Chapter 8

APPENDIX

BIOGRAPHY

Moses Homan Bixby

Moses Homan Bixby

Moses Homan Bixby was the first missionary to the Shan. Moses Homan Bixby was born August 20, 1827 in Warren New Hampshire. ... Bixby was the seventh child in a family of thirteen; there were five daughters and eight sons. While teaching in East Hartwick, Vermont, he became acquainted with Baptist views, and finding that they accorded with his understanding of the Scriptures, he united with the Baptist Church. He then entered the Baptist Seminary at Derby, Vermont. He was the youngest theological student that had ever entered the Biblical institute, now Boston University. Mr. Bixby was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church of Williston, Vermont, in 1849, at the age of twenty-two, his salary being $150 a year, without a parsonage. He was married on November 7, 1849 to Miss. Susan Dow. After one year in Williston he was called to the pastorate of the Church in Johnson, Vermont, where the congregation soon increased to six hundred, and where many were converted.

In 1853 he was appointed by the American Baptist Missionary Union as a missionary to Burma. After a brief service of three years in Moulmain, Burma, he was compelled to return to America by the failing health of Mrs. Bixby. She did not survive long after their arrival in America.

He was again selected, on first Sunday of December 1860, and sent to Burma as missionary to the Shan. He left for Burma taking with him as his companion and helper was Miss. Laura A. Gage who had been Principal of the New Hampton Ladies’ Seminary. At the end of eight years in Toungoo, the condition of his own health compelled him to return again to U.S.A. He left Burma in May 1869.

He was awarded Doctor of Divinity in 1875 by Cent.U. Ia.

Moses Homan Bixby passed away in Providence, March 20, 1901, aged 73 years and 7 months.

Mrs. Laura A. Bixby, the wife of Bixby, passed away in Providence, March 24, 1901, only four days after the death of her husband.

Josiah Nelson Cushing

Cushing was born in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, U.S.A, May 4, 1840. He was the son of Alpheus Nelson and Charlotte E. Foster Cushing. He was prepared for college at the Pierce Academy, Middleboro, Massachusetts, and entered Brown University in the class of 1862 in the same class with Dr. Henry F. Colby of Dayton, Ohio, Rev. Addison Parker of Piqua, Ohio, and Dr. Josiah R. Goddard of Ningpo, China. After his graduation he went directly to Newton Theological Institution completing the full course. Among his classmates were Dr. Luther G. Barrett, the president of Jackson College, Jackson, Mississippi, and Dr. Alonzo Bunker who also gave his life to missionary service and was a successful missionary to the Karen at Toungoo and Loikaw, Burma, for forty years, laboring in the same country with Cushing and for the same period of time. As to many another students the obtaining of an education was, to young Cushing, a financial struggle. But he was dominated by a great purpose and no obstacle was permitted to change or hinder it. In the Theological Seminary he was remembered as a student of delightful spirit of gentlemanly deportment of far more than average intellectual ability and of complete consecration to the work to which he believed God had called him. Here was exhibited, as also in college his remarkable linguistic ability was ripened the definite purpose which rule his life to make known the glad tidings of Christ’s salvation to the heathen world. The year before he completed his college course he united by letter with the First Baptist Church in Providence. After completing his Seminary course he was ordained to the Christian ministry by the same Church in 1865, and in its fellowship he died, though for a brief period, he transferred his membership to the English speaking Church in Rangoon, of which for a time he filled the pastoral office in addition to his other duties.

In 1865 he offered himself to the American Baptist Missionary Union as a candidate for the foreign field and was presented at the annual meeting held that year in St. Louis, as a missionary under appointment in the same city. He was retained at the Seminary as instructor in the Hebrew department for one year and in 1866 and he sailed for Burma as being designated to the Shan tribes to take up a work which had been recently begun by Rev. Moses Homan Bixby but which he had been compelled to lay down by reason of failing health. These tribes were as yet little known and in large part un-reached by missionary operations. Cushing entered courageously into the difficult and dangerous task of visiting the people in their homes and carrying to them the knowledge of the Christian religion, with Toungoo as his headquarters, extending his tours farther and farther into the wild and untraversed country inhabited by these people.

Cushing studied the country and the people, their customs and mode of life as well as their language. The knowledge thus gained, geographical and racial was of great value to the English government, as it gratefully acknowledged. For ten years he continued this work of exploration and personal evangelization by frequent and extended tours from Toungoo, and then for three years he stationed himself at Bhamo, four hundred miles further into the northeastern interior, beyond the utmost reach of civilization, and in the very center of the people whom he was seeking to enlighten and elevate.

But God had a special and important work, which he was particularly fitted by natural endowment and intellectual attainments to undertake, and for which his intimate acquaintance with the people had been preparing him....He gave himself to the task of compiling a Shan dictionary, which he accomplished with immense labor. His residence was then changed to Rangoon, where he could have the needed assistance of the printing press. In 1880 he published an “Elementary Handbook of the Shan Language,” and also a “Grammatical Sketch of the Kachin Language,” an allied language. The “Elementary Handbook” went to a second edition in 1888. The completed “Shan and English Dictionary” was issued in 1881. His next great work, that had all the while been in his mind and in gradual preparation, was the translation of the sacred Scriptures into the Shan tongue. For this he was eminently qualified by his accurate knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew languages, and his linguistic genius. Upon it he spent many years of careful and conscientious study, publishing the word of God, book by book, first the New Testament and then the Old. The New Testament first appeared in 1882, and passing to a second edition in 1887, and to a third edition in 1903, at which time the whole Bible was ready to be put in the hands of the people, revised and perfected by himself. The Old Testament translation first appeared in 1891. This great achievement will stand as Cushing’s imperishable monument, and places his name side by side with the names of Carey, Judson, Brown, and other translators of the word of God. He also prepared a Shan hymnbook and began the preparation of a literature for the people.

He had reached America, in the early summer of 1905, and hastened to attend the annual meetings of the Baptist Missionary Societies, which occur in May. There having received the happy greetings of his admiring friends, and looked once more into the faces of those who were fellow-workers with him and with God in the extension of his kingdom in the world, at the close of one of the public meetings on May 17, on the floor of the Church where the meeting was held, he fell unconscious, and quickly breathed his last. In an instant of time without warning, his spirit was translated into the presence of Him whom he had served with lifelong and conspicuous devotion, and into the undimmed light of the knowledge of the glory of God, which he had labored to disseminate in the dark places of the earth.

Cushing loved jungle life. He said, “Jungle life is what I wanted: my illness, although aptly the after-effect of fever, was mainly due to being cooped up for months at indoor work.”[1]

Cushing was good organizer. Mr. Hallett said, “I never met a more methodical man than Cushing. His arrangements were admirable. Everything was kept in its place.”[2] Cushing’s power as an organizer became apparent. The baggage had been stacked into six loads, two smaller than the others for the elephants, which were to be ridden by us”, acclaimed by Holt S. Hallett.[3] Mr. Hallett said, “whilst we were breakfasting Dr. M’Gilvary noticed mat small spots had broken out on Cushing’s hands. On his examining them, he said that there could be no doubt that they were smallpox. Cushing said that he had fever, coming out for two days, and he was afraid that it might be the case. On calling the Shan interpreters they at once agreed with M’Gilvary and we accordingly made arrangements as far as possible to cut off the chance of contagion from the remainder of the party. The two interpreters and Cushing’s servant, as well as the elephant-men, had suffered from the disease, we therefore put aside cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, etc, for the invalid arranged that the interpreters and his boy should wait solely upon him, gave up the rest-house to them, had a temporary shelter made for ourselves and halted for the night instead of making an afternoon journey.”[4] “I was glad to hear on my return to Zimme (Chiangmai) that Cushing had so far recovered as to have been able to leave for Bangkok on April 30th. The thoughtful kindness of this missionary in taking over from me the management of the commissariat and camp arrangements during our journeys together with his skill in keeping the loads of each elephant separate and having only such things unpacked as were immediately required enabled me to start by daybreak every morning (except when we were delayed by the carelessness of the elephant-drivers, who occasionally allowed their animals to stray) and I was thus able to make longer journeys and do more work than I could otherwise have done. I trust that the knowledge he was able to collect of the various dialects of the Shan language and the information he gained about the customs and habits of the Ping Shan will be a full recompense to him for the constant and enthusiastic manner in which he took up those matters. It is only by acquiring a thorough knowledge of the languages, habits, customs, and superstitions of the people that missionaries can hope to influence and convert them. The noble work that Cushing has done in translating the Bible into Shan will greatly aid his fellow-missionaries in Christianizing and civilizing not only the Shan but also the neighboring tribes who understand their language. The greatest field for missionaries in Indo-China lies, undoubtedly, among the non-Buddhist hill-tribes where so much good work has already been done by the American Baptist, the American Presbyterian and China Inland Missions.”[5]

Ellen Winsor (Mrs. Cushing)

Ellen Winsor grew up in Boston and became a schoolteacher there. When she was 21, she went to Beaufort, SC, to start a school for former slaves. In addition, she started an orphanage and superintended Pope’s Plantation on St. Helena’s Island. She married one of the other volunteers, but less than two years later, the ship on which he was returning to Beaufort from New York was wrecked and he was lost.

Ellen went home to Boston and became the Director of The Home for Little Wanderers, an orphanage. At nearby Newton Theological School was Josiah Nelson Cushing, actively seeking a wife in order to qualify as a missionary to Burma under the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. He and Ellen found each other and were married on her 26^th birthday. The Cushings went to Burma as missionaries to the Shan, a displaced people. Josiah was a preacher, scholar, explorer, translator, and educator. While her husband worked in one part of the country, Ellen often worked in another. Although Josiah was recognized as the leading Shan language scholar in the world, one of the first pieces they published was a tract, which Ellen translated into the Shan language. Today, there is a Cushing Hall named for them at the headquarters of the Burma Baptist Convention in Rangoon.

When the Cushings’ son was ready to enter Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, Ellen Cushing left Burma and became a field secretary of the Women’s Baptist Foreign Mission Society of Pennsylvania. A project of the Society was to start a training school for women who felt called to enter church vocations. For seven years, she stumped the state, trying to transform the dream into reality. In the summer of 1892, she met three young women who said they wanted to attend such a school. She told them to plan on coming, for there would be a school ready for them. Then she went back to the Society and told them they would have to get a school ready, they did, and Ellen Cushing became its first preceptress.[6]

[1] A Thousand Miles on an Elephant in the Shan States by Holt S. Hallett, published by W. Blackwood and sons , 1890 p2

[2] Ibid p5

[3] Ibid p6

[4] Ibid p286

[5] A Thousand Miles on an Elephant in Shan States by Holt Samuel Hallett, published by W. Blackwood and sons , 1890 p312

[6] http://www.eastern.edu/centers/ccas/History.shtml Sept. 9, 2006

Kham Maung

Born of U Nya Na and Nang Moung in 1881.

Moved from SeLan to NamKham when he was 12 years old and then to NongSanKone when he was 14. He attended mission school in NongSanKone. He accepted Christ and was baptised in 1896 when he was 15 years old. He was the first convert in ShweLi. He went to further his study in Bhamo in 1903. He started working as teacher at school in NamKham when he was 22 years old. He was married to Daw Gyi Khin on March 11, 1905.

Kham Maung did not have a chance of studying at Seminary. However, his Biblical knowledge, service and ministry for the Lord were amazing.

He was sent to MuSe in May 1915 as a teacher-cum-evangelist. He was ordained on May 5, 1924. He was the first ordained in ShweLi. After 7 years of hard work in teaching and preaching, he got the first believer in MuSe, Daw Yae (Ya Kham Yung), and she was baptised on February 1, 1923. Because of his tireless effort, commitment and dedication, the Christian quarter in MuSe developed and grew tremendously. Christians lived together in one place. Today there are 142 Christian families with total 1,363 people in MuSe.[7]

The education in MuSe was started by Kham Maung in 1915. In those days, up until 1965, there were no other people in MuSe could play guitar, banjo, violin, accordion or sing western songs or western music except Christians. Now there are doctors, engineers, lawyers, nurses, musician and many educated people in MuSe.

Rev. Kham Maung and Daw Gyi Khin had five sons and four daughters. They were Rev. Maung Htun, U San Hla, Daw Marry, U Lae Wi, Daw Nang Sa, U Maw She, U Yaw Ba, Daw Martha, Daw Rutha. Daw Gyi Khin went to be with the Lord on December 14, 1974.

Rev. Kham Maung went to be with the Lord on February 9, 1976.

His memorial monument was erected in the Church compound on February 9, 1977. Memorial service was held on second week of May each year at MuSe Church. New Church building in memory of Rev. Kham Maung was dedicated on December 24, 1993.

Ai Pan [8]

Born in Aw Law Village, Muong Mao, in 1897. His mother was drown when he was 5 year old. He was sent to mission school in NamKham by Sayama Naw Sam Pwint in 1907. He was baptized in NamKham by Saya Tun Pyu. (The date and year of his baptism was not recorded.) He went to Bhamo in 1916 and continued his study. He went to Rangoon in 1917 and continued his study at Cushing’s school. He went to Toungoo in 1918 and continued study at mission school. He returned to NamKham in 1919 and worked as a teacher at mission school. He was sent to Rangoon in 1929 to study at Insein Seminary. After four months study he went back to NamKham and helped in building hospital. He was ordained on October 31, 1930. He was appointed pastor of NongSanKone Thatch Church in 1933. He went to live in SeFang, China, in 1936 for 8 months (the reason was unknown) and came back to NongSanKone by the request of NongSanKone Church members. He helped build airplane runway in NamKham with 250 workers in 1940 for three years. During Second World War he fled to KongPing village and stayed there until Japanese left in 1945. On December 24, 1945 ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission was formed and he was elected Chairman with monthly pay of Kyat 60. In 1962 he wrote a book called “Sermon 150” in Burmese. It was a popular preacher. He served as Chairman of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission for 16 years, General Secretary 1 year, Treasurer 12 years, NamKham Bible School Principle 4 years, Chairman of Burma Baptist Convention 2 years, TaungGyi Bible School Principle 3 years and pastor of NongSanKone Shan Baptist Church 48 years.

His first marriage to Daw Poi had three sons: Yaw Hla, Chit Tin and Aung Htun Shwe.

His second marriage to Daw Mya Thee had two sons and two daughters: Tha Aye, Htwa Yin, Htwe Aung and Aye New.

He passed away on October 30, 1980 at the age of 83 in NamKham, Northern Shan State.

Sai Stephen

On July 12, 2000, Rev. Sai Stephen unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind his beloved wife Htwe Yu Hein and three daughters.

Sai Stephen was born in 1953 to a Christian family in the Eastern Shan State. At a young age he experienced the touch of God and knew that God wanted him to serve among the Shan people. In 1972 he went to Myanmar Institute of Theology, Insein, to receive training. After much pleading to the principal he was allowed to attend seminary, even though his English was very poor. By the end of one year he was one of the top two students at the school. After graduating from MIT with B.Th degree in 1976 he served as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in KengTung.

Sai Stephen attended GCI training in Thailand in 1990 for one month. At the end of the training he declared: “This GCI has been like heaven to me, and I want to take this heaven back to Myanmar.” Since that time he had been working among the Shan people, who are the largest group and least evangelized people in Myanmar. He coordinated the partnership effort in Eastern Shan State between Asian Outreach, Eastern Shan Baptist Convention and Sungai Malaysia Way-Subang Methodist Church. He began local training to prepare young evangelists to go out in to the Buddhist dominated Shan villages and evangelize. Sai Stephen and the 25 evangelists trained under him had been going from village to village preaching, resulting in five new Churches being planted each year in different villages in Eastern Shan State.

Under Sai Stephen leadership the Churches grew and mission expended. He served as Assistant Director of 21st Century Shan Mission Project from 1992 also as General Secretary of Eastern Shan State Shan Baptist Convention until he passed away. He played important role in training, evangelism, Church Planting, Church growth in Eastern Shan State, formation of Eastern Shan State Shan Baptist Convention and Eastern Shan State Baptist Mission Centenary Celebration.

Sai Htwe Maung

A native Shan born of Shan Christian parents on April 30, 1947 in MuSe, a small border town between Burma and China, Northern Shan State.

He was baptized by Rev. Kham Maung, the first convert and the first ordained minister of ShweLi Valley, on April 13, 1963 at MuSe Shan Baptist Church.

He finished Seven Standard at MuSe, Eight Standard at MayMyo Colgate Mission School, Ninth Standard at MonYwa State One High School and Matriculation at LaShio State One High School in 1965.

He studied medicine at Mandalay Medical Institute in 1966 and graduated in 1973.

He has finished his one-year internship at MayMyo Basic Military Hospital in 1974.

He has served at LaShio Civil Hospital for three years and moved to Hong Kong on April 9, 1979.

He leads Burmese Christian Fellowship in Macau as part-time volunteer evangelist from 1985 to 1990.

He has served in Haven of Hope Hospital, Hong Kong, for 4 years and in Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong, for 17 years and taken early retirement on April 30, 2000 and committed to full-time ministry. He is the first Shan doctor to commit to full-time Shan ministry.

He has helped forming Burmese Doctors Society in Hong Kong in 1987 and served as General Secretary for two years.

He has developed 21st Century Shan Mission Project and served as General Director from 1986 to 2001 and organized Great Commission Institute trainings for Shan Churches eight times between 1994 and 2001.

He is ordained by ministers from Baptist, Lutheran, Mennonite, Pentecostal and Assemblies of God on December 30, 2001 in Hong Kong.

He graduated from Hong Kong Lutheran Theological Seminary in Master of Arts in Theology in December 2002.

He preaches gospel in radio every day in Shan language broadcasting from Far East Broadcasting Company since 1989.

He has written and recorded the first Gospel Songs in Shan language in 1978 in Rangoon.

He has rewritten, edited and translated Shan Hymnals into the first New Shan Hymnals with musical notes in new Shan script and published in 1993.

He has rewritten and edited Shan Bible translated by Rev. Josiah Nelson Cushing into modern Shan writing. New Testament and Psalms are completed and published in 2001.

He is appointed a missionary to Asia by Asian Outreach of United States in January 1999.

He helped Burmese Christians in Hong Kong to form Hong Kong Burmese Christian Fellowship in the year 2000 and serves as Hon. Pastor 2001-2003.

He has served as Hon. Chairman of Emmanuel Medical Mission in Hong Kong from 1995 to 2003.

He has started missions among the Shan in Golden Triangle in the year 2001 and built the first Shan Church in Golden Triangle, Thoed Thai, and dedicated to the Lord on September 7, 2003.

He is married to Dr. Ah Mar and has three daughters; Cynthia Htwe, Sandra Htwe and Sylvia Htwe.

Corresponding Letters and Reports

Regarding Shan Mission Work (1978-2001)

Most of the historical records concerning Baptist Missions among the Shan come from the letters and reports written by missionaries. Without their regular, clear, detailed letters and reports we will not be able to see and learn about their works and labor, their difficulties and triumph, their struggle and victory, their loss and gain, their sorrow and joy, their failure and success in their missions among the Shan.

God has given me the opportunity of working with many leaders of the Shan Churches from all over Shan States since 1976. Without knowing that God is going to give me opportunity of writing history of Shan Churches I have not thrown away but kept all the letters, reports and correspondences with the key Shan leaders. I hope the readers will see the real situation of our Shan Churches and missions by reading our letters of correspondence and reports. All these letters are authentic letters. Most of them are translated from either Shan or Burmese.

My objective of putting these letters and reports to the readers is to allow the people to see what we have said, what we have planned, what we have done, how we have done it and what has happened in the past, now and what our future Shan Christian leaders have to do.

Honestly I have no intention of offending, hurting or discrediting any denomination, any one who I loved, respected and worked with. I just want the readers to see the truth.

(1978-1980)

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, LaShio, to Saya Sai Nyunt Tha, NamKham. 11 June 1978

Dear Saya,

With much respect I write this letter to you. By His wonderful grace our works are successful. We have had a meeting on 6 June 1978. All agreed to send Saya Maung Su back to ShweLi. We have formed five members committee to look into this matter. As you know we have one man tried to sabotage our plan. However we are the victorious.

1. Please send me the CV of Saya Aung Htun Shwe as soon as possible.

2. Please let us know in advance for ordination of Saya Maung Su so that we can send him back to ShweLi for ordination.

P.S. After receiving Saya Aung Htun Shwe’s CV, I’ll put the matter up to Church council. When Saya Aung Htun Shwe comes I wish you might also come so that we can continue discussing future Shan mission.

We will try to complete our arrangement in July.

Respectfully in His service, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung, LaShio, to Sai Nyunt Tha, General Secretary, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham. 15 June 1978

Dear Saya,

I have received your letter per kind favor of Saya Aung Htun Shwe. I feel quite sad but not discouraged. I have explained to Saya Po Maung and hope that he would understand.

1. I have sent a letter of request to you to send either Saya Aung Htun Shwe or you to come to LaShio and serve as our pastor. If you have received my letter please call a meeting, make a decision and reply to me as soon as possible.

2. Please explain thoroughly to the people at the meeting to understand our ambition.

3. Please send your CV and Saya Aung Htun Shwe’s CV to me.

4. Please arrange ordination for you and Saya Aung Htun Shwe, ordain them and send one of them to us.

5. Please also consider giving ordination to Saya Maung Su.

Respectfully in His Service,

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, LaShio, to Sai Nyunt Tha, NamKham. 4 January 1979

Dear Saya Sai Nyunt Tha,

May this New Year be a blessed year to you and your family.

May I ask you to help me for one important thing. I am planning to go abroad this coming February. There will be Church council election in our First Baptist Church. Before the election, as the wishes of our Shan Christian Fellowship, I want to get all the things done before I go. The electricity will be installed to Saya Maung Su’s home this month. When you come everything will be ready.

The matters I like to discuss with you are;

1. We have decided to postpone the transfer of Saya Maung Su back to ShweLi until March because we have not got the replacement.

2. When you have the meeting on 10 February 1979, please plan to send Saya Maung Su to MuongKut instead of HaiPark.

3. Saya Aung Htun Shwe expressed to us that he is willing to come to LaShio. But there are some people who will vote for you to come. As for us it is OK either you or Saya Aung Htun Shwe comes.

4. Please send us letter as soon as possible before we select new committee. It will be difficult to put this matter to First Baptist Church if I am not in the council.

5. Please send me letter immediately after your 10^th February meeting.

With much respect, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, LaShio, to Saya Sai Nyunt Tha, NamKham. 21 January 1979

Dear Saya Sai Nyunt Tha,

I write with much respect. Thanks for your letter to U Kyaw Hla. We have to make concrete decision. If you can come to LaShio please come immediately. If you cannot come please provide us the following information.

1. I have received letter from ShweLi that the Church has agreed to send Saya Sai Nyunt Tha to LaShio as Assistant Pastor to LaShio First Baptist Church.

2. We also need letter of agreement from MuSe Shan Baptist Church to send you to LaShio.

3. We have to propose to LaShio First Baptist Church to accept you.

4. As you are the General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, I am wondering if you can come.

5. According to your letter to U Kyaw Hla, the transferal of Saya Aung Htun Shwe to LaShio is not a decision by ShweLi. We need letter of approval from ShweLi.

6. Please send us official letter of confirmation whether ShweLi agree to send you or Saya Aung Htun Shwe.

I need to finish the task before I leave.

With much respect in Him, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, LaShio, to Saya Sai Nyunt Tha, NamKham. 6 February 1979

Dear Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha,

With much respect I write this letter to you. I have received your letter per kind favor of Sai Henry. I want to tell you about Saya Aung Htun Shwe and Saya Maung Su. On 2 February, Saya Maung Su, Saya Aung Htun Shwe, U Kyaw Hla and I met together and discussed about transferal of Saya Maung Su. He is willing and eager to go to MuongKut. Even though they may have difficulty in housing they are willing to sacrifice. I do not think it is good to transfer Saya Maung Su to HaiPark because (1) Saya Maung Su is more interested in going to MuongKut. (2) He has experienced in working in remote area and serving in the village for a long time. (3) His children are grown up and need higher education. It is necessary for them to live in town and get education. It is good to live in MuongKut. (4) Since he is not interested in going to HaiPark I don’t think it will be fruitful if we send him to HaiPark.

That is why when you have meeting on 10 February please consider sending Saya Maung Su to MuongKut instead of HaiPark.

Saya Aung Htun Shwe expressed to us that he is willing to come to LaShio. But there are some people who will vote for you to come. As for us it is OK either you or Saya Aung Htun Shwe comes.

Please send us letter as soon as possible before we select new committee. It will be difficult to put this matter to First Baptist Church if I am not in the council.

Please send me letter immediately after your 10th February meeting.

With much respect, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Saya Aung Htun Shwe to Saya Nyunt Tha. 10 July 1979

Subject: Resignation from Shan Bible Centenary Committee

Dear Saya Sai Nyunt Tha,

Regarding about caption, I am very much regret to have received your letter of resignation from the position of secretary of Shan Bible Centenary Committee. I would like to encourage you to continue working harder as secretary. If you leave the committee it is not easy for us to find a replacement. It shows us that our small groups of Shan Christians need unity among us. Please withdraw your resignation and continue the work.

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

In His service, Signed/ Aung Htun Shwe

Chairman, Shan Bible Centenary Committee

Note. Sai Nyunt Tha replied that he would think about it and later he withdrew his resignation.

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha, (General Secretary, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Association, NamKham) to General Secretary, Lisu Baptist Convention, MuongKut. 18 July 1979

Dear Sir,

I would like to express my thanks to you for allowing us to do evangelism among the Shan people in MuongKut and MuongMyit area and also to organize and build up Shan Christians in that area.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha.

Cc to General Secretary, MBC,

Pastor, MyoMa Baptist Church, MuongKut,

Pastor, BeikNwe Baptist Church, MuongKut,

Saya Maung Su, Shan Baptist Fellowship, BeikNwe, MuongKut.

Note: According to Burma Baptist Convention regulation, no one should go into other area to do any evangelistic work, mission work or Church planting work among any people group without permission of the Baptist Convention who controls that area. MuongKut area is under Lisu Baptist Convention’s control even though MuongKut is not Lisu State. (Lisu do not have their own State) MuongKut is considered to be Shan State but in Mandalay Division.

Later Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha was reprimanded by General Secretary of Lisu Baptist Convention and Burma Baptist Convention for doing Church planting work among the Shan in MuongKut.

When Shan believers from PangLong, who are new and small, applied permission from ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission to allow them to collect donation from Christians brothers and sisters from ShweLi Churches to help them build a Church building in PangLong, it was rejected by ShweLi Valley Baptist Mission. Believers from PangLong could not come and collect any offering from any Church in ShweLi without ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission’s permission. This is Baptist Policy. (Recorded in SVSBC Ahmama 81/98.)

Letter from Saya Maung Su, MuongKut, to Chairman, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham. 20 July 1979

Subject : Mission in MuongKut and MuongMyit

By His guidance my family and I arrived MuongKut from Mandalay on 1 April. In the first week of April I just have a chance of greeting to some believers and spent most of my time in attending Pastoral revival meeting. I started my ministry in May but faced with a lot of temptation in physical health, housing, and food. General Secretary of Luhu Convention said to me, “Work among your Shan people only. Do not mingle with Lahu.” It makes me downhearted. I am also accused and blamed by others. However, by your prayer and 1 Cor. 10:30 I have overcome the problems.

1. Despite the interference from Lahu group Shan believers are going to nearby Churches. I have visited them at 5 PM house-to-house each week.

2. We have gained five people.

3. We organized welcoming ceremony to five people by holding a meal cost Kyat 400.

4. I have met people who are lost from NamKham.

5. I have visited MuongMyit four times. I was invited to hold service for 10 families who have abandoned idol worship.

6. We have to raise Kyat 500 for our choir members to travel.

7. I also have opportunity of preaching gospel in MuongLone.

8. Please forgive me for writing late because I have been struggling with many temptations.

His grace is great.

In His service/ Saya Maung Su.

Letter from Kyaw Hla, LaShio, Northern Shan State, Burma, to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong.

17 September 1979

Dear Brother and sister,

I am replying your letter with much remembrance. I am praying that the Lord will add a lot of blessing on you.

From 7 to 8 September, five representatives from Burma Baptist Convention and representatives from ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission met here in LaShio and discussed about formation of Shan Baptist Convention. But the permission was not given by BBC. Instead the following agreements were made.

1. Let ShweLi Shan Baptist Association remain the same.

2. Establish a new “Northern Shan State Shan Mission” and work among the Shan in the North, base in LaShio and BBC will help this mission.

3. BBC will help celebrating Shan Bible Centenary in 1985.

Please remember to help this mission. We are planning new mission field in MuongMyit and MuongKut.

May the Lord bless you richly, Signed/ Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung. 5 October 1979

Sai Htwe,

I have received your letter and photo. I am sorry for not being able to come to say good-bye to you when you leave for Hong Kong because I was too busy at that time. We have come to first step as we wish to form Shan Convention. We have now formed “Northern Shan State Shan Mission.” From September 7 to 8 we five people from ShweLi Baptist Association meeting with five BBC representatives and discussed about this new mission. They agreed to co-operate with us and help us to organize Shan Bible Centennial Celebration in 1985.

We need to produce more leaders. We have sent 3 students to Seminary this year. We want to send two more next year. We need financial support Kyat 20,000 a year for our mission. Please help us find some sponsors. We need one camera and one cassette recorder for our mission. We can record message for F.E.B.C. (Far East Broadcasting Company) I have heard that you are going around preaching gospel. I am very glad about it. I believe that God has sent you there for our Shan mission. I trust you will help us. If possible we also want a car for our mission. Please help us find a picture of Dr. Cushing and his family and his biography.

May the Lord bless you and your family.

Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha, Shan Baptist Church, MuSe.

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 29 November 1979

Dear Sai Htwe,

I have received your first letter when I come back from BBC meeting and second letter from U Kyaw Hla on 24 November. I am so happy to learn that you love our Shan mission so much and give us many support. May the Lord add more blessing to you and your family. We had a meeting with BBC concerning our Northern Shan State Shan Mission. We had much difficulty especially from U Kham Kya. (A Shan Church leader from LaShio). However we were encouraged by Saya Victor (Karen Church leader) not to give up. We will talk about it again in March meeting. I met with General Secretary from Eastern Shan State and he understood our ambition. Thank you very much for your advice and encouragement. I have received the slide pictures you sent to us. I am also sending a letter to you to confirm that you are official representative so that you can talk to the people on our behalf. You can send camera and cassette through Zau Yaw. (Kachin pastor studying at Chung Chi College in Hong Kong). We also need generator to use in movie projector. We are determined to form Shan Convention in 1980 December. We will demolish the name “ShweLi” and form “Shan Convention.” Can you send a message to SeLan Diamond Jubilee?

In prayer, Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 14 February 1980

Sai Htwe and family,

I have received your message for SeLan Jubilee and one Cassette Recorder. I have left two film rolls with Zau Yaw to send it to you. We send Yee Poi to MuongMyit to start a new Church. Some Christians moved from NamKham to MuongMyit. I am glad that you are able to share about our Shan mission to friends in Hong Kong.

Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha.

Letter from Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 25 February 1980

Dear brother and sister,

I am writing with much remembrance. There are some divisions among us. It is not easy to form convention. We are planning to go to Eastern Shan State to organize them to participate in our Shan Bible Centenary in 1985 and to MuongMyit and MuongKuy for fund raising for the centenary. I think we need to help the people who are poor and needy. We need to have a kind of work or investment for them to help them survive. Preaching alone is not enough. I thought of having chicken farm for poor brothers and sisters in the Churches. The cassette recorder, which you sent to us, is now in the hand of Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha.

May you have joy and good health.

Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 29 May 1980

Sai Htwe,

I went to KengTung from March 28 to May 4, by the invitation of Eastern Shan Baptist Conference. I taught the Bible, encouraged the people and talked about formation of Shan Baptist Convention. We now have understanding with KengTung Eastern Shan. They also agree with us to form Shan Baptist Convention. I have asked our leaders to listen to your message on tape. They all appreciated your help. We need financial help a lot. I am glad to hear that you are taking Biblical Study courses. Can you find sponsor for us? If you can get sponsor we would certainly have Shan Convention. If we can use about Kyat 80,000 a year our mission will very much improved. You are very important for our mission. Included is a letter certifying that you are representative of our Shan mission and you can speak to the people on our behalf. It will be very good if you can produce our New Testament in pocket size.

Please reply to me as soon as possible.

Signed/Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung. 8 July 1980

Sai Htwe,

I have received your letter on 7 July 1980. On 21 June 1980 the representatives from ShweLi Baptist Association and representatives from Eastern Shan State Baptist had a meeting at my home in MuSe. We have agreed to form a committee to draw draft constitution for Shan Baptist Convention. There will be an BBC Annual General Meeting in LaShio in December 1981. We will submit our request to BBC to allow us to form SBC. The North and East are now united. Our vision is now progressing. Some members of BBC are very much against us. They even ask us to leave BBC. We were so discriminated against. They even tried to stop Eastern Shan meeting Northern Shan. Financially we need about Kyat 40,000 to 50,000 a year for our mission. We need a lot of book and gospel tracts in Shan.

Please help us to fine sponsor for our Seminary students. We need Kyat 1,500 for a year for one student.

In His Service,

Signed/Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong, 7 September 1980

Dr. Sai Htwe,

I am always praying for you and your family so that you can serve the Lord more. I am now in Rangoon for BEC (Baptist Executive Meeting). We are now dividing three Shan conferences to form Shan Convention. 1. ShweLi 2. Northern Shan (LaShio) 3. Eastern Shan (KengTung). I have given Sai Thein Aung Kham to organize Southern Shan. We shall be meeting in Rangoon in November to draft Shan Baptist Convention Constitution. We have listened to your message in tape. Your tapes (Shan Gospel Songs) are also distributed among Shan Churches. We need a lot of leadership and support. We need your advice. I talked with Rev. Sai Aung Htun Shwe and we thought that if we could have a printing machine it will be good. It will cost about Kyat 30,000. Can you help us buy one? Can you also help us produce our Shan New Testament in pocket size? It will be good to have Psalms and Proverb included. Saya Chit Pwai has passed away on 17 August 1980. We have lost one of our Shan leaders.

May God bless your family richly.

Signed/Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Aung Htun Shwe, First Baptist Church, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 28 September 1980

Dear Dr. Sai,

How are you doing? You’ll be very surprise by receiving my letter. My family and I are getting well both in home and ministry. Hope and pray for your family be getting well.

Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha told me that you have an admirable opportunity of getting aids from H.C.C for Shan Mission work e.g. Shan Christian literature. He requested me to plan and estimate some projects and programs. I calculated amount on two projects. One is printing machine and the other is boarding center to promote young leaders for mission. I promise I can run these two projects while I am taking care of small Shan Christian community.

On my own affair on translation of “Today’s Shan New Testament,” the translation has been finished and well copied on waxed paper since 4^th September and ready for applying to government for printing. Paper, printing and binding in Burma is not so good. I would like to request you to help.

1. Help me making photo offset printing and binding in Hong Kong.

2. Help me find some source as a project for Shan Mission Work.

Concerning this matter I would like to know as soon as possible.

Thank you. Greeting to your wife and daughter.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Htun Shwe,

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 18 October 1980

Sai Htwe,

I came back from Rangoon on 13 September. I received your letter on 10 September. I am very glad to hear what you are doing for us. We’ll be meeting in November and drafting constitution for Shan Convention. We will not sit back. Certainly we’ll have Shan Convention in 1981. Concerning Shan literature we have to write and have a proofreader. We need to pay him salary. In our ShweLi Pastors’ Council we have formed a literary committee to do translation and writing “ShweLi mission history.” We appointed Rev. Kham Ye to head this committee. We need to buy printing machine. We send Yee Poi to MuongMyit as missionary. KengTung Shan Churches also understand us now.

We estimate budget for literature Kyat 100,000 for project one and Kyat 30,000 for project two. If we got this budget we can have our literature project immediately.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 28 November 1980

Sai Htwe,

I have learned that grandma is going to Hong Kong tomorrow so I urgently write this letter so that she can bring it to you. I am now in Rangoon because we, the leaders from Shan Churches from all Shan States, are gathering here in Rangoon to discuss about forming of Shan Convention. We are now at the stage of working together with BBC in 1881. We are now doing translation work and writing history of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission lead by Rev. Kham Ye. We need printing press and financial help. In 1981 we may have 3 students from Eastern Shan State to Bible School. Saya Yee Poi is now leading in MuongMyit mission field.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

(1981-1983)

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 20 July 1981

Sai Htwe,

I wish and pray that your family and grandma will be well. We are well here. I was quite down hearted because we have failed to achieve what we want to achieve in our Shan mission. I have received jacket, film slides and film roll that you have sent to me. Thank you very much. May the Lord add more blessing to you. We could not get our goal in forming Shan Convention but just to co-operate with BBC to do;

1. MuongMyit new mission field.

2. To produce more Seminary graduate.

3. To organize Shan Bible Centennial Celebration in 1985.

We need one typewriter. Olympia Burmese typewriter will cost about Kyat 5,000. We can use this typewriter in writing Shan literature for teaching our people. Please let me know how can you help us. We now have 8 Shan students in Bible School. We also want our Shan Hymnbook to be written with staff note. Please give us advice and help. I will take picture and send it to you later.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from U Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 13 November 1981

Dear brother Htwe,

By the grace of God we all are well. I have just finished evangelism training in Rangoon with other 39 people on 30 October. It’s a long training from 10 September to 30 October. 109^th BBC Annual General Meeting will be held in LaShio from 28.12.1981 to 1.1.1982. We are preparing for it. Rev. Ai Pan passed away on 30 October 1981. We lost a leader. We need good leaders. Our Churches’ leaders are not very dedicated as they should. They are not very active and not working hard. Please pray for them. Even though I cannot dedicate for full-time, I work as much as possible as lay leader.

Signed/ Kyaw Hla.

Letter from U Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 8 August 1982

Dear brother Htwe and family,

109^th BBC’s AGM finished successfully. Starting from last year we have one student, Sai Maung Khaing, son of Kyaw Than, studying at Insein Seminary. Shan mission has supported him Kyat 1,200 per year. It is not enough. LaShio Church supported him Kyat 750 per year. This year we have two from ShweLi preparing to go to Seminary. Our new Shan Church building is completed.

