MVM VIDEO
James and Marta Khong of Myanmar Vision Ministries say "Thank You" to their prayer and support partners. This short 4-miniute video was filmed in April 2009 and gives a good overview of their goals and vision for the future of Myanmar Vision Ministries.
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Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. We hope it was helpful and that you know better the vision and purpose of Myanmar Vision Ministries. Write us an email and give us any comments, suggestions or encouragement. We'd really like to hear from you. Consider coming to Yangon, Myanmar some day for a short-term missions project. For more information on these projects, you can contact our primary stateside contact, Kim Barrera, by filling out the contact form on our website. CONTACT FORM

A Short History of Tamwe Christian Center
JANUARY 2010 – JAMES KHONG

Tamwe Christian Center continues to be a “portal” for Christ-followers who are fullfilling their unique calling to minister to the many people groups throughout Myanmar. We thank God for its role in MVM! As the “hub” of Myanmar Vision Ministries, Tamwe Christian Center (TCC) sees alot of action 24/7. In some ways, it’s not just the center of our ministry efforts – it’s the flash point. It’s the focal point. It’s become synonymous with every single branch of ministry that makes up the whole. In another way, it’s the “roots” of our ministry. It’s the birthplace. The foundation. I don’t believe I could overestimate its significance to all aspects of our ministry including strategy, training, outreach, and benevolence. Why am I bringing this up? Afterall, TCC is just a building, right? Let me answer this with a series of statements. Here’s the first.

TCC’s location is extremely strategic. In the early 90’s our family came to Yangon, the capital city of our country at that time. Our focus was on the spiritual needs of our country’s youth because so many of them were coming to Yangon for educational and employment opportunities. The need for Christ in their lives was so apparent to us. We dug our heels in and have called Yangon home ever since. Today, years later, Yangon and the millions of people who call it home with us, remain the reason we are here. People still come. Yangon still draws them – Christian and non-Christian alike. For the non-Christian, it’s a religious capital as well as a political one. In case you didn’t know, Theravada, one of the deepest and strongest forms of Buddhism, is strictly adhered to throughout Myanmar. Yangon, our official capital up until about 4 years ago, became the center piece for this form of Buddhism. In some ways, we see the “shining light” of 2 Peter 1:19 as the bright light of the Gospel penetrating the stronghold of Buddism in our country and Yangon in particular. For the Christian, Yangon is also significant. At TCC we provide training – much of it at graduate school level – to pastors, evangelists, teachers and others who are burdened for this country and have the same call as we do. Simply put, this call is to know Christ and make Him known to as many people as possible in our wonderful country. Because Yangon still draws people, many of them come to us for this kind of training.

TCC’s is “home” to the leadership of MVM. TCC often looks like the teacher or student lounge of a major U.S. theological seminary. Oh, not in the way you might think. Certainly not in physical appearance. In fact, much of it is in disrepair. Rather, I’m speaking of its atmosphere. Its energy. On any given day you’ll find leaders of every ministry level talking, discussing, planning, strategizing, encouraging or fellowshipping. It really is an exciting place to be and to serve and to watch God sow seeds in the hearts of young men and women destined to become leaders and participants in what MVM is facilitating throughout Myanmar. As Yangon attracts people looking for promise and opportunity, MVM attracts those wanting to serve God wholeheartedly. Many of them serve in leadership positions and have great responsibilities. I have mentored and trained many of them. I can attest to their devotion and giftings.

TCC is a local church where the Gospel is preached, sinners are saved and disciples are made. In addition to being MVM’s ministry training center, TCC is a local church where worship and the Word are central to all our ministries including men, women, youth and children. Our exciting Sunday services often are attended by visitors. Sometimes these visitors are curious Buddhists who have heard about TCC or these visitors could be from abroad who may be in town teaching at an MVM graduate school or participating in a MVM short-term missions project.

TCC is a place where ministry relationships are begun and maintained. As a training ground for MVM workers, you can imagine the bonds developed between brothers and sisters in Christ who, together, are serving God with their very lives. At the annual leadership training seminars, for example, many ministry workers return for additional training and continue to encourage each other year
after year. TCC is a building, but it’s our special home too. To cut down on expenses, Marta, the kids and I have living quarters at TCC. It’s the place we’ve made our “home”. What better home could someone have than a place where God is at work so clearly and mightily!

OK, all that to answer the question I posed at the beginning. Why am I talking so much about TCC? Well, this special place is in need of special people to help us with major repairs to the building. As you know, Myanmar has very harsh weather conditions that slowly affect the integrity of any structure, ours included. Flooding is routine and over the years water damage has been very unforgiving. Some Westerners say our facilities have become so damaged that they should be torn down and rebuilt. I’m willing to let God guide us and show us what course to take. Maybe we’ll repair. Maybe we’ll rebuild. Whatever direction God leads, we will need your partnership. The finances required for such rebuilding or repairs are well beyond our own resources. Will you ask God to show you how you can be involved with us in transforming Tamwe Christian Center? We envision an even better place for generations to come who have the same burden and call as you and I. I see this transformation as a joint venture between God and us. God will do the part that only He can do. But He expects us to do our part too. Won’t you join us? We certainly hope so. Please designate any special financial gifts “TCC repairs”. Prayer partners are essential too. Ask God to provide as we do our part faithfully according to the calling and responsibilities He has given us. If you want to visit TCC and experience this special place for yourself, please contact us. Our arms are always open wide for anyone wanting to visit and minister with us.

Thanks for your time. Thanks for reading this e-newsletter. I consider all of you special friends of MVM. Pray for MVM, our family and the people impacted by the various ministries of MVM.

God bless you.
James and Marta Khong

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