On October 4, 2025, a historic milestone was celebrated in Kholam, Shan State, Myanmar, as the Church of the Nazarene dedicated its first mission center in the Shan Pioneer Area. The event, held in conjunction with the Southern District’s Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Convention, marked a breakthrough for the Church’s mission among one of Myanmar’s most unreached people groups.
Shan State, located in eastern Myanmar, is home to over 5.8 million people and spans more than 60,000 square miles—larger than the U.S. state of Georgia. With over 81% of its population practicing Buddhism and less than 2% identifying as Christian, the Shan are considered an unreached people group by the Joshua Project. Political instability, cultural barriers, and geographic isolation have long made this region both spiritually urgent and logistically challenging for mission work.
In 2020, despite these challenges and amid the global pandemic, the Southern District launched its pioneer mission in Shan State. James and Jessica, a missionary couple, were sent to a village with no prior church presence. From their small rented home, they began with simple acts of hospitality and children’s Bible storytelling. Over time, these gatherings blossomed into a worshiping congregation—the foundation of what is now Kholam Church, the first Nazarene church plant in the area.
Through a partnership between the Southern and Northwest Districts, land was donated. With generous global giving through the Alabaster Offering, a multi-purpose mission and training center was built on the church property. The center now serves as a hub for worship, discipleship, leadership development, and community outreach—becoming a vibrant presence and beacon of hope in the Shan community.
The dedication celebration brought together church members, local leaders, and district representatives, including District Superintendent Rev. Rama, Shan Pioneer Mission Coordinator Rev. Channa, and the Southern District NMI President. Youth and children presented cultural performances, and leaders shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness and their shared vision for the future. The theme, “We Are Missional People” (Matthew 28:19-20), was not only declared but powerfully embodied throughout the event.
Earlier in 2025, James and Jessica transitioned back to Yangon due to health reasons, and God raised up new leadership through Pastor Channa and his family, who relocated from the Bago area to continue the pioneer work. Under his leadership, the ministry has grown to include 12 churches and prayer houses across the Shan Pioneer Area. Three leadership development cohorts are now training local pastors as part of a long-term vision to raise up indigenous leaders.
In August 2025, more than 40 pastors and lay leaders gathered for the Lydia Mission Strategy Seminar, led by DS Rama and Rev. Jubilee. The seminar reinforced Nazarene identity, introduced the Lydia mission strategy—developed in Myanmar over the past decade—and cast vision for forming a new pioneer district by 2027. Participants left inspired, unified, and renewed in their call to mission.
Looking forward, the Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar envisions planting 15 churches and equipping 15 pastors in the Shan Pioneer Area by 2027. The greater dream is to see Shan believers themselves sending missionaries to other unreached peoples.
This mission breakthrough stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the unified efforts of His people—through prayer, giving, and obedience to His call. Special thanks go to all global partners and especially to the Alabaster Offering donors, whose generosity helped make the new mission center possible. More than just a building, it is a living witness of what God can do through the global Church working together.
Please continue to pray for:
- The 12 existing churches and prayer houses to grow as healthy, Gospel-centered communities.
- Fruitful training of local pastors through ongoing leadership development programs.
- Strength, protection, and provision for Pastor Channa’s family.
- God’s continued guidance as the Church moves toward its 2027 vision.
In Shan State—where the Church of the Nazarene’s banner now waves for the first time—the journey is only beginning. As one leader shared, “The journey to find just one Lydia is our calling—and through that one, the Lord opens doors for many.”
