Everett and Evelyn McKinney
Training to Reach the Unreached in Myanmar
Dear Friends,
It was our privilege to teach a Master's level extension course for Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma) during the month of August. Buddhism is strong - temples are ornate - the more the better, The military government is very repressive - which you have been seeing in the news. We were there when the first small demonstrations started, but finished before things got so bad.
Jesus' command to reach all "nations" was not speaking of countries as we know them, but of ethnic groups - distinct people groups within countries. 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar have little or no knowledge of the gospel. The two brothers in the photo live close to many unreached peoples. They recommitted to get the Gospel to those peoples as they studied Missions Perspectives.
See the contrast between the lavish temples and the squalid living conditions in this very poor country.
But the picture is not dark when God is in it! HE is calling many young people to Bible school and then to the farthest reaches to spread the message of God's redeeming love. We were blessed to minister in Evangel Bible College as well as in local churches.
Khai (our student in 1988) is a pastor in Yangon, and also rescues orphans & children at risk. He houses 35 kids in a simple building in the countryside, which he funds by faith. Man Ngaih Nem is 15, but looks 10. Without a miracle, she will not live long. But she knows Jesus and has a beautiful smile.
The month of September found us in Mongolia for the first time. Mongolia is the country of Genghis Khan, who is their national hero. His name is everywhere, and now a huge statue is being built outside of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. A local missionary says it reminds her of Nebuchadnezzar's statue, so revered is he. Mongolia has a unique culture due largely to its harsh, long winters. But we were there at a good time with autumn coming on. Many people live in round tentlike structures, even in the city. Built on a wood or concrete floor, it can be dismantled and moved quite easily. It can be winterized with hides or carpets. Camels, horses, goats, and sheep are very important to their lifestyle.
It is a young church in Mongolia, and the way is not easy. The major religion is Buddhism, but it is very much mixed with animism. If a person becomes a Christian, his family will often blame him for anything bad that happens to the family. The price is high, but many are willing to pay it, for there is no joy in their religion - but much fear. So much for them depends on the whims or moods of evil spirits, so they do everything they can to appease them and keep them away. They build mounds of stones around a pole, then bring small offerings such as juice, candy, cigarettes. They walk around the pole several times. Or they go to the temple and bow to the many statues of Buddha enthroned there. They turn big prayer wheels, which are said to contain 1000 prayers. They pray with beads similar to a rosary, or tie sacred ribbons and put their heads to a pole while they pray. They burn incense and put wallets in the smoke or inhale the smoke or place hurting arms in the smoke.
But the church is making an impact. There are several churches in Ulaanbaatar and they are reaching out to the vast rural areas. Many young people are studying in the Bible college. We were inspired as we taught them and learned of their desire to even go beyond their own borders to places like Iraq & Turkey! Everett also did a pastors' seminar on Signs and Wonders in Ministry. There will be a major breakthrough!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Healing for Man Ngaih Nem
- Continued open doors for ministers in Myanmar under military rule & strong opposition by Buddhists.
- Resources for church planters in Mongolia.
- Our present teaching ministry in Singapore.
- Guidance for our 4 adolescent grandchildren.
- Teaching & preaching in India - November.
- Teaching & praching in Samoa - December.
Please refer to our Contact page for our current information.