The Voice of the Martyrs Radio

Forced to Leave Myanmar, Gospel Workers say, “The Lord has Not Released Us From this Place”

Last week Luke and Kate, medical gospel workers who’ve served in Myanmar, shared how God called them to Myanmar to share the hope of Christ. This week, in Part 2 of our conversation, they reveal the loss and devastation their family experienced as they were forced to leave the place God had so clearly called them to. “It was devastating, ” Kate says, “and we still sometimes have to process through that again. ” While returning to their village home is not an option right now, Luke and Kate are clear that the Lord has not released them from their calling to the people of Myanmar. Listen as they talk about wrestling with what God’s will is, and how they have walked through this disappointment and displacement alongside their children. They’ll also offer advice for others feeling a call to serve as missionaries or other overseas ministry service. Though there has been deep grief in leaving their home, there has also been joy. Since Luke and Kate left Myanmar, three people in their village have been baptized as new believers. They are thrilled to see local believers taking the reigns of ministry and leading others to Christ. Please pray for Luke, Kate and their family as they consider two opportunities—outside the country—where they could continue to serve the people of Myanmar. The Bible commands us to remember those in prison as if we were with them (Hebrews 13: 3). Please pray for freedom for Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel and Pastor Haile Nayzgi, two pastors in prison in Eritrea. May 23rd, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of their arrest in Asmara. Pray also for the release of 350+ other Christians imprisoned in Eritrea right now—including more than 80 arrested so far in 2024. Speak out and share their story with others who will stand with these persecuted Christians in prayer. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Or you can listen each week—and get reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

Hundreds Abducted by Islamists

In early March 2024, Islamic militants raided several boarding schools in northern Nigeria and abducted more than 300 people. "I spoke to a pastor who personally knows an elderly Christian woman who was among those abducted," a front-line worker shared. "Her son was shot in the arm when trying to protect her and is currently hospitalized." Officials do not know if the attackers were members of Boko Haram or ISWAP, two Islamist groups active in the area.

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Church Awaiting Justice Remains Under Attack

Anura and Ayesha lead a church in western Sri Lanka that has been repeatedly attacked in recent years. Some of the perpetrators of these attacks are facing charges in court. However, Ayesha reported, every time the court dates near, groups in the village try to stir up trouble by breaking Buddha statues or throwing human feces on them and then blaming the church for dishonoring Buddhism. So far, no progress has been made in these cases. In 2023, attackers threatened new converts from the villages and pelted stones at their houses.

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Abusive Husband Trusts in Christ on Christmas Day

Yasmin, who grew up as a member of the Druze community, became a follower of Christ in 2020. When her family learned of her new faith, they immediately rejected her. Her husband attacked her and attempted to stab her. But the couple eventually reconciled, and Yasmin's husband, Amir, allowed her to live in their home. Amir gradually became curious about Yasmin's new faith and would stay up late at night to watch Christian TV channels after others had fallen asleep.

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“This is Where I Want You:” Husband and Wife Medical Team Hears God’s Call to Gospel Service in Myanmar

Luke and Kate had both felt God’s call to missions. But they were still waiting to know where that call would take them. They went through training. They travelled to serve in different countries. And all the while, they asked God where he wanted to send them long-term. His answer finally arrived after a 12-hour bus ride to a rural village in Myanmar where there were no other foreigners. Kate and Luke both felt it clearly: “This is it. This is home. This is where I want you.” God put a deep love for the local people in their hearts. Their calling was confirmed when a village elder asked them to stay and serve with their medical skills. That clear sense of God’s calling would prove vital in helping them stand firm in serving through challenges, Christian persecution and even the 2021 coup. In Myanmar (formerly Burma), each person’s religion is printed on their ID card, and it is illegal to change one’s religion. It’s illegal for a Buddhist woman to marry a man from another religion. Ethnic divisions are baked into everyday life as each person is expected to look out primarily for their own people. In the midst of that challenging environment, listen to how Luke and Kate shared the gospel and how Jesus brought people from different ethnic and tribal groups together as fellow members of the Body of Christ as their house church includes four different ethnic groups unified in Christ. Luke and Kate also share the story of a Buddhist background believer who was severely persecuted by her own mother, but endured faithfully and eventually led her mother to Christ. They’ll also share how they talk about persecution while sharing the gospel so that those who respond and become new believers are ready to count the cost of following Christ. Pray for followers of Jesus in Myanmar and for Luke, Kate and their family. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Or you can listen each week—and get reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

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