Signed/ Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 22 August 1982

We are going to have BBC’s AGM and Shan Bible Centennial Celebration in NamKham in 1985. We are still trying to form Shan Convention. We have budgeted Kyat 200,000 for this event. We expect Kyat 85,000 from ShweLi, Kyat 15,000 from LaShio to Mandalay, Kyat 50,000 from other Shan friends. We have 10 students in Insein Seminary, 3 students in TaungGyi Bible School. We need to look for mission fields for them. Please find sponsors for us. We also need two Burmese typewriters. It will cost Kyat 10,000 each. Sai Stephen is going to Hong Kong for Asia Baptist Fellowship Conference from 8-14 January 1983. Please send one camera to me with Sai Stephen when he comes.

We have 2 students preparing to go to Seminary next year. Help us find support.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 20 January 1983

Dr. Sai Htwe,

May the Lord add more blessing to you and your family this New Year. Thank you for remembering us. After Rev. Ai Pan passed away I have to move to NamKham. I am here in NamKham almost a year now. I am extremely busy. Please remember me in your prayer. U Kyaw Hla told me that you would like to support 3 students to study in Seminary. I have one. His name is Sai Aung Than. He is going to Insein Burmese Seminary next year. It is 4 years course. Please support him Kyat 2,000 per year. I make this request to you on behalf of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission. I believe you have met Sai Stephen. He can tell you about our Shan mission.

Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 21 March 1983

Sai Htwe,

May you be able to serve Him with great joy. I went to Daw Mya Nu’s home and tried to phone to you. But unfortunately the line was down and I could not call you. I met with Sai Stephen here in Rangoon (after he returned from Hong Kong). We agreed and would try our best to be able to form Shan Baptist Convention. I am going with Sai Stephen to KengTung as a representative of BBC. Sai Myint Lay is also with us. We have to draft constitution and present it to BBC in August. We are very much encouraged by your support. We will not give up. Sai Myint Lay came to ShweLi in February and gave us a talk on Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation. There are about 100 drug addicts in ShweLi. Drug rehabilitation program under BBC is going to stop in 1983. We don’t know what to do. If we have money about Kyat 40,000 we can buy a farm and fishpond for them to do the work for their livelihood. We need your advice. Sai Stephen and I are working very hard for Shan Baptist Convention Formation. You may see what you want to see happen very soon. Thanks for the clothes.

May your family be in good health and joy.

Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha.

Letter from Sai Stephen, KengTung, ESS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung. 21 March 1983.

Dear Saya Htwe,

Soon after coming back from Hong Kong I spent days and nights with Sai Nyunt Tha and talked about our Shan Mission and shared with him all what we had discussed in Hong Kong. We will try to form SBC. Thank you for all the help given to me when I was in Hong Kong. We are planning to publish Shan Hymnbook with staff note in 1985. I believe we’ll have SBC very soon.

With remembrance, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from U Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 18 April 1983

Dear brother Htwe and family,

By the Grace of God we all are well. I hope and pray that you and your family also be well. I have received camera, clothes and grape juice for communion and your tapes (Shan gospel songs). It is very useful for our Shan Churches. We don’t have any Shan gospel song on tape at all. We listen to it almost every day. Some Church members make some duplication for their own use. BBC will help ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission Kyat 200,000 for Shan Bible Centennial Celebration in 1985. Saya Maung Su is ordained and doing evangelistic work. Rev. Saya Aung Htun Shwe is busy with Church’s work and preparation for centenary. The building of our new Shan Church building is almost completed. I am re-elected as Chairman of LaShio Shan Church again.

Signed/ Kyaw Hla

Letter from Youth Dept. to Chairman, NongSanKone Shan Baptist Church, NamKham. 22 May 1983

Subject: To buy and use Shan Kong-Mong

On behalf of Shan Christian Youth may I submit this letter.

According to the Law of Myanma Socialist Government, 21/2, all the nationality can enjoy freedom of worship according to their faith and maintain all their culture. According to our young people desire, we want to;

1. Maintain our Shan culture.

2. Unite our young people.

3. Abandon the misunderstanding of cultural, religious, political and economic conflict.

4. Maintain that culture is only related to social and all people should keep their culture.

5. According to the Law, Shan Kong-mong is a cultural thing and will not be harmful to others.

That is why we, Youth group from the Church, will buy a set of Gong-mong and use it.

Signed/ Sai Ba Tin,

Youth Representative,

Cc. Chairman, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission,

Chairman, Village Council, NongSanKone, NamKham.

Letter from Sai Stephen, KengTung, ESS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 27 July 1983

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

I am writing with much remembrance. By His grace we all are well. May you also be well.

I remember you every day since I come back from Hong Kong. I am very much encouraged by your life, your dedication and your passion for mission. I am very proud of you. If God’s willing we’ll meet again. Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha came to Eastern Shan State for a month in June as a representative of BBC. We talked about Shan Mission. We all agree to form SBC. We have already formed “Formation Committee.” In the near future you will see what you are longing to see “SBC.” We will be in Rangoon in August and in Moulmain in October. I have heard good news that we will have foreign support of US$2,000 for Shan mission. Praise the Lord. Please give us advice. Some time we only want to do but we don’t know how to do. I also heard that you have asked BBC to send a missionary to Macau.

Thank you for all your help.

Signed/ Sai Stephen.

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha, (General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, Burma) 26 October 1983

Dear Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha and all co-workers,

Greeting in the name of Jesus Christ. I would like to discuss with you the following matters.

1. I would like to encourage you for Shan Bible Centennial Celebration. I wish we would have achieved great encouragement from this celebration. Please do not let it go without benefit. Do not let our time, money and energy wasted away. I am glad and proud of your Cassette Tape produced for Centennial Celebration. It will be better if you can record only Shan songs in this series. It is mixed up with Kachin and Burmese songs.

2. I have sent two sleeping bags to U Kyaw Hla for our evangelists to use when they go out evangelistic trip. I would like you to let U Kyaw Hla keep it so that it will not get lost.

3. I was informed that my financial support for Sai Aung Than has been sent to NamKham. Please send me acknowledgement.

4. How is our formation of Shan Baptist Convention? Will you please keep me informed of the progress so that I will know how to help? I would like to suggest to you that, this time, if BBC still refuse to give us permission to form SBC, leave BBC and form “Independent Shan Baptist Convention” and later we can join Asian Baptist Alliance and World Baptist Alliance. Do not be afraid. God will provide all our need.

5. The good news is, on 21 October, I met with Asian Outreach International and discussed with them about our Shan mission. For the first step in helping our Shan mission, Asian Outreach will help sponsor 20 Shan students to go to study at Seminary, Kyat 2,000 each year for each person. Please recruit 20 students to go to Seminary. I will take responsibility of sending Kyat 40,000 each year to the students. Please give me their application form with two photos. Please send the name of the students to me before January 1984. Please praise the Lord for this opportunity and blessing to our Shan people.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

In His Service, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Cc to U Kyaw Hla, Rev. Sai Stephen, Rev. Sai Aung Htun Shwe, Saya Sai Myint Lay.

Letter from Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 31 October 1983

Brother Htwe and family,

By the grace of God we all are well. May you also be well. I have attended training in Rangoon from 3 to 30 October. We are trying to form SBC. Only Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha is very active from ShweLi. In MuongPa there are 14 families new believers. We have very few educated ministers. Thanks for your presents. We have 5 students from ShweLi in Seminary. We have difficulty in appointing pastor to our First Baptist Church in LaShio after Rev. William Shwe Ya passed away. I have heard that BBC has chosen Saya Wavery Pan to go to Macau as a missionary to Burmese people there as you have requested. Rev. Zau Yaw was elected General Secretary of BBC this year. On 12 February 1983 we went to MuongPa and removed spirit alter for new Christian families. Altogether six families. Thanks for your gospel music you have sent to us. We use it in our evangelistic meeting. Without your songs we will not have any gospel songs in Shan at all. May the Lord bless you abundantly, Signed/ Kyaw Hla.

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary of ShweLi Shan Baptist Conference, NSS, Burma) to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 19 December 1983

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

May you and your family have a joyful time at Christmas. I and my family and the Churches are well at this time. I have received your letter. I am traveling and trying a lot to organize for our 1985 Shan Bible Centenary Celebration. Sometimes I even got blamed. I bear it because of Christ. Thank you for your encouragement. We have tried many time but facing many difficulties. Since we talked about forming SBC I have been going up and down even though I did not have money. Many people understand and agree with us. We now need to form a “Shan Baptist Convention Formation Committee.” Sai Stephen, Rev. Seng Tip, Saya Sai Hsai (from Eastern Shan State), Rev. Aung Htun Shwe, U Kyaw Hla (LaShio), Rev. Shwe Htun, Sai Ba Yin, Saya Po Maung, Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (ShweLi), Sai Ba Lwin, Rev. Kyaw Myint (TaungGyi). This committee will prepare all necessary requirements to form SBC in 1985. We have set up a budget for traveling for formation of SBC. Support for 4 persons from ShweLi Kyat 1,600, for 2 persons from LaShio Kyat 600, for 3 people from TaungGyi Kyat 900 and for miscellaneous Kyat 400. Total Kyat 3,500. If you are going to sponsor us for this meeting I will organize it immediately. In the year 1982-1983 you supported one Seminary student with Kyat 2,000 for one year. Because of inflation please increase your support to Kyat 3,000 each year for each student. We now have 15 students. Thanks for supporting Sai Aung Than. He is very dedicated man. We are planning to send three students to TaungGyi because we need short-term training.

We have also produced Shan calendar for 1984. This is the first time and a history. We will have SBC formation committee meeting in TaungGyi. We went to China and organized a Christmas celebration in 1980. 43 people baptized. MuongKut Shan church building dedication was held on 11 December 1983. About 10 families in WanDa Lean village near HsenWi baptized. We also want to buy a tractor for drug rehabilitation program near MuSe. It will cost about Kyat 30,000. We need a lot of thing to do. Please consider helping us.

May the Lord bless you and your family richly.

Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha.

(Sai Nyunt Tha told me as I interviewed him on March 3, 2003, “When we started new Shan Church in MuongKut, Rev. Joshua, General Secretary of Lisu Baptist Convention, said to me, ‘Why do you plant new Shan Church in MuongKut? Please withdraw your Church.’ I asked, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘This is under Lisu Convention territory.’ Then I said, ‘Let me first ask the opinion of Shan believers. Let them make decision.’ When I asked Shan believers, they all said, ‘We will worship in our own Church in our language. We will no longer go to Lisu Church.’ Then we continued having our Shan Church. Later when I came to BBC head quarter, Rev. Victor San Lone, General Secretary of BBC, called me and said, ‘Saya Nyunt Tha, please come to my office. I will like to talk to you.’ When I got to his office he said, ‘Saya, it is not good to have your Shan Church in other peoples territory. Please withdraw your Shan Church from MuongKut.’ Then I said, ‘Why? If we cannot plant our own Church among our own people in other people’s territory, why are there many Kachin, Kayin, Lisu and other Churches in our Shan territory? Can you ask them to withdraw them to their own territories? If they all can go back to their own territories I will withdraw my Shan Church from MuongKut.’ Afterward, Victor San Lone could not say anything more. Our Shan Church in MuongKut survives. We sent Saya Maung Su to MuongKut but had to called him back to NamKham immediately because he use to have quarrel with his wife and beat her in front of the people all the time.”)

(1984-1986)

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. David Wang, Asian Outreach International, Hong Kong.

13 January 1984

Dear Brother,

May God bless you and your ministry of Asian Outreach. What a wonderful New Year to the Shan people of Burma! Praise the Lord for your ministry to our people by sponsoring 20 students to study in theology school in order to prepare themselves for the ministry among the Shan. On behalf of our Shan people may I express our earnest gratitude to you for a check of US$2,400 being received on 11 January 1984. We shall always remember you in our prayer. We will keep providing you with full information about our Shan Ministry.

Please do remember our Christian leaders who will be meeting in June to prepare for the Great Mission among million of Buddhist Shan.

With Love in Jesus Christ our Lord,

Dr. HM Sai, Hong Kong.

Note (official foreign exchange rate was 1US$ = 6 Kyat)

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to General Secretary, Shan Baptist Convention Formation Committee, Burma. January 1984

1. I agree and support your effort in formation of “Shan Baptist Convention.” By prayer, by advice and by money I will always help you.

2. For producing future leadership of our Shan mission, I have received financial support for 20 students, for half year. The following five students will receive subsidy of Kyat 125 per month because local Churches are already supporting them. They are Nang Kya Yung, Sai Maung Khaing, Nang Kham Yung, Nang Seng Arm, Sai Aung Win. But Sai Aung Than will get Kyat 250 per month as wholly supported. Please collect money from Daw Mya Nu. The support will begin from 1984 school year. If student has finished study or failed in examination the support will stop. If Sai Maung Lay, Sai Htun Myat and Nang Hla Khin are dedicating for future Shan mission we will like to support them. For school year 1984 please find another 14 students. If we have students joining after 1985 please inform me first because we have to support one student for four years. If we have less than 20 students and if we have surplus we can use our money in our mission work. We can discuss about it later.

3. Saya Sai Myint Lay said that Rev. Sai Aung Htun Shwe’s daughter Nang Thida is still in University and preparing to continue her study at Seminary. She has financial difficulty now and she requests financial help. I cannot decide this matter. I hope Shan mission committee can make a decision for her.

4. I would like to include Sai Myint Lay in your 11 members committee because he is Shan and interested in Shan mission.

5. I have received letter from Sai Nyunt Tha saying that committee have to meet twice and the expense of the meeting will be Kyat 7,000. My family and I will sponsor this meeting and pay for the expense. Please collect Kyat 7,000 from my sister Daw Mya Nu. Please keep me informed of your meeting and decision made.

6. I am praying for your Shan Bible Centennial Celebration in December. But if you mixed up BBC’s AGM and Shan Bible Centenary, please be careful not to allow our Shan Bible Celebration overshadowed by BBC’s AGM program.

7. I am sorry for not being able to help you in your program for drug addict rehabilitation. I wish you could consider about it when SBC is formed.

8. I am planning to send our Shan leaders to get opportunity of going abroad and getting some training.

9. I would like to urge you if we you have a meeting please consider for Christ’ work and make decision for Christ’ sake. Not for men or money.

10. Attached is my suggestion on draft constitution of our Shan Baptist Convention.

In His Service,

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

(Draft constitution for Shan Baptist Convention was given to Formation Committee)

Letter from Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 20 January 1984

Dear brother Htwe and family,

May the blessing of New Year be upon you all. We had organized Shan Christmas in LaShio Shan Baptist Church. It was very joyful occasion. I have received a copy of your letter to Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha. I have got one sleeping bag from Daw Mya Nu. But I have not seen the other one. I have given Sai Aung Than Kyat 2,000 for his support. Nang Thi Da still has two more years to finish her university. We have Saw Ah Po from Nam Tu also asking for financial support for his study at Seminary. We hope we can form SBC in 1985.

We tried but failed to appoint Rev. Aung Htun Shwe to become pastor of First Baptist Church.

May God bless you richly,

Signed/ Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Conference, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. (translated from Burmese) 15 February 1984

Dr. Sai Htwe,

I am replying your letter. I am so happy about the good news I have heard. I will try my best according to your wish to see SBC being formed. Can you come in 1985? I’ll be traveling from March till May. We have a man named Sai Aung Than to be our missionary to Palong people. We need to send him to TaungGyi Bible School for one year. Can you sponsor him? It may cost Kyat 2,500 to 3,000 a year. This will be the first mission to Palong people.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from Rev. David Wang, Asian Outreach International to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong.

7 June 1984

Dear Dr. Sai,

Warmest Christian greetings!

Thank you very much for your contribution of HK$1,000 towards the sponsorship of Shan evangelist students.

Enclosed please find the official receipt for this love gift.

I think it is about time that we made our second contribution towards this project and I would be most grateful if you would give me a call to see if we can work out an appointment.

Dr. Sai, I am really eager to visit your country and I hope to do it together with you. I understand that you are thinking of returning to your country sometime in November. If there is any possibility that I can travel with you back to your country for a visit please let me know so that I can work it into my schedule.

Signed/ David Wang,

Executive Vice-President, Asian Outreach International.

Report on Shan Ministry in Burma, By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 18 June 1984

Dear Rev. David Wang,

We are praising the Lord for the light that shines in the darkness of the hidden land of the Shan people.

The year 1984 is the most blessed year for our least evangelized people. All the trained evangelists, lay evangelists and the Church leaders from different parts of the land get together in TaungGyi (a capital city of Shan State) for the first time in 100 years to praise and pray together for the ministry among the Shan.

We praise the Lord for the Shan Holy Bible given to us in 1891. We thank God for His revelation and merciful touch to the loving heart of the Asian Outreach International who lays out his helping hand to our people by sponsoring 18 Shan students to prepare themselves in Bible school to serve among the Shan. The response to the call is marvelous. Despite poverty in economy our evangelists are rich in the spirit. At this moment about only 10 full time evangelists are working desperately among the millions of Buddhist Shan.

We have had experienced the living Christ on Easter Sunday in the village of MuongPa. Two trained and one lay evangelists were carrying their own foods and marching through the jungle towards the un-reached people. It took two hours to get through the thick forest. No transportation accessible. They found the curious villagers and they shared with them the salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Amazingly seven families accepted Jesus. They were baptized. Immediately they shifted their sacrifices from idol to Christ. The Lord’s supper was prepared and offered to then. They are now praying for a shepherd and a worshiping place in this uncivilized area.

We desperately need the workers for the harvest. Shan Christian leaders are planning to have a youth seminar in May 1985 expecting 100 youths to get together for new vision. Please remember us in your prayer for the Shan people in their needs of evangelists, pastor and chapel.

In His Service, Signed/ Dr. Sai H.M.

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to Saya Sai Myint Lay, Secretary, Shan Baptist Mission.

29 June 1984

Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus. By His grace I am able to do some work for Him. I pray that you all may be able to do better by the vision that has been revealed to you.

The matters I like to discuss with you are;

1. I praise God for your meeting in TaungGyi.

2. I agree with your draft constitution.

3. I don’t see representative from KengTung. Why? Is there a disagreement between East and North?

4. I also heard that Eastern Shan would hold a Shan Bible Centenary Celebration by their own. Is it true?

5. I have received the list of 18 students who are receiving financial support.

6. I will like to remind you that the money for students’ support is only for students. We cannot use it in other work. Asian Outreach is giving us for two years only. We have to support 4 years for our students. We still need to find more money for another two years. Please do not think that we have surplus. We may be in red. I am confidence and have faith that we’ll be able to support our students for four years.

7. I have not receive financial support for Youth Conference from Asian Outreach. We have to raise our own fund.

8. I met Harn Yawnghwe in Hong Kong. He is very much interested in our Shan Mission. We have Shan Bible 500 books ready. Where should I send them to?

9. There is a report on Shan mission and Macau mission in Asian Report in May/June 1984. I am thinking of translating Biblical Comic into Shan language. I will work with Han.

10. I talked with Asian Outreach and got money to buy bicycle for our Shan evangelists. We hope we can buy 10 bicycles. All these bicycles should be the properties of Shan Mission and kept under stewardship of Shan mission.

Signed/ Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Sai Dou Pau, Secretary, Shan Baptist Association, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 16 September 1984

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

By the decision of Shan Baptist Association made on 8 July 1984, I am writing this letter to you asking your help. After Rev. William Shwe Ya passed away there are conflicts between Shan and Karen Christian groups in First Baptist Church. I remember you very much. Before you went to Hong Kong you were the only one standing for us. U Kyaw Hla is growing old now. We don’t have many educated people among us. If SBC is formed we will certainly be a member. We want to buy a land for our Shan Church. A land at the corner of HsenWi road is asking for Kyat 300,000. Our Shan Church only has Kyat 30,000. Please kindly help us get the money to buy this land. Find donor for us.

In His Service,

Signed/ Sai Dou Pau.

General Secretary, Shan Baptist Association, LaShio.

Letter from Han Yawnghwe to Sai Htwe Maung. 25 September 1984

Saya Sai Htwe Maung and family,

I have received your letter on 19 September. I am very glad to hear your participation in His work. The money US$1,000 I sent to you is for mission work among the Shan. You can use whatever way you think necessary for Shan mission. You know the situation best and I leave the decision to your discretion and judgment.

Supporting a pastor in MuongPa also good idea. Building a Church building in MuongPa also good. But I want them to participate. People do not appreciate what they do not work for or pay for. Supporting Saya Aung Htun Shwe also good. I also want to help Shan Bible Centenary. I will find more money in the future. Regarding comic book and tracts I will discuss with UBS. I think they will agree. You continue doing translation. If you have any more tracts to translate please let me know.

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Signed/ Han

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to Rev. David Wang, Asian Outreach International.

23 January 1985

Dear Brother,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May our almighty God be with you in your ministry in Asia. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to you again for your sponsorship to our 20 Shan students who are studying in Seminary and Bible School for two years. We do very much appreciate your help to our Shan ministry in Burma. Unfortunately two students have been dropped from the school because of their physical health problem. Nevertheless the remaining eighteen are doing well in their study. Two new students will be added to the eighteen in the coming school year to make it twenty.

Dear brother, we are quite hesitated to tell you that there is no two years bible study courses available in Rangoon. However two years B.D program for university graduate, four years B.Th program for matriculation student and four years L.Th program for high school final student (form 5). Only two of our twenty students are qualified for B.D course. The others are in B.Th and L.Th courses.

Dear brother, please remember us in your prayer. Unite with us in the Spirit so that we may find more sponsorship for our 18 students who have to go two more years in Seminary. Also pray for our future evangelists so that they can serve Him effectively in His ministry.

Dear brother, it is good news that about 100 Shan Christian Youth will get together and hold a Youth Conference for 7 days starting from 9 May 85 to 15 May 85 in TaungGyi, a capital city of Shan State. Youths will be traveling hundreds of miles to attend the conference. Five Shan pastors will lead the programs. The programs consist of Bible Study, Personal Witnessing, Good Stewardship, Youth Leadership, Today’s Christian Youth and Gospel Music. I wish that one of your ministers in Asian Outreach ministry can witness to our Youth Conference and give them a speech or lecture in the conference.

Dear brother, the plan is so great and the expense is so high for us. The approximate expense of this conference is 40,600 Kyat (US$ 3,000). We have received US$1,000 gift from a friend from United Bible Society. We shall be very grateful to you if you will kindly consider for some financial help to us. We will never forget your generous gift of US$500 to our Shan Ministry in order to buy 10 bicycles to use in evangelistic trip. Pray that our Youth Conference will be a successful one and all the young stars be the Lights of the World.

In His Name,

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Sai Myint Lay to Sai Htwe Maung. (Date was not mentioned)

Saya Htwe and family,

Greeting in Christ’ name. I have received your letter for quite sometime. I was too busy to reply. Please forgive me. By reading the minutes of the meeting you will know the situation. All students received financial support except Sai Hnom and Naw Lay Lay. We arranged Mr. Julian to meet with our Shan students. We cannot buy 10 bicycles because of inflation. We will buy four and give one each to ESS, NSS, SSS and ShweLi. Thanks for David comic. It is good. If possible I want you to send all the money (designed for students support for two years) in one time to us so that we can use it in investment and make more money. It can produce more money and can be used for four years and other Shan mission work. Shan Bible Centennial Celebration which is going to be held in KengTung in April 1985 is just “pre-celebration.” Not actual one. Because it is also our Eastern Shan Baptist Conference AGM. I could not get air ticket to go to TaungGyi for SBC formation meeting.

May God bless your family.

Signed/ Sai Myint Lay

Letter from Rev. Aung Htun Shwe to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 2 September 1985

Dr. Sai,

Thanks for the photos you sent. We had recorded sermons for FEBC on 18th and 20th July with Sai Myint Lay and Sai Leng in Chiangmai, altogether 15 sermons and back to Rangoon on 22nd. When I visited U Kyaw Hla in LaShio I have heard about financial support to students studying in Seminary. Regarding this matter I want to discuss with you personally. If you are not going to continue supporting these students they certainly cannot continue their study. They have to go back home. That is why may I urge you to have “silver heart and golden heart” and continue supporting them. This matter may be carried through our Shan mission history. You are “vital” in this matter. Please kindly continue supporting them. I personally urge you.

May the Kingdom of God be established.

Signed/ Rev. Sai Aung Htun Shwe

Note: (Sai Htwe Maung was very disappointed when he met Sai Aung Htun Shwe and Sai Myint Lay in Thailand during Shan Bible Translation Conference in July 1985. They demanded him to give them all the money he had in his hand for Shan Seminary students support so that they could use it in doing some investments by using the money to earn more money. When Sai Htwe Maung explained to them that he did not have all the money in hand because the money was only transferred to him by Asian Outreach once in three months, not all the money for the whole four years. However they did not believe him and expressed suspicion on him. Then Sai Htwe Maung was very upset and he sent a letter to the Shan Baptist Mission telling them that he would not continue taking responsibility any more in supporting the students because of Aung Htun Shwe and Sai Myint Lay attitude and demanding all the money from him what he did not have. Later Sai Htwe Maung forgave them and continued supporting all the students until they all graduated from Bible Schools and Seminaries)

Letter from Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 18 January 1986

Dear Brother Htwe,

By the Grace of God we all are well. I pray that you and your family and mother also be well.

It is a miracle that we can feed 10,000 people for three day during Shan Bible Centennial Celebration. Saya Sai Myint Lay will leave BBC and go back to KengTung to work with Eastern Shan State Shan Baptist. We have 7 people dedicated for the mission. The cassette recorder you have sent to us was in the hand of Saya Sai Nyunt Tha. Saya Aung Htun Shwe is serving at Kyaukmae Church with salary of

Kyat 450 per month as he is also doing full time Bible translation work. (He was also paid by UBS). Nang Thida (Saya Aung Htun Shwe’s daughter) has graduated after your two years of your support.

Signed/ U Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha (General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Conference, NamKham, NSS, Burma) to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 16 March 1986

Dr. Sai Htwe,

I am writing to you with much remembrance. I am praying for you that you will be fine and serving the Lord much more. I am really tired after Shan Bible Centennial Celebration. But I do have a great Spiritual strength. I feel so sorry for you could not come. If you would have come I’ll be happier and have a lot of thing to talk with you. I have received your letter. Please forgive me for my late reply. I am really expecting our new Shan graduates from Seminary. We can work more and better with them. I am glad that you will continue supporting our students in Seminary. Some of them are already graduated and serving. Saya Maung Khaing is now serving in LaShio Shan Church. Saya Sai Maung Lay will be graduating in 1986 and going to serve in AeMock village. Saya Maung Su is planning to go to see new mission work in MuongPa. MuongKong is asking for a pastor. Please think about helping Nang Shwe Aye to study at M.I.T. in coming year with Kyat 3,000 for a year. Kachin Baptist is now working with us to reach Shan people in Kachin State. We are working with BBC in new Palong mission. Saya Sai Maung Than is our missionary. We need Kyat 10,000 to buy land for Palong and Chinese to replace their work from growing opium to paddy field. We want to start it in 1987. We also need Kyat 10,000 to help MuongPa mission work to offer people there to have land for cultivation and plantation. Please help us consider about it. We are planning to have a long mission trip by bicycle from 1 April. We will start from NamKham, Northern Shan State, to Southern Shan State preaching gospel to all the villages we pass by. There will be 12 people in our team including oldest member Lu Aung. We have taken Kyat 1,750 from Daw Mya Nu. (Donated by Sai Htwe Maung). Please kindly remember for us. Please help us raise fund for our need.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Nyunt Tha

Letter from U Kyaw Hla, LaShio, NSS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 16 March 1986

Dear Brother,

With lot of remembrance I am writing to you. May the Lord bless you, your family and our old mother richly. I have received your two letters on 1 February. I want to tell you the following things.

The Bible School graduates who did not serve in ministry are;

1. Saya Ai Wit, Saya Ba Pe and Saya Thein Win

2. Saya Maung Khaing started serving at LaShio Shan Baptist Church in February 1986. Sai Maung Lay serves in AeMock village, Sai Maung Than serves in Palong mission. Saya Ai Myat has not yet decided where he is going to serve. He chooses the place.

3. Nang Thida Htun Shwe has applied for BD study at Seminary. I am not sure if she is really interested in Shan mission. You can judge by yourself whether you are going to support her.

4. We are thinking of sending Rev. Khin Maung to MuongKong.

5. We can think of supporting our evangelist Kyat 250 to 300 per month.

6. It will be very long to tell you in detail about Shan Bible Centennial Celebration. I want to let you know that your gospel songs were playing all days and all night during celebration. Many people requested for the copy of your songs.

7. The celebration started by about ten thousand people wearing our Shan costume, marching from downtown of NamKham to the NongSanKone with our Shan musical Gong-Mong .

8. On 28 December there was opening ceremony of Cushing Memorial Hall in MyoMa Church.

9. There was an honoring program for 58 pastors, 103 people who have achieved higher education and 23 people who have higher position in civil service.

10. There were 273 people baptized.

11. We expected Kyat 200,000 for the expenses. God was so gracious. We even had surplus after celebration.

12. One bicycle will cost about Kyat 2,800.

May the Lord bless you richly. Signed/ Kyaw Hla

Letter from Rev. Sai Aung Htun Shwe to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 26 March 1986

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

I am writing to you with much remembrance. My family and I moved to Kyaukmae on 15 March 1986.

5 days a week I do Bible translation and involve in Church work on Saturday and Sunday. Our Shan Bible Centennial Celebration has finished well. We had 10,000 rice packets for 10,000 people on 29th. 318 baptized and 1800 partake Holy Communion. I went to attend translation workshop in Rangoon. By the Holy Spirit’s inspiration I have finished Genesis chapter 23. I have sent them to Sai Leng to type it into computer. I have received your comment on Ruth. Thank you. I have also received Proverb chapter 10 from Han. My daughter Nang Thida has finished her BA degree from University. Thanks for supporting her. Please kindly consider supporting her for her study in B.I.T.

Signed/ Rev. Aung Htun Shwe.

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha, (General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma) 6 May 1986

Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha,

Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am praying that by His guidance and discipline our Shan mission will be successful. According to your letter I am very much interested in helping you. I believe that our Shan mission work is not the work of a single person. We need to work together to achieve our goal. I would like to suggest you to form a “Northern Shan State Shan Evangelistic Committee” to oversee the work. I would like to see members from LaShio, MuSe, SeLan and NamKham participate. After forming this committee I will send Kyat 15,000 as a donation for the mission. You can use it according to your committee decision. I have sent one camera to Daw Mya Nu for ShweLi Shan Baptist Association. Please pay custom duty fee and collect it.

Cc to LaShio Shan Baptist Church, MuSe Shan Baptist Church, SeLan Shan Baptist Church

NamKham Shan Baptist Church, Daw Mya Nu, Rangoon.

(1987-1989)

Letter from Sai Stephen, KengTung, ESS, Burma to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 6 May 1987

Dear Saya Htwe,

I have received your latter on 24 March. I have just returned from mission trip from 24 March to 30 April with 14 members in my team. I got Malaria from my trip. Many of us got Malaria infection. I thought I was going to die. We need a lot of treatment after coming back. There were 8 Shan and 6 Karen in our mission team. Many of us speak Shan and Lahu. We had visited 18 villages and preached gospel to 3,687 people. We got stoned while we were preaching gospel. But we did not afraid. Sometime we had to walk for 7 miles. We had baptized 64 people. We spent Kyat 10,000 during our trip. It was supported by Calvary Church in KengTung. We cannot simply go into Buddhist village and preach gospel. We have to go in by the way of teaching literature and racial concern. Quite a number of Buddhist villages accepted us. We usually sing, present drama and preach. It will be successful if we can go every year. Next October we are going to 5 Shan villages because they have invited us again. After this mission trip 3 members of our team are going to Seminary to prepare for future ministry. My plan to go and study in Korea is not yet confirmed.

Concerning Rev. Aung Htun Shwe’s Bible Translation, sometime good but sometime bad. We really need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this work. I try my best to check it by looking through TEV, RSV and Cushing Shan Bible. We need to pray for Rev. Aung Htun Shwe.

In Christ, / Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Shwe Htun, NongSanKone Shan Baptist Church, NamKham to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 3 February 1988

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

With respect I reply to your letter. By His grace my family and I and our brothers and sisters in MuSe and NamKham are all well. I hope that you and your family are also well.

I have received your letter per kind favor of Sai Thein Aung Kham. I am very glad for your planning for 21^st Century Shan Mission Project and agree in appointing Sai Thein Aung Kham and Sai Stephen as your Assistant Directors. I am very proud of your dedication, sacrifice and leadership. By your effort in formation of Shan Baptist Convention, leadership production, guidance, evangelism, investment and support are very helpful in our ministry. May the blessing and peace of the Lord be upon you and your family. Amen.

We are making utmost effort in our ShweLi Shan Mission.

1. Planning for celebration of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission Centenary Celebration in

1993.

2. Join mission with BBC to Palong mission for five years.

3. KoLone Chinese mission work.

4. MuongPa Shan mission work.

5. Support BD students in our leadership production.

6. Celebration of 175th Judson memorial day.

7. Support Shan State Bible School.

Signed/ Rev. Shwe Htun

(1990-1992)

Letter from Rev. Shwe Htun, General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, N.S.S. to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong.17 October 1991.

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

You have been appointed as our representative to foreign country. That is why we would like you to give us all detailed report of your work and support to ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission and other Shan Christians in term of;

1. Money 2. Materials 3. Other things you have given to us so that we can present it to executive meeting on 26-27 December 1991.

I write this letter by decision made by board meeting on 23 September 1991.

In Service,

Signed/ Shwe Htun.

Letter from Sai Htwe Maung to Sai Stephen, Cc to Saya Sai Thein Aung Kham, Saya Sai Shwe Htun, Saya Sai Tip, U Kyaw Hla, Daw Mya Nu. 24 December 1991

Dear Saya Sai Stephen,

I have received your letter. I am very happy to hear about your work for the Lord. I am praying for you every day. I hope you will also receive my letter. The matters I want to discuss with you are:

1. To support your three months Bible Training program I have sent money to Daw Mya Nu. Please go see Daw Mya Nu in Rangoon and get the money. As we have expected please carry on forward. Please give me detailed of the budget. Please ask the trainees to give their testimonies and send them to me. We have to trust God as we serve Him.

2. In the near future our New Shan Hymnbook with music note will be published. If you can take responsibility of distributing it I will print it in Thailand. If Sai Thein Aung Kham can take responsibility I will print it in China. Please let me know of your opinion as soon as possible. We have to sell them to pay for the expenses of printing and transportation. I have also received letter from Sai Thein Aung Kham about his work on the border. I have talked to Haggai Institute for Sai Thein Aung Kham. I don’t know whether they will accept you. We have to work hard for we are responsible for Christ.

3. I would like Sai Stephen to resign from full-time pastoral ministry from the Church and commit full-time for our 21^st Century Shan Mission Project. If we don’t work that way the work will never be done. What do you think? If I support you Kyat 1,000 monthly can you work for our Shan mission project full-time? I trust you will see the face of the Lord instead of the face of the money.

Let us say “Have Thine Own Way Lord.”

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

Letter from Rev. Shwe Htun, General Secretary, ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 27 February 1992

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

1. According to ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission decision I am writing this letter to you to clarify misunderstanding between us regarding asking you to give us report on your work.

2. It is true that Dr. Sai Htwe Maung has gone to Hong Kong by his own plan, not sent by ShweLi Baptist Mission and not paid by ShweLi Baptist Mission. But we have nominated you as official representative with full executive power on 30 May 1980 so that you can attend Asian Christian Conference as a Shan Christian.

3. We are very much regretting to hear that Dr. Sai Htwe Maung did not remember how much and how many support you have given to us. We only know that you have supported our 19 students to study in Seminary. Other than this support we have not seen any other support. We have not received financial support from you.

4. Since we have not received anything from you, the suspicion of conflict for material and financial support among us is not true.

5. We are happy to hear that your New Shan Hymnbook is finished. We will continue spreading this news to other Churches.

6. As an AD 2000 project we have Bible training for 100 people in May 1992 in MuSe.

7. From 3 September 1992 we will have 3 months training in NamKham.

8. In December 1993 we will celebrate ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission Centennial Celebration and 115th AGM of BBC in MuSe.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Shwe Htun,

Cc Rev. Sai Stephen, Kyaw Hla.

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Shwe Htun, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission.

24 March 1992

Subject: The support to ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission

Dear Saya Shwe Htun,

I have received your latter dated 27 February 1992.

I am glad you said that you have authorized me to be a representative of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission. However I have never used the name of ShweLi Baptist Mission in my effort to work for all the Shan Churches in Burma. I have never talked to people as representative of ShweLi but as a Shan Christian for all the Shan people. In fact people here don’t know ShweLi. The letter of authorizing me to speak on your behalf was also never used. It is not fair to me to have responsibility of reporting my work to ShweLi because of your authorization. I am here in Hong Kong as a medical doctor, working, earning and supporting my family and myself. I have not received either salary or support from ShweLi as your representative. I am also not sent by ShweLi to Hong Kong. I come here by my own. If you think I have responsibility of giving you report about my work because of your authorization please kindly withdraw your letter of authorization, which I have never used. Nevertheless I will try my best to help ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission. You can feel free to ask me if you want to know what I am doing but do not put it to me as my duty to report to you.

I am very much regretting to hear from you that you have not received any support from me either financially or materially. I am very surprised. Please let me tell you what I have given to ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission.

1. In 1980 I have given to Saya Sai Nyunt Tha, the general secretary of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission, one Cassette Recorder for ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission.

2. I have supported Sai Aung Than, NamKham, financially for three years, Kyat 2,000 each year, to study at Bible School.

3. In 1982 I have sent two sleeping bags to U Kyaw Hla for ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission. I have heard that Saya Aung Htun Shwe has taken one.

4. In May 1986 I have given one Camera to Saya Sai Nyunt Tha for ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission.

5. In May 1986 I have sent money Kyat 15,000 to Sai Nyunt Tha for ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission.

6. In 1987 I have sent money Kyat 1,000 for Rev. U Moon, SeLan Church.

7. In April 1991 I have sent one Camera to Saya Yaw Shu for MuSe Shan Baptist Church.

For all Shan Churches in Burma;

1. Together with Asian Outreach I have supported 19 students at Seminaries and Bible Schools with total Kyat 128,527.

2. I have supported Shan mission meeting at TaungGyi and LaShio with Kyat 7,000.

3. I have supported Saya Htun Kaing, TaungGyi and Saya Sai Stephen, KengTung, one year with Kyat 2,400.

4. I have supported Sai Thein Aung Kham in his travel to organize Shan mission with Kyat 1,515.

5. In 1986 I have sent one slide projector to U Kyaw Hla for Shan Mission.

6. In 1990 I have given one gestetner to Sai Stephen for Shan Mission. But I have heard that they did not have money to pay for custom duty at Rangoon.

