Q&A with Pastor David: Upcoming November Events

In preparation for two November events, the Firefall Challenge Cup #8 and church planter meeting, we asked Pastor David to answer a few questions about the significance of these events.

Pastor David serves snacks to the Eagles youth team

1. What are your thoughts and prayers as you look forward to Firefall Challenge Cup #8?

Through Firefall Challenge Cup #8, we will get more opportunities to communicate to young people in our community. We can build up more relationships with young people as this is key to sharing the gospel with them. Then, we will get the opportunity to touch those young players at the football field, as a neutral place, not in a church. Because of the political and economic turmoil in Myanmar, there hasn’t been a tournament like this in a few years. Though many young players would like to play more, they can’t. This tournament will provide these young people with pleasure, fun, hope and warmth in the midst of hardship and challenging times.

Hear our friend Philip describe the importance of the upcoming football competition

2. How has community enrichment through football, library and food distribution impacted people in your area? 

By blessing the community through football, library and food distribution, we can establish more friendships with people in our community and share the good news when our friendship grows. As a result, the Lord has given us a great harvest of winning souls. Then, the people around our community don’t see us as a religious center, but they feel our center is a home for them. This has reduced persecution and oppression that we have encountered before.

3. What is your goal in gathering the church planters for three days? 

As the church planters are tired from working in their fields for the whole year, we would like them to be able to rest physically, mentally and spiritually by taking a break here for a few days. During the gathering, we will share our testimonies and prayer points together and be encouraged by the Word and pray for each other. It will be their recharging time, so that they might march on forward in their respective fileds. We will worship together by honoring them for what they are doing to spread the good news aroung our nation.

4. How can Firefall friends pray effectively for you and House of Glory?

Please remember us in prayer as we are serving during the most difficult times in the history of our country. On the other hand, the people in Myanmar are hungry and thirsty spiritually because of the difficult situation. We are in a great harvest time, too. Please pray for House of Glory and all networks so that we might reap the harvest wisely by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for the political and economic situation in our nation as many people are still starving, dying and fleeing since the coup. We covet your prayer support so that we might shine brightly through the gospel in the darkest time.

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Join our team

If you would like to help support these events, we’re looking for 144 sponsorships of $65 each for the football challenge, as well as 12 church planter sponsorships for $200 each.

It's Harvest Time in Myanmar

As the daughter of a farmer, I am well aware of the cycles of soil preparation, seed planting, cultivation, irrigation, watchful care and finally, the long-awaited harvest. My Daddy taught us to “make hay while the sun shines,” which means understanding the season your crop is in and acting wisely to maximize and protect the harvest. What I learned on the farm now serves me well in Firefall International.

The sower by Vincent Van Gogh

A few days ago (after returning from our amazing journey to Myanmar), we learned that 450 people have received Jesus as Savior and Lord in the House of Glory network as of December 1, 2022.

Firefall partners have been sowing the precious seed, the Word of God, for nearly 20 years across Myanmar. We shouted for joy as we learned of this miraculous harvest of souls. We had the joy of watching five people baptized less than two weeks ago.

8 Upcoming Christmas Outreaches

Pastor David shared the 2022 Christmas Outreach schedule with us today. There will be 8 outreaches touching a minimum of 1,220 lives, beginning on December 8 and ending on Christmas Day. There will be a meal, singing, drama presentations and a clear presentation of the love of God through Jesus Christ. Many teams of joyful servants undergird each outreach.

Our goal (and giving opportunity) is partnership with the House of Glory vision to give a delicious meal, a small gift and a Bible in Burmese to those who show an interest. The cost per person is $7 USD.

We would also like to replenish our “storehouse of seed” (Bibles) so we may freely share them when evangelists and church planters in Pastor David’s network call and request them. The total amount needed is $8,500.

Update on Giving

We are currently 33% to our giving goal, with $5,570 remaining.

Thank you for praying about how many $7 “seeds” you wish to sow this Christmas in Myanmar. Thank you for praying for a continued and fruitful harvest as the miracle of lives turning to Jesus continues.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:6-9

House of Glory Dedication & Celebration

Friday, March 25, 2022 was a monumental day in the life of each member of House of Glory Church in Myanmar. For the members, it marked the moment in time when they offered the beautiful and multipurpose House of Glory Center back to the Lord, with their recounting of the miraculous provision and timing of God over the past three years. 

