by Rev. Casey Southerland
PMU Field Director, Cincinnati, OH
the Missions Banner, October/November 2026
In August, I was given the opportunity to share the life and ministry of a dear pastor in Myanmar, known to many in the BPC. In order to prepare, I set up a time to interview him and sent him some questions in advance. The morning of the meeting I received an email with written answers to the questions I had sent. This gave us answers in his own words. They speak of God’s glorious providential work in his life and how the Lord has led and sustained him through decades of ministry. What follows are two questions related to the current situation in his ministry context. I trust this will be a blessing to you. The rest of the interview questions and answers are available in hard copy. Please email office@pmumissions.org if you would like the full interview.
Q: “What has it been like to live and pastor during military conflict?”
A: Pastoring during military conflict has been very difficult. There has been uncertainty, fear, displacement, financial hardship, interruptions to education, transportation difficulties, and many other challenges. Ministry plans sometimes have to change because circumstances change suddenly. As a pastor, one of the hardest things is seeing people suffer and not always being able to solve their problems. At the same time, difficult circumstances have taught me that the church does not depend ultimately on political stability, economic prosperity, or comfortable circumstances.
The church belongs to Christ.
We have had to learn to serve faithfully in whatever circumstances God allows. Sometimes ministry has meant preaching and teaching. Sometimes it has meant simply encouraging people, praying with them, helping meet practical needs, or reminding them that God has not abandoned them. Conflict has reminded me that our hope cannot be placed in governments, human institutions, money, or circumstances. Our hope must be in Christ.
Q: “What has God used to sustain you and the believers in the churches?”
A: God has sustained us through several things.
First, His Word. Scripture continually reminds us who God is, what Christ has accomplished, and where our ultimate hope lies.
Second, prayer. We have learned that when our own resources are insufficient, we must depend upon God.
Third, the fellowship of believers. Christians encouraging one another has been extremely important, especially during difficult seasons.
Fourth, God’s providence. Again and again, we have seen God provide what was needed at the right time.
And finally, the grace of Christ. We do not continue because we are strong. We continue because God is faithful.
One verse that summarizes this for me is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our weakness does not mean that God has stopped working. Sometimes our weakness makes us more aware of our dependence upon Him.
