It takes little time working in the rural, close-knit villages on Inle Lake to realize their is a spiritual control woven deep into the fabric of the land and culture. A bondage to the spirits influences nearly every aspect of their life. But Yahweh sees, and has been at work here for many years. We were privileged to meet Pastor Gideon, who is part of a community of believers living on the lake near many of the towns we are assisting. Gideon’s father started this ministry 28 years ago, and in time God led him to a tiny farming community that was experiencing heavy spiritual oppression. Desperate for freedom, they asked him to pray over their land. Through faith and Spirit-led prayer, God delivered them from spiritual bondage, and also brought miraculous healing to members of the community.

This became the start of a small church, and with time, individuals from surrounding towns came to Christ. Many of the new believers from those areas were forced to leave their villages due to community pressure, so they moved to join the new Christian community. Today, there are 18 families living there, and the church now has over 150 members from five villages. The church’s ministries include children’s homes and summer camps in two locations, a preschool, refugee and prison ministry, as well as several house churches. It is a true blessing to see the fruits of life-long commitment to Christ, no matter the cost.