An update from a Southeast Asia MAP missionary

This is an update from David Len,* a Missionary Adoption Program (MAP) missionary in Southeast Asia. He is one of five missionaries in the country, and he is working with students at a local university and is also working to plant a church. Due to the extreme political and religious environment in his country, his name has been changed. In the month of May alone, Len and four fellow missionaries shared the gospel with 138 new people and had follow-up meetings with 18 people in the midst of COVID-19 and political unrest.

Within this month, my family and I are still in good shape by the grace of God and his mercy. By and large, I was not able to spend much time in the ministry compared to what I have done in other months – all because of inevitable challenges like the third wave of Covid-19 and especially the military coup which caused a critical political situation in our country. People from different sectors have been on strike and do not go to work as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Hundreds of peaceful demonstrators were cracked down by the military and even shot dead with real bullets. Mission activities have been limited under the status quo in our country. Yet the Lord has given me opportunities.

Student Ministry

Most of the students from my ministry are doing fine in their respective places, though a number of them are stuck here in the city unable to go home for limitations imposed by the military group. I often call up those who are away to ask how they are doing. The internet shutdowns started, we have had problems communicating with each other.

I try to visit those who are staying here at hostels and rented rooms. We study the word of God and pray together hand in hand for our country and our ministry.

Our long-term goal is to find a proper place for a student center where we can best minister to their physical and spiritual needs.

Each Tuesday, I go to help those who come to our city for proper medication and hospitalization from the nearby Tamu and Homalin townships. I usually help people from India by interpreting for them with hospital staff. Sometimes I also host people from different places who come for medical help.

We hope to found a church in the near future. Due to the political situation, I cannot pay a visit to our fellowship members but I talk to them on the phone and pray for them.

Learn more about the Missionary Adoption Program, our missionaries or ways you can be involved.