01 Nov 2006

November 2006 - Youth Mission Trip - Myanmar

27 May - 5 June 2006

Eight youths from TRAC experienced eight days of cross-cultural mission in Myanmar. Led by Rev. and Mrs Christopher Rao, he shares this report with us, together with some testimonies from the youths themselves.

After ministry at a church Participants of the Prayer Conference

The aim of this trip was to bring awareness of the significance of prayer and intercession especially to youths in Myanmar. The main programme was to facilitate a Prayer Conference in Yangon, attended by 55 Myanmar youths.

I preached on the importance of prayer and intercession in bringing revival to the land, using the story from Judges 5 about how God used Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites.

The youths from our team had the opportunity to share their own personal testimonies about how prayer has impacted their lives.

Another significant highlight was the prayer ministry of our team to the Myanmar youths. From beginning to end the trip was covered by prayer. We saw the reality of answered prayer every step of the way.

As the team ministered to the Myanmar youths God anointed their prayers and made it relevant to meet their needs. It was wonderful to see how they dealt in a personal, gentle and loving manner to those who came forward to be prayed for.

Besides the three-day Prayer Conference, the team was also involved in ministry at various church services and youth groups in Yangon, Thanylin, Dala and Bago. At one church they shared through a sketch and songs how God answered their prayer; at another they participated in a revival service. In both we felt the strong presence and anointing of God and many responded to the message that was preached.

In the youth group meetings our team of youths conducted the entire service. It was heart warming to see them preaching, sharing testimonies, leading in worship and praying for people. Moreover, God empowered our youths to inspire and challenge the Myanmar youths from various churches to be fervent in prayer.

As I reflect on this trip, I find that it has been meaningful for the following reasons. First, it gave opportunities for our youths to step out of their comfort zones and to rely on the Holy Spirit to minister to the needs of people. In doing this I believe they have learnt valuable lessons about walking with God which would be translated to their daily living.

Second, in a small group setting like this, I believe mentoring and coaching between adults and youths take place effectively. I believe God has placed us adults in this position to speak life and truth into their lives. As we model ministry to our youths, we also give them the opportunity to exercise their God given gifts in ministering to the needs of people around them. In doing so we are allowing the Holy Spirit to empower their lives for the work of ministry.

Rev. Christopher Rao
National Youth Director, TRAC

Sharing Their Experiences  

During the prayer conference, the Myanmar youths just got down on their knees and prayed for their nation. I was stunned and ashamed by what I had witnessed. I realized that I never got down on my knees and cried out for my own country and nation before. 

Phoebe Tan (Kuantan Wesley)

Before the mission trip started, I went astray from God. I did not enjoy reading the bible anymore and lost my interest in praying…. I was prayed over during the mission trip and I was totally transformed …. Healing and restoration began to take place in my life as well. Through this … I really experienced the love, grace, and mercy of God in my life. 

Lee Sze Wei (Alor Setar Wesley)

The youths in Myanmar really poured out their hearts to pray for their nation. This is really my first time seeing people cry out to God for their country. We believe by faith that revival and breakthrough will take place in Myanmar soon. I have learned to intercede for them in a very specific way. I have also been encouraged by them to pray for our nation. 

Charleen Tai (Kuantan Wesley)

I was really moved and encouraged by the people in Myanmar. The way they trust in God is really amazing. They do not focus on the problems that they are facing, but they put their trust in God and believe that only God can heal their land. The way they pray for their land and nation is really encouraging. 

Lawrence Chin (Penang Wesley)

Their sincere desire for God, their pursuit of the things of God and their willingness to sacrifice really thought me a great lesson on how much these people loved God. Tears just flowed as I felt the presence of God so real in our midst. I really thank God for giving me this opportunity to be used by Him as an empty vessel. 

Erreekka Ellberra Laisin (Grace Sentul)

Throughout this mission trip I have learned many things about being an intercessor for a nation. It is not easy to be one for we have to be really committed. God has never placed such a burden in me before. The eagerness to see Myanmar experience a revival just kept me praying. 

Koay Su-Jian (Alor Setar Wesley)

The people there were not as I expected. On the contrary, they were so warm, loving and just different! I can still hear their voices of worshipping and praying to God in my ears. This trip has taught me many lessons and one of it is we will all one day go to heaven and praise God in our own mother tongues. 

Tiffanie Tan (Kuantan Wesley)

I believe God wanted to teach me a hard lesson on humility first before He was going to use me. During the times when I felt useless and incapable, that's when I realized I cannot rely on my own strength. I had to admit my weaknesses first and then acknowledge that God is Almighty. And so whatever I did in Myanmar was nothing by my own strength, but entirely through the power of God, and I give all Glory and Praise unto Him. Amen 

Edwin Lai (Johor Bahru Wesley)