Myanmar (MNN) — Christians in Myanmar are hopeful.
For the first time in
decades, real change seems to be coming. Not only that, but the reforms appear to be sticking. Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's most famous
dissident-turned-parliament-member doesn't negate that, but she does urge
caution.
There are a great
number of tasks that face the emerging nation, and it's exactly that challenge to
which Asian Access rises. The ministry has been working behind the
scenes in Myanmar, and up until recently was shaped by Bishop Zothan Mawia.
Mawia explains why care would be prudent. "We have been isolated
for many years. [In] 1962, the military took over, and then all the education was
from English medium to Burmese medium. We were isolated in the sense that going
out of Myanmar is also quite difficult. Education was weakened."
The political infrastructure remains fragile, and peace with the
Maoists is equally frail. "Slowly,
it's moving. We can't change in one day's time, so we need time," explains
Mawia. A leap forward isn't realistic. "In that sense, we also realize that we
have a part to play. We are trying our best to have this mindset change." Unless the mindset changes internally, lasting change for Myanmar is fleeting.
From the beginning, Mawia's heart has been bent toward reconciliation. In order to move forward, he's stressed
the importance of understanding others' hurts as well as the willingness to forgive.
That's where Asian Access programs are most effective. "For Christians, we believe that the
transformation is by the power of the Holy Spirit. So we hope the very basic
mindset will be changed. That might be
better for the community and then hopefully for the country. So far, that's
what we have in mind."
The groundwork was already in place, since A2 has been in Myanmar
since 2003. Though Mawia is not actively directing A2's
ministry there now, he was integral
in getting A2 launched. He has since passed the baton to a new, younger
leader.
There were three things he noted as obstacles to effective church
growth in Myanmar. One came about as a
result of a weakened education system. "Many potential leaders like to go
abroad for further study, but their English is weak, so many of them
cannot." Going abroad may have
been immaterial, since few could afford the study–problem number two. And the last problem: cultural
differences that created nearly as much frustration as the language barrier.
Asian Access' work of leadership training has been recognized as
one of the most creative and fruitful leadership training programs in Asia. The
key to its effectiveness is the careful selection of twelve emerging leaders.
First things first, says Mawia. "Pastors work very hard, focusing on
ministry. But the relationship with God, many times we just ignore unconsciously.
We try to make that number one, to make the leaders come back to the love of
God."
These leaders are then invited to be a part of a class that meets
four times a year, for a week at a time, over a two-year period. When the twelve
meet together, they are working through an established curriculum that
accelerates their growth as spiritual leaders, as well as organizational
leaders. At their training sessions, they are resourced by leaders in and
outside their country.
Mawia proudly notes the success of a program that thrived despite
the oppressive conditions of the country in which they were operating. The first class graduated with 11, then 12, and then last May, nine graduates from the
3-year courses were ready for their own ministry.
As part of their training, leaders are also given the skills to
determine the needs of the communities and the context in which they live and
minister. Upon that knowledge, they then develop skills to equip their
congregation for effective service, Mawia explains. "Though we are a
minority, we still have to show forth Jesus Christ or the power of the Holy Spirit
through our life, that they may be able to come to God."
New church leaders don't always have a clear path. However, for the most part, the communities where
the leaders work notice something
immediately. "They are also aware that we Christians are different. They can accept Christians and say, 'You are based on love.' We are
not threatening them."
The question really is: is the change bringing hope, or is it hope
bringing change?
so very nice