Football Training Recap & IDP update

“This is like a dream for us”

We heard this statement from so many of the 20 coach training participants who joined us from Myanmar two weeks ago.

The journey was not easy for any of us, but our God made a way for every one of us to gather for four days of fellowship, good food, worship, strategic training and acquiring a biblical mindset towards coaching football (soccer).

Your prayers for our travel and safety were surely heard. Jim and I had cancelled flights, lost luggage and 12 hours of re-routing delay on top of the original 27-hour journey.

This is minor, compared to the courage it took for these 17 men and 3 women to pass through their country’s border and arrive in Thailand. Several in the group had never been on a plane or seen anything like the city of Bangkok. It was refreshing for them beyond words.

The two leaders from Missionary Athletes International in Charlotte, NC joined us and brought their decades of expertise in sport training, encouragement and Christian mentoring. Our hearts were bursting with joy as we sat back and beheld the wisdom that was being graciously imparted by both Graham and David.

As a bonus, we believe the Lord is forming a friendship between our two ministries, which will hopefully bring forth fruit in the lives of those in Southeast Asia.

Graham from Missionary Athletes International talks about the significance of the training

“Josh, will you go with us to Bangkok?”

Months ago, we had a “nudge” to invite a member of the community group we lead at our church to accompany us in Bangkok. Josh is a former professional football player in Europe and Canada and a coach of women’s football. He is a joyful and encouraging guy who immediately puts everyone at ease. Well, Josh said yes, if somewhat tentatively. 

He shared the testimony of his rising career and the injury that forced him to retire from professional football. This sad chapter led to the next steps in his journey toward finding his wife and surrendering his life fully to Jesus Christ. Josh’s story embodied the teaching of the four days, that fame and winning are not a Christian coach’s purpose. Rather, it lies in leveraging every part of life to grow in transformation, both personally and in the lives of those being coached. Once again, our hearts rejoiced to see this precious brother take his first step in allowing God to use his story for impact and influence in the lives of others.  

Thank you, thank you for standing with us in support and prayer. Every coach returned home committed to fostering team values and an atmosphere for life transformation, not just winning games. Please pray for fruit that will remain from this amazing time. 

-Nancy

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more of Jesus’ love to share

Just hours from death by starvation, Pastor David held the tiny infant in his arms with tears in his eyes. The baby’s mother had fled from her village and hid in the jungle. She didn’t eat for 9 days before giving birth and couldn’t properly nourish the baby.

David met the grieving mother in a new group of internally displaced persons (IDP) and heard the story about why the baby girl needed help. When David told us about her plight and the hundreds of others in the new IDP camp, we committed Firefall to care for this needy group in addition to the hundreds of IDPs we already support every month through food, clothing, bedding, and school supplies for the kids.

If the Lord puts it on your heart to help provide IDP support, you are demonstrating the love of Jesus in a way that makes a vital difference. Firefall has committed $2,000 per month in aid for the two groups of IDPs. Thank you for your life-transforming love and financial support.

Looking Back at 2025

What an amazing year this has been! Myanmar experienced a deadly earthquake in March and the civil war there continues.

Yet, for Firefall International, there has never been more open doors for ministry. This is a season of harvest for the kingdom! After the quake, thousands needed food, shelter and comfort. In the face of overwhelming need, you responded with unprecedented generosity.

Thank you for your effective prayer, continuing friendship and partnership in the gospel. These numbers reflect this year’s ministry impact, though numbers can’t tell the whole story, but they are one indication of the great things the Lord is doing.

We’re so thankful for our national associates and their heroic, faithful service. And we’re deeply thankful for you. Because of your generosity, precious souls are stepping from darkness into God’s marvelous light, revealed in Jesus Christ.

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”

— Psalm 34:3

Your partners in the harvest,

Jim and Nancy

For Such a Time as This

On March 28 at about noon, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region of Myanmar, with an epicenter close to Mandalay, not far from Pastor David’s city. Over 5,000 were killed and thousands more were injured from collapsing homes and buildings that were smashed to the ground with no warning. Aftershocks continue (up to 6.5 magnitude) until now.

David’s teams were the first to reach families at the epicenter of the quake, providing aid and medical care. Generous donations from Firefall Friends allowed thousands to receive critical help.

So far, our teams have been to 4 cities near the epicenter. More than 1,500 families have received aid (food, water, bedding, mosquito nets, personal items, etc.), as well as medical care. The food parcels will last for 2 weeks per family. Another 4,000 people received aid this week in a fifth location.

