Mingalaba

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

The plane lands in Yangon, capital of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The weather could be humid and hot, monsoon downpour, or slightly cooler and dry, depending on the season. What doesn’t change are the friendly smiles and pleasant greeting, “Mingalaba.” Literally translated, this Burmese word means, May this day be filled with blessings.

And Myanmar is filled with blessings, indeed.

For fifty years the borders of Myanmar were closed to all outsiders. Through Pastor Hubert Chan, Mark Geppert entered the country before it opened and began building a relationship with James, a local pastor. As they prayer walked in the northern states, Mark was arrested. An American in Myanmar? No way.

When Pastor James went to the jail to try to gain Mark’s release, the jailer stopped him. “Do you remember me?”

James did not.

After much back and forth, the jailer removed his military hat. “When I was a little boy, your mother gave my family food and shelter when we were starving.”

At this point James did remember the man. And through this “chance” occurrence, Mark was released. No coincidence here; God’s provision for that very moment had begun decades earlier.

There have been multiple changes in Myanmar since that day. The main artery to the north, a narrow dirt path, is now a four lane paved highway. Spotty, daytime-only electricity is available around the clock. Free elections are held on a regular basis, versus army-controlled government appointments.

And starting in 2010, SEAPC received both an earthly and a heavenly call to Myanmar. Pastor James contacted Mark. The source of support for Charity Children’s Home, their home for orphaned and abandoned children, had suddenly dried up. Immediately, SEAPC agreed to come alongside in support and prayer.

Although Buddhism is the primary religious construct in Myanmar at over 89%, there are pockets of strong Christian faith in Chin State and elsewhere. In Yangon, this is certainly true for Church on the Rock. Through Charity Children’s Home, the church, and ACTS Bible College, there is a very clear vision for growing the Kingdom.

SEAPC is blessed to come alongside their efforts. Over the years, local people and teams from around the world have prayer walked every major city and site. Church on the Rock has planted more than 120 churches. Through these rural church plants, individuals have prayer walked, medical missions teams have served, and the Word has gone forth. My Precious Book, a children’s introduction to Scripture, has been translated into Burmese and disseminated through the church to every state.

God has lavished so much favor on Myanmar as the people’s faithfulness is proven over and over again. This year, the Vice President of Myanmar worshipped at Church on the Rock, bringing hope of lasting, nation-changing revival. There is a new era unfolding.

As SEAPC focuses on Myanmar in prayer this month, there is much to celebrate—and much to accomplish. On November 8^th, there will be a general election. People are proud to vote and happy to display an inked finger to show that they are participating in the peaceful transfer of power. But political forces both internal and external are exerting pressure that can only be overcome through strategic, prayerful support and encouragement—from the faithful in all nations. Because as followers of Jesus Christ, we are one united family of faith.

As much as the Burmese population revels in wishing mingalaba to visitors, let we who serve the same Father, Son, and Spirit around the world use our prayers to fill the days in Myanmar with blessings.

Join with SEAPC in prayer this month and let the blessings flow!