History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo
History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo
History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo
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Twenty-first century <strong>Shan</strong> mission project 160<br />
what we have done.” Sometimes when they were gather<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a house for worship, the house was<br />
stoned. When a young child went out to buy food he was slapped. Some make a comment “If you are<br />
not a Buddhist you are not a <strong>Shan</strong>” and discrim<strong>in</strong>ate aga<strong>in</strong>st them.<br />
Difficult Church Plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
How can we plant a Church <strong>in</strong> such situation?<br />
Zechariah 4:6 So he said to me, “This is the word <strong>of</strong> the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by<br />
power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”<br />
1. Power <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit<br />
It is vitally important to be filled with the Holy Spirit and His power and authority <strong>in</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Churches</strong><br />
among the <strong>Shan</strong> Buddhist. Even though they called themselves Buddhists, they also worship many<br />
spirits. Spiritual warfare is unavoidable <strong>in</strong> daily work <strong>of</strong> evangelist, missionary and Church planter. I<br />
myself have encountered three times <strong>in</strong> three weeks when I was <strong>in</strong> mission field. Some Church planters<br />
loose the battle <strong>in</strong> spiritual warfare and have to retreat or abandon the field.<br />
<strong>Shan</strong> Buddhists want to listen and know about true God and about life after death. But they would not<br />
believe or accept Christianity easily at one meet<strong>in</strong>g or one hear<strong>in</strong>g without debate. They would ask<br />
many questions, debate and challenge with their own belief. The most effective way <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>Shan</strong><br />
Buddhists is “show<strong>in</strong>g miracle through the power <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit.” For <strong>in</strong>stance, <strong>in</strong> one village, no<br />
one wanted to become Christian because they were quite happy and satisfy with their life. But one day a<br />
young lady was possessed by the evil spirit and she was out <strong>of</strong> control. She was very aggressive. No<br />
body could drive the spirit out. F<strong>in</strong>ally they called a young evangelist to come and drive out demon.<br />
Evangelist prayed and cast out the demon. Immediately the lady ran out from the house and collapsed<br />
on the ground ly<strong>in</strong>g motionless for a few m<strong>in</strong>utes and then came round. She was completely released<br />
from the evil spirit under their own eyes. After this miracle many villagers accepted Jesus. Jesus, before<br />
crucifixion, has told his disciples to “cast out the demons” and aga<strong>in</strong> after resurrection, commanded us<br />
to be filled with the Holy Spirit and power to cast <strong>of</strong> demons.<br />
2. Dedication and Sacrifice<br />
Mission work among the <strong>Shan</strong> is not easy. It requires great dedication and big sacrifice. Hardship and<br />
danger are unavoidable. They must be strong and courageous. They must surrender and carry the cross.<br />
If we only want to serve <strong>in</strong> well-established Church the gospel will never reach the <strong>Shan</strong>. The roads and<br />
travel to <strong>Shan</strong> villages are difficult and dangerous. The jungles <strong>of</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> States are <strong>in</strong>fested with Malaria.<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g standard is very low. If the American missionaries could stand those hardship and sacrifice <strong>in</strong><br />
our land and for our salvation how much more should we do for our own people. Christian workers<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g seen by the <strong>Shan</strong> as “Introducer <strong>of</strong> Western Religion.” We face opposition from different angles.<br />
If we are friendly to them we can easily have many friends. When we get friendship from the monks<br />
and village leaders we can easily approach and preach the gospel to the people. Remember to make<br />
friend with those who have authority over the village so that we can work peacefully.<br />
3. Holistic Approach<br />
Buddhist <strong>Shan</strong> love to give money, alms, and other <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g to the monks and <strong>of</strong>fer meals to the people<br />
believ<strong>in</strong>g that this is good action to get good merit for future life. If we, evangelists, missionaries,<br />
pastors, only preach the “gospel <strong>of</strong> love” to the people without show<strong>in</strong>g our love <strong>in</strong> action for them to<br />
see it is not easy for them to believe the gospel unless we prove by our action. Many missionaries to the<br />
<strong>Shan</strong> were medical doctors and they evangelized the people through medical work and education. It is<br />
quite successful when we <strong>of</strong>fer medical, education, social and material help to them show<strong>in</strong>g the love <strong>of</strong><br />
God <strong>in</strong> action. Feed<strong>in</strong>g the poor, cloth<strong>in</strong>g the naked, heal<strong>in</strong>g the sick, cast<strong>in</strong>g out demons, preach<strong>in</strong>g the