Daniel chapter 3 records the account of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and their Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. It’s a powerful lesson about being faithful to God. These three young Hebrew men were confident that God COULD save them, but they were willing to die for God if necessary Come what may, they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gold idol. Many of us have experienced hardship and, at times, significant hardship. Praise God for each one who has come through victorious!
You are probably aware of the hardship in Myanmar. Nearly four years of civil war have decimated the country’s economy and population. I’ll skip the political aspect to highlight the faithfulness of the EMC leaders, pastors, missionaries, and laity.
Many have fled the country (especially the youth, to avoid being forced into the Junta military), and untold thousands internally displaced. Normal pastoral ministry is impossible in some places, and so is normal living, for that matter A dozen or so EMCs have been forced to suspend operations, with no idea as to when they might be able to reopen. The travels of the General Superintendent have become dangerous and expensive. The inflation rate is 28% compared to 3% before the war. Some EMC members’ houses have been destroyed. One EMC family lost two children directly related to the fighting. There are many other heart-rending stories
On the other hand, we are inspired by the faithfulness of the Church and the success of the Gospel! Lisa and I regularly receive reports of new believers being baptized; maybe 3-4 at a time, but sometimes 20-30, or more!! Many conversions seem to come from the area that has su^ered the most—Paletwah. Since the war started, EMC Myanmar has organized one mission field into a district and opened three new mission fields! Against all odds, they are growing . They are not giving up!
I have no idea how they function day-to - day with rampant unemployment, runaway inflation, frequent mortal danger, scarce medical attention, and closed churches (resulting in greatly diminished tithes, di^iculty paying pastors, and very little conference support). I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that each day is a miracle. Yet they press on.
We rejoice when we can send money to buy Bibles for new believers! Thank you for giving to this ongoing project! We have sent thousands of dollars for relief over the past few years
Let’s pray together fervently that God will Myanmar. Pray daily for the EMC there, and other Christian churches pastors, missionaries, lay leaders, and members. Pray that God will continue to “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against … the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12)
You may join our regular prayer meeting on Zoom each Wednesday at 10 PM Eastern time. If you aren’t receiving the weekly EMC Missions Prayer list, contact me for the list and Zoom link. billwalkeremc@gmail.com
The Walkers are full-time EMC missionaries serving exclusively in the EMC and are funded only by your generous support. They live near Athens, Georgia, but are your missionaries to ALL 5 GLOBAL CONFERENCES (Mexico, Myanmar, Asia Pacific, CFAN, and South Africa).
You might have heard that the Walkers are “fully funded for the first time in 14 years.” That DOES NOT MEAN they don’t need you to support them anymore. It DOES MEAN that the EMC Board of World Missions and Board of Finance consulted each other and found enough money to provide a full-time package for both Bill AND Lisa. There is only enough money in that fund to last until June 30, 2025, therefore they must raise an additional $50,000 of annual support to continue full-time beyond that date.
What can you do? Invite them to speak at your church or home group. Pray that God will provide the full need. Join their support team by giving directly or through your local church. Imagine if each EMC congregation in the USA supported the Walkers with an ongoing monthly gift of $150 they would remain fully funded, year after year.
WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN THE TEAM! To give to the Walkers’ missionary work, scan this QR code with your phone or visit: https://engage.suran.com/evangelicalmethodist/s/give/gift/walker-support
Alternatively, you can make checks payable to Evangelical Methodist Church and designate your gift as “Walker Support.” Just mail your support check to:
EMC International PO Box 17070 Indianapolis, IN 46217
