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| Rakhine, Arakanese of Myanmar (Burma) |
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| Rakhine, Arakanese of Myanmar (Burma)
Centuries ago, the most feared pirates and sailors in the Bay of Bengal terrorized communities along the seacoast and far up the river channels of what is now Bangladesh. They were called maghs, or pirates. They now speak the Arakanese language, and may be known as the Arakanese, from the Arakan region of Myanmar. The people themselves dislike the term "Magh" and prefer to be called Marmas, which means "Burmese." Ministry Obstacles
The devout, animistic/Buddhist traditions of this people have made them unreceptive to the Gospel in the past. Outreach Ideas
Stories from Scripture may communicate effectively to these people. Trained storytellers, also using the Jesus film and God's Story video, can be equipped and sent. Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few believers among this people, for pastors to teach the Scriptures accurately and faithfully to them. Pray for them to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for the entire people group
Pray for educational opportunities for the youth, and for employment opportunities for breadwinners. Scripture Focus
"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy He will save." Psalm 72:13 | | 
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| Palaung, Rumai of Myanmar (Burma) |
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| Palaung, Rumai of Myanmar (Burma)
The Palaung traditionally have practiced a mixture of Animism and Buddhism. Many associate Buddhism with a pacifistic lifestyle, but the Palaung in Myanmar have a 40-year history of armed resistance through the Palaung State Liberation Army. Some practice nat worship, nats being the spirits of inanimate objects such as rocks, mountains and rivers, as well as the spirits of deceased ancestors. Ministry Obstacles
Myanmar is difficult for missionaries to enter and work freely. Also, the animistic Palaung need the Holy Spirit, not the "nats", to lead them to a knowledge of the Son of God. Outreach Ideas
Gospel radio broadcasts in the language of the Palaung would be very helpful. The Jesus film is available in their language. Pray for the followers of Christ
Give thanks for the believers among the Palaung, even though they are few. Pray the Lord will give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, to know Him better. Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Rumai Palaung will be given a desire to know God's salvation in Jesus, and that the Lord will soon satisfy that desire. Scripture Focus
"You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9 | | 
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| For printable version, click here |
| Palaung, Rumai of Myanmar (Burma) |
| Presented by Joshua Project |
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Malachi 3:3
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.
