this time, as the doctor suggests the immune system is very important to support.

By the grace and protection of God, no one from House of Glory (HoG) families and our network are infected with COVID-19. Though some are feeling sick (seasonal flu), they recover day by day. However, the third wave of the pandemic is still very bad in our nation. An average of 20 people die daily in our hometown. More than 210 pastors and missionaries died during this third wave. As for me, I lost some of my classmates, spiritual mentors, professors at the Bible school and ministry fellowship partners.

Many people are still struggling for their daily food since they lost their incomes because of lockdown restrictions. Many people fear they will die because of starvation rather than the pandemic. We are praying for them with tears.

Because of the political conflict, many are still being shot to death and some are put in jail. We are confronting pandemic, famine and political turmoil.

Nevertheless, we give our hearts more to Jesus as everything is under His control. The spiritual life of HoG families is growing in the midst of these challenges!

-David

How you can help

Connecting with House of Glory by Zoom and sharing the communion service with them was a high water mark for Jim and me this summer. How beautiful is the Body of Christ! Your prayers for them in this hour are being heard and answered.

We rejoice that doors are still open to send funds to feed hungry people in both Myanmar and Vietnam. If you care to give, we will gladly share 100% of your gift to feed those in need in this critical hour.

-Nancy

Thank you for praying, caring and giving.

We love and appreciate you,

Jim, Nancy and Grace

Living to Give in Myanmar & Vietnam

John 3:16 is perhaps the most often quoted verse in our land. We see it on billboards, at sporting events and have memorized it as children. These treasured words remind us that God is love and that it is His nature to give. He gives each of us life, with our unique personalities, looks and gifts. He gives us families, friendships and purpose to demonstrate the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He gave the life of His one and only Son so we could all be restored to an unbroken relationship with our Father. 

As we ponder the vastness of God’s love and His gift of salvation, what is a proper response? As partakers in His divine nature through salvation, it’s only fitting that we learn the ways of our Father, the ways of love and generosity. 

Both Pastor David in Myanmar and Minh in Vietnam demonstrate “living to give” as a lifestyle. In times of great joy or great pressure in their nations, we are encouraged to see them ever on the lookout to meet the needs of those around them, to be the hands and feet of Jesus,

Times are tough in both Myanmar and Vietnam at present. COVID is raging in both nations, disrupting daily life and work. Neither nation has the promise of adequate vaccines or healthcare. In Myanmar there is the additional stress of the military takeover since February 1. Despite these dire circumstances, these two men are looking for ways to build a bridge of love to demonstrate the love of God. The great news is that hearts are being opened to God’s love and people are receiving the gift of salvation!

As you watch these two short greetings from Pastor David and Minh, you can see the toll and suffering of the current situations on their faces. Please continue to pray for them, their families and churches.

Pastor David shares:

Food distribution in Vietnam

Minh and his team at House of Hope prepare food each day and drive it 40 minutes to drop off at the Heart Hospital, where children await heart surgery. Only one parent is allowed to accompany their child during COVID. The surgery is free, but there is no provision for food. Most of the people there are from the tribal areas and are very poor. They are beyond grateful for this act of compassion and love. You are part of this outreach through your giving to the work of Firefall. 

I don’t know about you, but as I ponder these modern-day heroes of our faith, I am humbled and challenged once more to be on the lookout for ways to be a giver...of encouragement, kindness and forgiveness, as well as my material treasure. 

Thank you, Firefall partners, for caring, for praying and for “living to give.” This life is a marathon, not a sprint. May we be faithful til the end, by God’s grace. May there be a great harvest of souls as Jesus continues to be lifted up in ways great and small.

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.” -Matthew 25:35

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” -Matthew 25:40

“Whoever is kind to the poor is lending to the Lord — the benefit of this gift will return to him in abundance.” -Proverbs 19:17

Myanmar Coup: A Three-Month Perspective

Jim and I were fortunate to have a Zoom call with Pastor David and Diimte (our associates in Myanmar) early last week. We rejoice that David continues to have internet connection, a rarity in his nation. It lifts our hearts to see their faces and realize they are finding strength and encouragement in God’s Word and His Presence.

David shared, “We realize the outside nations (USA, UK, other Asian nations) are not coming to help us. We must stand together as citizens of Myanmar for democracy in our own land.”

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” -Psalm 121:1-2

Finding hope

Last Sunday, while traveling across town to visit cell church gatherings, Pastor David was stopped four times by military forces and questioned. When they looked in his bag and saw his Bible, he was allowed to proceed. The Lord is speaking to David from Lamentations and Micah. 

