Za Thawn inlineNang Za Thawn is pastor of Evangelical Baptist Church, affiliated with the Evangelical Baptist Conference, both in Myanmar. He sends the following ministry update.

In this part of the world, parents can often do little for their children because they are caught in a cycle of poverty, disease, illiteracy, and instability. Debt encourages slave or child labor, poverty, and social breakdown and prevents education. The importance of educating children cannot be overemphasized. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Poverty-coated kids might be diamonds. That’s why we are polishing these gems.

The Lord has entrusted some 250 poverty-coated kids under our program to be educated. We are glad that they are brought up in a Christian atmosphere.

Officially Buddhism is no longer the state religion in our country, but the officials actively promote it. Theoretically, there is freedom of religion, but there is much discrimination against Christians. There have been many cases of enforced conversions to Buddhism and violence against rural Christians. There have been many imposed restrictions—on buildings, proselytizing, job opportunities, and importation of literature. There have been many cases of Christians being forced to build Buddhist temples and to renounce their faith. Our school provides a Christian environment where vulnerable children can grow in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and acceptance and love, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Our school provides each child with a quality education, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to break the cycle of poverty and eventually provide for their own future. We would like to polish them into diamonds with the love of God and with a quality education. To do this ministry, we urgently need hostels for boys and girls.

Nang Za Thawn
Evangelical Baptist Conference
Tamu, Myanmar