7. I gave money Kyat 70,000 for training in KengTung in February 1992.

Shan Mission works that I am doing on volunteer basis are:

1. Writing and publishing New Shan Hymnbook with music notes.

2. Writing and printing Gospel Tracts for the Shan.

3. Preaching Gospel in Radio every morning to the Shan in Burma, Thailand and China.

I now believe that you know what I have done for ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission and all Shan Churches and the Shan people. Please do not say that I have done nothing for you and given nothing to you. Please do not have suspicion on me. God knows all things. God sees the heart. We cannot hide anything from Him. We can lie to the people but we cannot lie to God. Please try your best to serve the Lord in Shan Mission. Shan are not only in ShweLi. Shan are everywhere in Asia. Please don’t look so narrow. Look wider. Have the forgiving heart. Do not have the heart of jealousy. Do not be conformed to the world. Please know that religion or organization cannot save the soul. Salvation is from Christ only. The Church cannot convert the people but the gospel preached by the servant of God. I am praying for you all.

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

Hong Kong. 14 March 1992.

Cc to Saya Thein Aung Kham, Saya Sai Stephen, U Kyaw Hla.

(Original letter of authorization from Secretary, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, Date 30th May 1980)

To.

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Emmanuel Medical Mission, 40 Shing Tak Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Subject: Delegate of the Shan Baptist Mission

Sir,

At the annual meeting of the Shan Baptist Mission held on 2nd January 1980 at SeLan Shan Baptist Church, it was voted that you have been nominated as official representative of the Shan Baptist Mission with the full executive powers.

In His Service,

Signed (Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha)

Secretary, Shan Baptist Mission, MUSE, N.S.S, Burma.

Copy to:

1. Sai Stephen, Secretary, Shan Baptist Association, KengTung, ESS

2. Kyaw Hla, Northern Shan State Shan Baptist Association, LaShio.

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 30 April 1992

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

I have received your letter. Thank you for praying for us. Forgive me for not being able to write to you immediately because I was engaged in teaching at trainings in TaChiLeik, KengTung and KyoPyu.

Our evangelistic training finished successfully. 19 attended. We had 4 trainers.

The income and expenditure of the training;

Income

1. Dr. Sai Htwe Maung 70,000 Kyat

2. Shan believers 16,500 Kyat

3. Shan Baptist Association 10,000 Kyat

4. Trainees 1,900 Kyat

5. Offering at closing worship 2,387 Kyat

Total 100,787 Kyat

Expense

1. Daily meal for 19 persons for 30 days 25,650 Kyat

2. Office 2,255 Kyat

3. Traveling x 19 persons 25,000 Kyat

4. Gifts 5,000 Kyat

Total 57,905 Kyat

Surplus 42,882 Kyat

We have chosen 7 persons from our training and sent them out to evangelize non-Christian villages.

Children Hostel

Name: Shan Christian Hostel for the future leadership of Shan Mission

Duration: The first five years (1992-1997)

Location: Baptist Mission Compound, NongPha, KengTung, ESS, Myanmar.

Aim and purpose: To train and educate young persons

To nurture spiritual leadership

To nurture future country leadership

To nurture spiritual and social growth of young persons

Students: To admit 25 students annually. (20 from Shan Churches and 5 from non-Christian)

Budget: Total 370,000 Kyat in 1992-1993

302,000 Kyat in 1993-1994

302,000 Kyat in 1994-1995

302,000 Kyat in 1995-1996

302,000 Kyat in 1996-1997

I think God is using me in Shan ministry to have a great burden of my uneducated people. I confess that we, Shan Christians, are so weak and so poor. We cannot bear or take this great responsibility. But we know that our Father in heaven is so rich. Through Him we can do every thing. We know that our project is only a minor case before the Lord. We have faith in Him. Whether we get the supporting finance from others or not we will not stop our program. We will continue doing as good as we can. But we believe that God will grant us what we need.

May God bless you all.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Signed/ Rev. Sai Stephen.

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Sai Stephen, Cc to Sai Thein Aung Kham, Saya Shwe Htun, U Kyaw Hla, Nang Hla Kyi. 25 May 1992

Dear Saya Sai Stephen,

I have received your letter. The testimonies of the trainees are very encouraging. We are very happy. We are praying for seven evangelists who are going to evangelize seven villages. Continue doing His work of salvation. Whatever we are doing He is with us. We cannot hide from Him or lie to Him. Whatever we do one day we have to open up in front of Him. We believe God will give us crown of blessing richly.

I have told David Wang about your training. They are very happy. They will put information in Asian Report. We need picture. Please send me as soon as possible.

You can use the money left in your hand as you think appropriate. I agree. I need a man who can help me in my radio program. Is there any one interested and dedicated for this radio ministry? If there is any one interested I will call him to Hong Kong, I’ll give him a place to live, food to eat and pocket money HK$ 1,000 monthly. He or she should be Shan, know how to read and write Shan, speak Shan fluently and interested in mission and dedicated. Let him/her write her CV to me as soon as possible.

Please make announcement of this news to all our Shan Churches.

May God bless you richly.

I am praying for you.

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung

(No one has applied. No one comes to help me in this radio program)

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Sai Stephen, Dr. Sai Myo Min, Sai La La, U Kyaw Hla and Nang Hla Kyi. 5 November 1992

By His wonderful grace I have been to Maesai and TaChiLeik and met with Sai Stephen and Dr. Sai Myo Min and discussed about our New Shan Hymnbook. By His grace we have overcome satanic attack.

1. New Shan Hymnbook 5,000 copies in number.

2. 2,500 for Eastern Shan and Southern Shan State.

3. 2,500 for Northern Shan State and ShweLi.

4. All Shan Churches are requested to have Thanksgiving service when using this Hymnbook for the first time.

5. As for donation please ask people to give K 250 for one Hymnbook.

6. Please ask the Church to pay for the books instead of collecting from individuals.

7. All the money received from selling the Hymnbooks must be used for 21st Century Shan Mission works. I wish Sai Stephen, Dr. Sai Myo Min and Sai La La will take care of the fund for the Eastern and Southern Shan State, U Kyaw Hla and Nang Hla Kyi will take care of the fund from ShweLi and Northern Shan State.

8. Sai Stephen will be responsible in transporting 2,500 Hymnbooks from TaChiLeik to TaungGyi and U Kyaw Hla will be responsible to transport them from TaungGyi to ShweLi.

The expenses for transportation should be deducted from the sale.

It is a special gifts from me to U Kyaw Hla & family 10 Hymnbooks.

Also special gifts to my mother and Nang Hla Kyi 10 books.

Signed/ Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong.

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project. 30 December 1992

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus!

1. Concerning New Shan Hymnbook, I have not heard about it. Dr. Sai Myo Min said he had not yet received it. Our Shan Churches are expecting the arrival of New Shan Hymnbook. I also talked to Sai Thein Aung Kham about New Shan Hymnbook. He also very excited and happy to have your New Shan Hymnbooks. The Southern Shan State Shan Churches also happy and waiting for New Shan Hymnbook.

2. Concerning training program, I have already made a plan. 10 people will attend. We have one difficulty. It is “budget.” In the beginning we expected to have New Shan Hymnbook in time and we can sell them and get the money to use for our training. But since we have not gotten Hymnbook we need about Kyat 50,000 because in my hand I only have Kyat 12,000. We expect to receive from trainees Kyat 5,000. Our Shan Association has Kyat 10,000.

I expect to send 5 evangelists to five villages after training. Please pray for me much more.

May the blessing of the Lord be upon you and your family.

In Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen

(1993-1995)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Miss. Jean Harper, Asian Outreach International. 1 January 1993

Dear Jean,

Happy New Year. Greetings to you from KengTung, Burma. How are you Jean? As for me I am well and strong serving my Lord Jesus Christ in my area, Thank God for giving me strength and good friends such as you, Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Brian & Ruth and the staffs of AOI who always pray for me.

As for me, by the leading of Jesus Christ, I had opened the Evangelist Training for two times. There were 33 Evangelists graduated. Most of them are serving in their Churches and their areas without payment. Among them 7 selected Evangelists are serving in our targeting areas, 5 villages. We help them with only little financial support. They totally consecrated themselves in serving the Lord. The wages of their dedication are so great. Praise the Lord that in 1992 we have planted 4 new Shan Churches and 108 believers were baptized in the name of the Lord. We hope that in 1993 we will also meet a great success among our Shan by the grace of God. Now we are gearing up for opening one month Evangelist Training on March 1st to 30th at Calvary Baptist Church. We hope that 25 young Shan will join us. After the graduation we will choose 5 Evangelists and send them to the selecting areas to plant now Churches within 3 years.

We also thank God and Dr. Sai Htwe Maung for trying very hard for us to receive the new Shan Hymnbooks in 1993. We hope that it will arrive in every hand of our Shan people in January 1993. Please always remember us in your prayer and send the news of us to your friends to pray for Shan mission.

God bless you, Jean.

In His Wonderful Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project. 26 February 1993

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

May the Lord bless you and your work.

1. Regarding New Shan Hymnbook, I went to TaChiLeik three times but could not get the Hymnbook because they have not sent to Maesai. I have asked Dr. Sai Myo Min to collect it on my behalf and send them to KengTung. But when I heard the books have arrived I sent a car to carry it to KengTung. I now have got total 2,280 New Shan Hymnbooks. Churches in KengTung and MuongYawng are so happy and praising God and using it now. We all like to thank God, thank you Dr. Sai Htwe Maung and those helping printing these Hymnbooks. Please express our thanks to David Wang of Asian Outreach for sponsoring this project. I will take responsibility of sending some of them to Northern and Southern Shan State.

2. Our Evangelistic training will begin on February 28 till March 28. About 15 people are coming to attend training. The trainers will be myself, Rev. Seng Tip, Saya Sai Philip and Saya Sai Hnoon.

3. On February 24th, 29 families (the whole village with about 200 people) accepted the Lord and baptized.

4. After training, 5 graduates will be sent out to 5 villages with financial support of K 800 per month. Please remember them in your prayer.

God bless.

In Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan Baptist Convention, KengTung, ESS, to Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, ShweLi Shan Baptist Association, NamKham, NSS, on 2 March 1993.

To. Rev. Thein Aung Kham, Chairman, ShweLi Shan Baptist Association, NongSanKone, NamKham.

Dear Saya,

Greeting in Jesus’ name. By the grace of God our Shan Hymnbooks have arrived. I have sent 2,168 copies in 10 boxes to TaungGyi designated for ShweLi Shan Baptist Association. Please make contact with Saya Sai Htun Myat or Saya U Khun Aye Pe and take it to NamKham as soon as possible. The books will be in the hand of U Khin Maung Hlat who helps transport them to TaungGyi. You have to settle with U Khin Maung Hlat for transportation expenses. Transportation expenses from TaChiLeik, KengTung and TaungGyi will be Kyat 15 per book, for 2,160 books will cost Kyat 32,400.

We have many difficulties in transportation. But we will not count it at all. Please come and take them quickly.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen,

Cc Saya Sai Maung Khaing, LaShio, Saya Sai Htun Myat, TaungGyi,

U Khin Maung Hlat, TaungGyi.

Letter from Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, MyoMa Baptist Church, NamKham, NSS, Burma, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 8 March 1993

Dr. Sai Htwe and family,

Greeting in the name of our precious Lord Jesus Christ!

Thank you for your New Shan Hymnbook. I have heard that it has arrived TaungGyi. May the Lord bless you more. I have heard from Sai Stephen that we can sell the book Kyat 250 each. We can deduct for our transportation expenses and the remaining balance can be used for our Shan mission. Is it true? Please kindly write official letter to us. We praise God for wisdom He has entrusted to you for our Shan Missions.

Our 3 months training has finished. 12 graduated. 2nd batch will begin on 1 June. We expect 15-20 trainees. Please pray for us. We expect later we can have a Bible School. We would like to see you come and participate our ShweLi Mission Centennial Celebration from 23-27 December 1993. Please write and share your vision to enrich our Shan ministry. We have received your New Shan Hymnbook 2,160 in number. Thank you very much. We are praying for you,

Signed/ Sai Thein Aung Kham.

17th March 1993

From; Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong to Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung, Eastern Shan State; Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, NamKham, Northern Shan State; Lung Kyaw Hla, LaShio, Northern Shan State; Nang Hla Kyi, LaShio, Northern Shan State.

I have received letters from Sai Stephen and Sai Thein Aung Kham. May the Lord bless you richly.

The matters I will like to discuss with you are;

1. I am glad and praising God for our New Shan Hymnbooks have arrived Eastern Shan State, Southern Shan State and Northern Shan State. May His name be glorified by using this hymnal. I have printed 5,000 copies. I keep 20 with me and I send 4,980 to you. Please let me know how many books you have received.

2. The price of the book will be Kyat 250. Please deduct all the expense for transportation and the balance should be kept for 21^st century Shan mission project only. Please do not use the money for any other things.

3. I would like Sai Stephen, Sai La La and Dr. Sai Myo Min from the Eastern Shan State to manage the books, sale and money received from Eastern Shan State.

4. For Northern Shan State and ShweLi, I would like Lung Kyaw Hla, Nang Hla Kyi and Sai Thein Aung Kham to oversee the book, sale and money received from sale.

5. When you are going to use the money please kindly get advice from me.

6. I have heard that some Shan people have believed the Lord in the Eastern Shan State. I am very glad. May the Lord add more blessing to Sai Stephen and other evangelists. I am glad that Sai Stephen has conducted training for evangelists and sent them out to villages after graduation. We need to send more evangelists out to the field. If no body was sent out after training, our training will be a waste of time, money and energy. We have to work. If we don’t work the work will never be done. We have to do as we say.

7. I am praying that I will be able to come and join you in ShweLi Shan Mission Centenary Celebration and 75^th anniversary of MuSe Shan Church.

8. I met and talked with Rev. Win Tin and Prof: William Paw about our wish of forming Shan Baptist Convention. They agreed with me and asked you to write a letter to Myanmar Baptist Convention again. They said it was possible. I really want to see “Shan Baptist Convention” formed during Centenary Celebration.

9. I am planning to have “Dai Mao” (Chinese-Shan) program in Far East Broadcasting Company starting from September this year. I have written to you and asked you to help and participate in this program. However I have not received reply from you. Please let me know as soon as possible whether you will be able to help and participate in preaching Dai Mao.

May the Lord bless you richly,

Signed/ Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong

Note: (ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission has not contributed any Dai Mao program till today.)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project. 24 March 1993

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of Christ.

I have received your letter and letter of invitation to attend Asian Outreach Conference in Hong Kong. Thank you for working out for me. I will try to come to attend AO conference. I am going to Rangoon to apply for passport. I hope God will arrange for me. All the New Shan Hymnbooks have arrived KengTung. All the Churches starting with dedication and using it now. I have sent some to TaungGyi for the South and North. I have heard they have all arrived.

Our training will end on March 28. We have 20 people dedicated for mission. We are very much encouraged. We will select 7 people and send them to seven villages to plant new Churches. We will support them with K 800 per month. Our mission work has started to bear fruits. On March 21, 1993, Rev. Seng Tip and I have baptized 47 new believers. They all came from spirit worship.

Please remember us in your prayer.

In Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Shwe Htun, Secretary, ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission, to U Kyaw Hla, LaShio. 31 March 1993.

Dear U Kyaw Hla,

Respectfully I write this letter to you. I have received your letter brought to me by Sai Ne Win. I feel very sorry for what has happened.

Actually Sai Thein Aung Kham, Sai Htun Myat and I have read a letter from Sai Stephen and we have made such arrangement (to bring the Shan Hymnbooks to ShweLi). We did not have intention of making profit on it. As mentioned by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, the copies of Hymnbooks are not 2,500 in number. In 18 big bags, there are 120 books in one bag. There are 18 bags. All together there are 2,160 books only. For LaShio Shan Church, Sai Ne Win has taken 1,000 copies from us to LaShio. Now we have 1,160 in ShweLi. After we have sold them we will deduct our expenses on transportation and send the balance to you. But I am too busy to do it now.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Shwe Htun

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 8 April 1993

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in Christ’s name.

I am now in Rangoon. I have applied for passport. I think I can get it in May. Please send air ticket by 10 May. Please let me know what do I need to bring to Hong Kong. I will get ready for Shan Mission report. I don’t have coat to wear. Our one-month training finished on 28 March. 20 graduated. We selected 5 and sent them out already. Our New Shan Hymnbooks have gone to all Shan Churches in Myanmar. All the Churches are using it. I would like to thank you and Asian Outreach for sponsoring this project. Most of all thank God! Please come and pick me up at Hong Kong airport. Otherwise I’ll get lost.

Yours In Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project. 6 September 1993

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

By the grace of God we all are well. I have received your letter. I hope you may have received my letter and budget proposal.

1. Regarding Shan radio broadcast many people are listening. Sai On, who writes you letter, listens every morning. He goes to other people’s home and helps them tune in your program. He asks many Buddhist friends to listen. I heard a Buddhist family in MuongLan listen to your program every morning. FEBC mistakenly broadcast Christmas program from August 15-21. They have to be a little more careful about it.

2. After coming back from Hong Kong I traveled to MuongYang and TaChiLeik and preached to them.

3. You can send gospel tract to Maesai address.

4. Please ask AO to send me Asian Report monthly.

5. I’ll try to go to MuSe in December Centennial Celebration.

May God bless you.

Signed/ Sai Stephen

Report on Income and Expenses on New Shan Hymnbooks

By Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma.

Income Expenses

Transportation to ShweLi K 30,400 Transportation to KengTung K 73,800

Shan Hymnbook sold K 175,000 Transportation to TaungGyi K 12,000

Total K 205,000 Total K 85,800

Surplus K 119,600

Report on Income and Expenses on 1993 Shan Mission Budget, (January – July)

By Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma.

Income Expenses

1992 Surplus K 5,280 Evangelistic Training K 52,859

1993 Training K 15,071 14 Evangelists K 98,000

Eastern Shan Conference K 15,000 Traveling Expenses K 10,000

Churches K 13,000 Medicines and clothes K21,000

Shan Hymnbook sold K 119,600 Church Building K 20,000

Total K 187,951 K 201,895

Deficit K 13,944.

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project. 18 October 1993

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

By His Grace we are well here. I believe that by His Grace you are also well and serving Him.

1. I have sent monthly reporting form to our evangelists. By reading their reports it is very encouraging. I have not received some reports because of bad communication. (bad road)

2. After coming back from Hong Kong I traveled to MuongYang and MuongPyat and gave training to them. I also conducted training at Calvary Church and TaChiLeik Church.

3. Our one-month training program will begin in March 1994. I will send my budget request to you.

4. I am sending you the names of evangelists and the names of their villages.

5. Shan radio program is good but some time it was interfered by English language. There are many people listening. Do not be discouraged. We are praying for it.

6. I need one motorcycle. Please help me get one.

7. Thanks for magazines.

In His Service, Sai Stephen

Village Evangelist Number of believers

Wan Mon Saya Sai Hsai 16 believers

Wan SoLone Saya Sai Kong 33 believers

Was Lone Saya Sai Aye 14 believers

Wan Mai Saya Sai Phat 35 believers

Wan Tsai Saya Sai Kong 47 believers

Wan Aemok Saya Sai Noi 34 believers

Wan SanLun Saya Sai Luka 73 believers

Wan NarMoon Saya Yo Han 20 believers

Wan HoNar Saya Sai Si Mon 88 believers

Wan Sau Rev. Ai Kyit 130 believers

Wan Pai Saya Sai Leing 90 believers

Wan SiLar Saya Sai Luka 153 believers

Wan Dom Saya Sai Li 52 believers

Wan AeMarNueLa Saya Yoe Seap 41 believers

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Associate Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, KengTung to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, Hong Kong. 26 January 1994

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

By the grace of God we have safely arrived back from MuSe to KengTung on 5 January 1994. We are going to have 10th anniversary thanksgiving for our Church on 6 February 1994. I went to TaChiLeik from 10-15 January and gave them encouragement. We plan to have training program from 31 October to 12 November in Maesai. We have got the room from Bible School. Trainees will stay in TaChiLeik. Foreign trainers will stay in Maesai. Every thing is being planned. I have received letter from Brian. He said that he would come to KengTung after training. I am very happy to have him. I am very much in need of motorcycle. I have already found one. It is very good for traveling. It will cost about K 200,000. I am planning to go to Rangoon in March. If possible I want to buy it by that time. I will start working full-time for 21st Century Shan Mission Project from April 1994. I have to travel a lot. Please help me.

Thank you for broadcasting my sermon in your Shan radio program on Sunday. Many people are interested in our Shan radio broadcast.

May the Lord bless you richly.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen.

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 18 April 1994 ,

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of Christ!

I would like to inform you about coming GCI training in Maesai. We are going to have training at Maesai Baptist Church. Included are personal testimonies of trainees. Our pastors are having financial difficulty because they only have K 300 to 500 per month as salary. Please help us. Starting from April this year I have started as full-time evangelist of 21st Century Shan Mission Project. Please remember me in your prayer. I have not received any financial support from any organization yet. I am glad that there is a donor to buy me a motorcycle. I will buy it under my name but I will use it only for 21st century Shan mission. It will cost about K 225,000. I am going to Rangoon in May. Can you send money to Rangoon for a motorcycle? I met Sai Htun Myat and Sai Maung Khaing at DaLi and talked about formation of Shan Baptist Convention. I hope Sai Htun Myat will give you report of the meeting. We had a mass meeting and celebration in TaZan from 7 to 10 April. 250 people baptized.

May the Lord bless you and your family always.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung, E.S.S. to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 5 August 1994

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in Christ’ name. I have received your letter dated 23 July 1994.

1. All have been well planned for our GCI.

2. We have decided to have 100 evangelists, 100 Churches and 10,000 believers by the year 2001. (In the Eastern Shan State)

From April 21 to May 7 we have conducted training in MuongYawng, MuongHpyat and TaChiLeik. June 25-27, I traveled to MuongPin, July 8-14 to MuongYawng and MuongKart. 52 baptized in April in MuongYawng, 20 baptized in MuongPyat, 4 baptized in MuongKart. Two new Churches in MuongThwe and MuongNoon.

3. For 1994 I have received support from Calvary Church Kyat 20,000. But from 1995 there will be no more support from Calvary Church. I also work as Director of Evangelism of Eastern Shan Baptist Conference without pay. We have to make them understand that our 21st Century Shan Mission Project is not another kind of group or denomination. We work together with local Churches. Thank you for supporting me Kyat 1,500 per month last year. I would like you to support me Kyat 3,000 per month because there is a very high inflation here. Other pastor has Kyat 2,000-5,000 per month. It costs me Kyat 4,000 per month for my daughter to study in Rangoon.

4. Since I have not yet received financial support from you for our 14 evangelists, our Conference decided to take care of 7 and 21st CSMP will take care of other 7. Please support each of them Kyat 1,000 per month. Please send money for 1994 as soon as possible.

5. 1994 budget;

Income Expenses

From 21st CSMP K 120,000 Sai Stephen K 18,000

Shan believers K 25,000 Evangelists 7x1000x12 K 84,000

Traveling Allowance K 20,000

Church building K 20,000

Misc. K 5,000

Total K 145,000 K 145,000

Requested budget for 1995 is K 265,000

6. When I go to Rangoon I will arrange money transfer from Daw Mya Nu to buy a motorcycle. I will buy it in KengTung.

7. Shan radio broadcast is very good and clear. Many people are listening every morning. Thanks for broadcasting my sermon every Sunday morning. I am trying to record more sermons about Salvation.

8. May the Lord bless you, your family and your works.

In Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Shwe Htun, MuSe, to U Kyaw Hla, Cc to Sai Htwe Maung. 26 September 1994

Subject: Financial Statement on Shan Hymnbooks published by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

1. Transportation expenses from TaChiLeik to TaungGyi Kyat 32,400

2. From U Khin Maung Lat home to bus station K 450

3. Labor charges K 260

4. TaungGyi – Mandalay bus fare K 900

5. Traveling expense K 400

6. TaungGyi guest house K 400

7. Mandalay guest house K 900

8. Mandalay expense K 400

9. Mandalay – MuSe bus fare K 2,400

10. Travel expense K 400

11. MuSe – NamKham K 200

12. TaungGyi – NamKham transportation K 44,280

13. NamKham labor charges K 400

14. MuSe transportation K 300

Total expenses K 84,090

Income by selling the books Kyat 77,250

There are 851 books left in hand.

As my term of service as secretary of ShweLi will be expired end of this year, will you pay me back the negative balance of K 6,840 and take the remaining books back to LaShio?

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Shwe Htun,

Pastor, MuSe Shan Baptist Church

Note:

(Sai Htwe Maung later paid Rev. Shwe Htun the balance of Kyat 6,840. He gave NongSanKone Shan Baptist Church, as a free gifts, the Hymnbook 851 copies as requested by Sai Htun Kyaw, pastor of Nong San Kong Shan Baptist Church. According to ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission record on Ahmapa 61/98 the money from selling Hymnbook total Kyat 28,650 and the remaining Hymnbooks 542 copies were given to Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham by Sai Htun Kyaw in 1998.)

1995 report by Rev. Sai Stephen, 21st Century Shan Christian Mission, KengTung, Eastern Shan State, Union of Myanmar.

God is working with us. Praise God for using us to serve Him among our people, Shan. In serving the Lord even we have so many weaknesses and disappointments we gained so many successes by the grace of God. Praise the Lord for the dedication of every co-workers (footsoldiers).

In the name of Jesus I submit the report of the 21st CSM work in the Eastern Shan State in I995.

Aims and purposes of the mission by the year 2001.

(1) To plant 100 new Churches.

(2) To train 100 Shan evangelists.

(3) To have 10,000 Shan believers.

(Sharing half of the target of 21st Century Shan Mission Project. Hoping that ShweLi Shan Baptist Association will share other half of the target)

Eleven Evangelists supporting by the 21st CSMP.

(1) Rev. Sai Stephen, Local Director, 21st. CSMP.

(2) Rev. Ai Kyit, Evangelist, Wan Saw village, MuongYawng

Township.

(3) Sai Simon, Evangelist, Wan Pai village, MuongYawng

(4) Sai Lar, Evangelist, Wan La village, MuongYang

(5) Sai Kong, Evangelist, Wan SiLu village, MuongYang

(6) Sai Phut, Evangelist, Wan Mai village, MuongKhut

(7) Sai Kong, Evangelist, Wan Sai village, KengTung

(8) Rev. Sai Kyio, Evangelist, CaNan village, KengTung

(9) Sai Lee, Evangelist, Wan Tom village, TaChiLeik

(10) Sai Yaw Horn, Evangelist, NarMonMai village, MuongPhat

(11) Saya Kya Moo, Evangelist, Nam Kin village, MuongYang

The trip and activities doing by the local director in 1995.

(1) In February, visitation and encouragement to the Churches of MuongYang township such as NamKin, WanLa, MuongThwe, PanSao, SiLu villages and then proceeded to WanMai village which is located in MuongKhut Township.

(2) In March, traveled to TaungGyi, met with the Shan Church leaders for the Great Commission Institute (GCI) training.

(3) In April, arrived at MuongPhat, encouraged the believers in the village of NarMonMai and SanLwin.

(4) In May, met with evangelists who are working in MuongYawng in WanSaw, WanPai, WanSiLa villages near the border of China.

(5) In June, preached at KengTung in WanSai, CaNan villages. Planning for the new mission fields. Travel to the MuongPhat. Encouraged the new 2 believers in SanLwin and Far Mon Mai villages.

(6) In July, Baptizing two new converts at MuongKhat Township in WanMai village.

(7) In August, met with the Shan Church leaders at TaungGyi for the GCI training in a second time.

(8) In September, participated in the Myanmar Baptist Convention executive committee meeting in Yangon.

(9) In October, participated in the Shan GCI training, led by the Asian Outreach International.

(10) In November, travel to MuongYang, met with the 4 evangelists. Hearing of their progressive report. Conducted short bible training for them.

(11) In December, baptizing 30 new converts at KengTung, WanSai village.

(12) Preach at the open-air crusade in KanNaLone Church, KengTung. After Christmas, traveled to MuongYawng. Visited at WanSaw, WanPai, WanSiLa and encouraged the new believers.

Great Commission Institute (TaungGyi) Training

We had held the GCI training in TaungGyi from I5-27 October at Shan Baptist Church. There were 42 participants and 7 trainers from aboard. After the training 5 evangelists totally dedicated themselves for the new Shan mission fields.

Mission successes during 1995

(A) During 1995 those who change their lives and accept Jesus Christ were as below.

1. WanSaw village, MuongYawng, 30 persons

2. WanPai village, MuongYawng, 12 Persons

3. WanHa village , Muong Yang, 3 persons

4. NamKin village, Muong Yang, 65 persons

5. WanMai village, Muong Khat, 8 persons

6. WanSai village, KengTung, 31 persons

7. CaNan village , KengTung, 12 persons

Total 161 persons

(B) The condition of construction of the new buildings.

1. WanSaw village, MuongYawng, Finished

2. NamKin village, MuongYang, Finished

3. NarMonMai village, MuongPhat, Still under construction

4. WanMai village, MuongKhat, Still under construction

5. WanSai village, KengTung, Still under construction

The needs and weaknesses

(1) We still need more evangelists.

(2) In the new Churches we need good pastors.

(3) We need more support from the local Churches.

(4) We need some help of medicines and clothes to give to the poor.

(5) We are weak in prayer.

(6) We need more financial support from others.

The financial report of 1995

Income

(1) From 21st Century Shan Mission (AOI) 271,000 Kyat

(2) From Sai Hla Shwe and Nang Hla Htay 24,000 K

(3) From Sai Sook Kya (KanNaLone, KengTung) 3,000 K

(4) From Sai Hein Oo (KanNaLone, KengTung) 20,000 K

(5) From Rev. Sai Stephen’s family 5,000 K

(6) From Shan Churches 120,000 K

(7) Others 3,000 K

Total Income (US$ 2,900) 446,000 Kyat

Expenditure

(1) Local Director salary (3000 K x I2) 36,000 Kyat

(2) Evangelists salary (2000 K x 12 x 10 Ps) 240,000 K

(3) Evangelist training school (in June) 100,000 K

(4) Traveling 20,000 K

(5) Helping in new Church buildings 40,000 K

(6) Contingencies 10,000 K

Total Expense 446,000 Kyat

Evangelist training school (In KengTung)

We had held the evangelist training school in June in Calvary Baptist Church, KengTung. There were 26 trainees and 6 trainers from the local area.

Planning for 1996 and estimate budget

(1) Continue serving the Lord in 10 present mission fields effectively.

(2) To gain 115 new converts from the 10 present mission fields in 1996.

(3) To select and send 5 evangelists to 5 new mission fields.

(4) To gain 135 new converts from 5 new mission fields.

(5) To support 5 new Church buildings construction.

(6) To train 25 evangelists to prepare for the mission fields.

Estimate budget for 1996

(1) Local director salary (3000 X 12) 36,000 Kyat

(2) Evangelists (150OX 15 X12) 270,000 K

(3) Evangelist training school 100,000 K

(4) Traveling expense 30,000 K

(5 Supporting (5) new Church building construction 50,000 K

(6) Contingencies 14,000 K

Total (US$ 3,300) 500,000 Kyat

Request

(1) As we will extend 5 more mission fields in 1996, we request to join hands with us in prayer to overcome all of the hindrances and temptations.

(2) We request to Asian Outreach International Kyat 500,000 (US$ 3,300) to support us.

Thanks

(1) Thanks and praise to God for His guidance and leading us.

(2) Thanks to Asian Outreach International for having great love to us and helping us in financial support.

(3) Thanks to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung for his leading of 21st Century Shan Mission.

(4) Thanks to all of the trainers of the GCI training, TaungGyi.

(5) Thanks to the families and the Churches for helping us in financial support and everything we need.

(6) Thanks to all of the evangelists for dedication of themselves to God’s service and working among the Shan people.

In His Wonderful Service, Sai Stephen

(1996-1998)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung, Eastern Shan State to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong.

8 January 1996

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in His name. Please forgive me for my late reply. I have received your letter and post card.

I got back from Rangoon to KengTung on 16 November 1995 and went to MuongYang and WanTai for evangelism. On 6 January all the villagers of WanTai accepted the Lord and abandoned their spirit worship. I have sent Sai Chit Aye (TaungGyi GCI graduate) to take care of this village. They will be baptized soon. On 10 December, 31 people baptized in WanSeing where Sai Kong is working. We went to MuongYawng by motorcycle on 26 December. We also take the boat along NamLwi River to other villages. We met Sai Simon (Maesai GCI graduate) at WanSao. We also dedicated a Church there. We had to go up and down the hill for two hours and got to WanHoNar where our evangelist Sai Yuet is working. There are only 6 Christian families in 100. We also had open-air crusade in KanNaLone Church from 1-2 December. We visited Palong villages. Many Palong people are sick. They believed they were bitten by evil spirits. We lay hands on them and pray for them. In 1966 we have sent 6 evangelists to 6 new villages. Please send us support as soon as possible to Maesai or Rangoon. I’ll let you know later.

In His Service, Sai Stephen

Letter from Sai Thein Aung Kham, NamKham, Northern Shan State to Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 16 February 1996.

Saya Sai Htwe and family,

May God bless you all. May this year be a blessed year. I hope you have received my letter. Our ShweLi Baptist Association decided to have Great Commission Institute Training in November. We expect 40 people to attend. Please continue give us instruction regarding this training. If possible we want to have it in ShweLi. If not we will have it in LaShio. I have visited Shan Church in MuongMyit in January. One family has accepted the Lord. We have built a center in MuongMyit for students to live in and go to school. It costs about K 200,000. We now need about K 50,000. We expect we can open it in June. Shan people from many places coming to the Lord now. But our ShweLi is still in the darkness. They do not accept the light of the Lord. We are planning to have a Church in LoiLom for Palong people. We are also going to have 40 days evangelistic training from 1 April to 13 May. Please pray for us.

Co-worker in Christ, Sai Thein Aung Kham

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 25th March 1996

To Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Hong Kong

Greeting in the name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your letters, newsletter and money.

1. Thanks for financial support in evangelism. The expense for general purpose in the year 1996 was Kyat 13,000 only. Please find Kyat 50,000 for traveling expense for us.

2. We are planning to have one month training for evangelists in June. Thanks for supporting this training financially. I have heard that LaShio GCI in 1996 is cancelled. I fell sorry about it. If they don’t accept this training next year I will be happy to receive it in KengTung. Foreigners can come to KengTung. Please send money through Boonyuen. We can get it from Maesai.

3. Newsletter is good. Please produce every three months. I am afraid I cannot send you photos in time.

4. There are 17 people waiting to be baptized next month in MuongYang.

5. Shan radio broadcast is also very clear. Many Shan are listening.

6. Myanmar Baptist Convention has agreed to allow us to form “Eastern Shan Baptist Convention.” We are working on this in 1997. I will talk to Daw Mya Nu and help her form Shan Church in Yangon.

7. When will you come to Myanmar? Thanks for the article about me in Asian Report.

8. Budget in 1995

Income total 446,000 Kyat

Expense total 441,500 Kyat

Surplus total 4,500 Kyat

Words of thanks

1. We praise for His Grace.

2. We thank Asian Outreach International for supporting our 21st Century Shan Mission Project.

3. We thank Dr. Sai Htwe Maung for leading us in 21st Century Shan Mission

Project.

4. We thank all the trainers who came and taught us at TaungGyi GCI.

5. We thank Saya Sai Hla Shwe and family, Saya Daw Hla Hla Htay, Sai Suk Kya,

Sai Hein Oo Nan and Shan Churches for their generous donation.

Conclusion

We will try to dedicate for the year 1996. We invite every one to participate with prayer support.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Mission Report to Asian Outreach, By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. Jan 1996 - June 1996

By the Grace of God our works among the Shan people are very encouraging. We have already trained 172 Shan Footsoldiers in Burma. Asian Outreach is now financially and spiritually supporting 16 full time Footsoldiers. They all are serving the Lord in various parts of Shan States in Burma. They are traveling and preaching the Good News and planting Churches. One month local GCI training has been held in June. Twenty-six trainees graduated.

Shan Gospel Radio Program broadcasting from Manila FEBC is very effective in reaching the people all over the country. Responses to Shan Radio Broadcast are very encouraging.

Testimonies from Footsoldier.

Rev. Sai Stephen

I have been traveling extensively since November last year. I am very busy in preaching and baptizing the new believers. These new believers are the fruit of our Footsoldiers.

Our “Eastern Shan Baptist Convention“ has been formed and approved by Myanmar Baptist Convention. We can now start to function independently and become a member of Myanmar Baptist Convention. Our city KengTung is now opened to tourist. I hope our foreign Christian friends can now visit us. Traveling cost is very high now. Can you raise more money for my traveling expenses? My wife has a car accident when she was traveling back home from a Church’s dedication service. Part of her thumb from left hand has to be cut off. She has now resigned from teaching in school. She will join me in serving the Lord full time.

Two new Churches have been planted. New believers are added to the fold. Seventeen people are awaiting Baptism.

I am very grateful to Jean Harper for supporting my daughter financially. I have received invitation to attend Asian Outreach Conference in Hong Kong. But I am sorry for I cannot come. It is not easy to get passport to leave our country.

Sai Kong

A young evangelist Sai Kong, age 22, has driven out a demon from a man in front of many onlookers. After seeing demon-possessed man falling to the ground, vomiting and convulsing they all amazed and praised the Lord. All come to believe in Jesus.

Rev. Ah Yai

An old evangelist Rev. Ah Yai, age 68, prayed for a man who has a mass in his abdomen, which grows bigger and bigger day-by-day until he cannot sit up and dress his shirt or wear his trouser. His relatives have consulted doctors but given up hope. They have bought a coffin and made all the preparation for his funeral. But when Rev. Ah Yai goes to his village, lives with him and prays for him everyday, his abdomen becomes smaller and smaller day-by-day. Finally he can wear his shirt, put on his trouser and become normal person. He is going to be baptized very soon.

Sai Phut

A young man has epistaxis (bleeding from the nose) since early morning till evening. There is no hospital, no doctor whatsoever. A man becomes pale and almost loss his consciousness. They call our evangelist Sai Phut, age 25, to help. He pray to God and takes a green leaves from nearby tree and put it into his nose and pray again. After loud Amen he pulls out the leaves from his nose. No more bleeding at all. From then on every one come to him for prayer whenever they are sick. They ask for prayer even for a minor scratch on the skin.

Nang Tin May Hla

After graduating from GCI in TaungGyi I started to focus my work on Child Evangelism. As I have already resigned from nursing in hospital I have dedicated to serve the Lord full-time.