We're encouraged by the provision of relief but heartbroken by the reports of devastation. Our associates tell us that in one area near a river, every family has lost someone, and in many cases, there were only one or two survivors per family. Our team members wept with those who were weeping as they distributed supplies and provided medical care. The doctors tell us that 80% of the people can’t sleep because of the trauma of the quake and the resulting insecurity.

In addition to the outreaches at the epicenter, the House of Glory Community Center provided 3500 meals to people in the area right around the center. We have a sense that this is one of those "for such a time as this" moments. Your prayers and giving over many years, in partnership with Pastor David and his team, have provided monthly aid to hundreds of families displaced by the civil war. 

Because of the generosity of Firefall Friends, the relief effort was scaled up quickly, teams were quick to deploy and provide compassionate help physically, emotionally and spiritually to devastated people. Our teams were the first to help those who were hardest hit in the three areas selected.

The relief effort is continuing to help these people in need of basic necessities. This is the compassion of Jesus at work through His people for His glory!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers and aid. We will continue to send earthquake relief as God’s people provide. This is a source of encouragement for House of Glory members, knowing their nation is not forgotten by believers across the world.

Because of You

With your faithful monthly support, Firefall sustains a budget reaching hundreds each month.

Because of your generous gifts in the time of need, the demonstrated love of Jesus impacts thousands of people in their season of loss and suffering.

Another Giving Option

You may continue to mail checks, or give through PayPal (3% fee) using the Donate button on our website or by setting up monthly donations.

Now, there’s another option. You can use Zelle to transfer funds from your bank account to Firefall. There’s no charge to use Zelle if your bank offers this service (most do). While logged into your bank account, you can open Zelle and scan this QR code to add Firefall as a contact when you’re ready to give.

Whatever method you choose, thank you for your compassion and generosity!

Plan B for Myanmar

Several years ago, we were leading a pastor training conference in Vietnam when the police stopped our training. I asked the host pastor, “Do you have a Plan B? He smiled and replied, “We have a Plan B, Plan C and Plan D. Thanks to the ingenuity of our hosts we were able to complete the 3-day conference to the glory of God.

This year, we wanted to return to Myanmar, as we do almost every year. Pastor David informed us that due to the ongoing civil war and unpredictability of violent clashes, it would be unwise for us to enter the country at this time. So we will go with Plan B.

Since we can’t go into Myanmar for encouragement and strategic planning, Pastor David and Diim Te will come out to Bangkok, Thailand. We will spend 5 days together listening, praying, seeking God’s will and making plans for 2025 and beyond.

We will miss having time for mutual encouragement with so many of our friends in Myanmar but trust we will be with them soon, when the political situation is better.

Thank you for sending us with your support and praying for us that this will be a fruitful time in the presence of the Lord, hearing His voice and being renewed by His Spirit.

Football Miracles Keep Coming

Football, or soccer to us in the US, has been an ongoing key to the work of the Lord in Myanmar. Football outreach has snowballed from an activity for a few poor kids after school into a ministry impacting students and young adults. Here are some of the miracles the Lord has done in the past month through Glory Football Club (GFC):

• GFC has been recognized as an alternative to military service and 4 team members were released from conscription (and possible death) to serve the community through football.

• The team was recently inducted into Myanmar Football Federation, a national organization.

• A requirement to join the Federation was to provide a bus to transport the team. The Federation paid half the cost and Firefall paid the other half through your generous donations.

• GFC competed in a national tournament with 16 teams and won first place! A parade through the city attended by 1,000 people welcomed the champions back home!

• Beginning this week, over 100 boys and girls now are participating in GFC Football Camp during their two-month school break. Firefall donors provide balls, shirts and other equipment. Healthy and filling snacks are provided to very hungry (and grateful) boys and girls. 

Funds are needed to sustain this fruitful, ongoing sport ministry. Your donations provide life lessons through sport, healthy snacks, and an open door for the gospel.

help with monthly needs

If you prefer a “set it and forget it” type of giving to help our football teams, reading room, humanitarian aid and other projects, we encourage you to give a recurring donation on PayPal. Watch this video to see how to quickly set it up.

If you’re already a monthly donor, would you consider raising your amount to help cover rising costs? Your regular gifts are a critical part to sustaining our ongoing projects throughout the year.