As a church, they are finding “hope for troubled times” in the Word of God. I am grateful the Bible does not “sugar coat” heartache, fear and loss. Jesus is our Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief. Jesus is our Lord who is “God with us,” no matter our circumstances.

House of Glory members gather in small groups for communion, prayer and encouragement

David, his wife, three sons and daughter are spending lots of time together during these difficult days of the military coup and COVID lockdown there. This is advancing their family bond, to quote him. It’s wonderful to see them finding ways to flourish in uncertain times.

How you can help

Many of you have asked what you can do to help. Two things come to mind:

1. Pray! Your prayers are joining millions of others. They will be answered. Use our Myanmar Prayer Guide to help.

2. Give, so we can continue to supply basic food items (rice, peanut oil, beans and potatoes) to families who are running low on food and funds. We thank God we can still send funds through NE India and two courageous sisters in Christ. David and the House of Glory team will distribute through their network in the nation. Use the button below to give to this need and write “Myanmar support” in the notes section.

We join Pastor David in thanking you for praying and for giving so House of Glory can demonstrate the love of Jesus in concrete ways. Thank you for caring and for praying.

We love you,

Nancy and Jim

Myanmar Prayer Guide

In our busy world full of schedules, notifications and quick bites of information, it’s too easy to forget things. I don’t know about you, but I find myself continuously setting digital notifications and adding to my to-do lists to help me remember daily tasks.

And I find myself wanting to incorporate prayer into my daily to-dos, but sometimes I forget that, too. That’s why we had the idea of doing a Week of Prayer for Myanmar a few weeks ago, with daily reminders on our social media channels (Instagram and Facebook). We were able to interview some Firefall supporters with connections to Myanmar to learn more about what they’re praying for Myanmar and why.

We hope you also find connection, prayer inspiration and hope in these words offered up for a nation in crisis.

Maybe you want to work through some prayers while you’re exercising or doing your morning devotional. Maybe you want to make your own week of prayer for Myanmar and work through each card below. Be flexible as the Lord leads you.

Prayers for Myanmar

This supporter’s connection to Myanmar:
“My history with Myanmar began through prayer updates through Nancy and Jim about the country, then meeting Pastor David from Myanmar at the Firefall 25th anniversary celebration in Arkansas. Since then, I had the opportunity to travel with Firefall to Myanmar, witness the House of Glory ministry and personally grow from it, as well as coach with Pastor David and his wife.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“I am praying for protection and strength for the people of Myanmar as a whole, as well as Pastor David and his flock. Prayers are also offered that God will use this crisis and chaos to open hearts and doors for Him as Pastor David and their church reach out to many.”

---

Prayer for Freedom & Safety

Connection to Myanmar:
“I've been to Myanmar six times. I met Nancy through a friend and we started an adventure in this beautiful place. I helped with the Firefall soccer tournaments. Spending the time with the guys, sharing our testimonies and training the kids. I also brought with me several guys from Spain to serve, and each trip changed each of our lives. Myanmar is my second home, and Pastor David and his church are my second family.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“We are praying for freedom in this country. God has a plan in Myanmar, and it will happen. We pray for safety for our brothers and sisters.”

---

Prayer for New Christians

Connection to Myanmar:
“I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Myanmar in 2011 with Nancy and several others from Arkansas who had a heart for the country and its people. Especially the children.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“I know how hard Firefall, Pastor David and others have worked to bring Jesus to as many people as possible in Myanmar. Those who have been saved live in danger, especially since the military has reestablished control. I pray that these new Christians will be comforted and that they will be brave and courageous as they face their daily lives. I pray especially for Pastor David if he’s in the line of danger. I pray that there will be enough food for nourishment and medical supplies for those in need. I pray that all will be fed and encouraged by the Word and that even more will be saved by its promises.”

---

Prayer for Churches

Connection to Myanmar:
“I remember being up one night in 2006 praying for the nations when God highlighted Myanmar to me on a map. I began to pray for this loved country nearly every night during that season. The Lord led me to places of intercession for souls, praying that He would open up a wide door for His Word to go forth. In the last two years, I was able to meet Pastor David and the fire for Myanmar was rekindled.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“Now I am praying the same, that those believers who are arrested would be able to reach the hardest hearts in prison. I am asking for hearts to receive Jesus as the one true God and that their hearts would be set ablaze for him.

I pray that the churches would be like a greenhouse flourishing and bearing fruit in the most unlikely conditions. Joy unspeakable and full of glory! Peace unshakable.”

