Since our last report, written during the September 2007 riots, Burma has continued to be a nation in turmoil. Tens of thousands of demonstrators protesting skyrocketing petrol prices have fled to refugee camps, as military crackdowns have led to imprisonment or death for untold numbers in the junta's struggle to retain power.

The military dictatorship, also known as ‘Big Brother,’ rose to power in 1962 and has expelled 95% of Christian missionaries from Burma during their reign. The military sees Christians as a political threat: Christian leaders are routinely arrested, and the junta bans any gathering of believers for the purpose of worship.  It is illegal to print or import Bibles into the Burmese language.

Burma has opened its doors for international trade talks with the West, but human rights violations and the government's fierce opposition to religious freedom has hindered progress.

Many Burmese desire change, but few realize what their nation really needs. Burmese-born John Albert knows the nation's quest for freedom will not be found in Open-Door Policies, or with the United Nations, Buddhist Monks or even Democracy.   The only solution for Burma is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

John Albert has completed his second of a four-year course at Victory Bible Collge Thailand, so he can contribute to that change. Starting with the capital city of Rangoon, John's plan is to plant churches stretching from the border of India all the way to China. John will also launch a similar bible training centre there to powerfully equip leaders across the nation.

John’s vision began stirring his heart at an early age. His father, Jonathan Marip, ministered in Burma for 66 years.  An influential and respected evangelist throughout Asia, Jonathan Marip drew many to Christ during his 12 years as Vice-President for the Burma Assemblies of God Churches. John Albert was still a child when his father spoke prophetically that John would be an agent for change in Burma.

John understood his call growing up, and knew he had only two choices in life: to obey or disobey that call.   For a while, John chose the latter.  He entered the business world and became extremely wealthy as a buyer and seller of rubies, a rich resource in Burma. Years later, greed had ravished John's life, and then left him bankrupt and penniless. Though his father had died, John remembered the prophetic words spoken over his life as a child, and finally surrendered to God's will.

“I have tried it my own way without Christ and failed," John said. "I was a rich business man but I ended up in ruins. Jesus gave up everything for me so that I can fully live for Him."

John became a youth leader but the passion in his heart continued to challenge him. He knew he needed to be properly equipped for ministry, and started looking for a Bible College to attend. With the help of his father’s favourable reputation John was accepted by colleges in Singapore and the Philippines but his sister, Judy, already a student at VBCI Thailand, recommended VBCI to him, saying he would receive solid Bible teaching as well as hands-on ministry experience.

Now 33, John's two years at VBCI have given him clear direction, and his future has never looked so bright. 

“Although it’s very difficult to plant a church in Burma, I know it’s time to do or die. This is my life’s mission; the fire in my heart compels me to effect change in my nation.”

God has also been at work in John’s sister. Last summer Judy rescued thirteen orphans and established a children’s home in Rangoon.  These orphans were from remote hill tribes, starving to death, and were without hope for a future.  In Judy's home, they are taught how to effectively use the promises of God to break the poverty that holds Burma in its grip.

When Judy graduates from VBCI next year, she will expand her work in Rangoon and pioneer a second work in Mejitkejima.  Judy also has a heart for the youth of her nation. 

“I’m really passionate about starting a youth cell group network.  Lack of job opportunities means that many teenagers don’t have an income, so they sit by the side of the road all day, lost and disillusioned. If we can reach them, their parents will be saved too.”

Despite heavy government restrictions on religious freedom, as well as forced closure of orphanages across Burma in the last year, Judy has been given favor with a government official. He approved the orphanage, housed it in a 2-story building in an ideal location, and let Judy rent it at a discounted rate.

God has not forgotten Burma; in fact He is actively stirring people like John and Judy to rise up and say “It’s time to do or die,” taking responsibility to be catalysts for change in this troubled nation.

Simon Crowe

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