Looking Back at 2024 & Ahead into 2025

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38

Together, we as Firefall family have prayed for workers sent into harvest. Together, we’ve also prayed for the Lord to work through our prayers, our finances and our seeds of faith. Our faithful God has answered!

When we review the numbers (only one indicator of what is happening), we’re filled with humble gratitude. We can only say, “Lord, yours is the glory for what you have done this year. Thank you for using the Firefall family in your harvest.”

In the midst of Myanmar’s cruel civil war, the Lord is bringing spiritual revival. Those with dire physical needs are being fed and clothed. The helpless sheep are following the Shepherd into eternal life. Hallelujah! 

Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in the gospel, making disciples of all nations.

plus, we bought a bus!

With your help, we were able to buy a bus that can transport 30 football players and help the Glory Football Team become an official Football Federation of Myanmar team. Federation membership will also protect young men from being conscripted into the army, since playing football is considered a community service.

Building bridges into 2025

Many years ago, I sensed the Holy Spirit asking me, “Will you be a bridge, Nancy?”

I quickly answered “yes!”, expecting some grand design and adventure in my future.

Little did I realize that being a bridge is basically making strong connections (often unnoticed) which further the greater purposes of God. It requires trusting the Lord in all aspects (and sometimes feeling walked on). This has been our 31-year journey and joy with Firefall International. Thank you for your vital part in prayer and partnership. Together, we have seen God do amazing things. 

Next month, we will travel to Thailand to meet with Pastor David and his wife Diim te. Due to the current turmoil and instability throughout Myanmar, it is not advised for us to travel there. This plan will enable us to set aside several days for fellowship, prayer and strategic planning (bridge building) for Firefall International’s work in 2025 and 2026.

Our travel dates are March 14-27. Please pray for us. Expenses for the trip will be $6,000, if you would like to help send us.

🎁 The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Christmas outreaches in Myanmar will reach thousands with the gospel within less than a month’s time. Buddhists there have many holidays and festivals throughout the year, so they freely allow Christians to have their “festival” in December.

Hear from Jim & Nancy about how you can help

Revival Fires are Burning

Every week now, people who have heard the good news of salvation in earlier Christmas outreaches are asking to learn more. They’re not just curious; they're hungry for a new life. Lives are being saved and baptized. Whole new churches are being planted. Revival fires are burning in Myanmar as the Holy Spirit transforms lives. Revival like this has never happened before in this nation.

Season of Harvest

This is a season of harvest in Myanmar. Please pray with us that this Christmas, seeds of the gospel will find good ground, the word of God will bring light into darkened hearts, and many will be rescued from death.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Col. 1:13-14

🎄 Would you be a Christmas outreach sponsor?

Please consider becoming a sponsor of this year’s Christmas outreaches.

• At least 2,500 people will hear the gospel through song, drama, and testimony in 13 different locations throughout the nation. Most of them have never heard about Jesus.

With your help, we reached our goal!

Each $5 sponsorship provides:

• A warm delicious meal (including protein, a luxury in Myanmar)

• A small gift for each person

• A Burmese evangelistic Bible

Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you consider investing in the Christmas harvest in Myanmar. For those in this war-torn nation these outreaches are the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a way they can experience the demonstrated love of Jesus Christ through His body, the church. Thank you for praying and giving.

“The opportunity of a lifetime needs to be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity.”

Leonard Ravenhill, Revivalist 

With our love,

Jim & Nancy

Fan Into Flame: Vietnam Trip, April 15-29

Nancy and I are returning to Vietnam in April with a wonderful ministry team.

Our minds go back more than 20 years to our first visit. After a time of vibrant worship, beautiful young believers jammed themselves together, sitting on the floor, knee to back, hungry to receive from the Word of God and be empowered for ministry. To enter the building (used for Christian training and monitored by the government) we had to get past the police guard who was at his station from 8 am to 5 pm., taking names. For our safety, we were smuggled in the dark at 5 am and back out at 11 pm. Never did so many hours pass so quickly as we experienced God’s healing and encouraging presence with us. 

Over the last 25 years, our love and respect has grown for Minh and his wife, Blessing, and other heroes of the faith who live under constant threat of persecution. As we celebrate the 30th year of Firefall International, we are blessed to be called spiritual Mom and Dad, equipping and encouraging another generation of bold men and women of faith. We are inspired by the depth of their love for Jesus and sacrifices to serve Him wholeheartedly. 