The building was finished just weeks before the start of the military coup, which began on February 1, 2021. COVID swept through the nation after this in several terrible waves. In the midst of dark and terrifying times, the Lord raised up a lighthouse of peace, beauty and blessing for this area.

The hymn in the video is one that many of you will know, but sung in Burmese by church members as a proclamation of worship and the intent of God for the people in the hearing of their voices, in addition to the unseen powers. “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done” by Fanny Crosby, what a perfect way to welcome the people in. Here are the lyrics:

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

The children of House of Glory offered songs and recited scripture. Two teams of ladies designed their own special clothing and presented worshipful dances to honor the Living God who invaded the darkness and sent His Son to save us. Pastor David shared many testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness before He dedicated the building to the Glory of God. 

The community members who attended the dedication experienced an open house and explanation of the facility with its lending library and soccer training for youth, plus a chance to visit the worship center/meeting hall, which will also serve the community for weddings and special gatherings if they desire. Some people remarked they felt a deep sense of peace they had never experienced.

After the service, a bountiful meal was served to all who attended by a joyful volunteer team of cooks and servers. As part of the overflow of blessing into the neighborhood and region during the week of dedication, teams supplied hundreds of people with fresh chicken and staples. 

Pastor David learned during this time that many more refugees had fled to an area nearby to escape being shot by airplanes after their villages were burned. He and teams offered medicine, staples, light blankets and a Burmese Bible to anyone desiring one. They shared that they had not had anything to smile about in 14 months. We are learning from our brothers and sisters in Myanmar that when the blessing of God is bestowed, the entire community is to be lifted and enriched as a demonstration of the love of God.

We can only stand amazed at the beauty of the body of Christ and the privilege of being connected by the Holy Spirit to see the light and love of Jesus Christ embrace the people of Myanmar. Thank you for praying and giving. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

A Golden Opportunity in Myanmar, the Golden Land

So many times, we ask God to bless what we are doing for Him. This is a fine prayer and God is gracious. Over the decades, though, we are learning to seek an awareness of what God is initiating and to ask Him, “How can we participate in what You are doing, Lord?”

We sincerely believe we have such an open door in Myanmar right now. 

Two weeks ago, Pastor David met with 20 families staying with relatives in the farmland near his city. They fled four areas of Myanmar where the military coup soldiers burned their houses and crops, shot some family members and stole their farm animals. The area near David’s city is in less turmoil (at least for now), since it is the seat of military training for the nation. 

Thanks to a gift designated for benevolence, we were able to add to it and supply basic food, blankets and evangelistic Bibles to these weary and heartbroken pilgrims. A few of the families are Christian, but most are Buddhist. They received the supplies and the Bibles with thanks and amazement that someone would care for them in this hour. Several people were eating only rice soup to sustain themselves. They also graciously received the Bibles and began reading, most for the first time in their lives.

Pastor David’s teams will keep in touch with them, knowing more families will likely follow. These are desperate times for Myanmar, but our God loves to extend His love and salvation in desperate times, doesn’t He? 

In light of this golden opportunity, would you prayerfully consider investing in food, blankets and more evangelistic Bibles to share with these displaced and disoriented people fleeing their homes? To meet these needs over the next few months and supply Bibles for outreach for 14 evangelists mentored by Pastor David, we are asking the Lord to supply $9,500. We thank God for teams of willing and Holy Spirit-empowered workers demonstrating the love of Jesus while meeting these basic human needs. 

Thank you for praying into this situation and for being open to giving. Your generosity and faithfulness continue to be an encouragement not only to us, but to our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Let’s embrace this golden opportunity and see what God will do to extend His kingdom!

Thank you for your prayers and support. What an honor to have a small part in God’s great story.

We love you,

Jim and Nancy

'Please Tell Jesus: Thank You So Much!'

Today’s cuppa is a perfect one for the “dog days” of August. It’s a frosty glass of strong iced tea enhanced by fresh mint sprigs from the pot on my front porch. So refreshing!

Proverbs 25:25 says: “Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Though the situations remain dire in both Myanmar (military coup and COVID lockdown) and Vietnam (COVID lockdown), your prayers and giving are reaping good news through our associates.

