Myanmar Vision Ministries Update
Ministry Expands
Myanmar Vision Ministries continues to evolve as ministry needs change or ministry expands to areas not previously served. For example, ministry to the Delta region of southwestern Myanmar has deepened. After initially providing emergency cyclone relief, MVM workers have stepped up their evangelistic efforts to these predominantly Buddhist strongholds. New converts in this area are excited about their faith and are eager to grow as disciples. Some traveled to Yangon to be baptized and to receive teaching and training at Tamwe Christian Center that will eventually help them have an impact back in their own villages. God has worked mightily in the Delta region since the cyclone disaster, and is still drawing people to Himself.
Ministry Vehicle
For years, James has relied on an old 1986 Honda Prelude. It seemed always in need of repairs. A portion of cyclone relief funds were designated by New Mission Systems International for a ministry vehicle that could be used to transport resources to the Delta region. This vehicle proved and continues to prove to be indispensable for MVM's relief efforts and ministry. When not in use for relief efforts, it is also proving to be valuable transportation for everyday ministry needs. It is used from everything from transporting people and resources to the orphanage...to bringing people to church...to transporting supplies to Tamwe. God is so faithful. He provided this much needed vehicle in His timing and in His way.
Eastern Seminary of Graduate Studies (ESGS)
ESGS continues to play a central role in the various ministries of MVM. With graduate level classes and campuses in key regions of Myanmar, ESGS trains leaders for every kind of ministry that MVM facilitates including leadership development, women's ministry, youth ministry, and children's ministry. James said that in the future he would like to see ESGS begin training for a biblical counseling ministry. James would also like to see ESGS expand and become a training center for many parts of Asia. In particular, he believes ESGS will someday play a role in Myanmar and the people for the surrounding regions such as regions such as Thailand, Laos, Yunan China, Cambodia and other countries. A recent emphasis at ESGS has been ethnotheology. James says that this course teaches how to minister to other people groups within Myanmar and the results have been life-changing. The class gives one a new perspective which better equips them for reaching out to the various people groups within Myanmar.
What's Unique About ESGS?
Because ESGS is so central to MVM's works, it's helpful to know what sets them apart from similar training centers in Myanmar. First of all, ESGS has a strong emphasis on spiritual development. Students are challenged to personally grow in their faith and develop in Christ-likeness. Secondly, ESGS has some classes in English. This non-traditional approach helps students improve their English and provides opportunities for them to practice their English with English-speaking teachers, participants, and visitors. Another distinctive is their strong hands-on approach which exposes students to a variety of ministries under MVM. This practical training is indispensable and often helps identify one's gifting and calling. One more distinction of ESGS is their balance of foreign and national teachers. This exposes one to many points of view and the experiences of these teachers are valuable learning tools. Lastly, one of ESGS's strongest advantages is that missiology is so effectively taught there. James credits this to his training abroad in the United States, Canada and England. His extensive graduate level training over the years has helped him shape ESGS into a unique, effective and strong graduate school - equipped to faithfully train evangelists, pastors, ministry leaders and disciple-makers.