Based in PCM’s headquarters in the city of Tahan in the north-west of the country near the Indian border, Pip explained that along with other Presbyterian churches from New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and others from Europe, they will learn about the work of PCM’s Mission Department, Women’s Department and Theological Education Board. Pip will also see some of this work first hand on visits to Tahan Theological College and Agape Hospital, which is run by the Church.
“Our goal for the trip is to discover how we can best partner with the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar going forwards, looking at what support they may need, what potential future co-operation we could engage in and just as important, what we can learn from each other,” she said.
“We have previously given grants to PCM, mostly as scholarships for students in a variety of disciplines from PhDs and Masters degrees in theology to music, so the visit will also be an opportunity to see how these grants have been used and the benefit they’ve had for the Church.”
Due to the political situation in Myanmar from the late 1960s, it wasn’t possible to develop a strong relationship with PCM. Initial contact began in the early 1980s and with the political and economic reforms that led to the ending of more than five decades of military dictatorship in 2016, PCM’s General Secretary, Rev Ling Zaw, was able to attend the General Assembly in Belfast that year. Today the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar is recognised as one of PCI’s Global Mission Partners.
Rev Uel Marrs, Secretary to PCI’s Council for Global Mission, explained that previously it had been difficult for the Irish Presbyterian church to relate to the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar on the ground. “As a result we supported PCM through grants and scholarships, which enabled church leaders to train elsewhere in the region.
“We were able to maintain the relationship at a distance and as political changes led to Myanmar’s first civilian government in nearly 50 years, the first official PCI visit to Myanmar in a long time took place in 2017. The Church is a small denomination in a majority non-Christian country and we are committed to building our relationship with them, and with our other Global Mission Partners around the world, supporting them to build God’s Kingdom,” he said.
The Council for Global Mission, which is responsible for overseas mission, sending personnel and developing global mission partnerships, has partnership links with indigenous churches, united mission agencies and Christian institutions in more than 20 countries around the world. PCM is one of 15 denominations recognised by the General Assembly as a PCI Global Mission Partner, and one of 6 churches in Asia.
Explaining how the relationship with PCM, and others, aims to be mutually beneficial, Uel said, “From the foundation of PCI, proclaiming the gospel in word and deed has been at the heart of who we are and a part of our DNA. While our commitment to sending personnel and developing mission overseas remains undiminished, new opportunities to engage in global mission continue to appear. Pip’s visit to Myanmar is the most recent example of this,” Uel said.
“In Asia, for example, as the 20th century unfolded, China and India closed their doors to western missionaries. The last PCI mission worker left China in 1950. As a result, the concept of working in partnership with like-minded churches, united mission agencies and Christian institutions has developed over time.
“When we talk about partnership, it is primarily with a view to mission. Partnership for us is not just about a business relationship, but has a richer meaning. As we build up relationships and friendships it speaks of ever deepening fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“It is not just about what we can give, it is about what we can learn. It is a well-known saying, but the hand that is open to give, is the hand that is best placed to receive. Our relationships, therefore, ought to be reciprocal, interdependent and utterly dependent on God. We very much look forward to this partnership bearing fruit.” Uel said.
Photos: (1) The General Assembly Building of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar in the city of Tahan, Kalaymyo District, Myanmar (2) countryside surrounding Tahan