We look at every person, pastor, and people group as if we are indebted to them with the gospel. Like the Apostle Paul, MTM is debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Over and over during this conference we sang with enthusiasm: “He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away, and now I sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace the whole day long, Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.” MTM found H.O.P.E. and ministered in hope while in Myanmar. H.O.P.E. was the word written on the back of the chairs in the conference room. H.O.P.E. stands for: House Of Prayer & Evangelism. That was written on the walls in the facility as well. Hope is what the attendees came with and went home with every day. The believers we ministered to at H.O.P.E. were also ministering to us in hope. By the Grace of God I believe we learned Jesus a little more perfectly through their hope in Him alone. BLESSED BE THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS ~ Merle Flory
Conference Coordinator, Hosts and Teachers, (Back row is coordinator John) Front Row (L-R) is teacher Merle and Judy, hosts Ps Kyaw Kyaw Htoo and wife Nay Say Wah, and teacher John and Debbie.
The Full Kalaw, MYANMAR Conference Group
As we landed at Heho, Myanmar Airport, for our 45 minute drive to the city of Kalaw, Myanmar, we were greeted by a father and his daughter warmly. As we drove toward Kalaw, and began to visit with our host for the next week, a phrase was said, that would be repeated over and over throughout our time with this dear group of leaders, ‘by the Grace of God.’ Sometimes it would be accompanied by a few other words to answer a question, but so often it was the expression that one could wonder for a moment what they really meant by that expression, until we saw…
Just a few committed disciples from 6-8 different tribes, met for leadership lessons on a Monday morning, expanding as time went on. As their countenances glowed, songs were sung, and they listened intently to Brother Merle and myself as the Word of God was declared, we began to understand even more. The expression was common among these dear disciples from a young man, just beginning to teach 8 in his home, who had recently believed, to a blind man who sat in the front row straining to not miss a word that was spoken. First Timothy was taught by Bro. Merle on Biblical leadership, and Matthew 5-7 was taught on serving the King in the kingdom of this world. By the grace of God alone we were sustained and strengthened to declare the message of the Gospel.
We were blessed by His Grace, to be able to take a day trip, witnessing scenery such as we have never seen. Ancient methods of farming, silk factories, silver mines and stores, and such diverse farming methods were intriguing. Though ancient by American standards, bountiful crops were raised on the lake, in carefully manicured beds of soil and various aquatic weed species mined from the lake. God’s magnificent touch was everywhere we looked, declaring that He is Lord and Creator of all things, both in heaven and earth.
The meetings were over with these dear believers so quickly, and as the goodbyes were said, and we heard those precious words again, ‘by the Grace of God.’ Only the Spirit can bring such oneness in such a short time as we had experienced. In their poverty they abounded with the riches of their generosity, as they gave beyond words in appreciation, in service, in gifts, but most of all in warm Christian fellowship. Tears flowed, goodbyes were hard for all of us, but a oneness that distance could not separate had been woven, as tight as the silk we had seen in the factories, with each person adding to the beautiful colors that the Body of Christ is, as we are woven together by His Spirit.
By the Grace of God alone we were able to minister with our Brother and Sister, Merle and Judy, and praise God for the work being done by MTM and many others throughout Asia, knowing our labor is never in vain in The Lord, and He alone is worthy.
EDITORS NOTE: A very special thank you to our guest teacher, who wrote the above article, Brother John and his wife Debbie, from Sunnyside, Washington. Traveling to Chiang Mai and on to Myanmar, as an extension of another cross cultural engagement, made a very long journey for them. Their sacrifice of time and resources will have an eternal impact on the Kingdom, both now and forever. Once again, thank you John and Debbie, for sharing so much of your hearts with His church here. By His Grace alone, Merle D. Flory
Click Here For A Picture Tour Of The Kalaw MTM CONFERENCE