I call non-Christian children to Sunday school every week. I now have not only children but also the parents coming along. It is a very good method of reaching both children and parents.

Sai Pao

After graduating from GCI in TaungGyi I came back home and started to travel to the villages around my town and showing them the love of Christ by our work and preaching the good news of salvation to them. Now I have many new comers in the Church. Traveling cost is very high. Can you help me in my traveling expenses?

Sai Hkun Pao

After graduating from GCI in TaungGyi, I wish that I could serve the Lord. But some leaders of my Church do not support me because I am not a Seminary graduate. It seems to me that unless I graduate from Theological Seminary I won’t be able to serve the Lord. I want to go to Seminary now. Can you sponsor me to Seminary school? (Sai Hkun Pao later went to Lisu Theological Seminary and finished his study in 1999)

Rev. Maung Su

I have retired from full-time ministry ten years ago. I thought I have served the Lord enough. But after GCI training in TaungGyi I have decided to serve the Lord until I die. I want to rededicate my life again.

(After rededication Maung Su went back to LaShio and served as full-time pastor since April 1996.)

Letters from Shan Radio Broadcast listeners

176 letters received from the listeners of Shan Gospel Radio within these first six months. It is hundred percent up from last year statistic. About 95 per cent of the letters are from non-Christians and 90 percent are from Buddhist Monks. Most of the people ask for Bible, want to know more about Jesus, want to know how to become His disciple and some express their faith in Jesus.

A Buddhist monk writes “I believe in Jesus Christ. When will you come and call us out from here? Please come as soon as possible. I and all my villagers here will follow.”

Another Buddhist monk writes “I want to be His disciple. Please tell me how can I become His disciple. Where should I go?”

A drifted young Christian writes “Thank you very much for leading me back to the Lord. I have been drifted away from the Church for many years. After listening to your message in the Radio for two years I am now a new man. I have confessed my sins to the Lord and become a living witness to the Lord.” (This man is now serving in a village as full-time pastor)

Prayer Request

- God’s guidance to know how to plan follow-up program for Radio listeners.

- Shan Bible available for those who want to read the Holy Word.

- Physical and Spiritual blessing to our Footsoldiers.

Letter from Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, Myo Ma Baptist Church, NamKham. Northern Shan State, Union of Myanmar to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 1996 June 17th

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe,

Greeting in the name of our precious Lord Jesus Christ.

Our 40 days Evangelistic training for 1996 had completed successfully on March 1 with 35 Participants. This year training is somewhat different from previous years by the joining of the Women, the Religious Education and Youth Departments in the training totaling a little over 100 participants. After the training, I went to Moemeik to dedicate a center for students, 11 student boarding. 22 families from DongKhei Village are ready to accept the Lord. Their monastery will become the Church. 13 Baptized, 3 attending Seminary, 2 will be going next year. Shan and Palong coming to the Lord in MoeKoke area evangelized by Rev. Aung Htun. 6 Christian families in Man Hpwe, Southern Shan State.

Signed/ Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 2 October 1996

Dear co-worker Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of Christ. I have received your letter dated 25 August and 16 September but not 6 August.

I will write 21st CSMP report to you as soon as possible. Next year please increase our evangelist support to K 1,500 per month and traveling allowance to K 50,000 because I have to travel a lot. We also plan to have refresher course for our evangelists next year. The coming of Malaysia team from October 30 to November 4 is OK. I have made all the planning for them. Don’t worry. I’ll send them where they want to go, show them what they want to see. I will give them best hospitality.

May the Lord bless you and your family.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 11 October 1996

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of Christ. We are serving God in good health. I am very busy in working. I have just come back from the field one week ago and now have to go again to MuongYang because of the need of forming a new Church. We have more new believers.

I have not finished my 1996 report. I will finish it when I come back and send it to you. Please understand me. If possible I want to have my body divided into three or four or five. I am a bit relieved because my wife is helping me.

I want to have new mission fields in 1997. Please consider helping our new five evangelists with K 1,500 per month. Difficult to survive. We are planning to have five months evangelist training each year for two years so that our evangelists will be well equipped and become good evangelists and good pastors. I want you to help me with K 100,000 for each year in this program. Please also make traveling expenses in your budget planning. I will give you more detailed budget in my next letter.

Our work is God’s work and it progresses very well. Please remember us in your prayer.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

1996 report by Rev. Sai Stephen,

The 21st Century Shan Christian Mission, Eastern Shan State.

Praise and thanks to God for the great service of the Lord. There are still many places to spread the gospel. We could serve the Lord with all our strengths where God has given us in the mission fields. In 1996, although we gained many successes we also faced some difficulties. Two of the evangelists resigned from the work because of their family’s affairs. But immediately we could replace the evangelists to the mission fields. So in the future we realize that we need more concentration on the evangelists families’ lives. However, we believe that all of the evangelists will totally dedicate themselves in the Shan mission. By the grace of God we can see the fruits of the mission in every year. Please continuously pray for all of us.

16 evangelists total. Eleven evangelists supporting by the 21st CSMP in 1995 and the addition of 5 new evangelists supporting by the 21st CSMP in 1996.

Five new evangelists are;

I) Sai Lu Kar, MuongHaw village, MuongYawng Township

2) Sai Chan Aye, Jordan village , MuongYang Ts.

3) Lay Par, WanLi village , MuongYang Ts.

4) Sai Lon Tip Kyaok, MuongNoon village, MuongKhut Ts.

5) Sai Kup, Miksilikhong village, KengTung Ts.

The trip and the activities of the local director in 1996

1. In January, arrived at MuongYawng Township, encouraged the new believers in the village of WanPai, WanSiLa, WanHoNar and MuongHaw. Preached at the Church’s dedication of the WanSaw village.

2. In April, preached at WanSai, CaNan Church’s dedication service. Ordained Sai Kyiok, the evangelist, working in CaNan village. Visited TaChiLeik, WanTom village. Discussed and helped them for the Church new building construction.

3. In June, leading and teaching at the evangelist training for the whole month. There were 26 participants.

4. In July, visited to MuongYang and had a short training at the villages of WanLa, SiLu, Nam Kin, Jordan, WanSao, WanLi .

5. In August, visited at MuongKut Township mission fields.

6. In September, arrived at MuongPyat mission fields.

7. In October, arrived at MuongYang mission fields again. All of the villagers of WanLi accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Encouraged them and taught them the bible stories for three days.

Shan Great Commission Institute Training (KengTung)

We had held the Shan Great Commission Institute Bible training in 1996, June 1-30 at Calvary Baptist Church, KengTung. There were 6 trainers from the local leaders. 26 participants were attended. Now all of them are helping in their Church’s activities. Some are waiting for serving the Lord in the new mission fields.

Mission successes during 1996.

(A) During 1996 those who change their lives and accept Jesus Christ were as below.

From the 10 mission fields - 75 persons

From the 5 new mission fields – 104 persons

Total 179 persons.

1. MuongHaw village, MuongYawng Ts ( Sai Lu Kar) 5 persons

2. Jordan village , MuongYang Ts (Sai Chan Aye) 78 persons

3. WanLi village , MuongYang Ts ( Lay Par) I8 persons

4. Muong Noon village, MuongKhut Ts (Sai Lon Tip) 5 persons

5. Miksilikhong village, KengTung Ts (Sai Kup) 3 persons.

(B) The condition of construction of the new Church buildings

1. WanPai village, MuongYawng Ts (Sai Si Mon) Finished

2. WanSai village, KengTung Ts ( Sai Kong) Finished

3. CaNan village , KengTung Ts ( Rev. Sai Kyio) Finished

4. NarMonMai village, MuongPhat Ts ( Sai Yaw Han) Still under construction

5. WanMai village, MuongKhut Ts ( Sai Phut) Still construction.

Needs and Obstacles

(1) We still need more dedicated evangelists to serve in the new mission fields.

(2) We need good pastors in the new Churches.

(3) We need more supports for the local Shan Churches.

(4) We need some medicines and clothes to help the needs.

(5) We need much more prayer from all of you.

(6) Facing the difficulties of less supporting of the evangelists.

Some want to turn back because of facing man’s problems in their families.

(7) Hardship in traveling (bad road, insecurity, many expenses and take too much time)

(8) After becoming Christian, follow-up program are needed. To help them to be all round development, spiritual as well as physical development.

(9) Less of the traveling expense is one of the obstacles.

(10) In 1996, we could not support any Church new building construction.

The financial report of 1996

Income

(1) From 21st. Century Shan Mission (AOI) 280,000 Kyat

(US$ 1800)

(2) From Sai Hla Shwe and Nang Hla Hla Htay (Yangon)

24,000 K

(3) From Shan believers 15,000 K

(4) From Shan Churches 61,000 K

Total 380,000 Kyat (US$2500)

Expenditure

(I) Local director salary ( 3000 K X 12) 36000 Kyat (US$ 240)

(2) Evangelists salaries (1000 K X 12 X 15 Ps) 180,000 K

(3) Shan GCI training school 122,500 K

(4) Traveling 35,000 K

(5) Contingencies 6,500 K

Total 380,000 Kyat

Mission planning for I997 and estimate budget

(1) Continue serving the Lord in (15) present mission fields effectively.

(2) To gain 250 new converts from the 15 present mission fields in 1997.

(3) To select and send 5 evangelists to 5 new mission fields.

(4) To gain 50 new converts from 5 new mission fields.

(5) To support 5 new Church buildings construction.

(6) To have a retreat bible training for 20 evangelists who are working in the mission fields in October for two weeks. To invite some trainers from aboard.

Estimate budget for 1997

I. Local Director salary (4000 K x 12) 48,000Kyat (US$ 320)

2. Evangelists salaries (2000 K x 12 x 20 Ps.) 360,000 K

3. Retreat Bible Training for evangelists 150,000 K

4. Traveling Expenses 50,000 K

5. Helping new Church buildings 50,000 K

6. Contingencies 12,000 K

Total 670,000 Kyat (US$ 4400)

Requests

(1) Remember us in your prayer.

(2) We request to help us K 670,000 (US$ 4,400) for the mission.

(3) To send us the trainers to teach in the retreat “bible training for evangelists.

Thanks to our God and Dr. Sai Htwe Maung for helping us financially and giving us advice and to Sayama Nang Hla Hla Htay and Hla Shwe’s family for supporting us financially.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Record of discussion between Dr. Sai Htwe Maung and Asian Outreach International.

12 October 1996

GCI:

Dr. Sai went to the Northern Shan State in July and made thorough enquiries about the possibility of having a GCI there. The political situation is not favorable, especially with Westerners but possible. Dr. Sai feels the organizers are not clever enough to get favor from the government. We need a local organizer who has good relationship with the local authorities. At the moment it is not favorable to hold a training there. Dr. Sai feels the North agreed to hold the training because they want training but they won’t accept it, or do it. OSH suggested bringing in Baptists who are Asians, who have experienced renewal. Work slowly with them. Maybe sending an Asian to teach a few topics first in a 3 day or 5 day seminar. Dr. Sai said training and seminars are different.

For the 1997 training in the Eastern Shan State they will select some participants from the North. If they can have two teaching rooms they could hold two levels of training. If the political situation is difficult in KengTung they will hold it in TaungGyi again. Dr. Sai said we still have to go to the North, maybe in 1998. Maybe by that time a good leader will come out. Planning must be one year ahead. We have to ask them to make contact with the local officials and get the green light. An UN officer went to LaShio to see a hospital and clinic and he was followed everywhere by Intelligence. Tourists are not allowed into NamKham, where Thein Aung Kham lives. He has little confidence in leadership in ShweLi. He thinks that the leader can talk a lot but do little. He sent Kham to the Singapore GCI and hoped he would get train, change and come back to work among Northern Shan but he failed. He was warned by treasurer of Myanmar Baptist Convention that a leader from ShweLi could not be trusted. He feels that the North is not ready to receive a GCI yet for the time being. OSH suggested that we start small in the North. If the people who have gone through the course speak favorably then it is more effective. He was thinking in terms of starting with a small group in a local Church for three days of teaching and call it something neutral, not divisive and see what we can contribute. But wait for the right time.

Dr. Sai initially asked Jean to communicate with Sai Thein Aung Kham and ask questions, such as: What kind of team do you want? Where would it be held? Make sure it is suitable and secure politically. Can you be responsible for the foreign trainers where they stay, where they eat? Will you accept non-Baptist trainers? etc.

In later discussion he shared his experience in 1993 that General Secretary of ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission had promised that every thing had been well prepared for Youngs (American missionaries) to cross the border from Yunnan, China to MuSe, Burma, to join them in ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission Centenary Celebration. However when Youngs arrived in RuiLi town in Yunnan, just across the border with MuSe, Burma, he refused to go into China to bring Youngs to MuSe. Instead he sent Rev. Sai Stephen and two ladies. Both the Youngs, Sai Stephen and two ladies got arrested inside China as a result. After this experience Dr. Sai does not have any confidence that ShweLi General Secretary would do a good job of making sure everything was safe. And if any of us is arrested we are finished as far as going into Burma again. He certainly doesn’t want to be arrested as he wants to work there long term! Dr. Sai doesn’t want to be blacklisted in the North because then he couldn’t be involved in the North. He doesn’t want to do it without proper preparation.

It was agreed that we leave it with Dr. Sai and he may prefer to work through a local Church rather than the ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission. But he will certainly aim for a GCI in the North for 1998. After the GCI in the North in 1998 Dr. Sai would like to start working with other un-reached groups, such as the Burmese, the Mon and the Arakan. The training could be held in Yangon or Mandalay. He could work through the Burma Evangelical Church or the Burma Baptist Convention.

Shan Budget:

16 full-time evangelists support is Kyat 1,000 = US$10 each person per month.

Sai Stephen is requesting that this will be increased to Kyat 1,500, equal to US$15. But Dr. Sai is not in favor of this. He wants them to be more indigenous and self-supporting. Sai Stephen’s travel expenses K 30,000. Sai Stephen is requesting Kyat 50,000 for 1997. Dr. Sai feels this is too high. He believes in the principle of “Instead of feeding them a fish a day, teach them how to catch the fish.” Dr. Sai feels that to travel by motorcycle is cheap as it consumes little petrol. He wants to make further enquiries from him as to how he is going to use this traveling allowance. OSH said we could consider increasing Stephen’s salary from Kyat 3,000 according to local standards. He suggested not giving everything they ask for now but adjust to their need. Of course, we want to promote more self-support, where they find at least half of the support.

Bible translation:

It has taken 10 years to translate the New Testament under sponsorship of United Bible Societies with Psalms and Proverbs. This translation is based on Good News Bible and published in 1994. There are some mistakes. Mr. Han Yaunghwe and Dr. Sai Htwe Maung are trying to do their own translations.

Gospel tracts:

Dr. Sai wants to send gospel tracts from Hong Kong to his radio listeners. But a lot of the letters get lost in the post. The best way is to mail them locally but he cannot bring enough in. The best way now is from Malaysia and Singapore with Christian businessmen who visit Burma. He would like the offices in Malaysia and Singapore to keep a stock.

Radio program:

It is doing so well and responses are good and encouraging. Dr. Sai asked for prayer for him for the follow-up. How can he follow-up with all those who are interested, with those who want prayer? At the moment the only way is to send a Gospel tract. He has made personal visits but there are too many people to visit. He thought of asking them to come to one place but if too many people come others will make trouble. Some Buddhist monks would be involved and people might think it is political. He is still thinking about what to do. He is praying that when GCI goes to Burma next year he will take time and announce in local Churches that he will be in the Church on such a day and invite people. He is open to any suggestions for follow up.

Future Vision:

OSH said he would like to see a national office in Myanmar, with the whole point of multiplying the program. See them send out a worker to work among the Burmese in other parts of Asia. This should be a long-term goal. The key is to emphasize un-reached people. He emphasized that Sai Stephen must find his Joshua and Caleb and let others grow in the work. Dr. Sai is praying for someone who can carry on his radio work. OSH suggested he explore the possibility of doing it inside the country and bring someone out to Hong Kong for training.

Dr. Sai’s vision for literature is:

1. Good Shan Bible translated into new Shan writing

2. Shan Topical Bible

3. Shan Bible Commentary

Thoughts on GCI:

One of the disappointments of the TaungGyi GCI was the man who was supposed to teach on Youth Ministry. We suggested looking for someone involved in youth work from, say, FGA who could give valuable input and then send them out for practice. For the next G.C.I, Dr. Sai would like to teach fewer topics to enable the students to go out in the afternoons to practice what they have been taught in the mornings. He asked that the teachers be sensitive to the local situation and to understand that it is illegal to condemn other religions. He said trainer needs to be correct when declaring the power of the Holy Spirit over the darkness of local religion. This is an offence in Burma. We need to be careful in making slogans. It is better to claim the Shan for Jesus than to declare the power of the Holy Spirit over the darkness of local religion. He said we have to try our best to identify with the local people the way they eat, the way they live so they feel comfortable and more friendly towards us.

Over lunch, Yeow Mooi suggested to Dr. Sai that instead of waiting for the whole Old Testament to be translated into the new Shan writing, that he print first the Gospel of John and distribute this to his radio listeners. He thought this was a good idea.

Copy of letter from Mr. Cheong Seng Gee, SSMC, Malaysia to Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma on 28 January 1997

Rev Sai Stephen and the leadership of Eastern Shan Baptist Convention.

c/o Calvary Baptist Church Baptist Mission Compound Nong Pha, KengTung Union of Myanmar.

Dear Sai Stephen,

Thank you for your letter of 6 January which was received on 14 January 1997. It is indeed encouraging to hear that you and the leadership met regarding our next Myanmar mission trips for 1997. Please send our well wishes to each of them. We are praying for the Baptist work in Eastern Shan. The SSMC (Sungaiway Subang Methodist Church) leadership have finalized the following in terms of co-operative work with the leadership of Eastern Sham Baptist Convention and these are:

1. Youth Mission Trip (21 April to 25 April, 1997).

Currently we have between 5 to 7 persons from SS Methodist who would like to focus on youth work training. They will be led by Mr. Leong Pook Seong and or Mr. Tang Tin Seng, both of whom have been to KengTung. Please let us have details as to the age group, background and areas of training that is needed so that the training can be targeted. Can you please provide us with a program so that we can plan effectively the soonest? We also need to know the latest frights between Yangon and KengTung in terms of dates and times.

2. May Celebration of Missions (20 May to 27 May 1997)

Please note that the above dates are still tentative but can be used for planning purposes. We will confirm at a later time. SS Methodist Church will be celebrating the annual celebration of missions where we invite missionaries and evangelists from the different countries to share about the work and what God is doing and how future work can be taken to the next stages in terms of meaningful relationships. We would like to invite you and your wife to Malaysia to represent the leadership of the Eastern Shan Baptist Convention and the people of Shan. Please take the necessary steps to apply for visa, etc. and how to make payment. Alternatively our April mission team can bring the funds. Please note that it is not efficient to send by telegraphic transfer as we lose 10% in taxes, which is imposed on foreign funds. Do keep us informed of progress.

3. Financial Support for Village Evangelists 1997

I praise God that the SS Methodist Church leadership has seen it in their hearts to support the above work as part of our partnership with the Shan Church and AOI. We are agreeable to finance our portion of US$3,600 for 1997 only. The money can be send at agreed stages instead of a lump sum. Please advise us on the method of funding with all the necessary practical details. We also would need your co-operation on sending us regular reports on the work that is progressing there so that I can brief our Church leadership and members.

Well, we continue to pray that your work will be blessed by our good Lord mid may He encourage us to work in unison for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

In His Service,

CHEONG SENG GEE , Pastoral Team Member SS Methodist Church

(Note: Such arrangement has been made without knowledge of neither Sai Htwe Maung nor Asian Outreach.)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, 28th February 1997

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of our Lord. I have written to you in November, December and January. But I have not received your reply. I wonder my letter might have got lost in the post. We have 15 old mission fields and 20 new mission fields this year. 20 evangelists are working very hard. By the year 2001 I wish we may have 100 Churches. We are planning to have 3 months evangelist training in August.

I am working with SSMC so that we may have their support Kyat 1,500 each month for our evangelists so that each of our evangelists may have Kyat 3,000 each month. I have sent 1997 budget to AOI together with my mission report. Please continue supporting us this year.

I am very busy but I enjoy in my work. I will try to get to the goal. Please pray for us all.

Signed/ Sai Stephen

The Report of the Shan Mission Working in the Eastern Shan State for the period of January to April I997, By Rev. Sai Stephen

Praise God for using us in His ministry. Thank God for the strength that God gives to all of the evangelists. All of us will faithfully dedicate ourselves in His ministry. The report of the Shan Mission for the period of January to April are as follow;

List of 20 evangelists who are working in 20 villages, KengTung Township

1. Rev. Sai Kyiok CaNan Village 30 houses

2. Sai Kong WanSai Village 15 houses

3. Sai Kup Miksilikon Village 15 houses

4. Sai Phut WanMai Village 16 houses

5. Rev. Mar Ku PanWai Village 20 houses

6. Sai Lon Tip Kyiok MuongNoon Village 62 houses

7. Sai Saw Lu PanPhay Village 34 houses

8. Sai Ai Muong Kan Kaw Village 45 houses

9. Sai Chan Aye Jordan Village 30 houses

10. Lay Pa WanLi Village 18 houses

11. Sai Lar WanLa Village 13 houses

12. Sai Khong WanSilu Village 45 houses

13. Saya Kya Moo NamKin Village 58 houses

14. Sai Yaw Han MonKinNoi Village 45 houses

15. Rev. Ai Kyit WanSaw Village 56 houses

16. Sai Simon WanPai Village 60 houses

17. Sai Lukar MuongHaw Village 12 houses

18. Sai Lee WanTom Village 18 houses

19. Sai Yaw Han NarMoonMai Village 24 houses

20. Sai Ya Kuk SanLwin Village 26 houses

The responsibilities of the evangelists

1. Totally dedicate themselves to the Lord and live in the village.

2. Preach the good news of the lord Jesus Christ.

3. Tell and teach the Bible stories to the children.

4. Teach them songs to praise God.

5. Teach the children to read, write and sing in daytime.

6. Teach the adults to read and write in evening time.

7. Live good life with them and help them in the daily work.

8. Pray for them and help them when they are getting sick.

9. Give them medicine and clothes.

The responsibilities of the mission teams of convention

1. To make mission trips to the villages at least once a year. (In Convention we have 3 mission teams to make trip every year to cover all of the villages.)

2. Have a short Bible Training for the villagers.

3. Baptize those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

4. Preach and discuss the good news of Jesus Christ with the villagers.

5. Have a concert and preaching for them.

6. Help them some medicines and old clothes.

Notes: Up to April, we had already made 2 separate mission trips to tree villages of MuongYang and MuongYawng townships.

List of the new believers those who accept Jesus Christ to April, KengTung Township.

I. CaNan village 8 persons baptized in February

2. Misilikon village 5 persons baptized in March’ MuongKhut

3. WanMai village 2 persons baptized in April

4. Pan Wai village 10 persons baptisms in February

5. Pan Phay village 6 persons baptized in February

6. Kan Kaw village 24 person baptized in February, MuongYang

7. WanLi village 6 persons baptized in April

8. Nam Yin village 21 person baptized in April, MuongYawng

9. WanSaw village 29 persons baptized in March

10. WanPai village 25 persons baptized in March

11. MuongHaw village 2 persons baptized

12. NarMoonMai village 4 persons baptized in April

13. SanLwin village 2 person baptized in April

We plan to have a retreat Bible training for all of the evangelists who are working in the frontier area. It will be in November last week in KengTung. We are still hoping the teachers from AOI will come and participate with us.

Thank God for the Youth Leadership Training was successfully finished. The report for the training, are as below;

Theme “The future leader” (1 Tim 4:12)

Place KanNarLone Shan Baptist Church, KengTung

Date 21 - 24 April 1997

Trainers 7 members of SS Methodist Youth Leader, Malaysia

Trainees 59 Youth (According to the registration)

Benefit - At The Last Night

13 youth confess their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

10 youth totally committed themselves to be ministers.

25 youth dedicate themselves to serve part time in the service of the Lord.

The Training For The Women

Partnership with the mission team of SSMC, Malaysia, we are planning to have training for the women from 20-23 October 1997 in KengTung expected 50 women to attend. Budget for this training is 160,000 Kyat (US$1000). We requested SSMC to share half of the cost.

The Receipts and Payments up to April Receipts

Receipts

From SSMC, Malaysia 340,000 Kyat (US$ 2,000)

From Shan Churches 100,000 Kyat

From Shan believers 65,200 Kyat

Total 505,200 Kyat

Payment

For Evangelists 340,000 Kyat

For traveling 50,000 Kyat

Buy medicines and others 12,000 Kyat

Office expense 2,500 Kyat

Total 304,500 Kyat

Closing, Balance 200,700 Kyat (US$1180.8)

Signed/ Saw Moody Rev. Sai Stephen Sai Lar

Auditor E/M Director Treasurer

We do not hear any news from AOI whether they will help us or not. We hope them to join hands and help us.

Conclusion

- Thank God for helping us what we needs for His mission.

- Thank AOI for helping us for many years in financial support and GCI training. We hope to continue helping us in the future. We do need a training of GCI for equipping the evangelists to serve the Lord in the mission fields.

- Thank SS Methodist Church, Malaysia for helping us in financial support for 1997 and especially help us in the training for youth Leaders. We hope to come and help us in the women’s training, which will be held in October also.

- Thank the Shan Churches and Shan believers who encourage us and help us in

good advices and financial support. They have great concern of the Shan mission as their responsibilities.

- We do not be afraid and discouraged (Joshua 1:9) to serve the Lord. We all will totally dedicate ourselves to serve the Lord with the strength that given to us.

- We need your help to pray for us .

In His Wonderful Service, Signed/ Rev. Sai Stephen Hsam

Revised Financial Support to 21st Century Shan Mission Project, Eastern Shan State, for 1997 proposed by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

1. Rev. Sai Stephen’s salary

Rev. Sai Stephen is now receiving monthly salary Kyat 3,500 from Eastern Shan Baptist Convention as he is working as a full-time secretary of ESBC. Before he becomes full time secretary of ESBC he was a full-time Assistant Director of 21^st CSMP and was given monthly salary of Kyat 3,000. Even though we have decided to increase his salary to Kyat 4,000 per month from 21^st CSMP, it is not good for him to receive two salaries from two organizations that will amount to Kyat 7,500 per month. No one in Burma has such big salary, even the minister of the country. I believe it is not good for any one. That is why 21^st CSMP should not give him a full salary of Kyat 4,000 per month on top of his salary from ESBC but we should give him a gift of Kyat 1,000 per month as an honorarium to his service to our 21^st CSMP as he is receiving salary from ESBC.

2. Footsoldiers Support.

We have supported footsoldiers financially Kyat 1,000 per month in the past years. We have decided to increase our support to Kyat 1,500 per month. It will cost Kyat 300,000 for the whole year. Since SS Methodist Church has already given them Kyat 340,000 on top of our support they have got enough and we should stop financial support to all footsoldiers for the year 1997. Since one of our core values is to be more and more indigenous we would like to encourage local Churches to take part in this ministry. More money does not necessarily mean more blessing to our footsoldiers.

3. Training Allowance.

We have in the beginning set aside Kyat 100,000 for local GCI training in the year 1997. SS Methodist Church has conducted Youth Training in April and will be having Women Training in October. National GCI is planning to hold another training in November. I personally think they have too many training sessions this year. I propose to cancel local GCI training program this year and save the money for the next year local GCI.

4. Budget Surplus.

According to Rev. Sai Stephen’s report they have a budget surplus of Kyat 200,700 at the end of June 1997.

5. Final 1997 Budget Revision.

Rev. Sai Stephen support Kyat 12,000

Footsoldiers support Kyat 100,000

Local GCI Training Kyat 100,000

Church Building Fund Kyat 50,000

(Still available on request to build 5 new Churches)

Traveling Expenses & Operation Support Kyat 10,000

Letter from AOI to SSMC, Malaysia. 28 April 1997

Mr. Cheong Seng Gee

Sungaiway Subang Methodist Church

Dear Selig Gee,

Thank you for your fax of 20 March 1997. I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have been away from Hong Kong for three weeks at the end of March, attending the Pan Borneo Conference held in East Malaysia. It was a glorious time. Over 1,000 indigenous Christian workers gathered from all over Borneo including Brunei and Kalimantan for four days of fasting on God’s word. Then I even tried to conquer Mt. Kinabalu. Thong and another pastor friend from Australia made it to the summit. But I only managed to reach the base camp. Well! I will have to go back another time!

With regard to the Shan ministry, first of all I would like to assure you we don’t think of it as AO’s only. This is God’s ministry. However, there is certain philosophy in AO that helps us to be able to coordinate the ministry effectively and be accountable to each other. When SS Methodist first approached us about your visit to Burma, we had explained our philosophy to you right from the beginning. Sai Stephen is essentially an AO co-worker and his ministry is supported by AO. His budget was 100% supported by AO. And we have specially requested that all future contacts and support be made through AO. When you accepted our coordination and went there as contacts of AO, we thought it was with that understanding. In some sense, by supporting Sai Stephen’s ministry through AO International, you are not going through an intermediary organization. Sai Stephen and his ministries are under AO.

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung is the one who initiated this ministry with Sai Stephen. In fact, Sai Stephen has always worked with Dr. Sai as his leader. We have always worked through Dr. Sai in this relationship because we try to work with a national as far as possible. We did not require them to register as Asian Outreach due to the political situation there. We have been working with each other base on mutual trust and mutual accountability. You see, for years we have been covering for Sai Stephen’s entire budget whether there is enough or not. AOI was responsible to raise the budget he needs. Of course, the locals raise some of their own budget because we are encouraging self support. But when there is not enough, AOI is committed to them.

Having said all this, we are open to changes if it will benefit the Kingdom. As we see it, Seng Gee, there are two options.

1. SSMC adopts Sai Stephen and his ministry totally (if you would like to deal directly with Sai Stephen). We will be willing to release Sai Stephen and his ministry under your care. But this will require a long-term commitment from SSMC to Sai Stephen. At the moment your commitment to him is for a year. But we are concern about what will happen after a year. AOI will not be able to accept a half-in and half-out situation with Sai Stephen because this would create a very difficult environment for accountability. There is also danger of a ministry receiving too much giving if different organizations were to go in, see them and start sending funds directly to the ministry. That has been one of the most serious downfalls of ministers. If SSMC is willing to take up that responsibility, then AO will be happy to pioneer in other new areas.

2. Sai Stephen and his ministry remain under the ministry of AO and leadership of Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. In that case, AOI will be the coordinating center with outside Churches and organizations and all support will be channeled through AOI. It would be like in the past. Maybe you would like to talk this through with the Pastoral Team. Again, I want to assure you that AO is happy whichever way it is. Like you, we value the partnership with SSMC. We want to facilitate as much as we can so that Sai Stephen and his team can fulfill the calling in their lives and see the Kingdom of God established.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

The Lord blesses you.

Yours in Chris ,

Ong Siew Huat, Director of Operations, Asian Outreach International.

From; Cheong Seng Gee, Pastor Team Member, SSMC, Malaysia.

To Mr. Ong Siew Huat, Director of Operations, AOI. 19 May 1997

Sorry for the silence at our end as we have been busy preparing for our annual May celebrations of missions. By God’s grace we hope to raise MR 500,000 the Anniversary Gift Day for missions. We have also heard encouraging reports from Ai Swee on the Vietnam trip and we pray for your physical recovery and spiritual well being.

It is good that we are able to clarify on the issue of the Shan Project and I would like to reiterate that we i.e. SSMC, AOI and the Eastern Shan Baptist Convention are care builders for His Kingdom. There is no intention for territorial exclusivity and we regret to hear of hurt feelings from Myanmar to Hong Kong. We would like to offer our apologies to you and Dr Sai Htwe Maung for the dilemma caused despite good intentions on our heart to help Sai Stephen and the convention. Let us see how we can move forward together. We see no problem with Option 2 i.e. the Shan Project being under AOI’s ministry. However, we would request for the owing considerations for a more practical outworking.

1. Current Commitments

We have committed to Sai Stephen the following amounts for 1997, US$ 1,000 for the Youth Training in KengTung in April. This was to fund the youth leaders from the surrounding tows such as Tachileik and MuongYawng. There was a unity among the various Baptist Associations for the first time and SSMC was grateful for the partnership in training them. US$ 3,600 for the footsoldiers ministry out of which US$ 2,000 was given to Sai Stephen through the April mission team. This was done before your last letter of 28 April. Another sum for the November Women’s Training which is yet to be determined. We are planning a mission trip then. We are open as to how the remaining funds be channeled i.e. either to Sai Stephen direct or through AOI. However these funds are already designated and must be sent with timeliness. Please advise us. As to the future such as next year onwards, we are open to suggestions. It would be good if both Sai Stephen and Dr. Sai (Sai Htwe Maung) work out a budget for SSMC to consider what portion it can help out. As is our practice, we are accountable to our members as to how the funds are used and we request AOI to give us a detailed report in such an event.

2. The Way Forward

As for 1998 and beyond, we would be happy to have a joint consultation with AOI and Dr Sai Htwe Maung as to how we can be in partnership on the Shan Project. Our stand is that we are willing to work through AOI and we request that AOI offers us a degree of flexibility as we plan to make more mission trips in the future. I believe communication will help therefore a modified option 2 should be given a chance until it serves its usefulness. We are confident that our partnership will bear great fruits and look forward to better understanding in our work together. Looking forward to your reply. God bless.

In His Name, /Cheong Seng Gee,

cc. SS Pastoral Team

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, 3 June 1997

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in the name of Jesus. 1^st Annual General Meeting of Eastern Shan Baptist Convention was held in MuongYang. 2,378 people attended. I am elected as General Secretary of Eastern Shan Baptist Convention for 3 years term. Also elected as Director of Evangelism of ESBC. I am also working as director of our 21^st CSMP at the same time. (Note: ESBC has created their own 21^st CSMP which is not related to original 21^st CSMP established by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung and Sai Stephen was appointed as its director)

This year we have 20 full time evangelists. I will like to thank you for giving birth to this mission and giving advice. I also want to thank AOI. In the history of Shan mission, you are already recorded. I will like to urge you to continue supporting us, leading us and giving us advice. Please do not abandon us. The people from SSMC are good people. From April 21-24 in KengTung they have lead us in Youth training. 57 youths attended. I want to have GCI training in 1998 between February and April. We are now supporting Kyat 3,000 each month for each evangelist. Please forgive me for not writing you because I was too busy traveling and preparing for convention.

Please write to me.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, 21st Century Shan Christian Mission, Baptist Mission Compound,

Nong Pha Eastern Shan State, Union of Myanmar to AOI. 18th June 1997

Warmest greetings from KengTung, Union of Myanmar.

Thank you for your letter dated on 22^nd May. Thank you for the invitation letter also. I am so sorry that since now I receive no letter from Dr. Sai. May be it is late. I am eager to participate in the Key Co-workers conference in October. I will pray and try my best to be present there. But for me to apply the passport the invitation you have sent to me is not completed yet. In the invitation letter we need the endorsement of Myanmar Ambassador from the Embassy of Myanmar in Hong Kong. We still have time until July for applying the passport. Please send me a new invitation with the endorsement of Myanmar Ambassador in Hong Kong as soon as you can. I do have some issues to make discussion to be clear with the AOI for partnership in the gospel among my people, Shan in the future. I hope you will now receive my report of mission (January to April) which I have sent you on 5th June 1997.

Thank you for having concern and helping us. I look forward to seeing all of you in October.

The Lord bless you and His Mission.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen , Mission Director

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, KengTung, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong. 18 June 1997

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

Greeting in Christ’ name. I am now working as General Secretary of Eastern Shan State Shan Baptist Convention and also as full-time associate director of 21st CSMP. I have received Kyat 4,500 per month from ESSSBC. I have received letter of invitation to attend Asian Outreach Conference but the letter doesn’t have Myanmar Consular signature. Without his signature I cannot apply for passport. If you think I need to come to Hong Kong for this conference please kindly go to the Myanmar Consulate and ask for Consular endorsement signature and send it to me. I think I can apply in time. Please pray for us to have good pastors and genuine Churches. Remembering you in prayer.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen.

From; Asian Outreach International Ltd

To Rev. Sai Stephen, Baptist Mission Compound Nong Pha, KengTung Eastern Shan State, Union of Myanmar. 9th July 1997

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong SAR!

It was good to receive your report and your recent letter and to know you are trying to come for the Key Co-workers Conference in Hong Kong in October. We have already arranged for the endorsement from the Myanmar Consulate here. It will take about a week and we hope the endorsed invitation letter will reach you on time to obtain your passport to come.

I am sorry for some of the misunderstandings and miscommunications that have taken place between the various parties involved in the Shan Ministry. Traditionally in the past, we have always worked through your leader Dr Sai Htwe Maung in Hong Kong because we believe he understands the Shan situation better than we do. As AOI always want to involve more Churches in missions, therefore we have opened the door for SSMC to visit and assist in the Shan Ministry. SSMC is also my home/supporting Churches in Malaysia. Ideally, when there is any change of working relationship or change of perspectives and understandings we should inform all the parties. I know Dr. Sai has been working through AO’s core values of indigenous support and we were quite surprised when we were not informed of the new arrangement you’ve made with SSMC. I have spent sometime explaining to the leadership of SSMC some of the issues and my prayer is that we can all come together and try to understand each other’s perspectives, which may be different.

It is “difficult” to explain all the issues on paper so I am looking forward to your coming, then we can freely talk face-to-face without the restriction of writing. Meanwhile, I want to assure you that AOI will continue to support the Shan Ministry under your leadership. We will still be working through Dr. Sai and we should all have a common understanding before making any changes. The usual working process is that once the Annual Budget is agreed based on your ministry plan, AOI will send you the finance as agreed. Of course, each ministry is encouraged to raise funds for the approved budget. If there is any direct support to the ministry covering the areas of budget we will reduce accordingly and will still fund what we agreed. Therefore the training in November 1997 by the GCI will continue to receive the appropriate funding. Please work with Jean Harper regarding this.

I would like to hear from you from your perspectives. I pray that we all can be open to each other for the Kingdom’s sake and not to allow the evil one to divide, cause confusion and distrust among us.

Thank you very much for your partnership in the gospel. The Lord bless you.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Ong Siew Huat, Director of Operations, AOI.

c.c. Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Miss Jean Harper

From Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Ong Siew Huat, Director of Operation, Asian Outreach International. July 14, 1997.

