But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 19:14
It’s the delight and desire of Christians in Myanmar to reach the next generation with the Good News about Jesus Christ so that His church may grow and thrive in their country. And because Myanmar is a country of many impoverished people, sometimes the best way to show Christ’s love is to care for kids physically so that you can reach them spiritually.
Biak and Esther have started Grace English Institute and Children’s home to give orphans and otherwise disadvantaged kids a safe place to live, learn, grow, and (most importantly) hear about God’s love for them as a Father. They teach the kids English as a primary way to give them opportunities for furthering their education and getting good jobs after they are old enough to live on their own.
Biak and Esther (and often their orphanage kids too!) take frequent outreach trips to a nearby slum to teach English and Bible classes, distribute Gospel literature, and to build gospel-driven relationships.
Biak and Esther focus on one local slum area where many children have to work to support the family, They provide basic educational skills in Burmese and English. They also cut hair, scrub fingernails, teach basic hygiene and nutrition and provide toothbrushes, combs, soap, and personal items. Because of their love and care for this community, they have many opportunities to present the gospel. Their church has outgrown the house, and they are looking for a larger place to meet.
Meet the Directors: Biak and Esther (pseudonym)
Biak and Esther were both blessed to be born into Christian families in Myanmar. They were both saved as children through outreaches at their churches. Biak said that one thing he’s never forgotten is the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and Phillip from Acts 8. Biak asked his mom to explain to the story to him after he was saved and since then Biak has had a great desire to become like Philip (a guide to unbelievers to the Good News about Jesus Christ).
Esther felt the call of God to ministry during a year of serious illness as a teenager. She spent her time reading her Bible and was impacted by Isaiah 42:6-7. After God restored her health, Esther followed the Lord to full-time ministry by first going to Bible college where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Theology.
Biak has an Master’s of Divinity and an Master’s of Theology from two different seminaries in Asia. He met Esther when they were both in undergrad and married several years later. They’ve been doing full-time ministry together since 2013.