MVM Ministry Challenges
Their Goal of Unity and Common Purpose
Often when we go to minister in Myanmar you plan to teach certain classes or subjects but when you arrive there you find out that there will be a different schedule of events than you had in mind. God is always faithful to change your schedule and get you out of your comfort zone so you will grow in your dependence in Him. This journey was no different. Kim was prepared to teach seminars on team organizational skills and maybe some key concepts from the great book, Search for Significance by Robert McGee.
But God had other plans for our time with MVM staff members.
James and Marta, leaders of MVM, asked us to help them encourage and strengthen MVM staff members rather than give classes as originally prepared for. As a matter of fact, James asked us to facilitate a special staff meeting of all MVM workers and associates who work with James and Marta Khong at Tamwe Christian Center – the central location for MVM ministries. During this meeting James first addressed everyone. He was followed by Phil who spoke briefly about unity and being one in purpose. Kim then addressed each and every staff member with appreciation for their specific contributions, affirmation for their ministry gifting and roles, and encouragement in the Lord to build them up. Emphasizing a spirit of unity, humility and love, she challenged them to keep focused, look to the interests of each other, and have the kind of single-mindedness that seemed to propel the significant ministry of the apostle Paul. What a privilege it was for her to speak into each one of their lives to remind them of their importance to the team and the importance of unified ministry goals, to accomplish God's purpose for Myanmar Vision Ministries to reach the lost in Myanmar and beyond.
Getting and Staying On Task
As with many organizations, sometimes people are busy with the tasks of everyday work and the big picture gets blurred. MVM is no exception. James is trying to teach people to be unified in purpose, set goals, define priorities, make plans, and finally, take action to make it all happen. He needs help doing this! To some degree, the special MVM staff meeting was also designed to preach this simple but needed message about a common purpose. Won't you help them out? Keep MVM in your prayers and ask God to strengthen them into a unified team, ready to fight the good fight and preach the good news. Pray that hearts would be humbled, personal agendas be set aside, and the unity of the Spirit would invade everyone at MVM.
Economic Challenges
In many ways, the economic woes in the USA impact ministry in Myanmar. This should come as no surprise. Almost all of the work of MVM is funded by friends and supporters stateside. As our economy sputters, some churches and individuals are not able to contribute as much to the works of MVM. James struggles with financial decisions every month and your prayers are needed in this regard. Please pray that the needs of MVM continue to be met and pray for James to have the wisdom needed to facilitate the dispersion of funds designated to MVM. With so many serious needs, it can be challenging for James to make decisions that impact so many evangelists, pastors, their families and their ministries.