Re: Mission Work Among The Shan People Of Burma

Dear Rev. Ong,

Praise be to God our Heavenly Father who has founded Asian Outreach International to work among the un-reached people in Asia. Our Shan people in Burma are one of those groups who have received a share of blessings through Asian Outreach for many years in many ways.

Back Ground History

Shan people in Burma are very much un-reached in term of mission. Only about two percent of four million people may have the opportunity of hearing the gospel from local preachers. In fact the mission among the Shan has been started since 1861 by American Missionary Rev. Moses Bixby. According to our recent report only about ten thousand have accepted the Lord. This is within more than one hundred years of hard work. There are several factors that hinder our Church Growth. One of the several main factors is not enough preachers. I have an opportunity to work with Asian Outreach in reaching our people in Burma. I am fully given responsibility to oversee our mission work among the Shan. I praise God for this opportunity.

Our Mission Planning

We have a vision of reaching our people by ourselves with the help of our brothers and sisters from around the world. I visited Burma in December 1986 to share my vision with Shan Christian leaders. We all agree to set a goal for our work. Our project is called 21^st Century Shan Mission Project. (21^st CSMP)

Our goal is;

1. To Train 210 Evangelists (Footsoldiers of Jesus Christ)

2. To Plant 210 Churches and

3. To Get 21,000 Believers by the years 2001.

In order to start our mission we have appointed three key leaders.

1. I have agreed to act as General Director of our 21^st CSMP.

2. Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham from the Northern Shan State will be acting as Assistant Director fully responsible for the work in Northern Shan State.

3. Rev. Sai Stephen from Eastern Shan State will be acting as Assistant Director fully responsible for the work in Eastern Shan State.

We all agreed that I would be responsible in making contact with foreign mission organizations, presenting our mission work and raise appropriate support from outside the country. Local Assistant Directors will make direct report to General Director and will not ask any help from any organization outside the country without the knowledge of General Director. All budget and planning must be submitted to AOI via General Director. These are some of the agreements we have among us. This is not a control but to avoid confusion, misunderstanding and abuse of others’ generosity.

I have sent Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham to GCI training in Singapore and Rev. Sai Stephen to GCI training in Thailand so that they will be properly equipped for the task. Rev. Sai Stephen was appointed full time worker of our 21^st CSMP since 1993.

We are very much blessed by the Lord ever since we have started our project. We have trained more than two hundred footsoldiers of Christ. We have sent out twenty full time evangelists to preach the gospel. Fourteen new Churches have been planted. 21^st CSMP played an important role in the Church Growth in Eastern Shan State and formation of Eastern Shan Baptist Conference a few months ago.

Support

Asian Outreach International has been supporting our mission project financially, materially and spiritually since 1984. GCI also helping us training our leaders. In 1996 budget, Rev Sai Stephen was paid 3,000 Kyat each month. Our full-time Footsoldiers were paid 1,000 Kyat each for each month. 30,000 Kyat traveling allowance was given to Rev. Sai Stephen each year. AOI also bought a motorcycle for Rev. Sai Stephen for traveling. We give 100,000 Kyat for local GCI training each year and 10,000 Kyat for Church building for each new Church. In 1997 budget Rev. Sai Stephen asks for adjustment as follows.

His salary will be increased. (Not mentioned the amount)

His traveling expenses will be increased from 30,000 Kyat to 50,000 Kyat. (66.66% increased)

Footsoldier monthly support will be increased from 1,000 to 3,000 Kyat (200% increased). The average financial support (Monthly Salary) to any full time Pastor (Seminary Graduate) in Burma is about 1,000 Kyat only. (In some place a full time pastor is only getting 500 Kyat ) The highest paid of a full-time Christian worker such as General Secretary of Burma Baptist Convention or Burma Council of Churches is about 4,000 Kyat. A salary for the government service such as a Medical Doctor is only about 1,000 Kyat. The Director General of the Government Ministry is only getting 4,000 Kyat a month. The average monthly income of a person is about 400 Kyat. It seems to us that Christian workers are the best paid in the country if we pay them 3,000 Kyat per month. In considering the salary adjustment to our Christian workers it should not be base on foreign standard such as Hong Kong, Malaysia or US. It should be based on local standard and situation.

We would like to see our works become more and more indigenous and self-supporting and less and less foreign dependent. We would like to see local Churches contributing more and more in the ministry. Money can become a destroyer instead of builder of His Kingdom if we don’t use it properly especially in poor country with high corruption.

After prayerful consideration I have agreed to increase Rev. Sai Stephen’s salary to 4,000 Kyat per month (33.33% increased), Footsoldier Salary to 1,500 Kyat per month (50% increased), Traveling allowance to 40,000 Kyat per year (33.33% increased). I think this increment is reasonable, appropriate and match with local standard. I have sent this proposal to Rev. Sai Stephen on 16 November 1996. I have not received any opinion to this.

New Development

May I give you an analogy to you since you like telling story.

“There was a certain young man from Malaysia. He expressed his interest in seeing a Shan lady in Burma. He asked a Malaysian lady in Hong Kong to find out if there’s any person who can introduce him to the Shan lady in Burma. This Malaysian young man might probably have read about Shan lady somewhere sometime. It happened that a Malaysian lady in Hong Kong knew a Shan man in Hong Kong who had good contact with the Shan in Burma. She asked a Shan man in Hong Kong if he could kindly arrange a trip for that young Malaysian man to travel to Shan State in Burma to visit the Shan lady. A Hong Kong Shan man was told that Malaysian guy was a good guy and can be trusted. Graciously enough, without knowing much about that Malaysian young man and his background, this Shan man from Hong Kong wrote a letter to the Shan lady in Shan State telling her about the visit of a young Malaysian man from Malaysia. He asked her to offer the visitor the best hospitality she could ever give. With introduction and permission from this Shan man from Hong Kong, Malaysian young man went to the Shan State and met the Shan lady in KengTung. After seeing the Shan lady he immediately fell in love with her at the first sight. Without knowing about her background and her history, he proposed for marriage. The Shan lady accepted him and secretly got marriage without telling a Shan man in Hong Kong. They made vow and got marriage at the first meeting. When the Shan man in Hong Kong heard about the news that Shan lady had secretly got marriage with a man from Malaysia he was very upset, angry and heart broken. Because that Shan lady was the wife of this Shan man in Hong Kong. They have been married for years but living apart because of their works.”

Brother Ong, this allegory tells us about the problem which has been arisen after a SSMC from Malaysia visiting our Shan Mission Work in Eastern Shan State. After a visit, according to my understanding, SSMC and Rev. Sai Stephen have made some agreements to work together in the Shan Mission without telling us. In fact they have opportunity of going to see Eastern Shan Churches through my introduction. Rev. Sai Stephen has asked for financial support and SSMC has agreed to give US$ 3,600 for 1997 and he is also responsible to give regular report directly to SS Methodist Church. He and his wife are also invited to go to Malaysia to give report on mission work among the Shan. SSMC also conducting training in Eastern Shan State. In fact Sai Stephen has been working with me as assistant director of 21^st CSMP for years. We are doing all these with AOI all along. Now misunderstanding and suspicions have arisen among us. The motive of giving help and receiving support are out of our knowledge. I was not informed of their agreement up until it was accidentally revealed when the fax message from SSMC went through my niece’s machine.

Have they broken the relationship with us?

Will they be over fed with our gracious support?

Will it damage their longstanding faith in the Lord because of their riches supply?

The problem can easily be avoided if we work together with respect and trust.

We must learn the lessons from this mistake.

1. I shall be fully responsible for all the consequences because I am the one who introduce SSMC to them and they accepted them because of my introduction.

2. Rev. Sai Stephen should not ask any help from SSMC without my knowledge since we all have agreed not to ask any help from any organization without my knowledge to avoid misunderstanding and confusion. He should first ask opinion from me.

3. SSMC should not directly involve and give financial support to Shan mission work in ESS since AOI is already involved. SSMC should talk to AOI before making any decision, giving any financial help concerning Shan Mission Work. The whole Shan State, the whole Burma and the whole world know that AOI is involved in mission work among the Shan.

4. AOI, SSMC, Rev. Sai Stephen and I should have a better communication, good working relationship, understanding and cooperation in our involvement in future Shan Mission Work

Conclusion

Mistake has been made, Forgive one another, Working together, Don’t give Satan a chance.

I praise God for AOI and SSMC for sharing ministry among our Shan people. But let us work together with the same Spirit for the same Goal.

Signed/ Dr. Sai Htwe Maung.

Director, 21st Century Shan Mission Project, Burma.

Copy to: Rev. Sai Stephen, and SS Methodist Church.

Letter from Sai Stephen to AOI by fax on 25 July 1997

When the SSMC (Sungaiway Subang Methodist Church) from Malaysia visited us I explained to them all about the difficulties the evangelists are facing. We visited some evangelists who were working around KengTung area. All happening touched their hearts. After going back to Malaysia, they replied us to help the part we need. So in 1997 we will give each evangelist with three thousand Kyat per month from the following sources:

From SSMC 1,500 Kyat

From AOI 1,000 Kyat

From Shan Baptist 500 Kyat

Total 3,000 Kyat

But unfortunately we received no financial support from AOI for 1997 until today. I don’t know what is going on. We received no news from AOI also. Anyway we try our best to stand on our own feet and support fully to the evangelists. This is God’s mission and Shan mission also. We totally accepted that this is our responsibility.

In 1997, the SSMC will participate in two trainings, Youth and Women. We had already finished Youth leadership training in last March. I have in mind that we will need to plan GCI 1997. But we get no in touch with Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. At first we are disappointed for failing to do the GCI in 1997. But when I received your letter I got a new strength. We are happy and agreed to have GCI in KengTung in 1997. We expect 40 trainees and estimate cost is 400,000 Kyat.

Signed/ Sai Stephen

Letter from AOI to SSMC, Malaysia to: Mr. Cheong Seng Gee, From: Ong Siew Huat. 28 July 1997

Dear Seng Gee,

Warmest Christian Greetings from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. Thank you for your fax letters of May and July. I am sorry for the long silence and delay in replying. I was partly waiting for Dr. Sai’s response and he felt he should write a background “paper” so that all the parties understand the real situation and work together. I have also been communicating with Sai Stephen and he will be coming to Hong Kong for our Key Co-workers Conference where I hope we will clear up any other areas of misunderstanding.

You and Sai Stephen will be receiving a copy of the letter Dr. Sai wrote to me clearing up quite a number of issues. I hope we will all not take this too personally but as lessons learnt for His Kingdom. AOI has no problem with the active participation of SSMC. The usual process is the Nationals (Dr. Sai & Sai Stephen) present their annual budget for AOI’s consideration. On approval, the needs are made known to AO offices and others. If there are local contribution or other overseas contribution, AOI will reduce its support accordingly.

Regarding reports- AOI too depends on its ministry offices to submit regular quarterly reports of it ministries, which we then sent to supporters and support offices. I understand SSMC’s position but I am concern with the speed of decision making after one visit without consultation with the matchmaker, which is AOI. We do not seek to control but to provide accountability. By giving directly to the field and hearing from the field without the appropriate checks and references years of established relationship and system of accountability and working through of issues (e.g. our core values) can come to nothing and also inadvertently damage the long term work of establishing a strong and responsible national Church. AOI provides a lot of flexibility (If not too flexible) in working together but let’s talk.

I cannot and do not have time to put all my thoughts in writing. I hope we can sit down and talk when I return for the DUMC Family Camp at the end of August. However please feel to fax or call me if any of the points are not clear. I would like to clarify what I can through the phone.

My greetings to the pastoral team and do continue to pray for us as we consider our next “appointment.”

Looking forward to meeting with you. The Lord blesses you.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Siew Huat

c.c. SSMC Pastoral Team

Letters from AOI to Rev. Sai Stephen. 29th July 1997

Dear Sai Stephen,

Greetings from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. I pray by now you should have received the proper papers for you to process your application to come to Hong Kong for our biannual Key Co-workers’ Conference. I am looking forward to having fellowship with you again. I am sorry for all the “miscommunication”, which by now I hope will be much clearer. I am enclosing the letter written by Dr. Sai to me to be cc’d to SSMC and you.

AOI policies have always been to work through National leadership (in this case through Dr. Sai and you). Each year a budget proposal is made to AOI, once it is agreed, it is made known to the National office. If there is any support from any other sources, AOI will reduce its contribution accordingly. The Budget is a planned ministry costs and is a guided plan. Additional requests can be considered. I was not aware of your change of status since January 1997 as a full-time secretary with the Eastern Shan Convention. With you as their leader I believe the VISION for the work will still be the same and I want to assure you of AOI’s support.

As far as AOI is concern, we send out the funds according to the budget on a quarterly basis and I understand that Dr. Sai transfer the funds to you every 6 months. So, as already explained in Dr. Sai’s letter to me, the revised budget for 1997 is as follows:

Rev. Sai Stephen support Kyat 12,000

Footsoldiers support Kyat 100,000

Local GCI Training Kyat 100,000

Church Building Fund Kyat 50,000 (Still available on request to build new Churches)

Traveling Expenses & Operation Support Kyat 10,000

Please feel free to write if any part is not clear or you have a different perspective. I hope we can all be open to one another and not allow the enemy to divide us. Again, I want to say to you, feel free to write to me directly. Thank you for your reports and please let me know as soon as possible when your exit visa is approved so that we can make arrangement for the air ticket. Please convey my greetings to your family and team. I hope to be able to come for the National GCI in December.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Ong Siew Huat, Director of Operations.

c.c Accounts Department, AOI

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen to Director of Operations Asian Outreach International Ltd, Hong Kong.

Subject : Project Proposal and Request budget for 1998. 30th September 1997

Sir,

By the leading of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be continued to implement the project of 21st Century Shan Mission as we had set the goals.

Our goals in 1998 are;

(1) To plant 20 new Churches.

(2) To win 500 new believers.

(3) To produce 10 evangelists and pastors to send them to the

mission fields.

(4) To support building of 10 new Churches.

We are going to serve the Lord in 20 villages which are located in 6 townships. The budget for the project in 1998 is Kyat 1,300,000 (US$5,200). The Shan Baptist Conference (Eastern Shan State) will be responsible for the portion of Kyat 400,000 (US$1,600). Therefore we earnestly request from the Asian Outreach International Ltd. for the portion of Kyat 900,000. (US $ 3,600)

Thanks for helping.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Sai Stephen

Project Director, 21^st Century Shan Mission

Baptist Mission Compound, NongPha, KengTung, Union of Myanmar

(Note: This is a new project created by Rev. Sai Stephen for ESSSBC but using the same name as 21^st Century Shan Mission which was created by Sai Htwe Maung in 1986. He was appointed as Project Director. He has not resigned from Assistant Director of 21^st Century Shan Mission Project. He puts forward his budget and planning to AOI and SSMC directly without going through Sai Htwe Maung any more.)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen to Asian Outreach International.16th October 1997

I will be very pleased if you will give me the financial support for five new Churches buildings as mentioned below.

1. WanLee Village 30 believers US$100

2. Jordan Village 80 believers US$100

3. WanMai Village 25 believers US$100

4. San Lwin Village 30 believers US$100

In His Service,

Signed/ Sai Stephen

Nong Pha, KengTung.

The report of 21^st Century Shan Christian Mission work in the Eastern State in 1997 (January – September) By Rev. Sai Stephen

God is working with us. Praise God for using us to serve Him among our people, Shan. Thank God for the strength that giving to all of the evangelists. All of us will be faithfully dedicate ourselves in His ministry. 21 evangelists are working in different villages. Rev. Sai Stephen is director of the works. There are total 302 new believers. One refresher course has been conducted. 20 evangelists attended. Trainers were Shan Baptist Convention’s leaders.

We had held Youth Leadership training from 21-24 April. 59 youths attended.

Financial receipts

1. SSMC, Malaysia 340,000 Kyat

2. AOI 12,000 K

3. Shan Churches 300,000 K

4. Shan believers 125,000 K

Total 777,000 Kyat

Payment

1. Evangelists’ salary (3000x20x9) 540,000 Kyat

2. Traveling expenses 50,000 K

3. Refresher course 130,000 K

4. Youth Leadership training 160,000 K

5. Evangelist Bible School 150,000 K

6. Medicine and help the needs 12,000 K

7. Record and admin 5,000 K

Total 1,047000 Kyat

Deficit 270,000 Kyat

Conclusion

1. Thank God for He is so good for us all time

2. Thank AOI for helping us for many years in financial support and GCI trainings.

3. Thanks SSMC, Malaysia for helping us in financial support for 1997 and especially for the Youth Leadership training.

4. Thanks to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung who lead us in 21^st Century Shan Mission.

5. Thanks to all of the Shan Churches and Shan believers who

encourage us and help us in financial support.

6. We need your help to pray for us.

In His Service, Signed/ Rev. Sai Stephen Hsam

Director, 21^st Century Shan Mission Project

Application for a Project Grant, By Rev. Sai Stephen

Name of Proponent: Shan Baptist Conference (Eastern Shan State)

Project name: 21^st Century Shan Mission

Description of Project: The mission among the Shan people in Eastern Shan State was started by American missionary William M. Young in 1901. Shan are culturally and traditionally deep rooted in Buddhism and the progress of mission work among them was extremely slow. However the Shan Baptist Association was organized in 1968 with 18 local Churches.

Due to the commitment, dedication and hard work of the Shan Church Leaders and by the helping of Dr. Sai Htwe Maung and Asian Outreach International, there have been considerable Church growth and planting of new Churches in the past few years, which led to the forming of the Shan Baptist Conference, Eastern Shan State. Shan Baptist Convention is one of the newest racial conventions with 52 Churches and 6,820 baptized members.

The main objective of this project for the year 1998 is to concentrate the mission works in the target areas with the following goals.

1. To plant 20 new Churches.

2. To win 500 new believers.

3. To produce 10 evangelists and pastors to send them to the mission fields.

4. To support building of 10 new Churches.

Target areas

1. KengTung township 3 villages

2. MuongKhut township 5 villages

3. MuongYang township 6 villages

4. MuonYawng township 3 villages

5. TaChiLeik township 1 village

6. MuongPhat township 2 villages

Project period: 1988 January to December

Project Plan

20 evangelists are already serving in the fields.

Evangelistic Bible School will be conducted from August to October (3 months). After training they will be sent to new established Churches as pastors. There will be one-week refresher course every year. Support will be given for building Churches in every village. Evangelistic teams as well as the evangelism director will visit each village at least twice a year for preaching the gospel, encouragement and baptism of converts.

Project Budget

1. Evangelists’ salaries (3000x20x12) 720,000 Kyat

2. Evangelistic refresher course 150,000 K

3. Evangelistic training school 150,000 K

4. Traveling expenses 100,000 K

5. Supporting building Churches 100,000 K

6. Administration 10,000 K

7. Contingencies 70,000 K

Total 1,300,000 Kyat

Project report and evaluation

This project will be implemented by Evangelism and Mission Committee of Shan Baptist Conference. The project report will be sent to AOI and supported organization quarterly in a year and there will be a yearly evaluation of the project.

Conclusion

This project was approved by the Shan Baptist Conference (ESS), Evangelism and Mission Committee. Without God we can do nothing. We trust God. God can do everything. We totally believe that God will use us and build His Church through us. We earnestly request all of you to pray for us in every time. God bless you all.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen.

5 December 1997

Memo from Low Yeow Mooi to Ong Siew Huat

RE: Shan Ministry

Dear OSH,

We are all praying that you have a safe, fruitful and not too stressful trip to Myanmar. Have a good time there.

Just a few things to follow up with Sai Stephen:

1. He is going to let you know if he will take up the responsibility of Eastern Shan ministry with AOI. We talked about not needing to go through Dr. Sai and just working directly with him in October. He is to get back to you on this.

2. Regarding SS Methodist Church, they gave him US$ 1,600 during their trip in October. That is excluding the support they gave for the two training seminars. This should cover Shan’s 4^th Quarter support. That is why we did not send them the 4^th quarter support. We should start sending them support again beginning January 1998 since SS Methodist will work through us regarding their support. (May said you do not want to bring it this time. We will have to make arrangements on how to transfer funds in January 1998, if we don’t go through Dr. Sai, that is if Sai Stephen were to work directly with AOI.)

3. Sai Stephen is to give you some photos on the Churches we helped build in 1997. I told him the pictures of at least two Churches if he can’t visit all five between October and now. Also he has to pass you some forms (reports) for Asian Report. Please get as many picture as possible when you are there.

Thanks so much, OSH.

As to the rests and the bigger picture, will let you deal with it.

Have a good trip.

Mooi

(Note: Since AOI Conference in October, after meeting and discussing among Sai Htwe Maung, Sai Stephen, Ong Siew Huat and Low Yeow Mooi, all agreed that, in the future, concerning Shan mission work among the Shan in Eastern Shan State, AOI would work directly with Sai Stephen instead of going through Sai Htwe Maung. The reason was Sai Stephen was experienced enough to continue the work independently)

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, Rev. Sai Stephen, Daw Mya Nu, Sai Kyaw Tint.13 December 1997

To. Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham(NamKham), Rev. Sai Stephen (KengTung)

Daw Mya Nu (Yangon), Saya Sai Kyaw Tint (Yangon)

From; Dr. Sai Htwe Maung.

Subject: Yangon Meeting.

Dear Co-workers in Christ,

I will be in Yangon on 16th January 1998.

1. I would like to meet you all and discuss about our future Shan Christian Mission work.

2. To discuss about forming a Shan Christian Mission Board

responsible for the whole Myanmar.

3. To plan for Pastor and Evangelist Training in Yangon in April.

4. To plan for GCI Training in November in the Northern Shan State.

5. To plan for Church Planting in the Northern Shan State.

6. To plan for Church Planting in the Southern Shan State.

7. Missionary Recruitment.

8. New Opportunity for Shan Christian Mission.

The meeting will be held on 19^th, 20^th and 21^st at Daw Mya Nu’s resident, No. 3/C, Shan Yeik Tha, Shan Road, San Chaung, Yangon. I hope Rev. Sai Stephen will bring along with him one Church leader from the East and Lung Sam Mon from the South. I hope Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham will bring along with him one Church leader from the North. I will pay for all your traveling expenses.

Please come and let us be one in Christ for His Glory and Kingdom.

In Christ, Signed/ Dr. Sai Htwe Maung.

(Note: After the meeting they did not agree to form Shan Christian Mission Board. They wanted to work separately.)

Report from Rev. Sai Stephen to AOI, 21 January 1998

Greetings to you from Myanmar in the Lord’s name. Including me all of the evangelists are in well health and serve the Lord where the Lord had placed us to serve.

1. Evangelists

a. 20 Evangelists are serving faithfully and enthusiastically in their mission fields.

b. After the G.C.I. KengTung, Jean, Ong and I chose 5 of the trainees to send them to the new fields. Now they are serving in as following mention.

1) Sai Moe Lawn, Pau Soa Village, Muong Yang T.S.

2) Sai Paulu, NamKiu Village, Muong Yang T.S.

3) Maung Hsam Kang, NamPai Village, Muong Bawk T.S.

4) Sai Yaw Ba, MuongHaw Village, MuongYawng T.S.

5) Sai Enoch, WinLau Village, TaChiLeik T.S. Remark. 25 Evangelists are serving in the mission fields.

2. New believers

During 3 months (Oct. - Dec. 97), 33 new believers were accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

3. Visiting and encouraging mission fields

a. From Dec. 27-31, 1997 visited 6 villages and encouraged them in Muong Khat and Muong Yang Township.

b. From Jan 1-5,1998 visited WanSai, CaNan and WanMai Villages in KengTung Township

4. Church dedication

a. WanNarMai new Church building was dedicated in 1997 December 23. Jean, Ong and Takashi had been there in 9 December 97.

b. WanMai new Church building in Muong Khat T.S. was dedicated in 28 December 97.

5. Student Hostel

This is a new project, which we are going to implement in 1998. I had discussed this project with pastor Ong and Jean in KengTung already. I hope pastor Ong had already told you all about the project. I also believe the AOI will help this project also. There will be 50 students in the hostel. The school term is June 1998 to March 1999. I need to hear something from you.

6. Scholarship to Bible school Students

In 1998, there will be 6 young men and women who will attend the Bible College in B.Th. degree level. The school term is from June 1998 March 1999. The expense will be round about US$ 300.00 per year for each of them. I want to request the AOI to help us US $ 200.00 per year for every one of them.

7. The report sheets

Now I send you 4 sheets of conversion report and 2 sheets of training report. I will send you continually.

8. Communication

Make contact with me by sending letter to my KengTung’s address. But please don’t tell about the finance for the security reason but only about the mission work.

I will be in Maesai, Thailand in first week of March. I will contact with you by fax.

9. Financial support (first quarter)

I had already received US$ 300.00 from pastor Ong and 10,000 Kyat from Jean in KengTung. This will cover me one and half months for the Evangelists’ salaries. I want you to send me the 2nd quarter support to my bank account in Maesai, Thailand in March when you receive my fax.

10. Photographs

a. I believe you have seen some of the photos that Takashi, Ong and Jean had taken in KengTung:

b. The negative (I had sent you now) No. 1 to No. 9 are the activities of Church dedication in MuongKhat Ts, WanMai Village.

c. No. 10 to 18 are the trip visiting to the mission fields in Muong Yang Ts.

d. No. 23 & 24 are the new Church building of WanMai Village, Muong Khat Ts.

Conclusion

Thank God for His blessing. Thank you very much to AOI for helping and praying for us all the time. Please bring my regards and greetings to all of AOI staffs.

In His Service, Sai Stephen

Asian Outreach International Ltd

To: Mr. Sai Stephen c/o Pastor Boonyuen Chaiprasert

From: AOI Finance, Date: 4 February 1998

Re: The Support for January to March 98 for Burma Ministry

Dear Pastor Boonyuen,

Warm Christian greetings from Hong Kong.

This fax is to advise Mr. Sai Stephen. Would you please tell him that the details of the telegraphic transfer sent to his account from AOI on 3 February 1998 for the months of January to March 1998 as follows:

Co-workers’ Support US$ 504.00

Training Seminars US$ 210.00

Operational Support US$ 126.00

Church Building US$ 70.00

Less: Advance payment in December 1997 (US$ 300.00)*

(US$ 40.00) = (Kyat 10,000.00)

Total remittance US$ 570.00

* Remark: The amount of US$ 300.00 & Kyat 10,000.00 received by Mr. Sai Stephen when Rev. Ong Siew Huat and Jean Harper visited Burma in December 1997.

Thank you very much for your help. May the Lord God bless and keep you.

In His service, Signed/ May So , Finance Department, AOI.

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, ESS, Burma to Asian Outreach International Ltd, Hong Kong .

4 March 1998

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We all are feeling well and are serving the Lord in the mission fields. Thank you so much for all of your prayer for us. Here below are some of our reports that we have done in the last two months and the new project we are going to implement.

Evangelists

24 Evangelists are enthusiastically working in the mission fields. After the G.C.I KengTung, pastor Ong, Jean and I selected 4 students and sent out to the new mission fields. That’s why the total Evangelists become twenty-four, 5 in KengTung Township, 5 in MuongKhut Township in MuongYang Township, 5 in MuongYawng Township, 1 in TaChiLeik township, 2 in MuongPhat Township.

Conversion Report

In receiving the report from the Evangelists, those who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior are as below mentioned. As the pictures are shown in some events, I myself participated and some were not.

CaNan village, KengTung T.S, 7 persons ( 12-1-1998)

WanHweHsa Village, MuongYawng T.S, 35 persons ( 22-1-1998)

WanKyaw Hla Village, MuongTaung T.S, 27 persons (14-2-1998)

Training Report

We have no training during the last two months.

Traveling

(20-22)-10-1998 Meeting with Dr. Sai Htwe Maung in Yangon for the future Shan Mission.

(10-16)-2-1998 Visiting MuongYawng mission fields and baptizing the new converts.

4-2-1998 Visiting KengTung mission field.

25 Feb. to 9 March, Visiting in the TaChiLeik and MuongPhat mission fields.

Budget

Thank you very much for receiving the financial support from AOI as below.

14-12-1998 From Pastor Ong Siew Huat 72,000 Kyat = 300 US$

14-12-1998 From Miss Jean Harper 10,000 Kyat = 42 US$

4-02-1998 From AOI 144,960 Kyat = 604 US$

Total 226,960 Kyat = 7 946 US$

Bible Students

For the leadership promotion program, there will be six students attending the Bible College in this year. The expense for one student will be 300 US$. The Shan Baptist Conference will take the portion of 100 US$. So I earnestly request to AOI to help us 1,200 US$ for six students. I will send each of their autobiography to you later. The Bible College will open in June.

Student’s Hostel

As I have discussed with pastor Ong and Jean, we request to AOI to help us for the student’s hostel in MuongYawng. Being so many new converts from the mission fields now we established a student’s hostel for their children in MuongYawng. We hope they will become leaders in their own villages in the future. Since our Evangelists cannot live in the village for their whole lives we need native young people to become their own leaders. The school will open in June. I will send the detail project to you later.

Photos

Here I send you some of the negatives that we are doing.

From 0 to 29, 14-2-1998 WanKyawHla, the whole village accepted Jesus. The way to the village abandoned their animist charms and worshipping things. Baptism ceremony and worshipped together with them.

From 30-31-48 people accepted Jesus on 1-3-1998

From 32-34 Water supplying program for the new village and new Church building.

Other 4-2-1998, Visiting to the village.

Thanks

Thank God for His guidance and loving-kindness. Thank AOI for all of your prayer for us and help us in financial support. Thank all of our faithful Evangelists who dedicated themselves totally to God and serving the Lord in the mission fields.

We need your prayer

Pray for all of the Evangelists to stand firm in the Lord’s work, to obtain physical as well as spiritual strength. Sometime they face difficulties in encounter with the area authorities. Being uneducated people they dare not to face with the authorities when the Buddhist to convert and become Christian. Because the area authorities are Buddhist and they dislike the Buddhist to become Christian.

Now I send you three conversion report sheets.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

From Asian Outreach International Ltd

To Rev. Sai Stephen, Baptist Mission Compound, Nong Pha, KengTung (KengTung), Eastern Shan State, Union Of Myanmar. 3 April 1998

Dear Sai Stephen,

Warmest Greetings from Hong Kong.

We have just completed working at the budget of our ministries that are being processed by AOI. Last year, there was a deficit of US$ 424,436 in this area alone. We covered the deficit by liquidating some properties. This year we will not be able to sell any more property. Thus, AOI is not able to honor 100% of budgets presented. As we restructure AO, there might be an increase in income. But still we don’t foresee a significant increase in the income for this year.

In principle we are cutting back on all operational expenses by ±30%. We are not cutting back on the support of co-workers and footsoldiers. For your case, we will trust in God for your entire presented budget, which is:

Co-workers’ Support US$ 2,016

Operational Support US$ 1,344

Church Building US$ 280

6 Students to Bible School US$ 1,200

We are encouraged that you have taken the initiative to raise local support. However, we still must be careful in starting new projects. Our efforts should concentrate in initiating new funding sources as well.

The Lord bless you.

Signed/ David Wang

President, Asian Outreach International

Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 14:19:57 +0800

From: Professional & Organization Development, SSMC, Malaysia.

To: Asian Outreach

Subject: Shan Support

Greetings in the Lord! How are you keeping? I had a discussion with Siew Huat on Sunday (3/5) on the above matter. He confirmed what we earlier discussed sometime in late 1997. That is, any AOI sponsored project, SSMC will support financially through AOI. However, for non-AOI project, SSMC is free to support directly. We need only inform for proper coordination, not get approval. As for the 1998 Shan Project sponsored by AOI, SSMC can consider a sum of US$ 2,000 which can come from our Gift Day. Please revert soonest and kind regards.

Seng Gee

From: AOI

To: Professional & Organization Development, SSMC, Malaysia

Date: Sunday, May 24, 1998 7:21 AM

Dear Seng Gee,

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong.

Thank you very much for your email of 5 May 1998. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. With regard to the US$ 2,000 that SSMC can help with the Shan ministry, thanks in advance. Currently, the footsoldiers and Church building programs are already sponsored. We would like to suggest for SSMC to sponsor the training programs and 4 Bible School students. That will be US$ 2,000. I received a letter from Sai Stephen stating that he will be coming to KL for the Mission Conference. Can you please let me know when that will be? I need to get in touch with him. If you could give me a contact number where he will be staying, I can call him at a convenient time. Thanks so much.

The Lord bless you.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Yeow Mooi

From SSMC, Malaysia to AOI

Wednesday, May 27, 1998 7:03 PM

Subject: 1998 Shan Budget

It was good that we could talk on the above matter. I would be able to hand over US$ 1,870 to Sai Stephen and the rest will be sent to you via Swee Muong in due time.

Seng Gee

From: AOI

To: SSMC, Malaysia

Date: Friday, May 29, 1998 4:23 PM

Subject: 1998 Shan Budget

So good to talk with you the other day. Thanks so much for the gracious support of SSMC re. Shan ministry. We appreciate this partnership very much.

Attached is a summary of our agreement on telephone. There are some slight adjustments, which I hope will be acceptable to you. Please let me know. Also, thanks for arranging the quarter support to be given to Sai Stephen personally. That will help greatly. Please send my warmest love to Sai Stephen. I am also sending a separate email care of you to Sai Stephen. Feel free to read it so you have an idea. I just thought it would better help him to understand our arrangements.

Blessings,

Mooi

From. Asian Outreach International LTD

To. Mr. Cheong Seng Gee, SS Methodist Church,

Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA. 4 June 1998

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong.

First of all, we would like to thank SS Methodist Church for your partnership in ministering to the Shan people in Myanmar. We are thrilled at what God is doing there. With reference to our telephone conversation and discussion, please find attached the partnership support between Shan Baptist, SS Methodist and Asian Outreach for Sai Stephen’s Budget Proposal. We trust this partnership is agreeable to you. As discussed, all funds will be channeled through Asian Outreach to the Shan Ministry. Thank you very much for advancing part of the support to Sai Stephen amounting to US$ 1,870. The balance of US$ 2,574 could be sent through Asian Outreach Malaysia. You mentioned that there is a budget in SSMC to draw up to US$ 5,000 for the Shan Ministry. Should any special projects arise this year, we will certainly keep you informed.

Again thank you very much for your partnership in the Gospel.

The Lord bless you.

Budget requested for 1998

Evangelists Salaries 720,000 Kyat

Refreshers course 150,000 Kyat

Evangelist Training 150,000 Kyat

Traveling Expenses 100,000 Kyat

Building new Churches 100,000 Kyat

Administration 10,000 Kyat

Contingencies 70,000 Kyat

Budget for the year 1998 was approved

Budget requested for 1999 (all in Kyat)

Contributors Shan Baptist AO SSMC

Sai Stephen’s Salary 40,000 40,000 40,000

Total 120,000

24 Evangelists Salary 432,000 432,000 432,000

Total 1,296,000

Training & Seminars 133,333 133,333 133,334

Total 400,000

6 Bible College Students 180,000 0 360,000

Total 540,000

30 Hostel Students 300,000 0 600,000

Total 900,000

Bible School 300,000 600,000 900,000

Travel & Admin 123,333 123,333 123,334

Total 370,000

5 new Church building 150,000 150,000 150,000

Total 450,000

Total 1,658,666 878,666 2,438,668

Budget for the year 1999 was approved.

Letter from Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, 29 June 1998

Dear Dr. Htwe

Greeting in Name of our precious Lord Jesus Christ. I received your letter dated June 6th and learned that you haven’t received my letter. Anyway I thank God for your letter reminding me about your not receiving my letter regarding the forth-coming GCI training in November. As we had discussed with you in Rangoon, the training will be in MayMyo and the date will be 8.11.1998 to 20.11.1998 as you proposed. I would like to make 60 instead of 40 from ShweLi Shan since it is possible for them to travel to MayMyo. The EC of ShweLi Shan had divided participants according to Churches proportionately as MuSe 15, NongSanKone 15, SeLan 5, Myo Ma 5, Chinese 3, Man Bong 2, LaShio 5, Mo Goke 2, MuongMeik 2, MuongHbar 2, Hill tribe 4. Would it be alright? In MayMyo we have some Shan believers whom we have relied on for our meal. They also entitled to attend. We will discuss later. Regarding translators we have Sai Htun Kyaw, Sai Aung Win and myself. If Sai Stephen comes he will be also ready to help. Dai Mao and Burmese have to be used depend on situation. We’ll see to that. No problem.

Regarding expenses (all in Kyat)

Traveling:

MuSe to MayMyo K 4,000 each x2x60 480,000

NamKham to MayMyo K 4,500 each

Allowance K 400 each x2x60 48,000

Lodging K 200 each x14x60 168,000

Meals K 400 each x14x60 336,000

Miscellaneous 8,000

Total 1,050,000 Kyat

I have estimated on 60 participants. We need to give donation to the hall we use for training. You may estimate altogether about 1,100,000 Kyat. We are opening new fields in 9 areas and the Lord gives us good harvest. We plan to open another field in MuongWei and go full swing in Palong mission. We need your prayer and suggestion. Please write and inform your Mainland China mission so that we may also be somehow helpful to your mission. God bless our Dai people through your tireless toiling.

May the Lord blessing be on you and your whole family.

Abundant blessing,

Yours in Christ’ Service, Signed/ Bro. Kham.

Letter from Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham, ShweLi Baptist Mission, NamKham, NSS, Burma, to Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, Hong Kong, 3 August 1998

Dear Dr. Sai Htwe,

Thank you for reminder regarding November GCI in MayMyo. This is my third letter regarding our forth-coming training. There is no problem regarding date of our training. As for translators, we have Sai Aung Win, Rev. Sai Htun Kyaw, you and myself. If Rev. Sai Stephen comes he will be able to render some help. As for trainees I suggested 60. As we have discussed in Rangoon, 5 from Rangoon, 5 from SSS, 50 from ShweLi and some from MayMyo. At least our expenses will exceed Kyat 1,000,000. Pray that the Lord sees to our needs and provide all we need for training. Presently our evangelism department is outing to our Shan within Kachin State. The Lord has given us good harvests.

Praise be His Name! Abundant blessing.

Yours in His Service, Signed/ Rev. Sai Thein Aung Kham.

(1999-2001)

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State,

To Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong. 13 January 1999

Dear Low Yeow Mooi,

Greeting in the name of the Lord! Happy New Year to you all. Tomorrow I will proceed to Yangon for Board of Management Meeting of MBC. So if anything you would like me to know please fax. I will wait here to hear anything from you. As I have written to you in the previous day I participated in my Church Christmas celebration on 23 December. I left KengTung to MuongLa on 24 and preached gospel message on 25. MuongLa is situated on Burma-China border area and belong to Shan insurgent group (now making peace with government). On 26, I led the Bible study for new believers. On 27 Sunday I baptized 15 people including 5 soldiers, 6 Chinese and other 4 who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Yeow Mooi, I beg your pardon for I could not send you the footsoldiers’ testimonies because I have some works to do. I believe you received footsoldiers’ information. We will have 4 trainings including women, Wa Youth and children ministry training in March and April. The SSCM will help and take all the responsibility for the trainings. How about Jean and your trip to KengTung?

