The year is starting with the launch of the Living Hope series in Yangon, Myanmar, from February 5th to 10th. This event aims to spread the message of hope and healing through the teachings of Jesus in the Bible. The Living Hope Campaign represents a collaborative effort between the Nurture Development Retention-Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (NDR-IEL) Department and the Communication Department, serving as a division-wide initiative. Its goal is to create a universally adaptable brand that can be customized to suit various countries within the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
Myanmar is a diverse nation, with over 54 million people representing a wide array of cultural backgrounds and belief systems. Among them, 87% of the population adheres to Buddhism, making it the dominant religious group. This rich tapestry of diversity, while fascinating, also presents unique challenges when it comes to spreading the gospel in this complex and multifaceted landscape.
The Adventist Church in Myanmar (MYUM) is set to host nightly Bible studies simultaneously at 146 different locations within the country. These gatherings will take place within the welcoming embrace of churches, aiming to address the spiritual yearnings of the community and share the transformative message of salvation with individuals who are eager to deepen their understanding of God.
"This Bible study series will come to fruition solely under God's guidance and the earnest prayers of our fellow brethren," said Alvin Po Po Hla, president of the Adventist Church in Myanmar. He continued, "The unwavering commitment of every church member to participate in this endeavor is a source of inspiration, igniting a fervent passion for spreading the gospel throughout this region of the world."
This project marks a collaborative effort between the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) headquarters and the Myanmar Union office. Pastor Arnel Gabin, Vice President of SSD and the coordinator for NDR-IEL in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, expresses his excitement as they gear up for this important initiative aimed at reaching out to families and individuals within this nation.
"The message of hope and healing extends its arms to embrace everyone. Jesus embodies the living hope, and as devoted followers of Christ, it is our profound responsibility to share this gospel with every corner of the world,” Gabin said.
The Living Hope Campaign kicked off its first phase in November in East Indonesia and is poised to gain full momentum throughout this year. Following the successful launch in Myanmar, the campaign is set to expand its reach to other nations, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and several more, as part of its nationwide series.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department