Greetings to you all in the loving name of Jesus. I pray that you all are in good health and hope that this letter finds you well. As for me and my family, we are in good health, through your sincere prayers and faithful support, but the ministries here are in bad, bad shape this month. There was non-stop heavy rain for six days, plus huge storms from a hurricane and typhoon hitting Shan Province, Kayah Province, Mandalay Province, Naypyidaw Province, Pegu Province, etc. very badly. More than 43,000 people lost their lives, and more than 25,000 people are still missing. The dead bodies are being found every day across the country, along with the dead animals (cows, buffaloes, pigs, and others). We praise God that Rangoon Province was in a safe zone this year, but sadly, Pastor Stephen of Akha Baptist Church and his members are in a bad way, affected by the flooding in Shan Province. We helped out his family and the church. All internet and phone communications are cut off.
The rescue teams and the local-government search teams found the dead bodies in rivers, in creeks, in streams, and on islands. The regime’s military government is not taking any responsibility, and the country is facing difficult and hard times. Thank God that Christians societies, Muslim societies, and Buddhist communities are helping native people in what ways they can. Our church is also helping in a small portion. Our church deacon board members and I, along with three teenagers, went and helped out some needy Christian families, the remaining families of those who lost their lives, in two villages. Please keep praying for the country.
The children’s homes are functioning well. Our church is moving forward. The attendees are increasing week after week. We are baptizing every week. The regime’s military local leaders are watching all of my steps. Sometimes they come into the church services, watching us carefully, as many of our teenagers and youths have left the country and gone to work in other neighboring countries. The regime’s military government signed into law that every citizen under the age of 40 must serve in the military for at least six years, so all of the teenagers have run out to other countries. Please pray for us. The country is no longer safe. There is only safety in God alone. When we are facing hardships and difficulties through trial after trial, it is a very good time to share the love of Jesus, and we are more effective in winning souls to Christ.
Please continue praying for us, as we are aiming to do more in the days to come. Amen. May God bless you all richly as you serve with me in truth.
Yours sincerely,
Pastor Paul T. Lung and Family