Well, I would like to hear something from you. We always remember AOI in our prayer.

In His name, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Fax from Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State, to Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong. 25 February 1999

Greeting in the Lord’s name. Thank you for your financial support of US$ 561.25 dated 8 January and US$ 479.68 dated 3 February 1999. We are using them to support the evangelists and traveling expenses.

As now is traveling season for us we are so busy visiting the evangelists and their fields. I just came back from MuongLa mission field on 14 February. The implementation of Shan mission works are going well because of all of our prayer. In MuongYang township of WanHook village there were 30 people who changed their lives and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior on 22 February. Now the senior pastor of MuongYang Baptist Church lives with them and preaches to them every night. We are arranging to send them an evangelist. I will be back to KengTung on 27 February at the early morning. If anything you would like me to know please fax or phone. Now we are preparing training for Wa and women ministry, which will be led by SSMC.

Blessings, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Fax from Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong

To Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State. 25 February 1999

Dear Brother Sai Stephen,

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong.

I am sorry I was not able to response to you immediately yesterday. I was actually traveling back from Chiangrai to Hong Kong yesterday. I was hoping you would be in touch on Monday or Tuesday so that we could meet up in Maesai or Chiangrai on Wednesday. Anyway, that’s OK. I hope to visit you one day. Thank you for your testimony of MuongYang Township and WanHook village. Can you please answer a few questions regarding this so we can print it on Asian Report?

1. How many is population of WanHook village?

2. Why did 30 people accept Jesus? Was there a miracle that happened? Who went there to preach gospel? What happened?

3. Is WanHook village a new place the team visited?

4. Who visited the village? How far did the team have to travel? On foot or by bus?

5. Was it the first time WanHook villagers heard the gospel of Jesus?

6. What do the villagers in WanHoook do for living?

7. What do the villagers in WanHook normally worship?

I hope you will be able to get this today and give me some answers before you leave. Have a wonderful time with SSMC team. I have already sent them your budget. May be if Seng Gee is on the team, you can talk to him a bit more. I have not heard back any decision from them yet. The Lord bless you, Brother.

Your in Christ, Signed/ Yeow Mooi

Fax from Mr. Cheong Seng Gee, SSMC,

To Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong. 19 March 1999

Dear Yeow Mooi,

Greetings in the Lord! I trust you are keeping well. Have not heard from you and your ministry for quite a while. My sincere apologies for the long silence on the above matter. Been busy away a few times therefore missed a few rounds to discuss on the Shan Budget. It appears that the Shan Budget is O.K. except we are hesitant on a few items i.e. the 6 bible college students, the 30 hostel students and Bible School Support. More details are needed and are they relevant to Shan work and who is overseeing them? Also the exchange rate between USD and Kyat need to be stated clearly as it varies between Shan Baptist, AOI and SSMC. I can understand about the exchange rate. What is the current exchange rate? Once you give me more details for my further discussion, then we can tell you what is approved. Also the GCI budget is a separate issue and you need to liaise with Dr. Ng on that. However please highlight the Shan budget within it and indicate it as discussed with me. That’s all for the time being. Looking forward to hearing from you.

In Christ , Signed/ Seng Gee

Fax from Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong,

To Cheong Seng Gee, SSMC, 23 March 1999

Subject: Shan Budget

Dear Brother Seng Gee,

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong.

Thanks for your email. I did wonder at the silence but I was also traveling so often for the last one month -- almost once a week, with only a few days in HK each week -- that I did not pursue the Shan budget with you. With regard to the 30 hostel students, Bible College Students and Bible School Support, Sai Stephen sees these projects as training future leaders for the Shan ministry. He finds that the young Shan people are easily influenced by the world. The hostel he is running is to disciple these young people as well as educate them according to the requirements of the government. As most of the footsoldiers have not gone through formal Theological Training, Sai Stephen is hoping that he would be able to develop more leadership teams through the Bible Schools. Sai Stephen is overseeing all these. As AO is focusing this year on the footsoldiers, we are not able to help with these three projects. We have informed Sai Stephen of our focus and said we will let you know of the budget and see if SSMC is interested. No commitment has been made on your behalf on these three projects. Trust that is sufficient for you. The exchange rate we are working on is according to the budget presented to us, USD1 to 250 Kyat. It would be great to know your decision soon as we are having to advance the ministry support (excluding the three projects mentioned above) to Sai Stephen.

Blessings/ Mooi

Letter from Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong

To Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State, Myanmar. 20 April 1999

Dear Rev. Sai,

This letter is to invite you to come to our Key Coworkers’ conference taking place in Hong Kong from October 6^th to October 12^th 1999. You would be joining with our key coworkers from around the world for a time of planning and reporting.

Asian Outreach International will be responsible for all the costs associated with your accommodation, traveling and living expenses while you are in Hong Kong, and also the cost of a return air ticket. Please can you make the necessary travel and visa arrangements to be in Hong Kong for the dates mentioned above. Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Low Yeow Mooi, PA to International Director.

Fax from Rev. Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State

To Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong.4 May 1999

Dear Low Yeow Mooi,

Warmest greetings. Thank you so much for all of your letters. Thank you for the financial assistance for the month of January, February and March.

I beseech you for giving no information since February.

1. WanHook, MuongYang Township

MuongYang is about 75 miles form KengTung. WanHook village is 12 miles from MuongYang and it takes four-hour walk. There are 20 families and 76 people in the village. Normally they worship evil spirit. The villagers survive their living by doing shifting farming. ParMai Shan Baptist Church is a big Church in MuongYang. They have 8 groups of evangelistic team in the Church. One of the evangelistic teams went to WanHook in December 1998 and preached gospel. The villagers are so happy and paid so much attention to the gospel. After the program the village leaders came to discuss with the group leader. They explained that they always got sick and died. Whenever they got sick witch doctors ordered them to scarify to evil spirit. So they left no dog, cow, pig and other animal in their house. They wanted to be freed. How can they do? The team leader said that he would send them the pastor from ParMai Church to solve the problem. After they went back the pastor called Rev. Ai Kyit who is 78 years old but still very strong came to the village. He lived with them, preached them and drove out evil spirit from their village. He collected all the things they worship and destroyed them all. After living with and teaching them for two and half months 30 people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Now they received a happy life. But they still need the evangelist to come and live with them, preach and teach them the Christian living.

2. Sai Kong’s Ministry

Sai Kong is a very active evangelist as well as pastor. While pasturing in WanSai his Church he always visits the nearby villages to preach the gospel. Now 20 people of the new believers are waiting for baptism.

3. Training Led by SSMC

In the last month of March 30 to April 3, we had held 3 trainings in one time at the separated places led by SSMC. The training was women’s ministry, Wa leadership ministry and Children ministry.

4. Budget for 1999

I had discussed with SSMC mission team while visiting KengTung regarding the budget for 1999. I had explained all the areas that they are not clear. They brought all of my explanation to the Church. We understand the present situation. We thank you so much for those who are supporting us. We all will faithfully serve the Lord whatever difficulties we may face in front of us.

5. Evangelistic Bible School

It will be opened from 2nd August to 31st October. We hope at least 15 students will come and train for evangelist and pastor.

6. My Future Ministry

By the grace of God I was chosen by MBC to go out for further study for one year. It is from September 1999 to May 2000. It will be at Overseas Ministry Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA. The mission work in the Eastern Shan State will be carried on by the Shan leader Rev. Sai Philip. He will serve as acting General Secretary of the Conference for one year. I am so sorry to say that I could not participate in the Key co-workers conference, which will be held in Hong Kong 6-12 October.

The Lord bless you.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen, evangelist

Fax from Rev. Sai Stephen, eastern Shan State, to Cheong Seng Gee, SSMC, Malaysia. 11 June 1999

Dear Cheong Seng Gee,

Greetings to all of you in the Lord’s name. Thank you for your fax of 10 May 1999. I am so sorry to reply back you so lately. This is the best way in contact with you only while I come to Maesai, Thailand. On behalf of the Shan Baptist Conference I would like to thank to the SSMC and the mission teams coming to us.

1. November Mission Team

My US trip is confirmed. I will leave in the last week of August. I will be there from September 1999 to May 2000. Rev. Sai Philip will be in charge of the Conference’s activities including the mission work in my absence. He cannot speak or write English. I hope he can manage the training but when it comes to discuss the important matters about our future cooperation and mission work for the long term he cannot handle that area. So I would like to suggest you frankly that for the cell Church in November 1999, shall we consider to postpone to November or December of 2000? In fact, the cell Church training is a great need for our people.

2. The Wa Training

Thank you for having concern upon Wa group. They are the people who are really in need of spiritual as well as physical support. That is why we the Shan people are helping the area they need. As you have mentioned it is very true that the need of the Shan and Wa are not the same. So whenever arranging for sending the mission team to KengTung considering both of the needs of the people are necessary.

3. Telephone Line

My telephone line is not ready yet. As far As I know when we call you we have to go through operator in Yangon to be on line. However we get only three minutes to speak. But if you call us we can speak as much as we want.

4. Year 2000 and 2001

Yes. AD 2000 will be a year of celebration for us. We will be very busy. So let us have cell Church training in November or December of 2000. Also yes, the Youth mission team should be planned in April 2001.

5. 1999 and 2000 Budget

Thank you very much for information of 1999 budget. Now the Bible College and high school had started open in June last and the Evangelistic Bible School will be opened on 1st August. I hope you will send support to us on time. I will be taking over my position until the end of July. While I am away I will contact you. I would like to request you to help us for the project of 2000.

I will stay in Maesai until Monday. Please contact me by fax. Thank you and God bless you all.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Fax from Sai Stephen, Eastern Shan State

To Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong. 11 June 1999

Dear Low Yeow Mooi,

Greetings to you in the Lord’s name. I hope you all are in good health and serving the Lord. Thank you for the help support for the month of March, April, May and June. As the Bible College and high school has started open in June 1st and the Evangelist Bible School will be opened on 1st August, I may need the support. I had already faxed to SSMC to send the help support to us through AOI.

My US trip is confirmed. I will leave in the last week of August. I will be there from September 1999 to May 2000. While I am in US, I will be very happy and thankful if you can arrange me to visit AO America. I will be taken over my activities and mission works until the end of July. I hope I will come to Maesai and get in touch with you before I leave. At that time I will inform you in detail the arrangement about the co-operation and mission work while I am absence. We had held the Pastor Training from 24 to 28 May in KengTung leading by the Shan Baptist Conference and Myanmar Baptist Convention. 30 pastors are fully participated. At that training we taught them the topics of The Role of a Pastor, Exodus, Servant Leadership, How to present the Bible Stories. I will be back (to Myanmar) on 15 June, Tuesday. Please do contact me by fax or phone except Sunday. Thank you Yeow Mooi for helping us and God bless you all.

In Christ Name, Signed/ Sai Stephen

19 July 1999

To. AOI

From. Sai Stephen, Shan Baptist Conference, (Eastern Shan State), KengTung. Six months report (January to June 1999)

1. The Evangelists.

25 evangelists serving full time. 98 people accepted the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Trainings

From 30.3.1999 to 3.4.1999, 45 people attended. Women Ministry Training, lead by SSMC at KanNaLone Church, 40 attended Children Ministry lead by SSMC at Calvary Church, 30 attended Wa leadership training lead by SSMC at Conference Hall, 30 Pastors attended Pastors’ Retreat Training lead by MBC and Shan Baptist Conference at Calvary Church.

3. Sai Stephen visited field mission works from November to May with local evangelists.

4. Three months Evangelistic Bible School will be started from August to October. Hoping that 15 students will join the school.

5. Bible Students Support

12 students are studying in MayMyo Lisu Theological Seminary. We plan to have a Bible School in KengTung by AD 2001 offering two years course certificate level.

6. Hostel Students

We have two hostels for children of poor new believers.

25 students in MuongYawng and 10 students in KengTung.

7. Budget for year 2000.

8. Thanks for His guidance and loving kindness, to AOI and SSMC and our evangelists for their dedicated services.

9. Challenges: economic hardship, inflation, poor communication and transportation, restriction from local authority, need of computer.

Signed/ Sai Stephen

20 July 1999

From Sai Stephen To AOI

I am sending you evangelists’ personal testimonies. During my absence please send money to Rev. Sai Philip bank account Thai Farmers Bank # ………. God bless you.

Sai Stephen

(Note: Sai Stephen was sent to USA for ten months job training program under Myanmar Baptist Convention in August 1999)

E-mail letter to Rev. Sai Stephen in USA from Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong.

9 September 1999

Dear Brother Sai Stephen,

Warmest greetings from Hong Kong.

Trust you are well settled in the US by now. Please let us know if you need any help from us. I am sending your contact details to Rev. Jim Swanson so he could keep in touch with you. His email address is aousa@…. When I was in Malaysia I met with Brother Seng Gee. He mentioned that a lady from the Wa tribe approached them for help. He said the team met this lady through you. Brother Seng Gee would like to check with you if the projects we are supporting already include the Wa tribe. We certainly do not want to duplicate any efforts. Could you please write to Brother Seng Gee and cc to me? Thanks.

Secondly, I am now working on your budget proposal for the year 2000 before sending it to SSMC (Brother Seng Gee) for their consideration. In the evangelists support column, we noticed that the support for one evangelist has been raised from 4,500 Kyat per month to 6,000 Kyat per month. Our understanding is that a teacher in Rangoon only earns 4,500 Kyat a month. And many people do not earn as much. Is there any reason why the increase is needed? We would like to be prudent in that the evangelists have to live with an element of faith.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

God’s blessings, /Mooi

Letter from Rev. Sai Stephen to Asian Outreach, Hong Kong

21st September 1999

(This is the last letter from Sai Stephen to AOI before he went to be with the Lord in July 2000)

Warmest greetings from New Haven, C9, USA.

Thank you so much for your email dated September 9. I would like to apologize to you for being reply back lately. I have been busy with some jobs that have to be done here. Here in New York, we have a Burmese Church established in 1995. But they have no pastor. Therefore I go there every week and help the Church. Thank you for introducing me to Rev. Jim Swanson. I do not make a contact with him yet. I will take time to contact with him.

Wa Ministry:

Concerning the Wa ministry, I had introduced the Wa lady, who graduated from Singapore Bible College called Angela Shwe, to Dr. Leung. She served as an interpreter at the Wa ministry training. She was invited to visit the SSMC in May. After coming back she told me the planning she has discussed with the SSMC. I warned her that I did not want to duplicate any effort. Last month I had already written to Sung Gee that they can help them in the ministry applying is not overlapped with our ministry.

Budget proposal for the year 2000

Thank you for working on my budget proposal for the year 2000. According to your e-mail, you said I raised the support for one evangelist from 4,500 Kyat per month to 6,000 Kyat per month. I would like you to check the last year budget proposal carefully. Actually I did not raise the salary support. The budget proposal of the year 2000 is the same as an old one budget of 1999. I think that I had explained you about this issue vastly in the last year. Again I would like to give the explanation that the cost of living in the Eastern Shan State for the time being is; one piece of chicken, pork, beef 1,500 Kyat, one kilogram of rice 100 Kyat, education, medical care expenses. Therefore you can imagine that how the evangelist will survive his own living with the 6,000 Kyat salary a month. You mentioned a teacher in Yangon only earns 4,500 Kyat a month. I understand that a government schoolteacher gets only 1,200 Kyat a month but they have the outside income. How can they survive only on 1,200 Kyat a month? In mission work, even a sweeper in Myanmar Baptist Convention, Yangon gets 6,500 Kyat a month. The Shan Church’s pastor in Rangoon received 10,000 Kyat a month. The Church has to pay for his transportation and house renting expenses also. So in order to help the evangelists to serve the Lord without worrying about the family, we would like to help them to meet their needs. In KengTung, almost all of the ministers receive at least 6,000 Kyat a month. I hope you will understand what I am explaining and hope that you can share to the donors also. Thank you very much for everything that assists us. Looking forward to hearing from you too.

In His Service, Signed/ Sai Stephen

Requested budget for 2000 (all in Kyat)

Local 40% AOI 30% SSMC 30%

Director Salary 48,000 36,000 36,000

Total 120,000

24 Evangelists Support 691,200 518,400 518,400

Total 1,728,000

General & Admin 148,000 111,000 111,000

Total 370,000

Training & Seminars 160,000 120,000 120,000

Total 400,000

5 new Church building 180,000 135,000 135,000

Total 450,000

Bible School 360,000 270,000 270,000

Total 900,000

6 Bible School Students 216,000 162,000 162,000

Total 540,000

30 Hostel Students 360,000 270,000 270,000

Total 900,000

Total 2,163,200 1,622,400 1,622,400

Total 5,408,000

(Requested budget for the year 2000 was approved.)

Nang Thu Zar Mon reported on 26th December 2000 that there were 25 full time evangelists in Eastern Shan State supported by Asian Outreach.

They were;

Nang Thu Zar Mon, Sai Kup, Sai Sam, Sai Num, Ai Wan, Nang Ester Moon, Nang Sun Yin, Rev. Ai Kyit, Sai Tay Myint, Sai Kong, Sai Seng Kham, Sai Saw, Sai Yaw Ba, Dan Ye Hla, Sai Phut, Sai Lee, Sai Yaw Han, Daw Nang Noi, Hla Raing, Daw Tin Seng, Rev. Nyi Thai, Rev. Yohan, Sara Ai Shie, Sara Sam Khin, Sara Lok Rony.

Requested budget for 2001 (all in Kyat)

Contributor: Local AO SSMC

Director Salary 48,000 36,000 36,000

Total 120,000

24 Evangelists Salaries

691,200 518,400 518,400

Total 1,728,000

General and Administration

148,000 111,000 111,0001

Total 370,000

Training & Seminars

168,960 126,720 126,720

Total 422,400

5 new Church building

180,000 135,000 135,000

Total 450,000

Evangelists Bible School( 6 months )

1,764,000 0 2,646,000

Total 4,410,000

8 Bible Scholl Students

288,000 0 432,000

Total 720,000

35 hostel Students 420,000 0 630,000

Total 1,050,000

Sub Total 3,708,160 927,120 4,635,120

Total 9,270,400

Letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Sai Stephen, 4^th December 1999

(This is the last letter from Dr. Sai Htwe Maung to Rev. Sai Stephen before Sai Stephen went with the Lord on 12 July 2000)

Dear Rev. Sai Stephen,

Greeting!

Thank you for your letter. In fact this letter is the first letter from you in more than a year. I do not know why you don’t write me. There must be some reason behind. God knows. Anyhow I thank God for your work in Eastern Shan State Churches. I praise God for what He is doing in our Shan people. I pray that by His amazing grace we may be able to do wonderful work among our people.

We had GCI in MayMyo last year and in Yangon this year. It was very successful. 77 people attended in November 1999 GCI. But regretfully none came from KengTung. We have about 15 from MuongYawng, about 25 from TaungGyi, about 15 from ShweLi and the rest from Yangon. Some people from MuongYawng paid for their own expenses and came. They even contribute 10% of their allowance back to GCI cost. They are really wonderful people. The showed the best example to our people. They sang and recorded about ten choirs for my radio program. We are planning to have local GCI training in May 2000 in TaungGyi and in November 2000 in MuongYawng. International GCI will be held again in July in Yangon.

I am very busy now. My radio program is continuing one hour every day. It is a blessing to all the Shan people, Christians and non-Christians alike. My New Bible Translation is almost finished. My New Testament and Psalms are ready to be printed. Hopefully it can be printed in early year 2000. We have issued Our Daily in Shan language for the first time, in history of our Shan ministry, in December this year. It is another blessing to our Shan Churches.

I have printed Four Gospels in One Book. It is good for Christian and non-Christian alike to read and know more about Jesus with out confusion. I have also printed Psalms in large font so that old people who have poor eyesight can read easily.

I went to China twice this year and going again next year.

I hope you are doing well in US. Hope that you may learn something that can be applicable, useful and effective for your works among the Eastern Shan Churches. You may know that Asian Outreach has changed its structure and formation. We have new National, International and Executive Board. I am selected as Myanmar National Director and elected member of International Board. My term of office will be 3 years. I am thinking of doing GCI for other group of people in Myanmar. When we have GCI again in Myanmar, it will be self-supporting. (Local Churches will sponsor the cost of the training)

May the grace of the Lord be upon you as you honestly serving Him for His glory and Kingdom.

In His Service, Signed/ Dr. Sai Htwe Maung.

4 Dec 1999.

E-mail letter from Sai Htwe Maung To Asian Outreach International. 22 July 2000

Dear All Co-workers

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am just back from Burma yesterday after GCI Training in Yangon for ten days from 3^rd to 13^th July and late Rev. Sai Stephen’s funeral on 14^th in KengTung. I am still at the state of shock because of unexpected sudden loss of our hard working co-worker Rev. Sai Stephen.

I had the opportunity of talking to him by phone from Yangon to KengTung on 4th evening of July. During our conversation he had indeed given me a revelation that he was going to “heavenly home” by saying “I am so busy that I do not have time to put my head down to rest since I come back home.” In our Burmese culture “putting head down to rest” means “death.” But I did not understand the meaning at that moment. We talked about our future Shan mission. He desired to have GCI level two for the Eastern Shan in November or December. (His wish has been fulfilled when Rev. Takashi Yoshida and team conducted GIC in KengTung in February 2001)

The story of his final moment:

On 9^th July, Sunday, he preached and conducted Communion at Calvary Baptist Church. People realized that he talked unusually slow and soft. When asked what happened he said that he had very bad headache. He went home and took a nap.

On 10^th July, Monday, he and his co-worker were planning to go to TaChiLeik by plane for a Baptist Convention meeting. But he still had a very bad headache. He went to see a doctor and blood pressure was checked. It was very high and he was advised not to travel. His co-worker went to the airport alone. But the plane did not arrive and his departure to TaChiLeik was postponed until the next day.

On 11^th July, Tuesday, he felt a little better and went to see doctor again and blood pressure was checked. It was normal. He asked if he could travel by plane to TaChiLeik. Doctor gave him green light and few medicines to travel. But when he arrived at the airport and about to check in he was told that his name had been deleted from the passengers’ list because he failed to show up yesterday at the airport. He was not allowed to go on the plane. He was very up set and angry with the airline staff at the check in counter. He suddenly felt dizzy and severe headache. He could not stand on his feet. He was helped to a car and brought to the clinic immediately. His blood pressure at the clinic was very high. Doctor gave him treatment and let him rest for a while. He felt better in the afternoon and he was allowed to go back home.

On 12^th July, Wednesday morning, he woke up with headache. Despite severe headache he met with director of mission & evangelism from Myanmar Baptist Convention who came from Yangon two days earlier than schedule to meet with ESSBC. He discussed about mission work with that person at his home the whole morning. He had sweating on the body and pain in his head. He went to take bath and came back and had lunch with the person. After having lunch he asked for excuse and went to bad. When he woke up from a nap he was found confusing. Talking incoherently. His wife realized that he was in a bad situation. She telephoned a doctor and told her about him. She was advised to bring him to the clinic immediately. At the clinic, doctor realized that his blood pressure was dangerously high. He was advised to go to see the specialist’s clinic. But on the way to the specialist’s clinic he got stroke and loss his consciousness. They sent him to the hospital immediately. He got cardiac arrest when they arrived at the hospital. Resuscitation was done. But failed to revive. He was declared dead at 8:15 PM.

I received this bad news from phone call from KengTung, Rev. Philip, on the early morning of 13^th in Yangon. I was really shock. I cried and cried. I could not help Takashi in translation at GCI final training session any more. I ran to domestic airline office. By the Grace of God I was able to buy a plane ticket to KengTung. In fact our GCI finished on 13th and I was about to come back to Hong Kong on 14th. I praised God that I was able to go to KengTung on 14th, send his body back to the earth and say final farewell to him. His wife, three daughters and family members were very much encouraged by faxed messages from Eric Fung, Malaysia AO, SS Methodist Church, Malaysia, Lau Tak Siong, Singapore AO, David Wang, Hong Kong AOI, Takashi, Japan, and my presence at the funeral as a representative from Asian Outreach and his co-worker. (Some faxed messages were too late for me to get them to KengTung)

Attached are three pictures of late Rev. Sai Stephen’s funeral.

May the Peace and Grace of the Lord be with you all.

In Christ, Sai Htwe Maung.

Shan Mission Report to AOI, Reported by Rev. Sai Philip, KengTung, Eastern Shan State. August 2000

The ministry in the Eastern Shan State is a partnership effort between the Shan Baptist Convention, Eastern Shan State (SBC, ESS), SS Methodist Church Malaysia (SSMC) and Asian Outreach.

It was a shock to everyone in July when Rev. Sai Stephen, the coordinator of this ministry in the Eastern Shan State of Myanmar passed away. He poured his life into many around him, who are now evangelizing among the Shan people. Sai Philip is now the coordinator for this work, please pray for God’s strength and anointing as he undertakes this role.

(1) The evangelists

There are 25 evangelists who have totally dedicated their lives to serve the Lord. The progress reports of the evangelists are submitted to the director every three months.

There are some changes of the evangelists in some fields. In KengTung field instead of Nang Seng Kham we have appointed Sai Hsam. Rev. Ai Kyauk (CaNan) and Saya Sai Kong (WanSai) are now supported by their own Church, which they planted. So instead of these two we support Nang Esther Moan (WanLao village) and Nang San Yin (WanHeramon village).

(2) Training

May 22-26^th, 30 participants, led by the Myanmar Baptist Convention (MBC) and SBC (ESS.) at Cavalry Church, KengTung. The subjects that were taught

a. Discipleship

b. The book of Jeremiah

c. Teaching the Bible effectively.

(3) Three month evangelistic Bible School

The three-month evangelistic Bible School is held from August to October 2000, with 18 students. It’s quite convenient for them.

This year is the busiest year for the S.B.C. (E.S.S.). We are going to celebrate the century jubilee in the year 2001, March 29-April 1^st in KengTung at Kang Nar Lone Church. The M.B.C. also will celebrate to praise the Lord for the year 2000 from Nov 21^st – 26^th. We too will have to participate along with them.

The Youth Department of the M.B.C. and S.B.C. (E.S.S.) will hold basic training for youth from October 15^th-20^th. We also have heard from Wa’s secretary that SSMC will be coming and hold training for us. To make sure I will contact them and get more information.

(4) Bible Students

New Bible students are studying in MayMyo, Insein and Yangon. M.Div. 2 students, B.Th. 6 students, BRE. 1 student.

(5) Hostel Students

We have two hostels for the basic education students. There are 15 students in KengTung and 28 students in MuongYawng.

(6) Thanksgiving

Thank God for His guidance and loving-kindness. Thank AOI and SSMC supporting the money to our Convention.

(7) Please pray for us

Pray for the century jubilee celebration. Pray for three-month evangelistic Bible school. Pray for our Bible students. Pray for our Convention staff.

Signed/ Sai Philip. August 2000

Letter from Nang Thu Zar Mon, Eastern Shan State,

To Miss. Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong. 21 November 2000

Dear Low Yeow Mooi,

Warmest greetings in the Lord’s name.

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Nang Thu Zar Mon. I’m 30 years old. In 1994 I graduated with B.Th degree from Myanmar Institute of Theology, Insein, Yangon. I have been serving the Lord as Assistant Pastor in Calvary Baptist Church since 1994, KengTung. Rev. Sai Stephen was our pastor. I worked with him in His service for six years. As you know he had been called to heavenly home. After 6th EC committee meeting of the Shan Baptist Convention, Eastern Shan State, held on 4-6 October in NaungCho, Wa Baptist Church, EC committee decided to select me as the Assistance Secretary and Director of the (ESS Evangelism and Mission). I know I am not worthy to be the director of (Mission). I have no experience and skill I need your help and encouragement, good advice, guidance and co-worker with me. Looking forward to co-operating with you in future.

Yours in Christ, Signed/ Thu Zar Mon

Fax from Low Yeow Mooi, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong,

To Nang Thu Zar Mon, Eastern Shan State. 7 December 2000

Dear Thu Zar Mon,

Warmest Christian greetings from Hong Kong.

Thank you for your fax of 21st November informing us of your appointment to be the representative from Shan Baptist Convention (Eastern Shan State) to Asian Outreach in our partnership. We will be in touch with you regarding future cooperation. As you know our arrangement was with Rev. Sai Stephen who was one of our GCI graduates. For a few years we have been looking at expanding our ministry in Myanmar beyond the Shan people, so we are currently reviewing our ministry in Myanmar. We might not be able to commit to the same level next year. However, we do look forward to receiving your budget and plans for next year so we know which area(s) we can cooperate in.

Would you also be able to provide us with an update on some of the footsoldiers that we are currently supporting, so that we can pass the information on for our supporters to pray and give. In a report dated August 2000, Sai Philip mentioned that Nang Seng Kham who was ministering in Jorden Village, MuongYang Township was replaced by U Sai Hsam. Could you provide us with some more information about the reason for this change, and what Nang Seng Kham is now doing? Can you also provide us with some background information about

U Sai Hsam - when and how he became a Christian, about his ministry and its results?

Thank you so much for your help.

Blessings, Signed/Low Yeow Mooi.

(Note: AOI and SSMC stopped supporting Shan Mission work in Eastern Shan State from 2002.)

Shan Mission Report to AOI

By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung. 28th September 2000

Shan Bible Translation and Publication.

By His wonderful grace I am able to finish New Testament and Psalms this year. It is now under printing process in Yangon sponsored by “The Bible League.” Bible League will print 10,000 copies and give us 3,000 copies as a free gift and the rest will be used by Bible League in their Project Philip Bible Study courses.

Shan Gospel Radio Production And Broadcasting.

This is the only one radio broadcast in the world that preaches the gospel in Shan language. By His wonderful grace, since 1989, I am able to produce 45 minutes Burmese-Shan program and 15 minutes Chinese-Shan program every day for FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company) broadcasting from Manila, Philippines, every morning. Our target listeners are Shan people in Burma, Thailand and China.

Responses from listeners are very encouraging. 90% of letters received from listeners are from Buddhist monks. This is the best effective way of reaching Shan people who live in high mountainous thick forest where our evangelists cannot go.

Shan Daily Bread Translation and Publication.

No periodical Christian publication in Shan language available except Our Daily Bread. (Translated from RBC Our Daily Bread booklet) We are able to translate and publish ODB since December 1999. This is the only book that Christians can read and get Spiritual inspiration daily. 10,000 copies of “The book of Psalms in big bold letter” was published last year. 10,000 copies of “Four gospels in one book” with pictures illustration was also published last year.

(Note: Shan Daily Bread Publishing stopped in 2002 because few Shan Churches ordered the books.)

Great Commission Institute Training (GCI).

We have conducted GCI training for the Shan people in Burma 7 times in 6 years and 425 graduated.

Footsoldiers.

We have about 40 full time footsoldiers in the field supported by Churches from Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Mission Trip.

I was able to do “the first mission trip” in the Southern Shan State in June this year after conducting 10 days GCI training in TaungGyi. I traveled to seven towns and villages in 6 days. Sitting on the bus for 20 hours, walking on the muddy road bear foot, preaching and teaching to believers and non-believers from dawn to dark was a wonderful experience. Hundreds of people accepted Jesus.

Many people were very hungry of the good news. Some said that they had never heard the gospel in their own language. Some requested to tell them more and they were willing to listen until dawn. Some refused to go back home even the meeting was ended. They wanted to hear more. Many believers do not have pastor to take care of them. There was no Church in some places.

NarKan’s Hungry Souls

The rains poured down heavily. The road was muddy and slippery. There were no stars in the sky. We were walking through the darkness of the night heading to the Church which was somewhere in the rice field which we could not see. Following the footstep of the one in front of you with out seeing the road so that you won’t get fall into the fishpond reminded me how we should follow Jesus’ footstep. I was really wondering how many people would come to the Church to hear the gospel in such dark raining night. After walking for one hour we got to the end of the road but seeing no Church in the darkness. I was told a Church was there. But I could not see it. We proceeded for another ten minutes and we got to the Church. There was no light in the Church. I could not see any one there. Then we started running our portable generator and the light went up in the Church. To my amazement I saw more than hundred people sitting in the Church quietly waiting to hear the gospel. How long they had been sitting there waiting? After preaching gospel to them for one hour all people stood up and accepted the Lord. They said that they had never heard the gospel in their language (Shan) before except in the radio. The small Church was belonged Lisu Church. (Lisu is another tribal group). One of our footsoldiers was doing follow up work there. Pray that His Church will be established in this NarKan village.

Financial Report (all in HK dollar) year 2000

Project Received/Source Expense

Radio Broadcast Nil/Nil 23,400

Bible Translation 666.27/AO Japan 21,060

Footsoldiers 3,239.53/AO Japan 15,040

11,800/ PA Church HK

Yangon Church 1,299.92/AO Malaysia1, 1,300

Our Daily Bread Nil/Nil 17,940

Publication 4,000/EEC, HK 48,750

GCI training 7,800/GCI 7,800

Mission Trip Nil/Nil 14,500

Total 28,805.72 149,790

(Deficit) (HK$120,984.28 ) = (US$15,510.81)

(All this deficit was born by Sai Htwe Maung)

Project and Planning

1. To finish Old Testament Translation in 3 years and publish the Holy Bible in 4 years. I need one co-worker to help me and learn from me so that he/she can continue the work in the future. Shan Bible is in great demand.

2. To improve Shan Gospel Radio Broadcasting Program. Since many people are listening to our program we need to improve the quality and format to be more effective. I need one co-worker to help me and to learn from me so that he/she can be a successor in the future.

3. To improve Shan Daily Bread Translation and produce Shan Gospel Tracts.

4. To conduct GCI training once a year.

5. To have once a year mission trip to the Shan people. Meeting radio listeners and preaching to them in person is very effective.

6. To improve Footsoldiers ministry. Most of our footsoldiers are inexperienced and have limited training. We need to give them more training that can be accepted by the people and the Church and be able to pastor the Church.

7. To produce Cassette Tape Ministry. Many people ask for Gospel and Bible Teaching on Cassette Tape so that they can listen again and again until they understand and believe.

(Buddhist monks have produced Buddha’s teaching and Scripture reciting on Cassette Tape)

8. To produce music ministry.

We only have about ten Gospel Music in Shan language produced in one hundred years. We need to produce more Gospel Music on tape and be available for Churches and young people.

9. To produce Gospel Tracts.

Since we can not give Bible to those who want to read and know more about Jesus and His salvation, we have to produce Gospel Tracts for free distribution. It can be also be sent by mail to the radio listeners.

10. To establish Shan Mission School. (In 2002)

There’s no Bible School or Seminary available for the Shan people. Our people have to go to Burmese or other language Bible School or Seminary. It takes four years to graduate. They do not have money for four years study. We want to have a School of Mission that will offer one-year study for our Shan people. It will be a great help to produce a well-trained evangelist acceptable to the people and Churches. It will be a live-in training school one-year course. Trained by local and foreign trainers who can dedicate their time, money and effort for this training school. They will be offered Diploma after successfully finished the course.

Conclusion

Difficult but not impossible.

Zech. 4:6 “Then he answered and spook unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

I have quit my professional medical job on April 30, 2000 and dedicated all my life and my time to His works. However I still need help from Him, from You and from Them.

Need of Co-workers.

We have lost one of our dedicated co-workers Rev. Sai Stephen three months ago. Pray that God will provide more for us. I need one co-worker to help me in my Radio Ministry. I need one co-worker to help me in my Bible and other translation and publication.

Need of Material and Spiritual Support.

Without AO and other partners’ support it will be very difficult for me to do these works. Please help me to save millions of the lost souls.

Financial Need For The Year 2001

Radio Broadcast US$3000

Bible Translation US$2700

Daily Bread Translation US$2300

Gospel Tracts production US$1700

Training & Evangelism US$2000

Footsoldiers Support US$2400

Audio Cassette Production US$1000

Two co-workers in Radio US$9500

and Translation works ( to live and work in HK)

Total for the year 2001 US$24600

Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible”

Letter from Russell M.(American Missionary to the Dai Nua in China) To Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

I have just recently talked with local workers in RuiLi (ShweLi). They have reported that some Dai (Shan) in Myanmar are interested in going to preach in China to the Dai there but their pastors tell them not to go. This is very unfortunate.

Several of the believers are growing in their faith but I have not encountered any new decisions since July.

Blessings.

Letter from Takashi Yoshida to AOI on 28 December 2000

Subject: Church Planting

Since I am responsible for Mongolia and Myanmar, I sent a mail to Alex because we’ve lost Bro. Sai Stephen, it is difficult for me to reorganize Myanmar GCI. We plan to have one in KengTung where Stephen was ministering because when we met together in Yangon a week before he went to be with the Lord I promised to have one there. Now Sai Philip is going to do that. After that I don’t know how and with whom we should work with yet. There are different kinds of offer. I asked pastor Chin Keng Leong to search a possibility to have one in TaChiLeik but he said he would need time.

I discussed the matter with David when he was in Japan and suggested to work with pastor Myo Chit but later I talked with somebody else and I slightly change my mind. I don’t think there is no hope with Myo Chit but unless GCI is a very attractive offer for him or gives merits for him, probably he would not be interested in it since AOG has own training system. Therefore, as I go to Myanmar in coming February I will seek His guidance and leading. The following is the story, which happened between last July and September.

Bro. Winston and I were in Yangon Myanmar to conduct Multinational GCI in July. Until last year, we had 6 GCIs for Shan people. But there are many minorities in Myanmar and we planned to have a GCI for Burmese. However, it turned to be Multinational GCI including Burmese. We have Co-workers for Myanmar ministry. One was Rev. Sai Stephen in KengTung, Eastern Shan State. Rev. Sai Stephen went to be with the Lord last July. It happened last July. He was an able worker with passion and fire although he was belonging to Myanmar Baptist Convention. He came back from the United States last May after 6 months’ study at Colombia.

Last June, I met a brother, Rev. D. Aung Yi from MBC. He invited Bro. Winston and me to teach at their Training Course in September 2000. We planned to go to Yangon again. But a mail came to me, Rev. D. Aung Yi wrote “This is to inform you about the training program we have drawn while you were in Yangon earlier. Our MBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Simon Pau Kam En said to me that he cannot allow foreigners to teach in the Baptist Circle for the time being due to complaint from some Baptist leaders recently. So I hope you understand my position and I am sorry to say that we have to cancel the programs both for you and pastor Winston Ee. Please inform him about this cancellation. Only Myanmar nationals are allowed for the time being for the Baptists. Another thing is that I am retiring from my post as AD 2000 Coordinator on 31st December 2000 from Myanmar Baptist Convention.”

