Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request?
Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” –Esther 5:3 (NIV)
Mingalaba (“Hello” in Burmese)!
I hope you are well. And “well” meaning that God is always reminding you of His faithfulness in your life ^_~
This summer I desire to reveal this faithfulness of God to the nations, and I'd like you to join me. I currently serve as the Missions Director of my church, New Philadelphia (http://newphilly.cc). I am overseeing the training and preparation of 5 missions teams (70 members total) being sent out to Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Australia, and Thailand. Of these, I am also leading the Myanmar team. Our love-fueled group of 13 will be partnering with indigenous pastors in Yangon and Pyinoolwin. We will be hosting revival services and ministering to Bible college students. Despite the Buddhist majority, there is a multi-generational Christian remant in this nation, thriving and hungry even despite (or because of) intense government persecution.
This trip is very important to me. Exactly 3 years ago I was sent to Myanmar for the first time. I was a Master's candidate in international politics back then. I was excited to pair my Christian faith with my graduate school training. But what I experenced was far beyond what I had hoped for or imagined. God showed me what it means to actually believe and live out the truths of the Bible. I saw God showing up in power and love consistently: everywhere we went, people would cry, weep, fall under His presence- irrespective of age, denomination, or religious background. There was testimony upon testimony of deep healing and deliverance. For many on our team and in the congregations, it was the first time witnessing God move on such a scale. My faith life was transformed.
Fast forward 3 years: the Lord is sending me back to Myanmar, and my heart is stirring with anticipation. The human temptation is to take precious memories and lock them away in our hearts. But God is in motion: He is always doing something new; He is always increasing. If I believe this truth, and if I witness the political transformation occuring in Myanmar at this hour, then I know that God will be revealing Himself even more greatly in 2012. People in Myanmar are crying out for something more, and God knows our needs before we even give them breath.
And thus I invite you to partner with me on this trip. The most important way to sow is by covering me with your prayers, especially as I lead the missions ministry and specifically the Myanmar team. A second way to sow is through your finances. To cover the cost of this trip I have paid as much as I am able, and must raise the remaining KRW 1,400,000. I ask that you prayerfully consider sowing into my trip and team as the Lord leads you.
Thank you for reading my letter and allowing me to share my heart. Let us be expectant together for God’s faithfulness to Myanmar and the nations!
Your sister,
Lisa