We will be joined by Pastor David and his wife, Diimte, plus youth leader Philip from Myanmar, under the leadership of Minh and Blessing. We thank God for the relationship we have all built over the decades. We respect them as co-laborers and treasure them as friends. We have already begun Zoom meetings to prepare our hearts as a team. 

This year’s ministry is three-folD

🔥 Children’s worker training

We will spend two days encouraging 30 children’s workers who spend their summer taking the gospel to remote villages, reaching 10,000 children by the end of their 3-month service. Blessing leads this effort in their nation. These disciples give their summers like modern-day circuit riders, sleeping on the ground, carrying their own food with them, along with the precious seed of the gospel to children in unreached areas. 

 🔥 Vision casting for football outreach 

Minh’s dedication to Jesus and his servant heart have opened doors for his mentoring influence in a national youth ministry network. The Holy Spirit gave us the concept of bringing the amazing success story of evangelism through sport from House of Glory in Myanmar. Pastor David and Philip will recount the multi-year journey as Minh invites interested pastors and youth leaders to join us for a day apart, ending with a football match among interested youth.  

🔥 Marriage and family life conference

We caught Minh and Blessing’s burden for ministry couples many years ago when we shared on this topic in Vietnam with them. Through biblical teaching and sharing our own successes and failures, we saw walls come down between couples, repentance and renewed commitment to make time for their own marriage and family life. This is a revolutionary topic in Vietnam and continues to be a passion of Minh and Blessing’s ministry together. We are honored to join them along with Pastor David and Diimte. We will host 20 pastoral couples (ages 25-40) near the beach for 3 days of rest, worship and reflection regarding their own households. 

Our request of you

The dates of this outreach are April 15-29. Would you prayerfully consider sending us by both prayer and provision? We need your prayer support now as we plan the aspects of ministry and as we actually make this trip. For us this is an open door to see the Holy Spirit “fan into flame” hearts and lives in three powerful aspects. 

The cost of travel and all outreaches will be $15,000. To our natural mind, this is overwhelming, but as we each give in response to the Spirit of God, we fully believe the goal will be met. Thank you for praying and for giving as He leads. Every prayer and every dollar given will fuel God’s purposes in the lives of beautiful, faithful leaders in Vietnam.

With our love and thanks for you,

Jim, Nancy and Vietnam Team

30 Years of Firefall

Recently, Jim and I reflected on the journey of Firefall International over 30 years. It is both humbling and gratifying to remember how the Lord called us and led us to establish Firefall International in response to our burning desire to make disciples of all nations. God’s response to our “yes” was to launch us in a big way that first year with Jim going to the Czech Republic and Ukraine and me heading to South Africa for several weeks of ministry. Precious friends cared for our three young daughters, giving them treasured memories as well.

On those missions, we gained invaluable practical experience and mentoring from pioneers and spiritual leaders. As we continued to walk by faith through open doors the Holy Spirit supplied, we were shaped by circumstances both wonderful and challenging to be the people we are today, imparting who we are to others.

“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”

— I Thessalonians 5:24

The hard seasons of failure and drought helped us lay down offenses and pride and cling more tightly to Jesus. The joyful times of miraculous guidance, provision, protection and fruitfulness fueled our passion for Jesus and our tiny part in His great mission even more. 

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.”

— Psalm 36:5

With each year of service, we are more amazed that He called us to “go” 30 years ago and more grateful that He has sustained us by our wonderful Holy Spirit. He has been our guide, encourager, comforter and source of power to make Jesus known. 

We give thanks for each board member, each individual and partnering church who invested in prayer and giving and going with us on occasion. How beautiful is the Body of Christ! All glory to the Son of God who gave his life to purchase mankind for God through His precious blood. 

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

— Ephesians 5:20-21

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Thoughts on 2023 & Plans for 2024

Last year was an amazement indeed, as God graciously gave an increase in Burmese Bibles distributed, souls saved, cell groups and house churches established, humanitarian aid offered and lives exposed to the gospel for the first time. You are part of each success! 

In addition, three months ago, Jim traveled to Virginia Beach, VA to receive an award for the work of Firefall International from Regent University (where we were a part of the first graduate class in 1978). See a video of Jim’s acceptance remarks and read the full article about the work of Firefall that was included in the Regent University Alumni Newsletter.

Blessing, Minh and their son, Ben

As for 2024, we are planning to go to Vietnam in April to spend time with Firefall associates Minh and Blessing.

We will team with them to strengthen the family lives of young couples in ministry. In addition, we hope to encourage key leaders in the national VBS network that Blessing oversees. 