When Rev. Sai Stephen was in Yangon, we had a discussion together regarding GCI training in KengTung next year February. He discussed the matter with other pastors in his area. I met them at MBC in Yangon with Sai Stephen. However, I was totally depending on Stephen.

1. Rev. Sai Stephen went with the Lord.

2. According to Rev. D Aung Yi, Dr. Simon P.K. En does not back up GCI in MBC.

Actually we have planed three GCIs in different location in 2001 with D. Aung Yi. I believe two other GCI planed with D. Aung Yi are cancelled. We were praying if this cooperation with MBC would be God’s will. Because MBC is like a sleeping elephant. They say that there are 16 conventions and 3,700 Churches and 6,000 workers. But most of them have become conservative and lost life and fire. Therefore, some of the pastors asked us to bring fire into them. Now it seems this door was closed. Do you know Rev. Andrew Bawi Ceu, founder and President of Myanmar Gospel Outreach, in Mandalay? He sent a letter to Tak Siong and asked if GCI is interested in cooperation with his ministry.

Please let us know if you have information and wisdom regarding this matter. I sent mails to a couple of people about Andrew Bawi Ceu and nobody has responded.

May the Lord bless you!

Takashi Yoshida

Letter from Cheong Song Gee, SSMC, Malaysia to AOI, 8 January 2001

Subject: Shan Myanmar

Dear Yeow Mooi,

Happy New Year and Happy Chinese New Year at the same time. How did you spend the end of the year and crossing into the New Year?

I met with Rev. Sayama Toe Toe also known as Nang Thu Zar Mon (young lady of 31 who speaks fairly good English) who was assisting Rev. Sai Stephen in pastoring the Calvary Baptist Church and is now the pastor of Calvary as well as Asst. Gen Sec. of Eastern Shan Baptist Convention and Rev. Sai Philip (speaks little English) who took over from the late Sai Stephen as the GS, at Tachileik in late November 2000. Both are doing good work and work well as a team. They are in the proms of visiting the 24 evangelists in Eastern Shan State, which was under Sai Stephen. I believe you may have received a half-year report (June-Dec) from them. They appear committed and want to work with AOI and SSMC. In fact, Sayama Toe Toe was disappointed they could not meet up with you. I would recommend that you meet up with them and believe that it is worthwhile for you to see their work. So the transition has been smooth and there is no gap in my opinion. In fact, we are sending a team in late March to attend their 100th Anniversary Shan celebration as well as do some training there.

Furthermore the Eastern Shan Baptist Conference has adopted another tribe, the Wa thru the Wa Baptist Association (WBA) in KengTung. The WBA hopes to be a conference in their own right in a few years time and we are also linked with them thru a General Secretary by the name of Angela Shwe. She is very dynamic and is the female version of Sai Stephen for the Wa tribe. In fact, she was the one who introduce us to new work in the Tachileik/Maesai (Myanmar/Thai border) area in making contacts with the Four Square Bible Institute and the Ahka Bible Institute, which specializes in training evangelists and Church planters for the TaChiLeik, Laos and China borders. Indeed exciting possibilities are emerging. These institutes are almost a humbler version of your GCI if I may say so. So I hope my 2 cents worth on the above is helpful. God bless and keep in touch.

Seng Gee, (SSMC)

Letters from Takashi Yoshida to AOI on 28 February 2001

Warmest greetings from Japan!

I safely came back from Myanmar last Sunday. Thanks for your prayer. Right after we started the GCI in KengTung, Rev. Sai Philip, the one who has taken Sai Stephen’s place, came in and said that we had to stop the GCI due to the boarder situation he was not able to get a permission from the local government. We prayed while he tried to discuss somehow conduct GCI. God answered our prayer and we restarted it again. I had to leave on the fifth day of my teaching but on the same morning Pastor Jerry safely arrived in KengTung. He could start right after he came to the site. We had Wa students, Lahu students besides Shan students. Due to the situation, some Lahu could not attend GCI. GCI will finish on March 1st.

I met a Lady Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in KengTung, Nang Thu Zar Mon (Toe Toe) who succeeded Sai Stephen. As you know Sai Stephen had different positions. Rev. Sai Philip succeeded his position as General Secretary of Shan Baptist Convention, Nang Thu Zar Mon succeeded his position as Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. It seems that this lady was appointed as Evangelism & Mission director after Sai Stephen at least among the Baptist people. She once asked me to bring back a letter to you. She was supposed to write to you but she failed to do that. I requested her to write her letter to you before I would leave the site. But finally she said that Sai Philip would send it by fax directly. I don’t know why? Because they don’t have fax machine and Sai Philip told me that next opportunity to go to Maesai Thailand would be June. Anyway, she shared that she should have responded to you earlier but she could not because of her inability, etc. By the way, she was one of my interpreters and her English ability was quite good. After Stephen went with the Lord, many footsoldier were demoralized and lost their passion. Even some of them had stopped their ministries. This time we heard from many witnesses that Stephen was the conspicuous leader in Eastern Shan so much so no one can find such a quality Christian Leader as him. I met his wife, Htwe, also. She was attending the GCI all the time. I saw her crying often times. In Yangon, I had a meeting with Rev. D. Aung Yi, Asho Chin leaders and a Bo Kayin leader at the same time. They requested GCIs. After much talk and discussion I temporally agree to have a combined GCI for both of them coming October. I will share more about this when we meet. They are from Baptist Convention. But I saw their passion for Church Planting and their proposal document was well done. May the Lord bless you!

Takashi Yoshida

Asian Reports

Doctor by Day, Broadcaster by Night.

Dr. Sai wishes he could serve the Lord even more.

When Dr. Sai Htwe Maung was about to leave Myanmar in 1979, his friends sighed, “Your departure is a great loss to the Shan people.”

Born of devoted Shan Christian parents in the Northern Shan State, Sai Htwe Maung grew up to be an active Christian fellowship leader at the medical institute and later on, a mission minded Christian leader of the Shan. But what could he do for his people if he left the country?

In retrospect, Dr. Sai says, “I believe God has a plan. Things were very difficult for people in the medical profession at that time. I applied to leave the country knowing all too well that it was next to impossible. I waited for one year and without pulling any strings or paying horrendous sum, I obtained permission to leave.”

On the night of the farewell, he told his friends that, God willing, he would like to preach gospel one day on the radio to the Shan people.

He went to Hong Kong and came to know Rev. David Wang of Asian Outreach. Together they started a joint ministry to the Shan. In the last fifteen years, they have facilitated theological and missiological training of Shan Christians, bringing the number of full-time Christian workers from 14 in 1983 to 100 today. Footsoldiers continue to be trained. A Shan Hymnal was published.

In 1989, Dr. Sai started producing a Shan gospel program, which is broadcast from Far East Broadcasting Co; Manila, Philippines. For the past seven years, he has recorded radio programs every evening after coming home from the hospital. At first he was worried that nobody would listen. The program is on at the same time as the BBC broadcast, and most people in Myanmar listen to the BBC every day. But the time conflict turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Many people accidentally tune in to the Shan gospel program when they try to get the BBC!

The response from listeners is astonishing. Many confess their faith in Jesus, other repent and turn to the Lord and ask searching questions – and all ask for Bible.

Seeing the overwhelming spiritual hunger of his people back home, Dr. Sai wanted to settle in Myanmar again and go personally to tell the people about Jesus. But the Shan Christians said, “Don’t come back. In Myanmar you won’t be able to do what you are doing now. It would be a great loss to the Shan if you come back.”

So Dr. Sai continues to serve his people from abroad. He produces daily 45-minutes program single handedly – writing the script, recording, and answering the letters from listeners. He has the full support of his wife and three daughters. Please pray for this family as they serve the Lord together.

Asian Report

November/December 1987 by Susan Poon

We Can’t Wait Another Century!

Since it first reached the Shan State of Burma more than 100 years ago, the Gospel has been rather coolly received by the Shan, the largest of several tribes in the country. The “21st Century Shan Mission Project” is designed to change all that, for as Shan Christian Dr. Sai says... “We Can’t Wait Another Century”

A SIAN OUTREACH co-workers in Hong Kong had always known Dr. Sai as the gentle mannered, neatly dressed Christian physician from the Shan State in Burma. One evening three years ago, Dr. Sai did something that took us by surprise. Before a gathering of AO leaders from various parts of the world, he rolled up his shirtsleeve to reveal a five-inch tattoo on his right forearm. We gazed in surprise at the strange markings, which were apparently the script of a foreign language. “This,” said Dr. Sai, “is my passport to the Shan State.”

He explained: “Nearly all the Shan men bear one or more tattoos identifying them as Shan. We live in the remote hills and jungles of Northeast Burma where there is continual insurgent activity. The tattoo is for safe passage through the Shan territory.”

This was my introduction to the Shan of Burma. As I learn more about them, I, being Chinese, feel a growing affinity for them, because while four million Shan live in Burma, another million live in Southwest China where they are called the “Dai” minority group.

The Shan are the largest of several tribes in Burma but are also the country’s least evangelized. “The Shan are staunch Buddhists,” Dr. Sai told me. “To be a Shan is to be a Buddhist. This along with the remote and secluded mountainous terrain we live in are obstacles to the spread of the Gospel. Other tribes, such as the Karen, Kachin and Chin, have responded well to Christianity. But the Shan have not.”

In fact, Christianity reached the Shan people 127 years ago. In 1861, American missionary Rev. Moses Bixby began the historic mission among the Shan, in a small town called Toungoo in the upper part of Burma, near Mandalay. Then came Rev. Josiah Nelson Cushing, also American, who translated the Bible into the Shan language. But in the years since then, only 6,000 of four million Shan have accepted the Lord as their Savior. “We cannot wait another 100 years!” Dr. Sai exclaimed:

For this very reason, Dr. Sai and 19 other Christian leaders from all corners of the Shan State conferred in the Burmese capital of Rangoon recently. Out of this meeting, the “21st Century Shan Mission Project’ was conceived. Dr. Sai was named director of the working committee.

The goal of the Shan Mission Project is, by the grace of God, that there will be in the year 2001;

- 201 Shan evangelists trained

- 201 Shan Churches planted

- 21,000 Shan souls saved.

Everything starts with workers. The training of evangelists is therefore the number one priority far the project. “Shan evangelists are needed because they can best understand the customs and mindset of their own people,”

Dr. Sai explained. “Besides, foreigners are not allowed into the Shaw even if they want to help evangelize.” Not long ago AO sponsored young Shan through two years Bible college in Rangoon. However, given the hand-to-mouth existence of the Shan, not many can afford to lay aside several year for Bible college. Therefore, Sai is now busily working with AO in translating teaching materials for three-month intensive evangelists training program for the Shan. The course is due to start in 1989 and will be the launch pad far the Shan Mission Project

Two Shan who are potential leaders of this short-term program recently sent to AO for training. They have just completed AO’s Great Commission Institute program held last September in Singapore. For now it looks as if a lack resources will limit Dr. Sai’s evangelist training program to 15 trainees a year. “We want the training to be really intensive and the trainees to get maximum attention,” Dr. Sai said. “We will provide the training, meals and lodging at no cost to them. The Shan have a very low standard of living. The monthly income per family is about 350 Kyat (US$45).” Dr. Sai expects that for the most part the trainees will be men, the breadwinners in Shan families. “For this training we’re seeking people of faith and commitment. The training will require them to leave their jobs for three months and eventually they may have to abandon their jobs permanently.” After completion of the course and the successful passing of an exam, the newly trained evangelists will be sent to work in target areas together with two experienced evangelists for at least two months. The guiding teams will be composed from the ten AO sponsored Bible college graduates. Wherever people are won to the Lord, a Church will be formed. The new evangelists are to work in the field for two years, after which they will be evaluated by the Project Committee.

“21,000 souls or more must be saved by the year 2001,” said Dr. Sai, a strong note of determination in his voice. “Only by prayer and supplication can this be done.” Hence a prayer program has been devised. Information memos will be sent to Shan believers to remind them to pray for the 21st Century Shan Mission Project. Fast and corporate prayer meetings will be organized periodically by leaders of the 28 Churches existing in the Shan State. Then, once a year, all the Shan believers around the world will pray for this project at 11:30 a.m. Burma Standard Time on the second Sunday of December, wherever they may be.

Dr. Sai invites Christians worldwide to join Shan believers in prayer during this period of preparation for the training program. Specifically, you can pray for:

- fast compilation of teaching materials

- selection of dedicated trainees, teachers and volunteer workers

- availability of lodging and finances.

The goals of the Shan project are great: 201 evangelists, 201 Churches, 21,000 souls saved. But, as Dr. Sai says, “We trust God for the impossible.”

Asian Report

July 1990

SHEPHERDING THE SHAN

by Marla Stewart Konrad

As he watched the witchdoctor draw the whip back and snap it loose upon the back of his friend, Sai Sun. Sai Sun fell to the ground with a sharp cry. “Oh Jesus, I believe you can overcome the witchdoctor’s demonic power. Please help me,” prayed Kham, a new believer. All around Kham, villagers were lying on the ground recovering from the witchdoctor’s painful treatment. For in their Burmese village, known to outsiders as Demonic Village, a series of calamities had occurred. It was the witchdoctor’s task to find out who or what had caused them.

In Demonic Village, every person was under the control of demons. To displease the demons meant illness and death, so the people lived in fear, hoping they would never offend them. The witchdoctor perceived that demons from another village had been causing the trouble and he was determined to find out who had brought them in. Lining up all the villagers, he began trying to cast out the demons with a whip.

The members of this family are among only 6,000 Shan believers in the entire Shan State. The witchdoctor turned to Kham. Now it was his turn. With friends and neighbors lying around him, Kham continued to pray. The witchdoctor drew back the whip to strike Kham and snapped it on his back. Nothing happened. Again and again, the witchdoctor struck Kham but Kham stood firm. By now, the villagers were looking fearfully from Kham to the frustrated witchdoctor. “I am not afraid of the demons that plague our village,” said Kham. “Jesus Christ in me can overcome.” As Kham shared his new faith with the villagers, fear began to dissipate. For the first time in their lives, fear was replaced by hope, peace and joy. When Kham had finished sharing, the villagers welcomed Jesus to be the Lord of their village and praised Him that they did not have to suffer from the curse of demon possession anymore.

Asian Report

March/April 1993

21000 BY YEAR 2001

by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Burma, a nation of 52 million souls, is ruled by military dictatorship for over 34 years. The Shan tribe is a minority people that inhabits the Northern part of Burma, Northern Thailand and South-west China.

The Shan have until recently exhibited a natural resistance to Christianity. The few who have embraced it have been shunned by their communities. Despite the fact that the first Christian mission was established among them in 1861, there are still only 10,000 Shan Christians out of a population of 4 million. One of the biggest hindrances to the growth of the Church is the lack of trained, full-time Christian workers. Although there are close to 100 Shan Churches, many are without pastors or trained leaders.

“The 21st Century Shan Mission Project”, was established in 1986 to combat this problem, to train new evangelists and pastors, establish new Churches and to strengthen the Churches that already exist. The project goal is to have by the year 2001, 201 evangelists, 201 new Churches and 21,000 Shan believers.

In 1992, the short-term evangelists training program trained 19 virtually illiterate Shan people. Seven of these “Barefoot” evangelists, as they have been dubbed, were sent into seven selected areas and after only three months, many have given their lives to Jesus. In one small village alone, all 20 families accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. In another village under communist control, 19 communists were baptized by a courageous ex-communist who shared the Gospel with them.

In June 1992, 12 people were baptized in a small Buddhist village. One of the evangelists reports that he was approached one day by a farmer who had lost his pregnant pig. “If your God is almighty and can do all things,” challenged the farmer, “Can He find my lost pig? If you get my pig back home, I will believe in Him..” The evangelist had no choice but to pray. A few days later, the pig returned with four piglets! Four new Churches have been planted and another evangelism training program is planned for 24 people in March.

Dr Sai Htwe Maung, a member of the Shan, has been working as a medical doctor in Hong Kong for the past 13 years, while working on a voluntary basis with Asian Outreach. He has recently finished a new volume of Shan Hymns and scripture readings, which have been printed by Asian Outreach and are to be distributed among the Churches in the Shan territory. Plans are also afoot to produce a copy of the Shan children’s Bible. Dr Sai gives his testimony:

“As a native Shan myself, I have a tremendous burden for the millions of people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, living and working in Hong Kong, I was unsure as to what service I could be to the Lord in winning souls for Christ among the Shan. I prayed fervently that the Lord would provide me with an opportunity to serve Him and He graciously answered my prayer in November 1989, by giving me a chance to broadcast a Shan Gospel program every morning through radio. I produce the program myself in Hong Kong and then send it to the Philippines for broadcast. Although only 45 minutes long, the program takes me about four hours to prepare because I have to both write the script and do the recording myself. But it is well worth the time and effort because the Shan in Burma, Northern Thailand and South-west China can now listen to the Gospel each morning. The success of the radio program in reaching the Shan is evidenced by the many testimonies that have flooded into my office since the program went on air.”

“I’m so happy to come to know that Jesus died far my sins. Please continue telling this to our Shan people,” enthused a young listener from Northern Shan State. Wrote a young midwife: “I am the only Christian in this small village. I was transferred here from NamKham. I was so lonely and depressed before I heard your program. Now I know that God is with me and I can worship the Lord together with you in your radio program every Sunday morning. Please remember me in your prayers. I’m interested to know more about Jesus Christ. Please send me a Bible,” wrote a young Buddhist monk clearly hungering for the Gospel.

Please continue to pray for 21st Century Shan Mission Project and our radio ministry. With your support and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will reach the Shan people by the year 2001.

Asian Report

November/December 1993

SOLDIERS FOR CHRIST

By Sai Stephen as told to Low Yeow Mooi

Sai Stephen, a Shan, was born into a Christian family in the small town of KengTung, Eastern Shan State, Burma. The total population of the Shan tribe is five million, with two million living in Eastern Shan State. With a deep burden to reach the Shan for Christ, Sai Stephen went to the Burma Institute of Theology and obtained a Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1990 he started Calvary Baptist Church, which now has a membership of 110 people.

The Church has a gospel team, which goes out once a year throughout the region for a period of 30 to 40 days. During this time, they visit Buddhist villages to share the gospel. The gospel is presented to the villagers in the form of drama, songs, dance, children’s stories and preaching of the Word. No commitment is sought from the villagers during the first visit. Out of all the villages they go to, the team selects the most open and receptive ones and asks permission far an evangelist to go and live among them and teach them about Jesus. If a village welcomes the evangelist the villagers build a house for him and his family.

Last year, the team visited 22 villages. After returning to their Church, Sai Stephen assigned six evangelists to six villages to start planting Churches. These men were trained under the Shan Evangelist Training Program sponsored by Asian Outreach, which is closely related to the Great Commission Institute, of which Sai Stephen is a graduate.

SiLu Village is about 60 miles from Sai Stephen’s Church in KengTung. To visit the village, one has to spend a day on the bus from KengTung, traveling on very rough roads. In 1992, the gospel team went to this village, which is occupied by communist soldiers who oppose the government, to share Jesus with the people. One of the soldiers accepted Jesus through the ministry of the gospel team. His name is Sai Kong and he was then 22 years old. In his desire to know more about Jesus, he walked for five miles to the next village in order to attend Church. Shortly after that, he was lowered into a well to be baptized because there was no river in the vicinity.

In 1992 after completing the Shan Evangelist Training Program Sai Kong went back to SiLu Village to resume his duties as a soldier. But this time, he was also a soldier for Christ. He became an evangelist and pastor sharing Jesus with his fellow soldiers. Now he has a strong Church of 40 members (most of whom are soldiers and their families) and it is still growing. In April this year, they dedicated a bamboo Church to the glory of God.

Sai Stephen and his team have been working for the past year in WanSai Village, which is eight miles from KengTung. They often go and live with these mountain Shan in order to share Christ with them. Other than preaching the Word, they do a lot of mercy ministry distributing old clothes, providing medical help, visiting families and praying for those in need.

The Shan people are severely bound by the worship of demonic spirits. Whenever anyone falls ill the family members offer sacrifices to the evil spirits in order to appease them. Many children die at a very young age because of lack of health care as well as the bondage of spiritual darkness. The people believe that when a child in a family dies it is an indication that the family is being attacked by evil spirits. From that time on they live in fear. Everyone wears an evil spirit wristband for protection, believing that the demons will not attack them if they have the wristband on.

When Sai Stephen and the team first started working in the village they would visit and pray for families that had lost a child. Often after prayer the Shan people would feel a sense of peace. They sensed the power of God and the love of Christ and would often give their lives to Jesus. Other villagers who heard their testimony have also accepted Jesus.

Since the team has been living in the village only three children have died. That in itself is a testimony to the protective power of God. After a year of caring for these people 29 families (47 adults) came to know Jesus and were baptized. After a person accepts the Lord the evangelist prays for them and cuts off the wristband that holds them in bondage; they then experience the freedom of deliverance.

Evangelists trained under the Shan Evangelist Training Program are now living in SiLu village, teaching the people the Word of God as well as hygiene and health care. The living standards of these people are pitifully low. They live in primitive dwellings with no electricity living physically as well as spiritually in darkness before they came to know Jesus Christ. But now they at least have clean drinking water as a practical testimony of God’s love for the villagers. Asian Outreach footsoldiers dug a well for the village. But it is the life-giving stream of the Holy Spirit that these simple people desire most.

Gift from heaven

Sai Stephen claims that the Shan hymnal is the best gift the Shan have received, next to the Bible a sentiment shared by many Shun believers who have received a hymnal. The hymnals were transported from Thailand where they were printed in Chiangmai, a town on the Thai/Burmese border. From there, professional couriers were hired to carry them across to the other side of the border to a town called TaChiLeik. Transportation of each book cost 15 Kyat (about US 10 cents).

From TaChiLeik, Christians as well as professional couriers, took the hymnals to KengTung (100 miles away), Southern Shan (300 miles away), Mandalay, LaShio and NamKham (Northern Shan State).

Christian workers took a big risk in delivering the hymnals to the Churches and the believers. They could have been sentenced to five years imprisonment if they had been caught carrying them but God protected all those involved, as well as all the 5,000 hymnals, which were distributed to a total of 51 Churches throughout Burma.

The hymnals are being sold to believers for 250 Kyat, to ensure the recipients treasure them. From the proceeds, 50 Kyat pays for transportation, while the other 200 Kyat finance the training of “footsoldiers” for Jesus.

Reports From Asian Outreach International

February 1994 Prayer Challenge

Radio Ministry to Burma

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, a Shan doctor living in Hong Kong, produces a 45-minute radio broadcast, which is beamed into Burma each day. The program of music, gospel message and Bible teaching is widely heard. Many letters have been received from Buddhist monks. One recently asked, “Can you explain to me the difference between Jesus and Buddha?” and “I am very interested, can you please send me a Bible?” Dr. Sai now urgently needs an assistant to help in the production of the radio programs. Please pray that God will call a Shan-speaking, dedicated person to serve in this ministry.

Rev. Sai Stephen

Pastor Sai Stephen is married to a schoolteacher and has three daughters. He leads the footsoldiers in Burma, responsibilities include training and overseeing Church Planting. Being the only ordained minister among the footsoldiers, pastor Sai Stephen travels frequently to baptize new Christians in the region. After March 1994 he will be working full-time with the footsoldiers. A Seminary graduate will take his place at the Church.

Personal Prayer Needs: Pray that God will supply all that pastor Sai and his family will need; as they will no longer receive financial support from the Church. Communication is poor and travel is very dangerous. Pray for safety and improvements. Pray that God will supply a motorcycle to enable easier travel from village to village as this can involve distances of hundreds of miles.

Sai Kong

Sai Kong was a communist insurgent. After becoming a Christian and graduating from the local evangelistic training center, he went to evangelize an un-reached village. Now 15 of the 68 families are Christian and Sai Kong has a congregation of 33. The village is controlled by Communists. However, they do not threaten the work of Sai Kong or his Church. Many of the villagers are involved in the insurgent fighting, which makes spreading the gospel particularly difficult.

Personal Prayer Needs: Pray for protection in this Communist village and a continued openness to the preaching of the gospel. Pray that God’s power will penetrate the spiritual darkness of Sai Kong’s village. Pray that Shan language tracts will be more available. Pray especially over the dangerous supply route.

Sai Stephen

This young man lives and works in Leprosy Village. Whilst many are afraid to go near the lepers, Sai Stephen demonstrates the love of Jesus as he eats with them, sleeps with them and cares for them. Many have had their lives changed by accepting Jesus as Savior and Sai Stephen has now established a Church in the village. He was sponsored by AO to study at a Seminary for four years, praise God that his local Church in Burma now finances his work.

Personal Prayer Needs: Pray for continued protection and spiritual and physical strength in this ministry of mercy and evangelism. Praise God for his dedication. Pray for spiritual guidance and encouragement as Sai Stephen works independently, without the fellowship of other Christian leaders. Pray that medical needs for the leprosy sufferers would continue to be available along with other essentials such as clothing.

Asian Report

May/June 1995

SHAN FOR JESUS

By Jean Harper

Of the five million Shan people living in Myanmar, 90% are Buddhist. Buddhism has been mixed with their culture, there are to be a Shan is to be a Buddhist. American Baptist missionaries were the first to work among the Shan in 1861 and in 135 years of mission work, only 10,000 Shan have accepted Christ. In addition to the Shan living in Myanmar, 10 million also live in China. It is only in recent years that the Shan have become a little open to the gospel.

Dr. Sai Htwe Mating, a resident of Hong Kong, has devoted his life to evangelizing the 14 million Shan. Every night before he sleeps, he makes a 45-minute radio program to be broadcast by FEBC into the Shan State. Dr. Sai also translated the first Shan hymnal set to music. He, together with the Shan leaders, has developed the 21st Century Shan Mission Project by the year 2001 to train 201 Shan evangelists, to plant 201 new Shan Churches and to add 21,000 new Shan converts.

Dr. Sai’s concern is that because Myanmar is a restricted access nation under military rule, the Shan have had no opportunity for outside input and no exposure to anything other than their traditional teaching. “I want to break the mould they are in,” he says, “But it is not possible for foreign leaders to train our Shan people in Myanmar.” So he and Sai Stephen, a footsoldier with Asian Outreach came up with the idea of holding a two-week GCI training program on the Thai border last year. This was a very unique program in that the participants lived on the Myanmar side of the border and the teachers lived on the Thai side. The participants crossed the border each morning for their teaching and went back home in the evening. It was also unique in that we were working together with Dr. Sai towards the goal of Shan 2001. As part of long term planning, Sai Stephen and Sai Thein Aung Kham have received training in international GCI programs and are now conducting ongoing training programs in Eastern and Northern Shan State.

“Training and sending out Shan evangelists is very important and urgently needed,” says Dr. Sai. “So far we have trained 109 workers and sent out 17 as full time footsoldiers of Christ to break down the wall among the Shan. The rest are serving on a volunteer basis in various Churches. New Churches have been planted and new believers have been added to the Church, amidst signs and wonders.” Sai Kong, the youngest evangelist at 22 years of age, commanded a demon to leave a man in front of many onlookers. As they saw the demon-possessed man fall to the ground, convulse and then become calm, the onlookers were amazed and all accepted the Lord. Signs and wonders also follow the oldest evangelists. Rev. Ah Yai, who is 68, prayed for a man who had a tumor in his stomach, which had been progressively growing making the man could not sit up, could not dress himself and couldn’t even wear his trousers. His family had given up hope of his recovery and had already bought a coffin in preparation for his funeral. Ah Yai came to live with him and prayed for him every day. The man’s abdomen began to become smaller and smaller day-by-day until he was able to dress himself once again wear trousers and live a normal life. Now he is a Christian and will be baptized soon.

The simple faith of these evangelists is yet another miracle. A young man had been bleeding from the nose continuously from morning until night. There was no doctor and no hospital. The young man had become pale and was on the point of losing consciousness. Sai Phut prayed and God told him to take green leaves from a nearby tree and put them in the man’s nose. He prayed again and then removed the leaves. The bleeding stopped completely. Now everyone in the village comes to Sai Phut for prayer when they are sick, even for a minor scratch.

Sai Kong, Ah Yai and Sai Phut were among the 28 Shan pastors and evangelists who participated in the training. We fell in love with these gentle Shan, with their servant hearts and teachable spirits. Many testified they felt inferior in the ministry. One nearly went back home because of his lack of education but was surprised to find that he could understand what was being taught. And when they sang, unaccompanied, it was beautiful four-part harmony. Dr. Sai used every spare minute to tape hem singing from the new Shan Hymnal for his daily radio broadcasts.

One of the “moulds” that the Shan find themselves in is that the Church is a building rather than a body of believers. Teaching on Church Planting therefore was quite revolutionary to some. Sai Stephen shared, “We appreciated the clear teaching on methods of planting a Church. Most of our evangelists know nothing about the steps of planting a Church. Now they go back to their fields with new methods.” Ministry Planning was a new concept. “Most of the students did not know what planning is and how to plan. They did not know that planning is very important in ministry. But now they have all made out their own ministry plan which I believe they will put into practice in their respective fields.”

It became clear that one of the most important topics taught was that of Prayer. Some of the participants did not know how to pray or what to pray about. One participant confessed, “It is very rare for people in our village to know how to pray.” This was reflected in a class survey which revealed that many prayed for three to four minutes a day. One participant confessed, “Because of my lack of prayer the Church is very slow in growth. In this GCI I have learned how to pray hard so that when I go home I will continue to pray hard.” Dr. Sai himself felt the best things from this GCI were the teaching of the topics of Prayer and Planning. For Sai Kong, he felt that the lessons he learned are like a big, big mirror hanging on the wall into which he can look and see because all the teaching was very, very important for him in his ministry. God has given Sai Kong, an Ahku, a burden to reach the 500 Ahku living in his area of the Shan State. Sai Phut confessed, “My lack of education and sense of being inferior have hindered me in my ministry. I thank God for all this teaching, which gives me confidence that though I am nothing God will use me.” “I realized Jesus chose fishermen,” said Sai Lukar, “even though I am uneducated I believe God can use me for I prayed and He gave me a vision.” Sai Lukar had no opportunity for education as both his parents suffered from leprosy. Initially he worked among lepers but more recently has been involved in evangelism and Church Planting. He is one of the 14 evangelists, which Sai Stephen has trained and sent out as a full time worker among the Shan people. Sai Stephen is a key man among the Shan. He encourages his trainees by saying, “we need many dedicated leaders for the Shan mission. Even though we are an uneducated people if we consecrate ourselves totally to God we can do great things by the power of God.” Jesus commissioned simple fishermen to evangelize the world. Today He is still commissioning those with simple faith who think they are nothing to accomplish great exploits for Him and to bring many into His Kingdom.

Sai Yo Aye was trained by Sai Stephen and was one of the participants at the GCI. Before he became a Christian Sai Yo Aye was a gambler and a drunkard. But he loved to play the guitar and sing. One day an evangelist visited his village and taught the people how to play the guitar and sing in choir. Through this interest Yo Aye eventually came to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized. Then he had the opportunity to participate in one of Sai Stephen’s training programs. Following the training program he was appointed youth leader in his Church and led the young people to evangelize in non-Christian villages. One day he found a woman possessed with evil spirits. Three or four men could not hold her down. Recalling the incident Sai Yo Aye says, “All I knew to do was pray and place my Bible on her head.” Then I said, “In the Name of Jesus Christ I cast you out from this woman.” Instantly the demons left and now she is a faithful Church member. Five families have come to the Lord in the village. Having completed his GCI training Sai Yo Aye is now a pastor in the village.

Asian Report

March/April 1996

Teach Me Your Way

by Jean Harper

Our Great Commission Institute (GCI) team came from Delhi, Hong Kong and Singapore and met in Bangkok for the onward flight to Myanmar’s capital Yangon. Our first impression of Yangon was one of surprise at the vast number of cars on the road. When we learned that each motorist was only allowed two gallons of petrol a week and that everything purchased on the black market was sold at highly inflated prices, we were shocked!

The next morning we flew South to TaungGyi (pronounced towngee) for our first ever GCI inside Myanmar. In the past each region of the Baptist associations held their own training, mainly due to distance and the cost of transport. This was the first time in more than 100 years of the Shan Baptist Association that outsiders were involved in training among all the groups. One hundred years of history, without outside input, does present its challenges as tradition does not easily give way to new concepts. Although our teaching and even our method were totally new to them, the participants were very responsive. Forty-two people took part in the training and all submitted their Great Commission life plans before graduation!

Many of the participants came from a distance of over 400 miles, which took them three days to cover. One woman traveled for seven days to get to the venue, while one man walked 30 miles just to get to the bus stop. We are always challenged by such hunger for training.

Pastoral ministry is very important for the Shan. They wanted us to teach them new ways to be effective pastors. Another concept they struggled with was that children cannot be led to the Lord. They can only be taught about Christ and, when they are older, then be led to the Lord. They made a paradigm shift on this one after being shown Scriptures and given examples. On the night before graduation we prayed for all the students to receive the Holy Spirit. Many were weeping as they sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit. God did a work in each person’s heart and each one experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in a new way. The next day Sai Stephen, a footsoldier with Asian Outreach, told me, “Now we have a new friend in the Holy Spirit.”

Sai Aung Than graduated from a Seminary and was appointed a pastor of a Church. He was young and was afraid to stand up and preach in front of the Church. He would often prepare for two weeks and practise preaching repeatedly during morning devotions. Sometimes, after preaching, he would think over the sermon and conclude that it was good. Then he would remember that it was only because of the help of the Holy Spirit that he was able to minister to people.

We also heard testimonies of divine intervention. Sai Mun is an evangelist and farmer. One day he was wrongly accused by the people in his village, arrested, tortured and beaten until his eyes were bloodshot. The soldiers told him they were going to kick him down into the river and kill him and asked if he had a last wish. “Please give me three minutes to pray,” was all he asked for. After he had prayed the soldiers tied his hands behind his back and kicked him into the river. He fell into deep water and couldn’t breathe. Suddenly he saw a yellow ring in the water encircling him and found he could breathe. He floated downstream and found his way home. His eyes so swollen from the beating he could not see. He prayed and asked the Lord to restore his vision he could see perfectly! He’s going back to those who had beaten him to show them what God had done for him. When he reached the army camp many soldiers came to see him. The camp official asked him to come to his house and teach him about Jesus. The small room was packed with 50 people, so Sai Mun suggested they go outside under the trees and there he preached to an amazed crowd. His village now has 15 Christian families.

On the night of the graduation, different participants shared what GCI meant to them. “The blessings I have received are too many to mention.” “I have got a new vision. I will dedicate my life for Christ among our Shan people.” Yet another told us, “I was very discouraged in my ministry but now I have been revived by this training.” A dedication service was also held to send out six men who felt God’s call to full-time ministry. Some will join with the Shan 21st Century Mission. For these Shan to commit themselves to full time ministry is definitely a step of faith demonstrating a willingness to be sacrificed for the sake of the gospel.

“I’m Alive”

Nang Sanda Aung

In September 1994, I started having pains in my stomach. I thought it was a minor problem. A month later, despite taking medication, I was hospitalized because there was no improvement. After the examination the doctor told me I had lymphoma cancer and I would die. My condition deteriorated everyday. Water accumulated in my stomach and lungs. The local hospital was not well equipped so I was advised to go to Yangon. I was admitted to cancer ward but the water in my lungs and stomach increased. I could not sleep, eat or even breathe. They had to drain out all the water from my lungs and stomach. Then I began passing blood everyday. I was suffering so badly I almost lost consciousness. It was difficult to find blood for me. It seemed no one could help me.

My mother is a devout Christian. She fasted and prayed for me for seven days. I still remember her telling me, “your life is in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. The most important thing is not to lose your faith.” So I dedicated my life to the Lord and didn’t worry at all. During my illness an evangelist visited me and prayed for me everyday. One day he asked if I wanted to walk. I hadn’t been able to walk because of bedsores. On December 21 I started walking and was discharged from the hospital the next day. I returned to my village and am getting stronger everyday. Despite the hopeless situation I was in, Jesus Christ gave me hope. The medical check-up showed no evidence of the cancer. Jesus healed me. That’s why I’m alive.

Asian Report

May/June 1998

Shan

At least 69 people have been saved in this state in the past couple of months as a result of the efforts of the 24 member, AO-supported evangelist team. Following last December’s Great Commission Institute (GCI) session, four graduates were selected and added to the team, which now reaches into six different townships. In addition to developing evangelists, AO is working to nurture future Shan leaders by helping to support six Bible college students.

Pray for the evangelists and students to stand firm in the Lord’s work.

Asian Report

Easter 1998

I cried to God to help my father and family!

Rev. Sai Stephen

My parents were Christians but father was a compulsive gambler. One night, in 1971, we waited for father to come home but there was no sign of him. I went to look for him and found him gambling. When he finally got home he and mother had a big fight. Father packed his things, intending to leave. I begged him to stay but I knew inside that only God could bring peace to our family. Somehow we all gathered together. We sang a hymn, read the Bible and asked father to pray. He refused. So mother prayed. After that I was so discouraged I went to my room to pray. I cried to God to help us. Hearing my prayer as he passed the room, father was touched. He promised to change and we prayed together. From that night on my father never gambled again and family life became better. I realized God had used me to change him and that He could use me to change the lives of other Shan people. That has been my heart since. Stephen is sharing the Gospel with the Shan people.

Asian Report

November/December 1998

Sai Moe Lawn

Age: Early 30s

Even though my father was a pastor, I was not a serious believer. I went to Church mainly out of habit. One day I was selected to be a cell group leader. My group was asked to do some evangelism and I found myself with a big problem! I asked the Lord to help me lead and be a good example. But my ministry had no power. There was no change in the lives I prayed for. One day I visited two friends. I said what should we do today? They said let’s enjoy ourselves. Then they got drunk and cared about nothing. Something whispered in my heart, “Who will look after your paddy field?” So I went home. But when I got there, people were shouting, “Fire! Fire!” The whole village was under fire. Everyone, me included, was trying to put out the flames. I suffered burns and had to go to the hospital. Later I learned that my two friends had died in the fire. Then I realized God had rescued me and I felt He had something He wanted me to do. So I gave my life to serve Him. Now every morning, while my wife teaches our children, I go to different villages to witness for the Lord. I am so excited to be able to serve the Lord!

