Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. A commemoration to Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance lasts 29-30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
Thank the Lord! The Holy Spirit guides the Golden Gate Church and places the burden in our hearts that the Hui in Myanmar will accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ and one day there would be a church established in their community. The Missions Committee and the UUPG Working Group would like to invite you to join this 30 days of prayer event during Ramadan. We will publish the weekly prayer guide in the following dates. May the Lord help us to respond to the calling He has given us as members of Golden Gate Church.
GGCC has been praying about the adoption of a UUPG, particularly Hui in Myanmar, since MET1 came back. A workgroup was formed to facilitate the pre-adoption process. In November of 2020 GGCC members voted to adopt one unspecified UUPG. In July of 2021, the GGCC council approved the Mission Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Hui in Myanmar. In the upcoming November congregation meeting, members will make the final vote on adopting the Hui in Myanmar. Pray for the hearts of members to earnestly desire the salvation of Hui in Myanmar.
How could we pray?
1. May the Spirit give unity to members at GGCC to discern whether the Hui in Myanmar is the people group we should adopt 2. Pray that God would move the hearts of members at GGCC to participate in the UUPG adoption initiative through different means: pray continuously, give financially, participate in short-term mission trips, or even become missionaries. 3. Depending on how God leads us on the journey of the UUPG adoption, pray that we would be faithful to our cal, whether we are in a leading or supporting role.
GGCC has been praying about the adoption of a UUPG, particularly Hui in Myanmar, since MET1 came back. A workgroup was formed to facilitate the pre-adoption process. In November of 2020 GGCC members voted to adopt one unspecified UUPG. In July of 2021, the GGCC council approved the Mission Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Hui in Myanmar. In the upcoming November congregation meeting, members will make the final vote on adopting the Hui in Myanmar. Pray for the hearts of members to earnestly desire the salvation of Hui in Myanmar.
How could we pray?
1. May the Spirit give unity to members at GGCC to discern whether the Hui in Myanmar is the people group we should adopt 2. Pray that God would move the hearts of members at GGCC to participate in the UUPG adoption initiative through different means: pray continuously, give financially, participate in short-term mission trips, or even become missionaries. 3. Depending on how God leads us on the journey of the UUPG adoption, pray that we would be faithful to our cal, whether we are in a leading or supporting role.
YWAM Myanmar has different ministries to outreach people, including:
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER – With a family focus, the FRC offers individual & marriage / pre-marital counseling, marriage and family seminars with the local church, and creates education solutions so families can raise their children in their home.
HOME OF JOY – A support group for those suffering from HIV/AIDS in the Hlaing Thayar Township in Yangon
SLUM PRESCHOOL – Christian education for kids of low-income families living in slum communities in Hlaing Thayar Township in Yangon.
PRECIOUS CHILDREN’S CLUB – A weekly gathering and ministry to the many homeless kids that survive in the community near the YWAM Go Center in Hlaing Thayar Township
SUPER SOY – Soy milk production and distribution partnered with evangelism in the Hlaing Thayar slum communities, providing both foods for the body and for the soul
SUPER SOLAR – Based in Yangon, this social enterprise builds high-efficiency cookstoves which reduces smoke inhalation. The goal is to produce and deliver to needy people throughout Myanmar.
How could we pray?
1. Pray for the safety of all the coworkers who are suffering due to the pandemic and the military take over which restricts their activities. 2. Pray that YWAM ministry will reach the Hui people and impact their lives. 3. Pray that the ministry outreach will continue and bring hope to the nation.
“I can feel the stares. I can hear their voices. They do not like that I am here. Many do not like that I am Hui. It is evident in the way that they have asked us to remove Arabic writing from our store fronts and how they have made us redesign our places of worship so that they look less Arabic. People who were once dear to me are also beginning to look at me differently. Just last month, I was eating dinner with some friends from another country. My friend was translating for them because my English is very poor. I did, however, hear my friend say, ‘Do not tell him this, but the Hui are beginning to be looked down on more and more. We do not like them, honestly.’ This hurts me. I am no longer able to think as I wish. I am a well-established businessman, yet I fear for my job. I have been doing my job for a long time, and I do it very well. One day people may choose not to do business with me just because of what I believe.”
How could we pray?
1. Pray for harmonious relationships between people groups 2. Pray for Hui people living in fear. Ask that they would come to know the Lord who conquers fear and give peace
“I can feel the stares. I can hear their voices. They do not like that I am here. Many do not like that I am Hui. It is evident in the way that they have asked us to remove Arabic writing from our store fronts and how they have made us redesign our places of worship so that they look less Arabic. People who were once dear to me are also beginning to look at me differently. Just last month, I was eating dinner with some friends from another country. My friend was translating for them because my English is very poor. I did, however, hear my friend say, ‘Do not tell him this, but the Hui are beginning to be looked down on more and more. We do not like them, honestly.’ This hurts me. I am no longer able to think as I wish. I am a well-established businessman, yet I fear for my job. I have been doing my job for a long time, and I do it very well. One day people may choose not to do business with me just because of what I believe.”
