Diakonia 2025-1 Myanmar Brethren Ministry

Diakonia 2025 Volume 1

Myanmar Brethren Ministry

David Muon (Mang Muon Thang)

mangmuonthang5271985@gmail.com

First and foremost, I thank God for this unexpected opportunity to introduce myself to our Brethren families around the world.

My name is Mang Muon Thang, but I go by the name of David Muon. I was saved and baptized in 1997, and by God’s grace, I completed my B.Th., B.D., and M.Div. in India in 2013. I am currently residing in Yangon, Myanmar, where I attend the Dagon Christian Assembly and serve as an evangelist, primarily ministering among the Buddhist community. Before stepping into full-time evangelism, I taught at a Bible college from 2016 to 2024. I am blessed with a beautiful and godly wife, Priscilla, who stands faithfully by my side in ministry and life.

Myanmar is going through difficult times. Politically and economically, the situation is worsening, making our mission both urgent and challenging. While political awareness and caution can help navigate certain dangers, the economic crisis is beyond our control. We survive day to day, depending entirely on God’s grace. In a single phrase: We Are Struggling.

Despite moments of fear, I have never doubted God. I believe in His sovereignty. Though these crises have taken a mental and emotional toll, they have also deepened our relationship with the Lord. My family and I continually seek Him through daily prayers and by reading His Word. This spiritual discipline has been our anchor in the storm.

In 2024–2025, God showed His mercy and grace to my family by providing a job that has allowed us to survive in Yangon. When I first decided to move here, I had no idea how we would survive. But each breakthrough taught me the power and necessity of faith. God’s loving character reassures me daily, and Hebrews 11:6 has become my life verse:  “Without faith it is impossible to please God…”

My walk with God has become a living testimony that faith in Him brings hope even when there seems to be no way forward.

The Beginning of the Brethren Assembly/Church in Myanmar

(1881-1929)

The Myanmar Brethren Church, also known as Myanmar Brethren Assemblies, is part of the broader Brethren movement, which emphasizes simplicity in worship, strong biblical teaching, and a commitment to evangelism. The church’s establishment in Myanmar is linked to the arrival of Protestant missionaries and the spread of Christianity in the country.

Christianity in Myanmar has a long history, with Protestant missions gaining momentum in the 19th century. The Brethren movement, which originated in the early 19th century in England, eventually reached Myanmar, where local believers embraced its teachings and formed assemblies. The Myanmar Brethren Church is one of the evangelical and Pentecostal churches that emerged in the country, focusing on self-sustaining congregations and missionary work.

The Brethren Church movement began with believers who embraced the biblical truths preached by Dr. Adoniram Judson. The pioneers of the movement included:

  • Brother U Ba Wa (son-in-law of Rev. U Enn)
  • Mon brother U Yong
  • Burmese brother U Shwe Dwe
  • Brother U Maung Maung
  • Brother U Tun Nyein (compiler of the English Myanmar Dictionary)
  • Brother U Maung Pu
  • Brother U Nay Dwe

These seven men began gathering in homes and in 1881, officially started worshiping as a church at U Maung Maung’s house, located at No. 41, Shin Oo Tan Street, Yangon. They referred to one another as “brother,” which later led to adopting the name “Brethren Assembly” in 1884.

The movement spread gradually. In 1978, an assembly was planted in Phaitu village in Northern Chin State. Between 1978 and 1984, the number of assemblies grew to 11. By 1994, there were 28, and by 2008, the number had grown to 87.

As of 2019, the Myanmar Brethren Assemblies comprises 121 churches with 121 mission fields and 333 ministers. However, many of these assemblies are still in need of resources such as church buildings and transportation (motorcycles) for traveling to remote villages in the Chin Hills.

.

Key Statistics of Myanmar Brethren Assemblies/Churches (1978-2019)

Local Assemblies/Churches within the Eight Mission Fields

  1. Yangon Mission Field – 28
  2. Upper Myanmar Mission Field – 15
  3. Southern Chin State Mission Field – 15
  4. The Middle Part of Myanmar Mission Field –5
  5. Chindwin and Naga Hills Mission Fields – 33
  6. Myitkyina Mission Field – 4
  7. Kayah Mission Field – 4
  8. The Eastern Part of Shan State Mission Field – 17

For further information please contact David Muon:

Myanmar Brethren Churches Fellowship (MBCF)

1. Leading & Chairman: Rev. Dr. Tin Maung Tun

2. General Secretary: Rev. Dr. Kap Khan Khup

3. Treasurer: Rev. Dr. KapCin Thang

4. Field Directors:

                (a)  Rev. Kyaw Soe

                (b)  Rev. Philip CinSuan Nang

                (c)  Rev. Saw Nyuntoo.

.

My Vision for Ministry

1. Free Education Centre “Evangelization through Education”

We recently opened a Free Education Centre in Yangon, funding it from our own limited income. Our goal is to reach children, educate them, and lead them to Christ. However, sustaining this ministry long-term will require outside support for rental costs and teachers’ salaries.

2. Free Sewing Craft Class – “Evangelization through Craft”

We are planning to launch a free sewing craft class this year, should God provide the needed resources. My wife is currently learning the craft, and once ready, she will teach others, using the opportunity to share the gospel especially with adult women.

3. Sending Ministers to Unreached Areas

There are many villages across Myanmar with believers but no ministers or churches. Through a project called AMP (Achieve Mapping Project), we have collected data to identify such areas. One example is Ket Thu Yway village in the Ayeyarwady Region where believers are without pastoral care. We see immense opportunity to plant new Brethren Assemblies in such regions and welcome strategic advice and partnership.

Final Thoughts

Though our journey has been full of hardship, it has also been full of grace. My family and I remain committed to God’s calling. We are trusting Him for provision, protection, and continued fruitfulness in the many ministries we are leading and managing.

Please pray for Myanmar and for the mission of the Brethren Church. May the gospel continue to be spread, and the name of Jesus be glorified in this land

Cost estimation per month

  1. Expenditure for each teacher is US$100.
  2. Expenditure for each sewing machine is US$150.
  3. Expenditure for each minister is US$200.