Asian Report

Jan/Feb 1999

Shan

The third Great Commission Institute (GCI) session for the people of Myanmar was completed in December 1997. Forty people from eastern Shan State attended the training, which focused on ministry planning, leadership training and evangelism. The session capped a successful year of AO ministry in the state with a total of five new Churches being established and 300 additional converts.

Pray for more workers to be trained for the growing work and for more local Churches to participate in outreach programs to other areas.

Sold Out For Jesus

Reported by Katie

Approximately twenty different Churches were represented at the recent GCI in MayMyo. The oldest of the 72 full-time participants were two women of 77 years. Nurses by profession, these two were present for every single class. Furthermore, one of them proved to be the speediest of all the students to look up scriptures!

The youngest to attend the GCI was a 17-year-old man who traveled down from near China border. He arrived at the training with no shoes and the other students responded to his need in true Acts-like fashion: they went out and purchased him a pair. He also had no Bible but one was provided for him. He proved to be a very attentive student, noticeably coming alive during the teaching.

Each of the students were sent to MayMyo by their local Churches, as most of them were already involved in some ministry. The seven-member teaching team included two teachers from Singapore, one from Australia, one from Malaysia, two from India and one from Hong Kong. Together they covered a wide range of subjects, including Prayer, Children’s Ministry and Discipleship.

There was a graduation service at the end of term in which students shared songs and personal testimonies. GCI ministry director, Lau Tak Siong, presented the students with their certificates.

Asian Report (March/April 1999)

Footsoldiers are doing the Job

By Rev. David Wang

After more than 25 years of ministering in the remote regions of Asia and visiting its “closed countries,” I am pretty much convinced that it is the nameless, ordinary and simple followers of Jesus who are really reaching out to the lost and making a difference. On a day-to-day basis, it is these footsoldiers of Jesus, often women, who are in the very front lines of missions, doing the job. That is why our most qualified co-workers and partners, such as Dr. Sai, Dr. Chu, Dr. Ong ... are so committed to Dr. Lau Tak Siong, our Director of Training, to go to the remotest regions of Asia to conduct footsoldiers training.

Shan

The Shan radio program produced in Hong Kong is accepted by the Shan people. There are reports of salvations through the message and many write asking for a Bible. The messages are saving lives as in this recent report. One morning a man was preparing to go out to kill someone who had cheated him. But before he went out to kill the man he tuned into the radio. The message was “Forgive, love your enemy, pray for them and God will take care.” After listening to this message he abandoned his plan of killing the man.

Please pray for the continued effectiveness of this ministry.

The New Testament has been rewritten in Shan new script and is now ready for printing. Please pray that good quality copies will be available soon. Currently only about 10 percent of Shan Christians have their own Bible.

STRUGGLING TO GO FIRST

By Jean Harper

(Jean Harper has been the Administrator of the Great Commission Institute for the past 11 years and has worked with Asian Outreach for almost 17 years.)

The only thing on Aung Kham’s mind was making money. The best of his energy and enthusiasm were directed at making money. His parents urged him to study but he could think of just one thing: making money. That is, until he had a dream and an accident.

Jesus appeared in his dream: “Do you love money or Me?” What?! Jesus- a Westerner [so he thought!]- is speaking Burmese?! Directed to read Matthew 6:33, where it talks about seeking first the Kingdom of God, Aung’s heart was never to be the same. A Christian, he couldn’t believe he had twice read the New Testament and had never seen that verse before. Then one day soon after, while riding his bicycle, a car ran into him and Aung found himself with a broken leg. The doctors told him he wouldn’t be able to walk for two months. This so discouraged him he prayed, “Lord, please heal my leg and I’ll attend the next GCI.” The Lord healed him within a week. That next GCI session was organized by Asian Outreach for the end of 1997 in Myanmar and Aung began to understand the truth that when we serve God first, He adds everything else. Today Aung is active in his Church and desires nothing more than to go and make disciples.

The GCI, on the road now for 11 years, is a mobile Bible school designed to teach and train grassroots evangelists, pastors and Church workers who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Asian Outreach’s philosophy is to train indigenous peoples to reach the un-reached and to plant Churches among them. These nationals already know the language, the culture and are “ready-made” to live in their physical environments. But like many other Christians, GCI students struggle with the dilemma of whose goals to pursue first, their own or those of the Kingdom? Moreover, our ever-modernizing world seems to have intensified the challenge. Sai Hsam, for example, while a faithful worker in his Church for several years, had to endure the eventual deaths of his wife and four children. Never in his life had he felt so alone. But he remained steadfast and, over time, the Lord healed him emotionally. He has since re-married and he and his second wife are now expecting their fourth child!

Asian Report

May/June 1999

WanHook is a village with a population of 76 people. The villagers used to worship evil spirits. But this all changed early this year. In December 1998 an evangelistic team went to the village from a nearby town and preached the gospel. The village leaders told the team leader about all the sickness in the village and the sacrifices of animals to evil spirits.

The team sent a 78-year-old pastor to live and preach in the village. He drove out the evil spirits and with the villagers’ consent destroyed all the things they worshipped. After two and a half months 30 people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Please pray for these people as they learn to live for Christ.

Asian Report

September/October 1999

The first Shan Church in the Capital of Myanmar

By Dr Sai Htwe Maung

Daw Mya Nu, a 60-year-old Shan widow, was encouraged by her younger brother to attend GCI (Great Commission Institute) in TaungGyi, Shan State of Myanmar, in 1995. She graduated from this course and her ministry plan was to start a Shan Church in Rangoon, the capital city of Burma. After graduation, she returned to Rangoon and gathered her relatives and friends and started a fellowship at her home.

The group started to grow so they hired a hall for Sunday worship. The Church quickly increased in numbers, so that they needed a full-time pastor but they did not have enough money to support one. The Praise City Church of Malaysia became aware of their need and offered financial and spiritual help for two years. About 150 people attended the dedication service of Yangon Shan Baptist Church in January 1998. At the altar call, about 50 people accepted the Lord. I have never seen such response among the Shan, for whom changing religion is a very serious matter. In 1998 Sai Kyaw Tint became full-time pastor of the Church. Under his leadership the Church is growing and continuing to reach out to the Shan people in Rangoon. Pray that they may have their own building and be able to stand on their own feet when PCC finishes their support, for unity and for their continued outreach to the Shan people.

Asian Report

November/December 1999

The Shan Gospel Radio Broadcast, produced in conjunction with FEBC, is very popular among the Shan people. This is a daily 45-minute program targeted at the four million Shan people living in Myanmar and Northern Thailand. Over 1,000 letters are received from listeners each year, many of them from Buddhist monks.

We need your prayer for this program to continue. Some radical Buddhist leaders in Myanmar are very upset with the effectiveness of the broadcasts, which are leading many to Christ. They have declared Christian radio programs a threat to Buddhism and published a document suggesting ways to eliminate Christianity from the country.

Please also pray with us for God’s provision to produce the Shan New Testament & Psalms for the believers. Each copy costs US$2.

We have supported 10 footsoldiers (evangelists) to the Shan for two years to evangelize and plant Churches. They are;

Nang Shwe Nyein

Ministry : Children Ministry in Man Pan Village, Northern Shan State

Planning: To get children evangelized and the to the parents.

Has 25 children under present ministry and 6 families converted.

Sai Myint Thein Win

Ministry : New Evangelist in Signpae Village, Southern Shan State.

Planning: To plant a Church.

Sai Hla Htwe

Ministry: Assistant Pastor, LoiLem, Southern Shan State.

Planning: Evangelism and Church Planting in the villages near LoiLem area.

Sai Thein Htun

Ministry: New Evangelist in Southern Shan State.

Planning: To plant a Church in Panu village. 10 new converts last year.

Sai Soe Myint.

Planning : To plant a Church in Mine Wee Village, Northern Shan State. Has four families converted last year and to have ten more new converts this year.

Sai Than Htay

Ministry : Evangelist in Narkan Village, Southern Shan State.

Planning : Six families converted last year. More convert this year and plant a new Church.

Sai Shwe Hla.

Ministry : Evangelist in three villages in Northern Shan State. 14 families converted last year. His new Church has been burnt down by military.

Planning: To plan a new Church in Kolon Village.

Sai Htun Yin

Ministry : Evangelist in Minepan and Laecha Villages in Southern Shan State.

Planning : Plan new Churches in these villages.

Sai Kyaw Harn

Ministry : Pastor of Emok Church in Southern Shan State.

Planning : To plant a new Church in Laepu Village.

Nang Theinke Aye.

Ministry : Children Ministry in Yangon and assisting Church ministry of Yangon Shan Baptist Church, Burma.

Planning : Planting home cells and outreach program in Yangon.

Asian Report

January/February 2000

The Long Road to Yangon

By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

In spite of difficulties, or perhaps because of the sacrifice, which those difficulties necessitated, the recent Great Commission Institute, held with the Shan people in Yangon, was a tremendous success. This was the sixth GCI in Yangon, with 77 in attendance.

They had come from the Northern, Southern and Eastern Shan State, as well as from Yangon itself. For the 15 who came from the Eastern Shan State, where there are about 60 Churches, it took 10 days traveling by bus to reach Yangon. The fare for each person was equivalent to 10 months salary of a pastor. Half of these trainees paid their own expenses to come to the GCI. These Eastern Shan people have invited Asian Outreach to conduct a national GCI in their area in November 2000 with local sponsorship and have re-contributed ten percent of the allowance they received from GCI back to the training expenses.

Another 15 people came from the Northern Shan State, taking three days to reach Yangon. They had to spend a night on the road because of flooding and one lady became ill and had to be hospitalized after three days of training. Another man attended the full course, shivering all the while from malaria. One of those from the North was Sai Shue Hla. Every Sunday he walks for four hours to the villages of PanKa and MuntBain where he ministers to a handful of families.

From the South it is two days journey to Yangon. Among the 20 who came from that area to the GCI was Sai Kyaw Han, a pastor with a heart burning to evangelize the nearby villages including a minority tribe called Danu. During the year 2000 he plans to organize a team of ten young people to reach out to two villages where there are currently no believers. Also from the South was Sai Htun Yin who aims to reach the PaO people in NaMa village.

Those who attended training found it to be a life-changing experience. Not only did they learn the Word of God but many came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. One of the trainers asked, “Those who want Jesus to return today, please raise your hand.” All the students raised their hands except one young lady. Thinking she might not have heard the question, he asked again. Still she did not raise her hand. Perhaps she had not understood the question. He explained and asked the question again with a clearer translation. When she still did not raise her hand, the leader approached her personally and asked why. Don’t you want to see Jesus coming again? “Yes,” she replied solemnly. Why? “Because I haven’t done anything for Him yet. I am not ready to see Him again.” As a result of this GCI training ten people are now serving God full time. Another GCI will be held in May 2000 in one of the Southern Shan State. Because of the political situation it makes difficult for foreigners to go to this area. This GCI will be a national program run by local Churches with local trainers.

Our team is planning two more GCIs this year. Pray for the success of these programs and that those who sacrifice so much to attend will be blessed with the super abundance of the Spirit.

Asian Report

May/June 2000

Shan State

Eighty Church leaders, workers and pastors have just gathered in a city in Southern Shan State for their first Great Commission Institute training. Most of those who came will have spent one month’s earnings on transportation to get from their village to the training place. “But they are willing to do that because they want so much to receive training in the Word of God,” said Dr. Sai, the man who is coordinating this GCI training. After the training the 80 trainees will spend a week doing evangelism in the surrounding villages. “Please pray for us, as the area we are going to in Southern Shan State is a politically sensitive area. Yet we must go and train because the workers are ready but they need to be equipped.” This is the cry all over Myanmar and Asia. Dr. Sai is planning two more GCI trainings in Myanmar during July and November. Already 160 workers are waiting to be trained. Please pray for God’s provision, as the average cost of each training is US$2,500.

Asian Report

July/August 2000

“We Want to be Well Prepared”

By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

At the end of May, people from 13 towns and villages in Myanmar gathered in TaungGyi, Shan State, for Great Commission Institute Training. It took us 20 hours on a bus from Rangoon to TaungGyi, where the GCI was held. Housing, food and a subsidy for traveling and materials, were provided for the trainees through generous mission partners. Yet some still find it a challenge to scrape together up to one month’s income to travel to the GCI. A young man from another village heard about GCI from a previous graduate. In order to have enough money for his bus fare he went fishing for several days. He then sold the fish to cover his traveling cost. Another young man who is a new believer did not have the funds either. None of his family or friends is Christians. By faith he got on the bus to TaungGyi, believing God would provide the fare. And God did, through another participant traveling on the same bus!

The trainees spent 10 days together, receiving teaching and getting involved in practical sessions on evangelism, praise and worship, how to study the Bible, ministry planning etc. At the end of the training, 40 dedicated themselves to serve the Lord part-time and four for full-time. One retired government official, the general secretary of a political party, decided to resign from his post and serve the Lord after attending the GCI. Indeed God chooses the foolish and the weak things of this world for His mission. The outstanding trainee at this GCI was once an evil spirit possessed. He ran around his village, shouting, jumping and crying every day. Villagers chained him to the trees but he always managed to free himself. He was taken to magicians and witch-doctors to be healed but nothing changed. One day he met our evangelist who shared with him the gospel, prayed for him and gave him a Bible. From then on he was released from the demonic bondage and accepted the Lord. He reads the Bible all the time, even during breaks at the GCI training and is eager to learn. He is now serving God as evangelist in a village in KoLum, Southern Shan State.

Asian Report

November/December 2000

Shan Missions (Myanmar)

In June, after conducting 10 days of GCI training, Dr. Sai, our Shan missionary, took his first mission trip to the Southern Shan State. During six days he traveled to seven villages. This was not without difficulties - sitting on the bus for 20 hours, walking on the muddy road barefoot, riding on cow-cart. But preaching and teaching to believers and non-believers from dawn to dark was a wonderful experience which made it all worthwhile. He found that many people were very hungry for the Good News. Some said that they had never heard the gospel in their own language. They wanted to hear more. Some listened until dawn, refusing to go home even after the meeting ended. Hundreds of people accepted Jesus by the end of his mission trip.

Although there are already groups of believers in these areas, these new Shan believers do not have any pastor to take care of them. There are few Chinese and Lisu Churches but there is no Shan Church. At the moment a few Shan workers have been placed there to disciple and help the young babes in Christ but there is still an urgent need for more workers. Please pray for our co-workers as they take the Gospel to un-reached regions of Asia.

Shan Missions Report

February 2001

By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Report from Frontline Mission

Every where in the village there are altars of the evil spirit. Most common places are at the entrance of the village, under the tree, on top of the tree, in the middle of the village, in front of the house, at the door of the house and in the field.

Even though they claim to be Buddhist they also worship all kinds of spirit. No one dare to disturb the evil spirit because of the fear of evil spirit attack, sickness and trouble. They have to offer sacrifices regularly and avoid disturbing the spirit. They live under fear. Nevertheless they still suffer from evil spirit attack. One of our GCI graduates went to the village, showed them the power of the Holy Spirit and helped them destroyed all the evil spirit altars in the village. All 37 families of a village in MuongYang accepted the Lord. The old place of the sacrificial stone became the foundation of the Church. Sai Sam is now pastoring the new Church. We have encountered the power of the evil spirit everywhere we go. We have engaged in spiritual warfare all the time when we try to preach the gospel and do His work.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Pray that all His servants will be full of the Power of the Holy Spirit

Asian Report

March/April 2001

“Shan in Myanmar needs Laborers”

By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” Rom 15:20

Mission research organizations have designated the Shan of Myanmar as the ninth largest un-reached people group in the world. In 139 years of mission endeavor among the 5 million Shan people of Myanmar, only 20% have heard the gospel message and 0.4% have responded and given their lives to the Savior.

The mountainous terrain and thick jungles of the region of the Shan State in Myanmar makes efforts to reach this people difficult. A less-well-known mission field in the Shan hinders the raising of laborers and resources. Ninety-nine percent of the Shan population is Buddhist. Shan nationals feel so strongly that when a Shan is converted from Buddhism to other religion he is considered no longer Shan. The only complete Bible that the Shan people have in their own language is a version that was translated by Rev. Cushing in 1891. But many Shan today do not understand this translation well. Most of the Shan know Burmese better than Shan literature. They prefer reading Burmese Bible instead of Shan. Despite these obstacles, however, the work continues and the passion of Christ can be found in the souls who labor “where Christ was not known.”

Dr. Sai Htwe Maung, who gave up his professional medical job, is a missionary from Hong Kong to his own Shan people in Myanmar. Over a period of five years he has translated the New Testament and Psalms into the new Shan writing system. Work is underway to complete the Old Testament (expected to take another five years of effort) and to translate other Christian literature, plus audio and video works, into the Shan language. In addition to all of this he records a daily Shan language radio program that is aired by the Far East Broadcasting Company from the Philippines into Myanmar, Thailand and China. He also makes regular trips to his beloved people, to train them, or to lead outreach teams.

Pray too for Dr. Sai who leads the work. There is a great need for workers’ training through GCI, the translation of the entire Bible and gospel tracts into Shan language, production of the Shan radio broadcasts, production of Shan Bible teaching cassettes and mission outreach to the remote Shan peoples. Please pray that God will guide the workers, raise up laborers for this field of harvest and provide the needed resources for reaching the 5 million Shan and the more than 40 million other Shan people throughout the region and the rest of the world.

Report from Malaysia Team

MYANMAR MISSION TRIP

(28 April – 7 May 2001)

Team Leader: Ruth Choo

Asst. Team Leader: Kelvin Yong

Team Members: Ng Thian Ser, Tan Hong Looi, Wayne Wong, Rebecca Chieng, Stephanie Choo

29 April Highlights

1. Rest and Relax – InLe Lake

Arrived at HeHo Airport and met pastor Saw Aye Wi. On the way to TaungGyi, we visited the InLe Lake.

30 April Highlights

1. Home Visitations

We visited ten homes, including Dr. Sai Johnny Aung’s and his newly built hotel. The hotel was initially intended to be a hospital but was not approved by the local authorities. We also visited a kindergarten – the principal: Cecilia.

At each home that we visited, we talked, encouraged and prayed for its occupants. We were greatly encouraged ourselves by many of the wonderful testimonies we heard. One was how a girl was healed of leukemia. In another home, we met a non-Christian wife of a Christian man (who runs a noodle stall nearby). We shared the gospel and she was led through the sinners’ prayer – first salvation.

1 May Highlights

1. Teaching program – First day

Teaching sessions were conducted for about 35 Sunday school teachers, of whom one-third were pastors. Conducted cell group training (4 Ws) in the morning and afternoon. Did CG simulation in the evening.

2 May Highlights

1. Meetings with Rev. Samuela

Met Rev. Samuela, the Sec-Gen of the Southern Shan State Baptist Convention. Told us that the new committee has just been elected for a 3-year term. Shared his concerns for the youths – temptations and oppressions. Also introduced us to Rev. Wah-Doh, the newly elected President.

2. Teaching Program – Second day

Did teaching on Spiritual Mapping and Prayer Walking in the morning. Conducted session on how to organize and run a Children Church in the afternoon.

3 May Highlights

1. Teaching Program – Third day

Organized a Children Church Party. Invited 104 children from Cecilia’s kindergarten (101 Buddhists and 3 Christians). Committees were set up and all the trainees were involved. Breaking the Barrier was done and half the children responded – 50 salvation.

And evaluation and feedback session was held after the party. Issues and comments were brought up. The attendees were very impressed with the way children were cared for at the party. Another commented that they initially could not see the relevance of the teachings of 4 Ws to children ministry. However, later during the Children’s party, they could see the relevance. Children’s party is a new idea as they do not have children’s Church. Issues of how to handle various situations (e.g. naughty children) were also raised.

4 May Highlights

1. Aye Mauk Village

The team visited a Shan village (about an hour’s drive from TaungGyi). The village has about 60 Shan families (mostly Christians). They are surrounded by homes of the PaO people (Buddhists). Conducted a service at the local Church (for the adults) and did ministry at the end. The Holy Spirit touched many as some wept. A number of the local Christians came forward to give their personal testimonies.

A children’s program was simultaneously conducted and the gospel was shared 30 salvation.

After lunch, the team did prayer walk around the village. And in one home visitation to pray for a sick girl (Malaria-stricken), her father rededicated his life to Jesus although initially resistant.

The team went up the pagoda that was sited atop the TaungGyi Hill. It was one of the highest peaks that overlook the whole team. The team prayed for the town and its surroundings.

5 May Highlights

1. Shopping in the morning and boarded the bus, at noon, for the 18-hour ride back to Yangon.

6 May Highlights

1. Reached Yangon at 6:30 am

2. Attended the English Methodist Church worship service at Yangon

3. Had lunch with Volley and Pam Tangiataua of YWAM

4. Youth Celebration at Daw Mya Nu’s home. The gospel was shared – 6 salvation

7 May Highlights

1. Shopping in the morning before flying back to Kuala Lumpur.

Frontline Shan Missions

Reported by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung,

29^th April 2001

The security was very tight. The political tension was very high. The army did not give permission for Shan Baptist Churches to hold Eastern Shan Mission Centenary Celebration until last minute.

The fighting at the border of Thailand and Burma was still waging. By His wonderful grace we were able to celebrate, praise, worship every day and preach the gospel to hundreds of people every night at the border town of KengTung for four days from March 29^th to April 1^st at open-air crusade. The people said “We have never heard such clear and bold Christian message before. It is very good. We now understand about God very clearly” (our local preacher dare not to preach boldly because, in the past incidence, the whole Christian village was burned down for preaching “There is no other God. Thou shall not worship other gods.” A pastor was in trouble for saying “the idols have no power, only Jesus does”) A soldier who was assigned to observe our activity came to me after the rally and said “ it is very good message. The people enjoy it.” On the last day of celebration, 186 people were baptized in a shallow muddy river.

Mat 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The transportation in Burma is unbelievable. Very difficult and dangerous. After visiting Eastern Shan State (Thailand-Burma border) I was heading towards Northern Shan State (China-Burma border). I was exhausted after sitting on the bus for 21 hours and still had to go another five hours drive the next day. However I was excited to visit the most restricted area in the country. No foreigners are allowed to go there because of political reason. The up and down narrow road on the hill was some time blocked for hours or days by accident. After two days and one night on the bus I finally got to ShweLi valley near China border. The Christian mission has entered this area for 108 years. There are two big Churches in this area. One is in MuSe and the other is in NamKham. The Church buildings are beautifully built. But sadly to say the Spiritual house of the believers are not as beautiful as the Church building.

In MuSe

In the beginning the pastor of MuSe Church did not allow us to teach the Bible at his Church. Later he changed his mind and allowed us to conduct Bible teaching to Shan believers.

On the first day of Bible teaching, without notice, 50 people attended.

On second day, 70 people attended.

On third day, 80 people, including people from Chinese Church and Burmese Church, attended.

During lunch break for one hour, a lady came to me and said, “Please come and pray for my grandson. He is four months old. He cries since midnight last night without a pause until now. Already 12 hours.” I said “Ok. I’ll come after this cup of noodle (this is my lunch).” Before I finish my noodle she came again and said, “please do not forget to come.” I went with her immediately to her house, which was just at the side of the church building. I saw the baby was crying fiercely in the arms of his mother. He was restless and sweating. I took hold of him from her mother’s arms into my arms. I examined his body and found nothing wrong physically. Spiritual warfare again! I put his head to rest on my right palm and his body on my left palm and I pray for him in the name of Jesus. After my prayer I opened my eyes and looked at him. He was also staring at me quietly. I handed the baby over to her mother and asked her mother to have faith in Jesus. The mother is a believer but the father is not. I went back to training and teach again in the afternoon. After afternoon session I went to visit the baby again. He was absolutely well sleeping quietly. No more crying after prayer. I went back to see the baby again next day morning he was absolutely well and smiling in his father’s arm. Praise the Lord!

Many people came to us and asked for prayer. They brought us to visit and prayed for the people who were sick and lying on beds. Some time until 10 PM. Not less that ten people we have visited in one day. I was told that they have never been taught about Spiritual Truth. They wanted to learn more.

After three days Bible teaching in MuSe we went to NamKham.

In NamKham

Pastor of NongSanKone Shan Baptist Church refused to allow us to teach at his Church. MyoMa Shan Baptist Church opened the door for us.

1^st day 50 attended.

2^nd day 60 attended.

3^rd day 70 attended.

Six people walked for three hours from the hill to NamKham MyoMa Shan Baptist Church to attend the Bible teaching. Most of the trainees are young people. NongSanKone pastor did not encourage his members to come. Nevertheless some did come secretly. I have found that Satanic influence in the Church leadership is very strong. Some of the Church leaders and pastors are facing spiritual warfare in their life. Some were defeated. Some leaders do not believe the whole Bible as the Word of God. They only take some portions of the Bible, which are applicable to them or what they like. Some pastors do not want to preach the Truth because of fear. Moral characters are in questions. There are many leadership and spiritual problems. It is difficult to know whether it is the Church of God or the Church of men. The pastors did not want to hear about Holy Spirit and Born again teaching.

Some pastors, leaders and members of the Churches asked me to go back and hold training for them again. Should I go back again?

Report on Shan Radio Gospel Broadcast

May 2001, By Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

I have been preaching Gospel in Radiobroadcast for 11 years. How can I know the impact of my Shan Gospel Radiobroadcast? By letters received from listeners, by testimonies from listeners and by meeting and hearing from people, the impact and effectiveness of gospel radio broadcast can be assessed. I have received about one thousand letters from listeners in one year.

Factory Owner

I met a candle factory owner in NamKham. He said, “Your radio program is a great blessing to me, my family and my factory workers. I tune in your program every morning and relay it to my factory work place with loudspeaker and ask my workers to listen to it every morning. This lady is ready to accept Jesus. She is going to be baptized next month. Please pray for her.”

Chairman of Chinese Church

He said, “Your radio program is the only source of my encouragement specially when I was in the jungle working alone. I never miss your program.”

A butcher

A man who worked at abattoir said, “It is war and sorrow when I listen to BBC. But it is peace and joy when I listen to your song and message in radio. I feel like I am in heaven whenever I hear your music, songs and message. I am glad to see you and know you personally now. May God bless you richly.”

Seminary graduate

A young Seminary graduate said, “My father use to tune in your program every morning, increase it’s volume to maximum level and put his radio on the window bar so that all the people walking by on the street may hear it.”

Ex-soldier of drug warlord

A man, a formal soldier of drug war lord Khun Sa said, “When I was in the jungle, I was very sick and closed to death. When I was on sick bed alone I listened to your program every morning. I got healed and I continued listening to your message for three years. Then I believe in Jesus Christ. I wanted to be baptized. But there was no Church or Christian around here. I tried to look for a Church. I finally found a Lahu Church in a village. I went there and confessed my faith to the pastor and got baptism.”

Many people including Buddhist monks and Shan politicians came to express their thanks to our Shan radio gospel broadcast. To God be the Glory and Honor

The first New Khamti Shan Radio program

A man named Sao Noi Man Han wrote to me two years ago that he would like to help me reaching another Shan group called Khamti Shan. Who are Khamti Shan?

Khamti Shan has different dialect and literature even though they belong to Shan (Tai) group. Their population in Burma is about 40 thousand and 60 thousand in India. Only 20 Khamti believers in Burma.

Sao Noi gives his personal testimony.

I am Khamti Shan, a son of the chief of Khamti people. I graduated from University. In the past I had a very bad character. I was once addicted to drugs. An astrologer gave me a prediction that I would die at the age of 25. I felt very sick at the age of 25. I was really near dead. I lose my consciousness again and again. I even saw the suffering in hell. I thought I was going to hell. At that moment I remember Jesus. I heard about Jesus a few years ago in TaCheLeik but I did not believe in Him. I was desperate. I said “Jesus, if you are God, please help me. Save my life.” Immediately I regained my consciousness and recovered. Then I forgot Jesus again. I got married and my wife got pregnant. We did not want to have the baby. We tried to get rid of the baby by doing induced abortion but not successful. The baby grew inside the mother womb until the time of giving birth. At the hospital while I was waiting for my wife’s childbirth I saw a baby born from other woman in the room. The newborn baby looked very ugly and the body was badly deformed. It looked like a demon. They told me that that woman had tried to get rid of the baby by doing induced abortion in the past but not successful. That’s why the baby born like this. I was so scared that my baby would also be born like this. I was on my knee. I prayed to God “Lord, help me again please. Do not let my baby born like this. Save my baby Lord. If you save my baby and my baby born normally I will believe in you immediately Lord.” Not very long my baby born perfectly normal. Since then my wife and I accepted the Lord. Both of us went to Seminary and graduated a few years ago. I am now working among Khamti Shan people. We have 20 Khamti converts. I am also doing Khamti Shan dictionary and Khamti Shan Bible translation. I would like to have a Khamti Shan program in your radio broadcast to reach our Khamti Shan people. Can you help?

Praise the Lord for choosing this man from Khamti Shan!

Sao Noi Man Han will record his gospel message in Khamti Shan language and send it to me. I’ll then edit and complete it into 15 minutes program and will broadcast it from FEBC radio international at 15520 KHz every Sunday morning starting from January 2002.

15 minutes Chinese Shan program will reduce to Monday to Saturday and giving slot for Khamti Shan on Sunday.

45 minutes Common Shan will continue as usual seven days a week.

Please pray for Sao Noi, the only one pastor in Khamti Shan who has tremendous work for the Lord.

Revised Cushing Shan Bible

June 2001, Reported by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung

Praise the Lord! Our Shan New Testament and Psalms in new writing is finally out. It’s printed locally in Myanmar. The cover and binding come out quite poorly. We bought synthetic leather to cover and wrap it up to be looked better. It is well accepted by the people. The first person to use this new New Testament is Rev. Ya Kuk. He takes the first copy and uses it in the Communion service on Sunday at Eastern Shan State Centenary Celebration. About two thousand believers partake the communion that Sunday.

I have received a letter from Mr. N. R, a missionary to the Shan in Northern Thailand said, “Dr. Htwe Maung - I met you in Chiang Mai two years ago at an Inter-Dev conference I believe. I heard you were up in Thoed Thai back in February but was unfortunately unable to visit you at that time. Recently one of our OMF co-workers got a copy of the Cushing Shan New Testament in modern script while he was in Burma. He likes it very much but we would like to get many more! I previously was able to purchase some of the Gospel Harmonies at Wat Pa Pao in Chiang Mai that you edited but have distributed them all also. Can you recommend a place here in Thailand where we could purchase some New Testaments - perhaps a hundred would meet our needs for the present? I have been receiving requests from Churches from Bangkok to Maesai for Shan New Testaments. Presently there is none of the UBS edition available here in Thailand either. Presently much of our efforts are in the area of producing Shan evangelistic and teaching materials. There is a growing demand, which is very encouraging. Your broadcasts come in fairly clearly here in Maesai and I know many of the Shan here listen to your program. May God continue to bless you ministry. Press on.”

Asian Report

July/August 2001

Shan Mission (Shan State)

Rev. Ah Yai, one of our footsoldiers in Shan State, has been reaching out to the 56 families in WanSaw Village. Over the last couple of years he has shared the gospel and showed love to the villagers by meeting their needs. He has been educating their children, praying for the sick and helping with the village development. So they now have a clean water supply, hydroelectric power and orchards and gardens to provide adequate food.

Through his testimony and practical demonstration of God’s love, a few have become Christians. Many more want to make that commitment but the headman of the village is opposed to this and has banned Rev. Ah Yai from entering the village. Please pray that God will change the headman’s heart, so that Rev. Ah Yai can continue ministering in this village and the Church can grow. Despite opposition in some villages, the number of believers is increasing in Eastern Shan State. Praise the Lord that three of our footsoldiers have planted Churches that are now large enough to support them and their families.

The Best Decision Ever Made

December 30, 2001, marked a special day for Dr. Sai Htwe Maung as he was ordained in Hong Kong as a minister of the gospel. “This is a confirmation of God’s call on my life,” says Sai Htwe Maung.

His parents became the first generation Shan Christians in ShweLi valley when they were converted through the witness of an American missionary 75 years ago in Shan State, Burma (now known as Myanmar). Born on April 30, 1947, Dr. Sai grew up knowing a call to serve the Lord. After graduating from medical school in 1973, he started working as a doctor, as well as serving with local Churches. In 1979 he was led to move his family to Hong Kong. He obeyed but struggled with having to abandon “his people” in Shan State. Everyday he prayed for an opportunity to bring the gospel to the 5 million Shan people, of whom 99.9% are Buddhists. In Hong Kong he serves in Emmanuel English Church, while working in different hospitals. In 1983 he joined Asian Outreach as a missionary. Under the covering of Asian Outreach and his Church, he started serving the Shan people from Hong Kong. He translated and published a Shan hymnal, the New Testament and Psalms in New Shan modern writing. A quarterly Our Daily Bread in Shan is also being produced. Since 1989, from his homemade studio, he has also been producing daily gospel broadcasts in the Burmese-Shan and Chinese-Shan languages, which are aired via Far East Broadcasting Company facilities.

By networking with local Shan Churches, Asian Outreach is training leaders and Church planters through the Great Commission Institute programs. Today, over 50 Churches have been planted as a result. With his increased workload, Dr. Sai had to make a decision. As he prayed for guidance, he also asked his wife what she thought of him quitting a well-paid doctor’s job for a no-pay full-time ministry. His wife’s response was, “This is the BEST decision you have ever made in your life.” So in May 2000 Dr. Sai retired from medical practice and now travels to Myanmar, Northern Thailand and China regularly to minister to his beloved Shan people.

Foreign and other nationals who served as Missionaries to the Shan

(in alphabetical order except Bixby and Cushing)

Rev. Moses Homan Bixby from 1860 to1866 when he returned to United States.

Rev. Josiah Nelson Cushing from 1866 to 1892 when he became head of Baptist College in Rangoon.

Rev. & Mrs. Ba Te

Rev. & Mrs. Chim Sein

Rev. & Mrs. E.B. Roach

Rev. & Mrs. E.D Kelley

Rev. & Mrs. E.E. Sowards

Rev. & Mrs. Henry Heptonstall

Rev. & Mrs. J.A. Freiday

Rev. & Mrs. J.E. Case

Rev. & Mrs. John Po

Rev. & Mrs. Mix

Rev. & Mrs. Nathan Brown

Rev. & Mrs. Paul Lewis

Rev. & Mrs. Po Sein

Rev. & Mrs. Raymond Bakes Buker

Rev. & Mrs. Rose

Rev. & Mrs. Thra Aung Din

Rev. & Mrs. Vincent Yong

Rev. & Mrs. W.M. Yong

Rev. & Mrs. W.W. Cochrane

Rev. & Mrs. Willie

Rev. & Mrs. Yaw Su

Mr. Bartholomew

Ms. A.R. Gage

Ms. Antisdel

Ms. C.E. Henderson

Ms. Clark

Ms. Elizabeth Lawrence

Ms. Elva Jenkins

Ms. Fay

Ms. Kingsley

Ms. M. Cromton

Ms. M. E. Rockwood

Ms. Margaret B. Smith

Ms. Marston

Ms. Payne

Ms. Peggy Smith

Ms. Ruth Christopherson

Ms. Slater

Ms. Tho

Foreign and other national who served as Medical Missionaries to the Shan

(in alphabetical order)

Dr. Ah Pon

Dr. Ai Lun, Albert

Dr. Albert Haley Henderson

Dr. Aung Thaik

Dr. Brown

Dr. Buker

Dr. C. A. Kirkpatrick

Dr. G. T. Leeds

Dr. Gordon Seagrave

Dr. Grace Russell Seagrave

Dr. Hanson

Dr. Howard Clinton Gibbens

Dr. Keith R. Dahlberg

Dr. Lao Htin Po

Dr. M. B. Kirkpatrick

Dr. Mason

Dr. Max. D. Miles

Dr. Naomi Gordon

Dr. Ohn Shwe

Dr. Richard Buker

Dr. Robert Harper

Dr. Robin Krasu

Dr. San Hlaing

Dr. W.C. Griggs

Dr. Walter Rittenhouse

Mission Stations for the Shan

(in alphabetical order)

BhaMo

HsiPaw

KengTung

MuongNai

NamKham

Toungoo

Date of Missionaries R.I.P

Rev. Moses Homan Bixby

March 20, 1901 in Providence, United States.

Rev. Josiah Nelson Cushing

May 17, 1905 in United States.

Mrs. Laura A. Bixby, wife of Rev. Bixby

March 24, 1901, Providence, United States, only four days after the death of her husband.

Mrs. Roberts

Aug. 16, 1880 in Rangoon, Burma.

Mr. W.C. Lambert

May 23, 1895 murdered by a thief, early morning in HsiPaw.

Mr. Mix

1881, Liverpool, England, on his way to America.

Rev. Dr. M. B. Kirkpatrick, M. D.,

February 10, 1915, HsiPaw, Burma.

Dr. Robert Harper

1926, after serving 22 years, in United States.

Dr. Richard Buker

1994 in United States.

Dr. Grace Russell Seagrave

August 17, 1951, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Dr. Ohn Shwe

Killed by a drunken man in 1936 while he was trying to protect the man’s wife from further assault.

Mrs. Huldah Mix

1933 in TaungGyi, Southern Shan State, Burma, after serving 16 years.

Ms. Rockwood

1882 in Toungoo, Burma.

Dr. Gordan Stifler Seagrave

March 28, 1965 after serving 43 years in NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Htun Pyu

November 20, 1958 after serving 56 years, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Mrs. Roberts

August 16, 1880, Rangoon, Burma.

Dr. L. T. Ah Pon

1943, died during Japanese occupation.

Dr. Ai Lun

January 18, 1978 in LaShio, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Kham Maung

February 9, 1976, MuSe, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Ai Pan

October 30, 1980, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Saya Sam Pwa

1942, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Tha Dun

November 26, 1926, NamKham, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Hmoon

August 30, 1980, SeLan, Northern Shan State, Burma.

Rev. Sai Stephen

July 12, 2000, KengTung, Eastern Shan State, Burma.

[1] A Thousand Miles on an Elephant in the Shan States by Holt S. Hallett, published by W. Blackwood and sons , 1890 p2

[2] Ibid p5

[3] Ibid p6

[4] Ibid p286

[5] A Thousand Miles on an Elephant in Shan States by Holt Samuel Hallett, published by W. Blackwood and sons , 1890 p312

[6] http://www.eastern.edu/centers/ccas/History.shtml Sept. 9, 2006

[7] History of MuSe Shan Church, 24 Dec. 1993 published by MuSe Church Committee.

[8] Biography of Rev. Ai Pan written by Rev. Kham Ye and translated to Burmese by Saya Yaw Shu on January 14, 2002