From Kalaymyo to Yangon!

We had about 41 members attend, including children, on the Sabbath day at the nice new hotel that we were able to use for only US$50.00 as I mentioned in my first report. All were well dressed and it was like a mini Feast of Tabernacles. The members had never before experienced a Sabbath service in such a nice accommodation. All sang very enthusiastically during the song service. There were two special music songs by members and a small 10-year-old girl. I gave an update of the Work and gave the sermon on “Faith and Obedience.” The sermon was interpreted by our faithful local elder into the Chin language. All the members were very happy and shook hands with me after the service. This is the first time a minister from the Living Church of God has visited the members in Kalaymyo village.

After our Sabbath services in the Kalaymyo village, we ate lunch which the ladies had prepared the previous evening and had brought for the Sabbath service. We ate together and fellowshipped for a long time in the afternoon. I also met the first Burmese member, who was baptized long ago, on 4th October 1972, and still remains very faithful and an inspiration for the local brethren. He came from Gangaw Township which is about 80 miles from Kalaymyo. He is 72 years old now and was very happy to see me. We had other members who had also travelled far to join us.

We visited many more people and travelled to many places during the week, which I will describe in my next update. I would now like to mention our wonderful Sabbath of 27th January. We took a motorboat to visit the Sakhangyi brethren. It took us about more than an hour to reach the village. Many brethren were waiting at the river side to welcome us. There were no changes in the village compared to the last time I visited. There is no electricity, no roads, no TV or radio, no mobile or cell phones. Some few who are able to buy batteries can occasionally pick up radio or TV. I conducted the Sabbath service and gave the same sermon I gave in Kalaymyo. The total attendance was about 45. Special music was provided on the key board that we had previously bought in Yangon. All the members were encouraged and shook hands and thanked us again for coming. They would like to see us again next year. On Sunday 29th January we left MyaungMya to Yangon. We went through the same dusty road back to Yangon. On 31st January, Tuesday, I flew back to Kuala Lumpur and our elder went back by bus to Kalaymyo which took him two days and two nights.

In my final report, you will learn how it was that God provided for me to make it to village of Kalaymyo as well as about a little miracle of fish!