How could we pray?
1. Pray for harmonious relationships between people groups 2. Pray for Hui people living in fear. Ask that they would come to know the Lord who conquers fear and give peace
The Chinese Methodist Churches in Mandalay is one of the oldest established churches. Having been well-established in this city for many years, they have earned the right to practice their faith in a city filled with idol-worship, Buddhism, Hinduism and others.
How could we pray?
Pray that they can be salt and light in this city.
The Chinese Methodist Churches in Mandalay is one of the oldest established churches. Having been well-established in this city for many years, they have earned the right to practice their faith in a city filled with idol-worship, Buddhism, Hinduism and others.
How could we pray?
Pray that they can be salt and light in this city.
The Hui Mosque in Pyin Oo Lwin serves about 200 Hui families in the city. It also houses an Islamic school called True Light established in 1990. It had roughly 40 students in 2019, all boys and mainly from Tangyan and Lashio, and under 10 teachers. The curriculum is composed of Arabic and instruction of Islamic doctrines. Students spend eight years here before going to colleges mostly in the Middle East. There are three such Islamic schools in Myanmar organized by Hui. The Pyin Oo Lwin school is the newest and has become the best organized among the three. Apart from these Islamic schools run by Hui, Hui boys can attend Islamic schools run by the Indian Muslims including the ones in Yangon.
How could we pray?
Pray that Hui leaders and students at this mosque would encounter Jesus in dreams and visions. Pray that the truth of the Bible overshadows the Koran.
The Hui Mosque in Pyin Oo Lwin serves about 200 Hui families in the city. It also houses an Islamic school called True Light established in 1990. It had roughly 40 students in 2019, all boys and mainly from Tangyan and Lashio, and under 10 teachers. The curriculum is composed of Arabic and instruction of Islamic doctrines. Students spend eight years here before going to colleges mostly in the Middle East. There are three such Islamic schools in Myanmar organized by Hui. The Pyin Oo Lwin school is the newest and has become the best organized among the three. Apart from these Islamic schools run by Hui, Hui boys can attend Islamic schools run by the Indian Muslims including the ones in Yangon.
How could we pray?
Pray that Hui leaders and students at this mosque would encounter Jesus in dreams and visions. Pray that the truth of the Bible overshadows the Koran.
R and A run an English language program in Pyin Oo Lwin where they teach classes and tutor students. R and A teach students ranging from children to adults and from locals all the way to government officials. They teach about religious holidays in America as a convenient way to learn about American culture as well as God, Jesus, and other religious topics.
How could we pray?
Pray for God to bring more students to R and A so that they can reach more Burmese with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Chinese Christians founded and run several seminaries in Myanmar, such as the Myanmar Chinese Bible Institute and the Myanmar Reformed Bible College . Students are mostly local and from China. Some of the seminaries send teams on short-term mission teams to Hui-gathering areas such as Lashio and Mogok. Some reach out to neighborhoods by inviting young people to sports. Some offer English classes and find earnest seekers among students for evangelism.
How could we pray?
Pray that there would be more seminary students enrolled in the seminary to be trained to reach more Burmese and Hui in Myanmar. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers.
Chinese Christians founded and run several seminaries in Myanmar, such as the Myanmar Chinese Bible Institute and the Myanmar Reformed Bible College . Students are mostly local and from China. Some of the seminaries send teams on short-term mission teams to Hui-gathering areas such as Lashio and Mogok. Some reach out to neighborhoods by inviting young people to sports. Some offer English classes and find earnest seekers among students for evangelism.
How could we pray?
Pray that there would be more seminary students enrolled in the seminary to be trained to reach more Burmese and Hui in Myanmar. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers.
The country has had little peace since the Japanese invasion of WWII, in 1942. By 1948, Burma claimed its independence from Britain as a Federal Union. Popular demands for democratic rule opened the way for elections in 1990. Although the opposition party won 85% of the seats, the military regime refused to hand over power. The secretive military junta, has turned Myanmar into a prison with widespread human rights abuses and killings etc. In 2011, the military junta was officially dissolved, following a general election from 2010. Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners helped to improve the country’s political condition. In February 1, 2021, the military again seized power in a coup.
How could we pray?
Pray that the tensions between the military and the government would be resolved peacefully. Pray that a democratically elected government would be put in place instead of military rule.
