Myanmar Mission / Judah and Khaw Tangshing
Evangelists / Mission
Judah and Khaw Tangshing have been in Wireless for 8 years after seeking God’s direction. They started the first and only Christian Church in Wireless, and also an orphanage (the only non-Buddhist orphanage in the area). Judah’s church is currently made up of about 40 families and is unique because of its mixed ethnicity (Myanmar culture is very segregated and prejudice is common between tribes). Many families in the Wireless church live in extreme poverty and we were privileged to be able to visit these families, hear their stories and pray with them. Below is a picture of one of the church member’s house.
Judah and his mission are currently receiving funding from 9 American churches. He uses NMSI to receive funding. From what we observed and took part in, this church seems to be functioning much like the first century church with very little western influence. We had some great conversations with Judah about the American church and the problems we are facing here with false teachers.
Orphanage
This is the only non-Buddhist orphanage in the area and currently hosts 26 children – 7 girls and 19 boys. Many families prioritize sons and some send them to orphanages for better education and care. In Putao, Judah’s hometown in northern Myanmar, there are 14 children being cared for in an orphanage Judah and Khaw started.
At Wireless orphanage, there is one married couple (Khin Zao, Judah’s assistant pastor, and his wife) and three younger women who help Judah and Khaw care for the children. At least one of them is a graduate of Judah’s Bible college. The children receive excellent care and there is a great family environment. They attend a government school where there are high teacher-to-student ratios and no help for struggling students. The teaching style is rote memory and repetition. Two of the older boys are struggling to pass their exams and need prayer – Aung Ram and De Ram Sein.
Other
On Friday December 21st Judah hosted a marriage and family seminar at the orphanage where we taught lessons to both adults and young adults in the church. Keith and Kristy taught on parenting and Ben and Jaimie taught on marriage. The youth learned about dating purity and drug/alcohol addiction. The church members were so grateful and eager to hear what we had to say. A group of about 10 people traveled 6 hours from Jung Byaw to attend the seminar and left the following day.
The Bagu preschool now has 16 enrolled students. Myit Myit San (left) is teaching and has hired an aide, Bridgette. The students learn about Jesus along with academics from 9-3 on weekdays. The goal is to also reach parents with the gospel through this avenue. They have gradually gained the community’s trust and are so happy that their vision has come to life. Myit Myit San is also pregnant with her second child.
While we were visiting, a man whose family had asked for prayer last year for his salvation decided to be baptized and follow Jesus. Keith had the privilege of baptizing him on Sunday right before we left. His name is Soe Liang. Please pray for his faith and perseverance. He also asked for prayer because he has struggled with alcoholism and also recently injured his foot in a motorbike accident.
