We are living in a time of upheaval. Not long ago, we faced the global shock of COVID-19. War erupted in a neighboring land. Floods came. Earthquakes struck. Hearts tremble. And peace—true peace—seems far from the eyes of many. But let us consider Peter stepping onto stormy waters toward Jesus. The winds howled, the waves threatened to consume—but when Peter’s eyes were fixed on Christ, he walked above the chaos. So it is with us. In a world unraveling, we must look not at the storm, but at the One who still commands the wind and the sea.
Earthquake in Myanmar: Suffering Met with the Compassion of Christ
In March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the foundations of central Myanmar—a land already torn by political unrest. Amid collapsing buildings and cries for help, AFC’s connection to Myanmar became more than a calling—it became a lifeline. Over the past decade, we have sown gospel seeds in this land through youth ministries, leadership training, and humanitarian outreach, often in partnership with IDES.
When the earth convulsed, some of our students were in Mandalay. They witnessed buildings crumble and lives buried beneath stone and steel. As emergency services faltered, the streets filled with the hungry, the thirsty, and the grieving. In response, AFC and IDES mobilized swiftly. By God’s grace and with the support of faithful partners, we delivered over 12,000 meals and clean water in just a few weeks.
What unfolded was nothing short of a miracle. Within two weeks, our local Myanmar team—composed of seminary students, youth, and church leaders—launched an organized relief effort. Over 50 church members gave sacrificially of their time, energy, and compassion, some even cooking and packaging meals deep into the night. Remarkably, despite political tensions, military checkpoints opened for our teams. God made a way where there was none. From hospitals to shelters—even near a Buddhist temple—we carried not just food, but the love of Jesus.
of the Buddhist temple
In an unforgettable moment, the lead monk of that temple publicly honored AFC, presenting us with a certificate of commendation. This acknowledgment is not just a token—it is a door. A door for deeper relationships, greater gospel access, and bolder evangelism in the heart of Myanmar. We are now preparing to train evangelists specifically in reaching Buddhist communities with gentleness, wisdom, and the power of the cross.
Teaching, Discipling, Transforming
In May and June, Dr. Derek Voorhees joined us at the Thailand-Myanmar border for an intensive teaching module on Romans and Matthew. For nearly two weeks—sunup to sundown—pastors, teachers, and evangelists from both countries immersed themselves in Scripture. In the midst of political unrest, earthquakes, and hardship, the Word of God was being proclaimed, studied, and lived out in a small border town. Peace was present—not the kind the world gives, but the kind that flows from the Holy Spirit and the unshakable truths of Scripture.
We are deeply grateful to Derek and his family who gave not only their time but their resources to make this mission possible. Our students—frontline leaders across Shan State, Myanmar and Thailand—left renewed, sharpened, and deeply moved. Many would meditate in the evenings on the truths taught. This is discipleship that multiplies. This is revival in the making.
We now boldly invite anyone stirred by the Spirit to join us. Come teach, serve, pray, evangelize. Come help turn this corner of the world upside down for Jesus Christ. His Kingdom is expanding, and we are witnessing it—one act of obedience at a time.
Family and Ministry Life: Living as Servants of the Gospel
Each month, Stephen leads a week-long intensive course, pouring into future leaders with deep theological training. In addition to these intensives, he faithfully teaches two to three online courses weekly, reaching students scattered across China, Myanmar, and Thailand—each lesson a seed of truth sown across borders. On weekends, he continues to preach the Word, embodying the spirit of the itinerant preachers of old who carried the gospel from village to village with burning conviction.
Mary’s clothing ministry became a vital lifeline during the recent earthquake crisis. With the help from Stephen and Nick, she transported sacks of clothing to the border, where they were distributed to families devastated by disaster and conflict. In a time when war has stifled production and imports in Myanmar, simple garments and hygiene items have become sacred gifts—acts of mercy that carry the fragrance of Christ’s compassion. We at AFC strive to proclaim hope, healing, and dignity to the suffering.
Becky serves faithfully, teaching English and the Bible to children in Chiang Dao. Her Saturdays are spent pouring into young hearts, equipping the next generation. Isaac, now a university freshman in Computer Engineering, will soon represent his department in Japan for a competition. May God use even this platform for His glory.
Nick is nearing the completion of his Master’s thesis and recently found out a friend has decided to believe and will get baptized. This act, powerful in any context, is especially profound in Thailand, where family and cultural resistance to Christianity is often fierce. But love broke through. Light shined in the darkness. The family saw the fruit of Christ and did not oppose.
Nick’s wife, Khao, is on track to being promoted to a management position, a testimony to her integrity and diligence. John, too, is thriving as an English teacher, having recently delivered a TED Talk—a sign of influence and impact in the public square.
***We have an update on the expansions of the AFC center. Now, there is a greater increase in students coming to learn. More students will also mean we will need to have more teachers. As more projects arise, we will also have more guests at our center. Therefore, we have decided to make expansions at the center by constructing more buildings to host students, guests, teachers; we will also be able to host larger numbers during Christian events when multiple churches from the mountains will come and meet at our center. We have received great gifts from individuals and churches in starting some of the buildings. As we progress, we are still needing to raise more monetary resources and possibly anyone with construction skills to bring their talent and advice. If you have any questions or would like to be a part of this expansion, reach out to us!***
the expansion
for construction
Bearing Peace in a Broken World
We are tired—but not defeated. Busy—but not distracted. Challenged—but never without hope. As the world groans under war, disaster, and confusion, we are reminded again: we are Christ’s ambassadors. We do not run from the chaos—we walk into it with the peace of Christ in our hands, on our lips, and burning in our hearts.
Thank you for praying, giving, supporting, and walking with us. The work is not finished. The harvest is great. But we will not stop. Until Christ returns or calls us home, we will press on—proclaiming peace through the Prince of Peace.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:15)
