Charles Samuels' trip to Burma

Transcript

1. My God inspired Journey To the land of Myanmar August 2014
2. I arrived at Yangon Airport around 7.15pm on Tuesday 5th August 2014 and was met by the Archbishop’s driver U Naing Win. U Naing Win has a PhD degree- an Honorary degree presented to him by the Archbishop of Myanmar- it stands for ‘Provincial highway Driver’. I am taken to my humble yet comfortable little room. This will be my accommodation for the whole period during my stay.
3. Next morning I’m in class lecturing to just 2 students. The other 23 have gone to do fieldwork in nominated mission areas. There are 7 mission areas in the Yangon Diocese. The two students. Christine Tint Tint Htun and Peter Saing. She’s 16 and he’s 22. November 2013 students and lectures with yours truly.
5. Presenting the funds to the Archbishop & the Principal of the School of Evangelism . Charles Samuels explaining the Fund Raising Event The Archbishop announces a vote of thanks to all supporters in Perth for their contribution and dedication to the ‘School of Evangelism’ in Myanmar and its work.
6. A group photo after the presentation The Receipt: >>>>
7. 15 August 2014 Archbishop Stephen welcoming those who have attended my “witnessing and sharing” session. My Interpreter - The Rev Judson Win Nanda Htun. General Secretary of the Diocese of Yangon.
8. August 12, 2014. We’re on our way to a village called Kywe Thair Gyi (Big Buffalo Liver) a mission area which is 134 Km north of Yangon, not far from Nyaung Le Bin. A six hour drive by car then a 45 minute walk through the paddy fields. It is the Monsoon period. We can expect heavy rain and flooding. Stopping by for lunch on the way Housing along the way
9. This is as far as we can go by car so now we walk through the paddy fields for about 30 minutes to get to Kywe Thair Gyi. It’s pelting down with rain.
10. Looking ahead of us towards Kywe Thair Gyi
11. Home of the Evangelist In Kywe Thair Gyi The Evangelist Michael Kyaw Htet Htun The little altar in his home Michael & his assistant evangelists The pre primary children in Michael’s care
12. In discussion with an intoxicated member of the church on the far left of this picture. David Bolster talking with the man who is drunk He’s starting to draw attention and being loud Praying at a member’s home.
14. The front of the members home where we prayed A moment of hospitality by a young Evangelist
15. MORE TO LIFE SERIES “ENGAGING THROUGH STORY” August 20, 2014
16. Archbishop Stephen opens Bible Study session conducted by me on Dennis Pethers ‘More to Life’-’ Engaging in Story’. My interpreter Bishop Samuel Htan Oak Below: Group Discussion
17. Group Leaders reporting back on their discussions
18. Deborah Yi Yi Cho, evangelist in Kywe Thair Gyi, awarded for best performance , participation and understanding of the four story evangelistic approach of sharing Jesus with others. Group photo of Evangelists with Charles Samuels
19. August 19, 2014. We travel to Shwe Bon Tha. A mission village east of Yangon with 165 homes of which 27 homes are Christians the rest are Buddhists. The church started with 3 families. It takes 4.5 hrs by car and then 45 minutes by boat from Yangon. The evangelist is Michael Naing Tun a 2012 graduate of Holy Cross Theological College. He also has a Catechist. U Saw Thar Kapaw. Michael tutors 16 grade 3-4 students made up of both Christians and Buddhist. Preparing to travel by boat Do I really want to do this? >>> Michael Naing Tun the evangelist is to the right of David Bolster
20. Okay...I’m ready. All set to go now......
23. We’re away........ For how long, I’m not sure. Just trusting God!
24. <<<< He says.. you’re a long way from home mate, what are you so happy about? On the way to Shwe Bon Thar
25. Some scenes of housing along the way Take note of the pig in the far left hand corner >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
27. So we’re here safely after 45 minutes......Thank you Lord!
28. <<<<<<< Children playing on their boats. Notice the Satellite Dish on a pole A solar panel charging a battery that will be used to give light for teaching the children at dusk and late evenings. A necessary item to draw children to learn about Jesus while being educated. ------------- -------------
29. A gathering at the home of the Catechist to discuss circumstances taking place in the village. He’s the one sitting opposite me in the green longyi and a light green top. Notice the glasses of milk. This is straight from the cow in the front. (See next pic) He’s giving me an account of the church history here and asking me a lot of questions. A prayerful time........before we go to the church.
30. The church in the background. We are greeted, not only by people , but also by cattle. Michael is on my left and the Catechist to his right.
31. In the church explaining my visit to the village. I am also interpreting for David Bolster. Here we see believers & non believers gathered to hear what we have to say. They long to hear a message of hope because they have lived so isolated from the world for over 45 years. -------
32. We are now asked to pray for healing for this man who is a non believer. He has walked 2 kilometres to meet us. He has a tumour as bid as a tennis ball on his neck.
33. Look at the size of his tumour!!!! He is very distressed.
34. We pray over him. We ask Jesus to heal him and reveal himself to him that he may be saved
35. Others ask that I pray specially for them David Bolster joins me Bolster joins me.
36. We pray for him again He comes to us asking to pray for him again
37. Others then ask me to pray for them......... I praise God!
39. The children put on an item of Praise & Worship for the congregation
40. Thank you all very much for sharing this experience with me. I thank you for your prayers. I thank you for your support. I thank you for your love and care and most of all, I thank you for loving Jesus. Because you love Jesus you love me. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His providence...... Charles Samuels August 2014