Greetings!
How can you and I hope to contribute in any significant way to the people of Myanmar, a country of 55 million people beset by mind-boggling problems and wide-spread suffering? Our options are limited, to be sure, but the strategic action we have been taking over the past 5 years is clearly making a difference for hundreds of individuals who are now responsible for ministering to thousands of others all over the country.
Our strategy is simple. We invest our limited resources in the lives of those best positioned to truly make a difference. We teach and counsel over 100 theological students each year, men and women who will become pastors, teachers, and church workers in their villages--the people best positioned to offer leadership for the whole community.
Teaching New Testament Theology to 75 students We also counsel and coach faculty members and administrative staff, who are in key positions of influence with the entire student body. This semester, in addition to all we are able to do at our home base at the Myanmar Institute of Theology (M.I.T.), we have had meaningful opportunities to work with faculty from other institutions and various church groups as well. * Labyrinth training for 20 Chin women (Jill) * Labyrinth and centering prayer lecture for 25 MIT students (Jill) * Spirit-led leadership teaching and labyrinth prayer for 40 leaders of the Truth Church (Tim and Jill) * Speaking and sharing testimonies in various churches, ministering to 450-500 Chin Christians and 1000 Kachin Christians on successive weeks. * Speaking at the M.I.T. chapel twice: Tim on "The Beauty of the Lord" and Jill on "Hope in Suffering" Greeting students after Jill's lecture on homiletics * Special lecture on preaching for 70 M.I.T. students (Jill) * Coaching 25 students in the Spiritual Vitality for Life and Leadership course to help them create three visions for themselves: one for their relationship with God, one for themselves as Spirit-led leaders, and another for their future ministries (Tim) * Meeting with the president and faculty members of the Myanmar Theological College (MTC) in Mandalay to discuss ways FHLGM might be helpful in its work to develop young leaders and laypeople for ministry * In October, our team will be traveling Kalamyo, a key city in Chin State, to teach another set of faculty members and to speak extensively in various churches.
Myanmar Theological College, Mandalay
We cannot imagine how we could fit in one more ministry or make any better use of our numerous opportunities to contribute to the well-being of the Christians in Myanmar. Everywhere we turn, God seems to be saying "Yes!" to our serving here, and we are deeply grateful to be part of the good that God has in mind for these people. The longer we serve in Myanmar, the more opportunities for influence and contribution emerge. We are now in Cambodia, about to meet with leaders, eager to bring The Spirit-Led Leader training to pastors here. Our fish and loaves continue to multiply! Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry of teaching, inspiring, and encouraging. In the midst of overwhelming need, God is using us to make a real difference here. Serving Christ with you,
Tim Geoffrion
President and Teaching Minister
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." -2 Timothy 2:2, NRSV |