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.

A Roof Over Their Heads: God Makes a Way

On May 14, devastating Cyclone Mocha ripped through parts of Myanmar. Only months before, our associate there welcomed 19 young people who had tragically lost their parents. His family of 5 became a family of 24.

Then the cyclone hit. Their two-story home lost its roof. It was ripped off by 130 mph winds, leaving the second floor exposed. Neighbors who lived in bamboo houses lost everything. They all huddled on the first floor. Firefall friends provided emergency food, water and other basic supplies.

Materials to replace the roof were scarce, and when they could be found the price gougers were charging 4 to 5 times the normal rate. Authorities prevented more materials from being shipped to the devastated areas.

Then the rains came

During monsoon season, the family was living on the first floor with rains pouring down on them with no roof for protection. Our hearts were broken by their suffering. We all cried out to the Lord to intervene in what seemed to be an impossible situation. “Lord, make a way for their roof to be replaced!” You prayed with us, too.

David determined to ask permission for materials from the city of Mandalay (purchased at normal prices) to be trucked into the devastated area. It was a long shot. The government official who reviewed the application noticed that it was submitted by “House of Glory.” He asked, “Is this group associated with Glory Football Club? I’ve watched them play.” The application was approved, and the materials were purchased and transported. Construction has begun to repair the roof.

The material and transport costs were $3,000 and construction costs $1,500. This family has endured so much tragedy, yet God is making a way for their home to be restored as he restores their lives by His grace and power.

Your investment in this project will help demonstrate the compassion of Jesus to this dear brother, his family and the 19 children in his care. Can you even imagine opening your heart and home to so many? 

We thank you, Firefall partners, for your regular giving that provides food and school supplies for these children. Let’s pray they will know the love of Jesus and healing for their hearts in this caring home. 

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. -Psalm 10:14

Bright Minds & Intense Competition at Glory Library

On July 17-18, we helped sponsor a quiz bowl and speech/debate competition at the Glory Library. 

Here is Pastor David’s report of the event:

“First of all, we would like to express our gratitude and heartfelt thankfulness to all the Firefall friends who helped in prayer and supported in finance to accomplish the vision of Glory Reading Room during the student competition. The Lord is working beyond our imagination!

Though we hoped to host about 200-250 people, on the first day, more than 400 people came to participate in our event. That day 48 high school students from 16 different government and private high schools competed in general knowledge and quizzes. Each school brought 10 students and 5 teachers to observe and cheer for their schools. Some of their parents came. Their school administrators were there, too. 

I greeted the crowd and introduced our library for 10 minutes, sharing the goodness of God as a testimony of the history of our reading room for another 10 minutes. Everyone listened very carefully. The competition was lively and intense with everyone giving their best. We fed all of them lunch with rice, chicken curry, beans and chilies. Our funds for two days were exhausted on the first day.

We were in an awkward position and prayed together for the second day with the library team. When I checked my Messenger after prayer, I saw a message from Nancy asking about the situation. Jehovah Jireh provided for the second day through Firefall - on time. Hallelujah!

There were about 500 on the second day, including military officers and leaders from the local authorities. Thirty-two students from 16 schools competed with impromptu speeches (take an unseen topic from judges and talk about it for seven minutes). We included this competition so that the students would read more (at the library). We fed everyone lunch like we did on the first day. I got another 15 minutes to share a testimony! 

The Glory Kids led by my daughter also presented three gospel songs and dramas during those two days. They performed twice when the people requested them to. We gave presents to all competitors. We gave small cash gifts, trophies, medals and presents to all winners who won first, second and third place. They all were very excited and happy to receive them.

The most exciting news is that 127 people registered as new members of our reading room after the competition. Most of them are the brightest students from each school, teachers and military officers, too! 

We made an effective bridge during these two days beyond what we could imagine! Many of the students had not laughed, enjoyed life, or felt free like this for quite a long time because of our political and economic situation. We saw how much they enjoyed and loved this event by the joy in their faces.”

2022 Recap: Your Part in Revival

God is moving in unprecedented ways in the nation of Myanmar and you are part of it! The power of your prayer and the generosity of your support is transforming lives for eternity.

In many ways, 2022 was a terrible year in Myanmar. Thousands were killed or imprisoned by an evil government. Others were displaced (internally displaced people) when their homes and villages were burned to the ground or bulldozed into rubble. Floods and disease have added to the misery.

All this trauma has opened doors to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus through feeding programs and providing other essentials like clothing and bedding.

• 2,100 people heard the gospel during 8 Christmas outreaches

• 60% of them had never before heard the name of Jesus 

• 95% were unbelievers

Seeds of faith were planted in hearts and many requested Bibles to learn more about following Jesus.

