Around 150 Myanmar refugee children and youth gather for a day of worship, encouragement and prayer.

Dear partners and friends,

I want to share a meaningful moment from our ministry among Myanmar children and young people in Mae Sot, Thailand. On Nov. 1, around 150 children and youth gathered at Peniel Church of the Nazarene for the Second Myanmar Diaspora Children and Youth Convention. They came from four mission-type churches and three preaching points in Mae Sot and Mae La refugee camp.

Our theme was “Journey of Faith,” from 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” I had the privilege of teaching about faith through the life of Joseph. As I shared his story, I thought about how difficult it can be to trust God when the way ahead is uncertain. Many of these young people know what it means to face uncertainty. Their families have experienced displacement, loss and the challenge of building a life away from home.

One of the most moving parts of the day was seeing the children and youth worship the Lord together. In the morning and afternoon services, they lifted their voices in unison. Their worship reminded me that, even in a difficult season, these young people are not forgotten. Rev. Jubilee Thanga, our Myanmar Diaspora Ministry Coordinator, encouraged them to be still and know that God is with them. I pray they will carry that truth with them beyond the convention.

I have also been thinking about Mary, who leads the refugee ministry in Mae Sot and serves as Pastor Moe Soe Tun at Peniel Nazarene Church. Mary and her family fled Taungoo, Myanmar, after her mother—a school principal and church leader—became a target of persecution following the 2021 military coup. Mary understands the pain of displacement because she has experienced it herself. Yet she has allowed that experience to deepen her compassion for other refugee families. She told us, “God has taken my family’s suffering and turned it into compassion. I cannot forget the refugees, because I am one of them.”

I am grateful for the growth of this ministry. Rev. Jubilee reports that seven church communities have been formed, with 178 members and 21 pastors in training. The ministry also has 10 tutorial centers, where around 100 children receive support through afternoon learning programs. About 17 students, including young people, are enrolled in a Course of Study to prepare for ministry. I hope these young leaders will grow in faith, learn practical skills, and serve their communities as worship leaders, Sunday school teachers and discipleship leaders.

Please pray with me:

1. Pray that the children and youth will know they are loved by Jesus and find hope for their future.
2. Pray for Mary, Rev. Jubilee and the local leaders as they care for families and guide young people.
3. Pray for the students and tutorial centers, that God will provide the people, resources and strength needed for this ministry.

The convention ended in prayer. I left remembering Joseph’s journey: hardship did not have the final word in his life. I am praying that these young people will also discover God’s presence with them, and that their tomorrows will be shaped by hope in Christ.

Thank you for walking with us through your prayers and partnership.

With gratitude,
Bill Kwon

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