Last week, we invited thirty writers, poets, journalists and other frequent visitors to come to the Glory Reading Room. Pastor David gave a short greeting of welcome and the announcement that, because of God’s goodness, followers of Jesus had supplied food bundles for each of their families.

As they came forward individually to receive their provision, many had tears of gratitude. Some shared they had spent all their savings on the first and second waves of COVID and had nothing left to feed their families.

They blessed us in return by bowing in the traditional manner. Some even said, “Please tell Jesus, thank you very much.” Let’s continue to pray that as the food is consumed this week and the next, they will have a hunger to know this Jesus who has blessed them.

Pastor David’s son Shem and his friend Wiliam felt called by God to move into the local quarantine center and serve those with COVID.

They are wearing PPE, filling and delivering oxygen cylinders and assisting with food distribution. These young men are our heroes. Several Buddhist monks are currently housed at the quarantine center. They requested books be brought to them from the Glory Reading Room since they are bored. Pastor David has sent some books (gifts, no need to return) along with 25 copies of the Evangelistic Bible in Burmese, complete with his contact information in case they have any questions or want to discuss what they are reading.

Please pray for hungry hearts and good conversation as God’s Word is consumed.

Thanks to your generosity, here are other outreaches:

• Each House of Glory family received much-needed food staples, plus vitamins and supplements to support their health

• Food parcels were given to the local community workers who care for the neighborhood

• Two special hot meals (with protein) were cooked and served to the 90 patients in the quarantine center. They had no chicken or fish for weeks.

• Minh in Vietnam has purchased rice, oil and basic items to administer in Vietnam during their COVID crisis. The government is unable to assist and welcomes the giving through Christians.

My heart rejoices in this good news from two far countries! Your giving is manifesting the love of Jesus to many and we thank God for each one of you. We are humbled by your generosity.

Much love in Jesus Christ our Lord,

Nancy

Update from Myanmar: Zoom Services & Current COVID Situation

I preached in Myanmar!

Because of the military coup (and COVID, too!), no one is allowed to enter Myanmar. It’s been tough to learn about the suffering of those we love yet unable to be with them. Nancy and I long to give them hugs of love and words of encouragement.

Zoom around the world

At least we got to speak with our beloved friends by Zoom. It meant so much to see the faces of so many whom we’ve grown to love so dearly. Last month, Pastor David invited us to join their Sunday morning service (11:30 p.m. Saturday night our time). Nancy shared words of blessing from the Scripture and prayed for the nation. I preached the Sunday sermon then Pastor David led us in receiving communion (each home had prepared the elements).

Still longing for the day

We long for the day when we’ll be together in person. Still, we thank the Lord that through Zoom, we could celebrate His presence and worship Him with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.

-Jim

From Pastor David: The Current Situation in Myanmar

Thanks for your love, concern and encouragement during the pandemic and political crisis we are facing. We are praying at least three hours each day for our people and our nation with tears. We are not fasting this time, as the doctor suggests the immune system is very important to support.

By the grace and protection of God, no one from House of Glory (HoG) families and our network are infected with COVID-19. Though some are feeling sick (seasonal flu), they recover day by day. However, the third wave of the pandemic is still very bad in our nation. An average of 20 people die daily in our hometown. More than 210 pastors and missionaries died during this third wave. As for me, I lost some of my classmates, spiritual mentors, professors at the Bible school and ministry fellowship partners.

Many people are still struggling for their daily food since they lost their incomes because of lockdown restrictions. Many people fear they will die because of starvation rather than the pandemic. We are praying for them with tears.

Because of the political conflict, many are still being shot to death and some are put in jail. We are confronting pandemic, famine and political turmoil.

Nevertheless, we give our hearts more to Jesus as everything is under His control. The spiritual life of HoG families is growing in the midst of these challenges!

-David

How you can help

Connecting with House of Glory by Zoom and sharing the communion service with them was a high water mark for Jim and me this summer. How beautiful is the Body of Christ! Your prayers for them in this hour are being heard and answered.

We rejoice that doors are still open to send funds to feed hungry people in both Myanmar and Vietnam. If you care to give, we will gladly share 100% of your gift to feed those in need in this critical hour.

-Nancy

Thank you for praying, caring and giving.