And here are some statistics from what we’ve accomplished together throughout 2022:

Please pray with us and, if you are willing, even increase your prayer in 2023 that this season of revival, this visitation of God’s Spirit in Myanmar, will continue and grow. With God all things are possible. (Mt. 19:26)

It's Harvest Time in Myanmar

As the daughter of a farmer, I am well aware of the cycles of soil preparation, seed planting, cultivation, irrigation, watchful care and finally, the long-awaited harvest. My Daddy taught us to “make hay while the sun shines,” which means understanding the season your crop is in and acting wisely to maximize and protect the harvest. What I learned on the farm now serves me well in Firefall International.

The sower by Vincent Van Gogh

A few days ago (after returning from our amazing journey to Myanmar), we learned that 450 people have received Jesus as Savior and Lord in the House of Glory network as of December 1, 2022.

Firefall partners have been sowing the precious seed, the Word of God, for nearly 20 years across Myanmar. We shouted for joy as we learned of this miraculous harvest of souls. We had the joy of watching five people baptized less than two weeks ago.

8 Upcoming Christmas Outreaches

Pastor David shared the 2022 Christmas Outreach schedule with us today. There will be 8 outreaches touching a minimum of 1,220 lives, beginning on December 8 and ending on Christmas Day. There will be a meal, singing, drama presentations and a clear presentation of the love of God through Jesus Christ. Many teams of joyful servants undergird each outreach.

Our goal (and giving opportunity) is partnership with the House of Glory vision to give a delicious meal, a small gift and a Bible in Burmese to those who show an interest. The cost per person is $7 USD.

We would also like to replenish our “storehouse of seed” (Bibles) so we may freely share them when evangelists and church planters in Pastor David’s network call and request them. The total amount needed is $8,500.

Update on Giving

We are currently 33% to our giving goal, with $5,570 remaining.

Thank you for praying about how many $7 “seeds” you wish to sow this Christmas in Myanmar. Thank you for praying for a continued and fruitful harvest as the miracle of lives turning to Jesus continues.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:6-9

The Beauty of Team

We had the joy of hearing Pastor David share his thoughts about 42 families receiving Jesus a couple of weeks ago in a Zoom call. I asked him to look back over the past several months and share what he is learning as a leader, pastor and soul winner. His response touched me deeply. He said, “I am learning that this work is not a ‘one man show.’ It is a step-by-step process, orchestrated by God. I am aware of the value of many teams and helpers in the process, as never before. This is both joyful and humbling.”

For Jim and me, fulfilling our small role in Jesus’ great commission is the passion of our lives, what fuels us each and every day.

David’s powerful insights continue to stir my heart. I think of the Trinity being a team, existing in mutual unity, love and purpose. I think of those serving on teams at House of Glory. They might be cooking or distributing food, preaching, overseeing a well supplying abundant and clean water, playing soccer with poor neighborhood boys, playing music or creating dramatic productions which demonstrate Biblical truths. I think of you, dear Firefall team member, and how you have continued to pray and invest as the Holy Spirit leads. 

As we contemplate the challenges that come with multiplication, it is the joy of the harvest that refreshes, along with the confidence that the One who has called us as a team will continue to guide us, sustain us and accomplish His perfect plan. Thank you once again for your part in this amazing journey of faith. 

Because you prayed, Pastor David and his family recovered from serious bouts of COVID.

Because you invested in thousands of evangelistic Bibles, many are reading and discussing these concepts right now.

We could go on and on. Suffice it to say, your role in Team Firefall is treasured and appreciated!  

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller

“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” —Mother Teresa

“But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Numbers 14:21

House of Glory Dedication & Celebration

Friday, March 25, 2022 was a monumental day in the life of each member of House of Glory Church in Myanmar. For the members, it marked the moment in time when they offered the beautiful and multipurpose House of Glory Center back to the Lord, with their recounting of the miraculous provision and timing of God over the past three years. 

The building was finished just weeks before the start of the military coup, which began on February 1, 2021. COVID swept through the nation after this in several terrible waves. In the midst of dark and terrifying times, the Lord raised up a lighthouse of peace, beauty and blessing for this area.

The hymn in the video is one that many of you will know, but sung in Burmese by church members as a proclamation of worship and the intent of God for the people in the hearing of their voices, in addition to the unseen powers. “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done” by Fanny Crosby, what a perfect way to welcome the people in. Here are the lyrics:

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

The children of House of Glory offered songs and recited scripture. Two teams of ladies designed their own special clothing and presented worshipful dances to honor the Living God who invaded the darkness and sent His Son to save us. Pastor David shared many testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness before He dedicated the building to the Glory of God. 

