Mindon, Myanmar — On 27–29 October 2025, amid ongoing conflict and disrupted communication, the Myanmar Central District held a transformative Nazarene Essential Training in the mountainous region of Mindon, Magwe Division — a location marked by military activity, instability, and limited access to external support. Yet even under these challenging conditions, believers are discovering renewed hope, unity, and a stronger Nazarene identity.
Mindon is home to both the Asho Chin and the Burmese tribes and has been heavily affected by clashes involving the Arakan Army (AA). With internet and phone signals frequently cut, residents often live in isolation. Still, the Nazarene community continues to stand firm in faith.
Despite these restrictions, God has been at work. In December 2023, two new churches were planted in the area. One of them, Mercy Church, lost its pastor due to security concerns. Yet the congregation persevered under the faithful leadership of Deacon Maung Naing, meeting consistently for prayer, worship, and mutual encouragement even when cut off from district communication.
The recent three-day training, held at Mindon Christian Church of the Nazarene, gathered 18 participants, including 10 members from Mercy Church. Sessions focused on:
- Nazarene Identity & Polity — taught by District Superintendent Adam
- Holiness and Perfection in Christ — taught by Saya NT
For many, the training brought clarity, comfort, and renewed purpose.
A participant from Mercy Church shared:
“Even though we could not hear from the district, we were never without the Word of God. We read the Bible, prayed, and continued to give our offerings. Now, through this training, I finally understand what it means to be Nazarene.”
Deacon Maung Naing reflected:
“This training has given me the courage to lead more confidently. We felt alone before, but now we know we are part of something bigger — a church that stands with us.”
Despite months of uncertainty and the challenges of isolation, this training delivered much-needed encouragement and spiritual strength to the believers in Mindon. The Church of the Nazarene continues to affirm that even in remote or restricted areas, the mission of making Christlike disciples endures — faithfully, boldly, and without interruption.