Ps. 16:8-11

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Prayer for Rescue

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Prayer for Myanmar:

“Lord, rescue the people of Myanmar from the hand of tyranny - that they may go forth in freedom both physically and spiritually.”

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Thank you

Thank you for your prayers and for standing with these believers and this nation during this difficult time.

Celebrating Salvation

Today’s cuppa is a soothing, calming peppermint herbal tea. On this chilly, rainy morning, I am sipping slowly, pondering salvation.

My dear friend and Firefall board member Clarice Kling once shared this about her father-in-law, “he never ‘got over’ his salvation. He loved to share about it and he always cried.” What a remembrance and testimony.

I am pondering salvation for two reasons during these days. Jim and I received a report from Pastor David in Myanmar that eight people recently decided to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. Last week, he spent three evenings with those who recently read the evangelistic Bibles and wanted to know more. David taught them from creation to salvation. Six of the group chose to be baptized last Sunday.

These new followers of Jesus will face ridicule, persecution, rejection and possible physical harm from their Buddhist families. Please pray for their strength and growth as disciples. Please pray for Pastor David and House of Glory as they give an answer to the hope that is within them in a nation where so few have heard the name of Jesus.

There’s another reason I am fixated on salvation this week. My five-year-old granddaughter pulled me aside in her bedroom and confided, “Mimi, I have asked Jesus into my heart. Now I am a Christian!” Her desire to share this great news with me brought a combo of celebration and tears that I will not soon forget. Her parents led her in this milestone moment of prayer.

As my granddaughter professed her new identity, my perception of her shifted, as well. She will always be my grandchild, but now she is also my sister in Christ, part of my “forever family” on a journey that will not end at death. As I pray for new believers in Myanmar, I pray for her, too, to grow strong in God’s Word, in worship and loving fellowship.

Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He also has become my salvation.

Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. -Isaiah 12:2-3

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said,

‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.’ -Matthew 18:2-3

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. -John 17:3

May we all ponder our salvation and be strengthened in our identity as beloved children of our loving Father and partakers of eternal life because of Jesus Christ’s death on our behalf. May we, too, never ‘get over’ our salvation!

With a grateful heart,

Nancy

What a Year! 2020 in Review

For Firefall International, 2020 was some kind of year.

Challenges

The largest single project our Firefall friends and national partners took on was the construction of the Glory Community Center in Myanmar. Because of the pandemic, materials were hard to get, prices increased, and the number of workers on site was limited.

Opportunities

On the other hand the pandemic created more opportunities to reach suffering people than ever before with food, water and compassionate expressions of the love of Jesus. We could never have dreamed how God would open communities and hearts like He did.

Hear a Christmas greeting and update on 2020 projects from Jim & Nancy.

Together, by the grace of the Lord:

• We assisted Pastor David to complete the Glory Community Center in Myanmar. Even before its completion, it was impacting the community, reaching out with aid to suffering people, distributing water in a drought and launching a monthly feeding program that touched thousands

  • The community leaders used it as a polling location for 1200 people

  • It will become the new library/reading room for the community (over 1000 members)

  • The Glory Reading Room provides education to children whose families are too poor to send them to government schools.

  • The Glory Football (soccer) Club suspended operations but will resume with new offices in the Center

• We dug a new well in an area in Rakhine State, one of the most dangerous in the nation. The well will help build relationships for a church planter there

• Pastor David has formed a network of 15 church planters with a vision for multiplication

• More church planters in Myanmar are supported by friends of Firefall

• We supported Bible purchase and distribution for Christmas outreaches in 4 locations (Thanks for answering our call for support last week. The need was met within a day!)

In Vietnam, we:

• Provided flood relief in the form of food and water purification devices for thousands

• Repaired storm damage to the Hope Center ministry to children who, if not for the center, would wander the streets while parents work.

• Helped poor children have a brighter future through English lessons

• Mentored a couple in ministry (Minh & Blessing) who are replicating seminars for couples in ministry to help them to be healthy and effective in family and ministry.

Israel

We kicked off the year by leading a Tour of Israel. We made some new Firefall friends, enjoyed the amazing experience with long-time partners, and everyone enjoyed fellowship with David and Minh. The Lord was in the timing so that we returned to the US before lockdown began. (Learn more about our 2022 Israel and Jordan trip and watch our trip video.)

For many, 2020 was a trying and even tragic year. In the midst of trial and loss, the Lord made a way to make disciples of all nations and bring glory to the Father.