The country has had little peace since the Japanese invasion of WWII, in 1942. By 1948, Burma claimed its independence from Britain as a Federal Union. Popular demands for democratic rule opened the way for elections in 1990. Although the opposition party won 85% of the seats, the military regime refused to hand over power. The secretive military junta, has turned Myanmar into prison with widespread human rights abuses and killings etc. In 2011, the military junta was officially dissolved, following a general election from 2010. Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners helped to improve the country’s political condition. On February 1, 2021, the military again seized power in a coup.
How could we pray?
Pray that the tensions between the military and the government would be resolved peacefully. Pray that a democratically elected government would be put in place instead of military rule.
The young couples having financial hardship among the Hui
“My wife and I recently got married. The marriage was arranged by our parents. The bride price was set at $20,000 USD, which meant that my family had to pay this amount to my wife’s family. In order for us to go through with the wedding, this money had to be paid. As a couple, we didn’t receive any of this money ourselves. My mother-in-law said that she worked for over twenty years to raise my wife, so this is money that she has earned.
Culturally, it is expected that I provide a new house and a new car for my wife. I purchased these things to fulfill these expectations. Now, we are in an immense amount of debt. Almost all of the money I make each month goes towards paying off these debts. It has put much strain on our new marriage. Although it seems from the outside that we have nice things, we are struggling to make it financially.”
How could we pray?
1. Pray for wisdom for Hui people as they deal with very difficult financial burdens that threaten marriages and family
2. Pray God will work in the hearts of young Hui couples. Ask Him to keep their marriages strong.
The young couples having financial hardship among the Hui
“My wife and I recently got married. The marriage was arranged by our parents. The bride price was set at $20,000 USD, which meant that my family had to pay this amount to my wife’s family. In order for us to go through with the wedding, this money had to be paid. As a couple, we didn’t receive any of this money ourselves. My mother-in-law said that she worked for over twenty years to raise my wife, so this is money that she has earned.
Culturally, it is expected that I provide a new house and a new car for my wife. I purchased these things to fulfill these expectations. Now, we are in an immense amount of debt. Almost all of the money I make each month goes towards paying off these debts. It has put much strain on our new marriage. Although it seems from the outside that we have nice things, we are struggling to make it financially.”
How could we pray?
1. Pray for wisdom for Hui people as they deal with very difficult financial burdens that threaten marriages and family
2. Pray God will work in the hearts of young Hui couples. Ask Him to keep their marriages strong.
(From the elderly among the Hui) “Getting old has been hard. I don’t have any family left. I lost my farm a few years back. I am too old to get a job, so I collect plastics for recycling. I am able to make a little money, but life is hard. I don’t have any money for medicine or doctor visits. I don’t go to the mosque because I am poor and homeless. Sometimes they will give me some money out of charity. Helping the poor is considered a good work in Islam.”
How could we pray?
Pray Jesus followers will serve, love, and care for elderly Hui who does not have any family to help them.
(From the elderly among the Hui) “Getting old has been hard. I don’t have any family left. I lost my farm a few years back. I am too old to get a job, so I collect plastics for recycling. I am able to make a little money, but life is hard. I don’t have any money for medicine or doctor visits. I don’t go to the mosque because I am poor and homeless. Sometimes they will give me some money out of charity. Helping the poor is considered a good work in Islam.”
How could we pray?
Pray Jesus followers will serve, love, and care for elderly Hui who does not have any family to help them.
Beyond cities like Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin and Yangon, Hui people are spread over in areas around Taungyi, Lashio, Tangyan and Kentung, where large Chinese population can be found. They make their living off farming, jade mining and trading. Some of these areas are remote and poor. Some lie in Myanmar’s armed conflict zones where several ethnic armed groups fight Myanmar’s armed forces. The conflict has forced many Hui families to move away from their homeland.
How could we pray?
Pray that as the Hui move around from city to city, pray that they would encounter other Christians in the process and that the Gospel would reach them even as they are displaced.
Beyond cities like Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin and Yangon, Hui people are spread over in areas around Taungyi, Lashio, Tangyan and Kentung, where large Chinese population can be found. They make their living off farming, jade mining and trading. Some of these areas are remote and poor. Some lie in Myanmar’s armed conflict zones where several ethnic armed groups fight Myanmar’s armed forces. The conflict has forced many Hui families to move away from their homeland.
How could we pray?
Pray that as the Hui move around from city to city, pray that they would encounter other Christians in the process and that the Gospel would reach them even as they are displaced.