We love and appreciate you,

Jim, Nancy and Grace

Living to Give in Myanmar & Vietnam

John 3:16 is perhaps the most often quoted verse in our land. We see it on billboards, at sporting events and have memorized it as children. These treasured words remind us that God is love and that it is His nature to give. He gives each of us life, with our unique personalities, looks and gifts. He gives us families, friendships and purpose to demonstrate the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He gave the life of His one and only Son so we could all be restored to an unbroken relationship with our Father. 

As we ponder the vastness of God’s love and His gift of salvation, what is a proper response? As partakers in His divine nature through salvation, it’s only fitting that we learn the ways of our Father, the ways of love and generosity. 

Both Pastor David in Myanmar and Minh in Vietnam demonstrate “living to give” as a lifestyle. In times of great joy or great pressure in their nations, we are encouraged to see them ever on the lookout to meet the needs of those around them, to be the hands and feet of Jesus,

Times are tough in both Myanmar and Vietnam at present. COVID is raging in both nations, disrupting daily life and work. Neither nation has the promise of adequate vaccines or healthcare. In Myanmar there is the additional stress of the military takeover since February 1. Despite these dire circumstances, these two men are looking for ways to build a bridge of love to demonstrate the love of God. The great news is that hearts are being opened to God’s love and people are receiving the gift of salvation!

As you watch these two short greetings from Pastor David and Minh, you can see the toll and suffering of the current situations on their faces. Please continue to pray for them, their families and churches.

Pastor David shares:

Food distribution in Vietnam

Minh and his team at House of Hope prepare food each day and drive it 40 minutes to drop off at the Heart Hospital, where children await heart surgery. Only one parent is allowed to accompany their child during COVID. The surgery is free, but there is no provision for food. Most of the people there are from the tribal areas and are very poor. They are beyond grateful for this act of compassion and love. You are part of this outreach through your giving to the work of Firefall. 

I don’t know about you, but as I ponder these modern-day heroes of our faith, I am humbled and challenged once more to be on the lookout for ways to be a giver...of encouragement, kindness and forgiveness, as well as my material treasure. 

Thank you, Firefall partners, for caring, for praying and for “living to give.” This life is a marathon, not a sprint. May we be faithful til the end, by God’s grace. May there be a great harvest of souls as Jesus continues to be lifted up in ways great and small.

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.” -Matthew 25:35

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” -Matthew 25:40

“Whoever is kind to the poor is lending to the Lord — the benefit of this gift will return to him in abundance.” -Proverbs 19:17

Myanmar Prayer Guide

In our busy world full of schedules, notifications and quick bites of information, it’s too easy to forget things. I don’t know about you, but I find myself continuously setting digital notifications and adding to my to-do lists to help me remember daily tasks.

And I find myself wanting to incorporate prayer into my daily to-dos, but sometimes I forget that, too. That’s why we had the idea of doing a Week of Prayer for Myanmar a few weeks ago, with daily reminders on our social media channels (Instagram and Facebook). We were able to interview some Firefall supporters with connections to Myanmar to learn more about what they’re praying for Myanmar and why.

We hope you also find connection, prayer inspiration and hope in these words offered up for a nation in crisis.

Maybe you want to work through some prayers while you’re exercising or doing your morning devotional. Maybe you want to make your own week of prayer for Myanmar and work through each card below. Be flexible as the Lord leads you.

Prayers for Myanmar

This supporter’s connection to Myanmar:
“My history with Myanmar began through prayer updates through Nancy and Jim about the country, then meeting Pastor David from Myanmar at the Firefall 25th anniversary celebration in Arkansas. Since then, I had the opportunity to travel with Firefall to Myanmar, witness the House of Glory ministry and personally grow from it, as well as coach with Pastor David and his wife.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“I am praying for protection and strength for the people of Myanmar as a whole, as well as Pastor David and his flock. Prayers are also offered that God will use this crisis and chaos to open hearts and doors for Him as Pastor David and their church reach out to many.”

