Myanmar

A. Introduction

Myanmar is situated in South East Asia. It declared its independence from England in 1948. It is not a very developed country, still governed by the military regime, and has closed itself to the outside world for over 30 years.

Its population is nearly 50 million with 90% Buddhists. Buddhist pagodas can be seen everywhere, which made it known as the nation of thousands of pagodas. Its capital, Yangon (Rangoon) especially has a big golden pagoda, hence was known as the city of pagodas. Burmese are superstitious people, who consider building and repairing temples and pagodas as a way of performing good deeds. This reminds us of Paul’s anxiety about the city of Athens when he saw the city full of idols.

B. The development of the True Jesus Church

In 1987, there were four ministers from other denominations who wrote an article in a Christian magazine called Sabbath Observer to introduce churches (including their names, doctrines, and addresses) that observe Sabbath Days. They found that the doctrines of the “True Jesus Church” are the most complete Truth. Therefore, they preached according to the Truth and Doctrines of the True Jesus Church and about 400 people wanted to be baptized. They wrote to Malaysia/Singapore GA but there was no response for three years. The believers went back to their original churches.

In 1989, another person from another denomination named Mr. Tham came across our church's English publication—Words of Life and contacted IA to request for preachers to come to follow up on baptism. An IA preacher and Dn Jonah Yapp of Sabah GA were assigned to evangelize in Myanmar in the year 1990. Evangelical services were held at the house of Bro Kim who was working at the Singapore Embassy Office there. At the time, 20 people (including 4 church workers) received baptism. In 1993, the two ministers again went to Sister Mary’s house in Yangon to evangelize and 30 people were baptized. The following year, another 40 people were baptized in Yangon. However, due to the lack of workers and follow-up, some believers have departed. At the same time, chapels were being built in Pyindawoo and Sakhangyi. In November of the same year, Bro Thomas Yen and his wife moved to Myanmar from New York, USA for business purposes. In May 1995, IA preacher coordinated with Bro Yen to assist in the work in Myanmar. A YMCA facility was rented to hold spiritual convocation and evangelical services, resulting in 50 people being baptized. The Church committee was then set up and work has been assigned to follow up in pastoring work. After which, in April and October of the years 1997 and 1998, IA sent workers to continue preaching and evangelizing in the neighboring areas. With the abidance of the Holy Spirit, the Truth was preached from Pyindawoo, Sakhangy, and Taungphila to other locations. Members have grown to be more fervent and the chapel was not able to accommodate anymore so a new chapel was constructed starting Oct 1997.