“I am a thirty-year-old Hui man. I was born in a poor, small village. My parents pushed me to do well in school when I was younger. Because of my hard work and good grades, I was able to go to a good university. This was a great privilege for me, since many Hui people where I am from do not have these kinds of opportunities. After I graduated, I remained in the large university city to work for a few years. Although I liked the worldview I gained from this experience, the big city was a little too much for me. Life there is very fast-paced and everyone spends all of their time working hard just to get ahead. I decided to move back to the capital city of my home province, so I could be closer to my family and enjoy a slower-paced life. To get a decent job, I joined a national company. Being Hui in a company like this means that I am not allowed to wear the traditional Hui hat or grow out my beard. I also do not have time to attend the mosque regularly, as I must keep normal working hours. I am currently working at an entry-level position, but I would like to earn a higher position. Religion is very dear and interesting to me. It is dear because of the Islamic traditions that I grew up with and have practiced my whole life. It is interesting because of the things I have learned about while away at school. During this time, I was exposed to the religious beliefs that people around the world hold. I love to learn and have spent much time studying other religions and history.”
How could we pray?
Pray that as Hui people move to bigger cities for study or business, that they would be blessed and experience grace, compassion and true friendship.
“I am a thirty-year-old Hui man. I was born in a poor, small village. My parents pushed me to do well in school when I was younger. Because of my hard work and good grades, I was able to go to a good university. This was a great privilege for me, since many Hui people where I am from do not have these kinds of opportunities. After I graduated, I remained in the large university city to work for a few years. Although I liked the worldview I gained from this experience, the big city was a little too much for me. Life there is very fast-paced and everyone spends all of their time working hard just to get ahead. I decided to move back to the capital city of my home province, so I could be closer to my family and enjoy a slower-paced life. To get a decent job, I joined a national company. Being Hui in a company like this means that I am not allowed to wear the traditional Hui hat or grow out my beard. I also do not have time to attend the mosque regularly, as I must keep normal working hours. I am currently working at an entry-level position, but I would like to earn a higher position. Religion is very dear and interesting to me. It is dear because of the Islamic traditions that I grew up with and have practiced my whole life. It is interesting because of the things I have learned about while away at school. During this time, I was exposed to the religious beliefs that people around the world hold. I love to learn and have spent much time studying other religions and history.”
How could we pray?
Pray that as Hui people move to bigger cities for study or business, that they would be blessed and experience grace, compassion and true friendship.
C&L are workers to the Hui in Thailand. They are currently waiting in the United States to return to their field work there. They joined the MET1 team and provided their expertise and research of the Hui in Myanmar. They continue to provide many resources that are pertinent to learning about the Hui in Myanmar since their target group is in the country next door to Myanmar. C&L, along with their team members, are still hoping that they can enter Thailand without their visa application being rejected.
How could we pray?
Pray that God would open the doors to allow them back in Thailand to resume their work with the Hui in Thailand.
C&L are workers to the Hui in Thailand. They are currently waiting in the United States to return to their field work there. They joined the MET1 team and provided their expertise and research of the Hui in Myanmar. They continue to provide many resources that are pertinent to learning about the Hui in Myanmar since their target group is in the country next door to Myanmar. C&L, along with their team members, are still hoping that they can enter Thailand without their visa application being rejected.
How could we pray?
Pray that God would open the doors to allow them back in Thailand to resume their work with the Hui in Thailand.
MET1 visited several Christian churches and organizations in Mandalay. Some focus on serving an aging congregation while attempting to attract young believers. Some partner with missionaries, both local, and from China to work among the Chinese along the China-Myanmar trade route in northern Myanmar. Some reach out to neighborhoods that have Muslim families. Some operate a Chinese school. One Chinese brother and his family of three opened a home-based Gospel center in a poor neighborhood to preach and care for those in the neighborhood, some of the Indian Muslims. One Christian organization organizes summer camps for children and youth in northern Myanmar, bringing school supplies and Gospel. Facing various challenges, with God’s grace they continue to serve faithfully in various ways.
How could we pray?
Pray for the church and Christian organizations in Mandalay to have the heart to reach their neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray also that they would have the heart to reach the Hui in Mandalay also.
MET1 visited several Christian churches and organizations in Mandalay. Some focus on serving an aging congregation while attempting to attract young believers. Some partner with missionaries, both local, and from China to work among the Chinese along the China-Myanmar trade route in northern Myanmar. Some reach out to neighborhoods that have Muslim families. Some operate a Chinese school. One Chinese brother and his family of three opened a home-based Gospel center in a poor neighborhood to preach and care for those in the neighborhood, some of the Indian Muslims. One Christian organization organizes summer camps for children and youth in northern Myanmar, bringing school supplies and Gospel. Facing various challenges, with God’s grace they continue to serve faithfully in various ways.
How could we pray?
Pray for the church and Christian organizations in Mandalay to have the heart to reach their neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray also that they would have the heart to reach the Hui in Mandalay also.
