Can you recall when you were 22? When you were beginning to balance responsibilities in a world that seemed to offer many possibilities? That’s how old Sanglura is. He’s on his phone, ready for an interview that will explore his life and new role as a youth pastor for the Lutheran Church of Myanmar (LCM). […]

Can you recall when you were 22? When you were beginning to balance responsibilities in a world that seemed to offer many possibilities?

That’s how old Sanglura is. He’s on his phone, ready for an interview that will explore his life and new role as a youth pastor for the Lutheran Church of Myanmar (LCM). He is being mentored by LCM President Rev Martin Lalthangliana. Rev Martin has the smile of a proud ‘father’, watching with love and patience as the one under his wing journeys into the world.

‘I’m a Christian and my parents are Christian, but I didn’t always have the assurance that I am saved’, says Sanglura. ‘I was 15 years old when I had an abnormal heartbeat that required hospitalisation for a week. I was afraid I would die because I wasn’t sure about my life and if I would go to heaven or hell. I asked God to assure me of salvation.’

The following year, at a summer camp run by the LCM, he realised he was a child of God and was assured of salvation because of Jesus. ‘If you believe in Jesus, you will go to heaven’, he says. ‘Jesus can help and heal because he is powerful, and he is love – that’s why I love.’

Sanglura’s favourite Bible story is the Good Samaritan, as it shows our need to love others. As a youth pastor, Sanglura works with children at the Damadi orphanage, a place where he spent his early years. He leads daily devotions and shares stories there.

Three years ago, Sanglura was part of the LCANZ’s Grow Leadership program. At that time, he wrote a reflection: ‘Rev Martin is like my father because when I was a young boy, he took care of me and spent time with me. He helped me when I was in trouble. He is very kind to me, loves me and supports me. He is a great mentor for me. He has a lot of experience.’

Importantly, in a country facing political uncertainty and large numbers of COVID-19 cases, it is apparent that Sanglura is a leader. Being blessed with good mentoring will be part of his maturing process so that the next generation can share their love for Jesus in Myanmar.

Please pray for Sanglura and the Myanmar churches. Not even coups can stop the enthusiasm of young people shaping their society’s future.

Is God asking you to do more than just reflect on your life? Is he asking you to walk alongside and encourage a young person you know?

This story was also published in the November 2021 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Myanmar at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/myanmar/