From soccer tournaments to earthquake relief to community inspiration, we have so many summer updates to share with you. Thanks for following along and supporting with your prayers and generous gifts.
Earthquake relief update
In our most recent relief distribution, Pastor David chose to distribute plastic tables, chairs, storage boxes and buckets (items essential for these 600-700 people whose homes were destroyed in the earthquake). They are currently living in simple tents. To compound the situation, Myanmar is in its rainy season. The residents will craft rudimentary bamboo structures and hope to someday have stronger homes again. Most of the men are day laborers in construction or agriculture, earning $5-$10 US dollars per day.
Please pray that continuing friendships are established from compassionate care given in the love of Jesus Christ.
News from the football field
Training continues 3 times per week with the nearly 200 young people who attended football sessions during their summer break months of March through April. Parents of the students still accompany their children to practice, with gratitude for the investment in their lives. This affords fertile ground for building relationships with both generations. As a side benefit, many Glory players are learning how to mentor and train others.
regional tournament & Need for cleats
The Glory Football Team received an invitation to compete in a 10-day tournament in Mandalay, starting July 21. The Football Federation requested their presence since they are #1 in the region. They will travel in the Glory bus with great excitement. Expenses will be covered. Their only need for this fine opportunity is new shoes to play in!
25 players need new shoes at $30 US per pair. Would you please pray about providing a player (or 2 or 3) with new kicks for the season? Thank you very much.
Transforming Communities
The Lord is using Pastor David and his teams to transform lives through the gospel. Whole neighborhoods and villages are being impacted and church leaders across Myanmar are taking notice!
Creative Outreach
David has gained respect for using creative means to build relationships with Buddhist Burmese that can lead to salvation in Jesus. For over 200 years, the hearts of those in Burma/Myanmar have been closed to the gospel. Christianity was seen as a foreign, Western religion, and they wanted no part of it.
What Has Made the Difference?
David has used soccer, a lending library, Christmas celebrations, disaster relief, water wells and humanitarian aid to build heart-to-heart relationships and demonstrate the compassion of Jesus. The result of these innovative efforts is thousands of true salvations and dozens of churches planted over the past 5 years. Myanmar is seeing revival!
Others Want to Reach Their Communities
Last week, David was invited to use Zoom to teach 4 days of classes to 90 pastors from across the nation. They wanted to learn from his wisdom and follow his example of building bridges that demonstrate compassionate love to their communities.
Prayer for David, Prayer for Myanmar
Please continue to pray for David as the Lord uses him as a leader in his nation. The Lord has given him keys to unlock Burmese hearts and the Lord is now multiplying this wisdom from above across the nation of Myanmar for the glory of God!