The community members who attended the dedication experienced an open house and explanation of the facility with its lending library and soccer training for youth, plus a chance to visit the worship center/meeting hall, which will also serve the community for weddings and special gatherings if they desire. Some people remarked they felt a deep sense of peace they had never experienced.

After the service, a bountiful meal was served to all who attended by a joyful volunteer team of cooks and servers. As part of the overflow of blessing into the neighborhood and region during the week of dedication, teams supplied hundreds of people with fresh chicken and staples. 

Pastor David learned during this time that many more refugees had fled to an area nearby to escape being shot by airplanes after their villages were burned. He and teams offered medicine, staples, light blankets and a Burmese Bible to anyone desiring one. They shared that they had not had anything to smile about in 14 months. We are learning from our brothers and sisters in Myanmar that when the blessing of God is bestowed, the entire community is to be lifted and enriched as a demonstration of the love of God.

We can only stand amazed at the beauty of the body of Christ and the privilege of being connected by the Holy Spirit to see the light and love of Jesus Christ embrace the people of Myanmar. Thank you for praying and giving. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

A Golden Opportunity in Myanmar, the Golden Land

So many times, we ask God to bless what we are doing for Him. This is a fine prayer and God is gracious. Over the decades, though, we are learning to seek an awareness of what God is initiating and to ask Him, “How can we participate in what You are doing, Lord?”

We sincerely believe we have such an open door in Myanmar right now. 

Two weeks ago, Pastor David met with 20 families staying with relatives in the farmland near his city. They fled four areas of Myanmar where the military coup soldiers burned their houses and crops, shot some family members and stole their farm animals. The area near David’s city is in less turmoil (at least for now), since it is the seat of military training for the nation. 

Thanks to a gift designated for benevolence, we were able to add to it and supply basic food, blankets and evangelistic Bibles to these weary and heartbroken pilgrims. A few of the families are Christian, but most are Buddhist. They received the supplies and the Bibles with thanks and amazement that someone would care for them in this hour. Several people were eating only rice soup to sustain themselves. They also graciously received the Bibles and began reading, most for the first time in their lives.

Pastor David’s teams will keep in touch with them, knowing more families will likely follow. These are desperate times for Myanmar, but our God loves to extend His love and salvation in desperate times, doesn’t He? 

In light of this golden opportunity, would you prayerfully consider investing in food, blankets and more evangelistic Bibles to share with these displaced and disoriented people fleeing their homes? To meet these needs over the next few months and supply Bibles for outreach for 14 evangelists mentored by Pastor David, we are asking the Lord to supply $9,500. We thank God for teams of willing and Holy Spirit-empowered workers demonstrating the love of Jesus while meeting these basic human needs. 

Thank you for praying into this situation and for being open to giving. Your generosity and faithfulness continue to be an encouragement not only to us, but to our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Let’s embrace this golden opportunity and see what God will do to extend His kingdom!

Thank you for your prayers and support. What an honor to have a small part in God’s great story.

We love you,

Jim and Nancy

2021 Recap

While we have much to be grateful for this year, there have also been many challenges in the nations where we serve. But God has been faithful and your gifts have helped provide so much light in the midst of darkness.

See what kind of impact we’ve had in the countries we serve.

And make sure you don’t miss Jim and Nancy’s Christmas update.

Myanmar

A Most Difficult Year

There was a military takeover of the nation on February 1, 2021. Hundreds of elected officials were put in prison where they remain. Unarmed protesters were gunned down and whole villages have been burned causing villagers to flee into the jungles.

There were also COVID-19 surges. Over 300 Christian pastors died from COVID.

In the midst of these tragedies, our brave partners continued the work of the gospel to the glory of God.

Evangelism

• 110 salvations from Buddhist, Islamic & Hindu backgrounds

• Glory Community Center was completed

• More than 2,000 bibles were distributed

• A network of 15 evangelists and church planters is supported

• The Glory Reading Room lending library has a new home in the Glory Community Center

Feeding programs and water distribution

• 1,700 families fed for 2 weeks each (23,800 meal/days)

• 5 wells continue to supply water to communities

• COVID care team was supported with medicines and food

• A motorcycle was provided for a member of the COVID care team
  
  

Vietnam

• Marriage and ministry training for pastor couples

• Ministry to families whose children are in a heart hospital

• Feeding and disaster relief

• Evangelism

Nepal

• Roof for new church building

As ever, thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement for us and our associates. We look forward to see how God moves in 2022!