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Prayer for Freedom & Safety

Connection to Myanmar:
“I've been to Myanmar six times. I met Nancy through a friend and we started an adventure in this beautiful place. I helped with the Firefall soccer tournaments. Spending the time with the guys, sharing our testimonies and training the kids. I also brought with me several guys from Spain to serve, and each trip changed each of our lives. Myanmar is my second home, and Pastor David and his church are my second family.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“We are praying for freedom in this country. God has a plan in Myanmar, and it will happen. We pray for safety for our brothers and sisters.”

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Prayer for New Christians

Connection to Myanmar:
“I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Myanmar in 2011 with Nancy and several others from Arkansas who had a heart for the country and its people. Especially the children.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“I know how hard Firefall, Pastor David and others have worked to bring Jesus to as many people as possible in Myanmar. Those who have been saved live in danger, especially since the military has reestablished control. I pray that these new Christians will be comforted and that they will be brave and courageous as they face their daily lives. I pray especially for Pastor David if he’s in the line of danger. I pray that there will be enough food for nourishment and medical supplies for those in need. I pray that all will be fed and encouraged by the Word and that even more will be saved by its promises.”

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Prayer for Churches

Connection to Myanmar:
“I remember being up one night in 2006 praying for the nations when God highlighted Myanmar to me on a map. I began to pray for this loved country nearly every night during that season. The Lord led me to places of intercession for souls, praying that He would open up a wide door for His Word to go forth. In the last two years, I was able to meet Pastor David and the fire for Myanmar was rekindled.”

Prayer for Myanmar:
“Now I am praying the same, that those believers who are arrested would be able to reach the hardest hearts in prison. I am asking for hearts to receive Jesus as the one true God and that their hearts would be set ablaze for him.

I pray that the churches would be like a greenhouse flourishing and bearing fruit in the most unlikely conditions. Joy unspeakable and full of glory! Peace unshakable.”

Ps. 16:8-11

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Prayer for Rescue

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Prayer for Myanmar:

“Lord, rescue the people of Myanmar from the hand of tyranny - that they may go forth in freedom both physically and spiritually.”

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Thank you

Thank you for your prayers and for standing with these believers and this nation during this difficult time.

Why Build a Community Center?

I want to let you know how the Glory Community Center building is going, but first, let’s look at why build it at all?

Let’s take a step back, like way back to 1812. Adoniurm Judson and his wife Ann, the first American missionaries, set off for Rangoon, Burma. They endured unimaginable difficulties and Ann died of smallpox at the age of 37, leaving an infant daughter. Although they targeted the Burmese people, most of the converts were from tribal groups (such as Karen people), not the pure Burmese.

Fast forward to 2020. After 208 years of missionary effort, the Burmese are still an unreached people group with only 0.08% following Jesus out of  31 million. Pastor David, himself, is Chin, one of the 135 tribal groups, but has a mandate from God to reach the Burmese.

So What’s the Big Deal?

The big deal is that Pastor David and House of Glory Church are seeing true Burmese turn from an empty idolatry to salvation in a living Jesus! God has given David strategies to build bridges to the Burmese, through the Glory Library, the Glory Football Club, feeding outreaches, providing clean water wells and serving the Burmese in other ways.

I don’t know of any other ministry in Myanmar that is having this kind of breakthrough. It hasn’t happened for over two centuries, but it’s happening now. Firefall friends, we are called to this moment in time when God is breaking through the darkness of sin and idolatry by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Your prayer and your financial investments are a part of this historical moment of divine favor.

Back to the Building

Things are going well with the construction. The exterior work is finished. Most of the interior work on the first floor has been completed for the Library and Administrative Offices for the Glory Football Club. The same is true of the second floor, which will be used as a community meeting room and church meeting site for House of Glory on Sundays.

You can see from the photos that they did a beautiful job with the lighting. The whole community will be proud of this space. The interior of the 3rd floor (living space for David’s family and persecuted believers) is in progress. David enlisted the football team and church members - leading by example- to haul bricks, cement and sand from the ground to the 3rd floor.

$4,200 is needed to paint the entire structure and $1,000 has been pledged. Would you prayerfully consider a gift to finish the painting?

COVID Resurgence

Right now, there is a flare-up of COVID-19 in Myanmar and the nation is back on lockdown. Hardly anyone is working, except those working on the Glory Community Center. God has granted David so much favor with government officials that they made an exception for those working on the Center. What a miracle! Thank you for your continued prayer and support! 

“The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” -Ps. 118:23