Thank you for allowing Firefall International to be part of your lives through prayer and your generous investment!

Thoughts from Bethlehem for This December

On this frosty morning, I am veering from the usual tea option and celebrating the first week of Advent with Trader Joe’s delicious spiced apple cider.

While sipping this delicious mixture garnished with a cinnamon stick, my mind returns to a special time in Bethlehem:

In January of this year, Jim and I had the honor of leading a group of pilgrims to visit Israel. One chilly morning our guide Mickey led us to Bethlehem. After a short walk, we followed him down some steps and into a grotto, or cave. Being claustrophobic on occasion, I was unsure about entering this space. To my surprise, I found it to be broad and comfortable, warm and cozy. The entrance could be closed off at night as the shepherds would lay brush there to secure the sheep inside who were birthing their lambs. There was space to make a fire and plenty of room for our group to sit and sing "Away in a Manger" as we took time to reflect and worship.

Photo by Pawan Sharma via Unsplash

I learned that the shepherds mentioned in Luke 2:1-20 were Levitical shepherds, appointed to tend and protect the flocks destined for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem, just 5 miles away. As we sang our simple carol in this humble and safe place, the vastness of God's plan of redemption expanded my heart. I tasted afresh the wonder of Perfect Love breaking into earth from heaven to address the sin, fear and estrangement of mankind. In Bethlehem, the Lamb of God was announced to those responsible for temporary atonement. The message of the angel signaled the upcoming end of animal sacrifice since Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Savior, had come.

This birth announcement of all birth announcements came with an angelic visitation, the shining Glory of God and a heavenly host praising God and His provision of the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God. Verse 10 of Luke 2 tells us more about the birth announcement:

• Do not fear - God is giving us good news!

• This news is the most joyous ever!

• This news is for ALL people!

I began 2020 pondering the beauty of this birth announcement and I am choosing to return to it at the close of 2020, clinging to what is true and eternal and finding my purpose within this marvelous proclamation. May we return to our lives as the shepherds did, glorifying and praising God for His love and His perfect provision in Jesus Christ. There is a world waiting to hear this good and joyous news.

Firefall International Israel/Jordan Tour 2022

In case you have an interest, Firefall International will be returning to Israel in late January of 2022. For this tour, we will spend the last three days in Jordan, touring Petra and Mt. Nebo.

For more information, check out our Special Events page. We would love for you to join us!

Musings on Marriage

Today’s cuppa is a fragrant and delicious Earl Grey from Dilmah on this sunny, early fall day. 

This morning, I am thanking God for my husband, Jim, our marriage and our family. The move from Hot Springs to Raleigh almost eleven months ago has brought into focus the treasure of our adult daughters and their families. While I deeply miss friendships and aspects of my decades of life in Arkansas, the strength and shelter of a loving marriage has surely fortified my heart in this year. 

Jim and I are perhaps the most polar opposite of people. He has files, I have “piles.” He is an internal processor. I have been accused of being “an opinion waiting to land.” We have had our rough patches over this journey of 41 years, learning to communicate, forgive and to complete rather than compete. We are not yet perfect in our union, but thank God we are moving towards each other rather than apart, by God’s grace. We are finding joy in the small things like walking the dogs together and a challenging game of spades. 

About 15 years ago, we met and fell in love with Minh and his wife, Blessing, while serving in Vietnam. We saw in them a purity of purpose in serving Jesus and a deep love for one another. As we got to know them over the years, we shared openly about our ministry and marriage, including both victories and failures. We enjoyed working together to offer conferences and training in their nation. We also spent time over meals and coffee, building friendship and trust, listening to their dreams and rough patches in their relationship. This brings to mind the verse “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” I Thessalonians 2:8

Minh, Blessing and their children

We learned from Minh and Blessing that values of balance in family life and ministry are rare in their nation. Many wives feel alone and children suffer as their fathers place church duties ahead of them. Minh and Blessing committed to do the hard work of listening, talking and working through issues together. Now, they are leading marriage seminars in their nation, embodying the testimony of a flourishing marriage and bringing challenge to church leaders. Their tears and transparency are opening hearts to the Holy Spirit, resulting in conviction, repentance and healing between husbands and wives and children. 

What a privilege that somehow, some way, keys about marriage were “caught” more than taught in our chats with Minh and Blessing and that lives are being impacted through this delightful couple. 

Growth plan for today:

1. Lord, how could I strengthen my mate and my marriage today?

2. Lord, how could I strengthen another marriage today by my prayers or action?