These teams travel to remote areas of Vietnam all summer, touching thousands of children with the love of Jesus. These leaders challenge us in their zeal, dedication and purity of purpose.

Firefall International will sponsor 2-3 day seminars in two locations. We ask for your prayers and financial support as the Lord leads you.

God Gave Us an Open Door

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” I Cor. 16:9

Eleven and a half years ago, Jim and I were guided by the Spirit of God to visit a certain city in Myanmar and host a conference for youth leaders in that nation. This guidance came by way of a strong “nudge” in my spirit to go and strengthen the body of Christ there. We obeyed, following this odd prompting by faith. What did we find there? An open door. 

We discovered a small and struggling group of believers, desperate for more of God. There was nothing glitzy or glowing with success about them to the natural eye. Their leader was a young man captured by a heavenly vision at age 17 to reach the Burmese with the good news of Jesus Christ. That young man was Pastor David. 

In the past eleven and a half years, through the faithfulness of God, the united vision and work of House of Glory plus your prayers and giving, we have seen this open door swing wide to include Bible distribution, clean water wells and humanitarian aid freely shared with thousands of suffering people. In addition to community bridge building through soccer and the lending library, a network of 15 evangelist/church planters has been established in many regions, preaching and discipling hungry and receptive hearts in the nation. 

This God-given open door and your partnership built a 3-story community outreach center housing football offices, a library to enrich the community, a 350-seat worship/meeting center and a home for Pastor David and his family with room to welcome others. The House of Glory center was built during the COVID years and was completed just weeks before the military coup began. Only God could do this!

We continue to be amazed and humbled to have a small role in God’s great story of redemption in this land where so few have ever heard of the love of Jesus. This officially classified unreached people group is being reached with His love, day by day, week by week, friend to friend through the people of God by the power of God. 

Please pray for us as we join our Myanmar family November 2-13 to host outreaches through football and a time of rest and refreshment for the church planters. And we want to extend a big thank you from all of us for helping us reach our goal to fund these events. 

We will send out a prayer itinerary soon. Prayer is foundational and the most important work we can do. How beautiful is the body of Christ!

With much love,

Nancy 

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” Rev. 3:8 

Q&A with Pastor David: Upcoming November Events

In preparation for two November events, the Firefall Challenge Cup #8 and church planter meeting, we asked Pastor David to answer a few questions about the significance of these events.

Pastor David serves snacks to the Eagles youth team

1. What are your thoughts and prayers as you look forward to Firefall Challenge Cup #8?

Through Firefall Challenge Cup #8, we will get more opportunities to communicate to young people in our community. We can build up more relationships with young people as this is key to sharing the gospel with them. Then, we will get the opportunity to touch those young players at the football field, as a neutral place, not in a church. Because of the political and economic turmoil in Myanmar, there hasn’t been a tournament like this in a few years. Though many young players would like to play more, they can’t. This tournament will provide these young people with pleasure, fun, hope and warmth in the midst of hardship and challenging times.

Hear our friend Philip describe the importance of the upcoming football competition

2. How has community enrichment through football, library and food distribution impacted people in your area? 

By blessing the community through football, library and food distribution, we can establish more friendships with people in our community and share the good news when our friendship grows. As a result, the Lord has given us a great harvest of winning souls. Then, the people around our community don’t see us as a religious center, but they feel our center is a home for them. This has reduced persecution and oppression that we have encountered before.

3. What is your goal in gathering the church planters for three days? 

As the church planters are tired from working in their fields for the whole year, we would like them to be able to rest physically, mentally and spiritually by taking a break here for a few days. During the gathering, we will share our testimonies and prayer points together and be encouraged by the Word and pray for each other. It will be their recharging time, so that they might march on forward in their respective fileds. We will worship together by honoring them for what they are doing to spread the good news aroung our nation.

4. How can Firefall friends pray effectively for you and House of Glory?

Please remember us in prayer as we are serving during the most difficult times in the history of our country. On the other hand, the people in Myanmar are hungry and thirsty spiritually because of the difficult situation. We are in a great harvest time, too. Please pray for House of Glory and all networks so that we might reap the harvest wisely by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for the political and economic situation in our nation as many people are still starving, dying and fleeing since the coup. We covet your prayer support so that we might shine brightly through the gospel in the darkest time.

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Join our team

If you would like to help support these events, we’re looking for 144 sponsorships of $65 each for the football challenge, as well as 12 church planter sponsorships for $200 each.