A small team of Nazarenes traveled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Mae Sot (near the border with Myanmar) in early 2026 with a simple purpose: to be present with refugee families—to listen, pray, and serve.
The team included Pastor Dan (regional child development coordinator), Pastor Phanom (district superintendent), a South East Asia (SEA) missionary couple, and global partners Britney Blackburn, Bejelyn Banguis, and Misty Greiyer. Upon arrival, they met with local leaders for orientation and prayer, preparing to step onto sacred ground.
The following day, the team spent seven hours inside the refugee camp. Misty, a registered nurse, led medical check-ups for 63 children and 19 adults, offering basic healthcare with dignity and kindness.
The team visited 15 families supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), which provides monthly food supplies, including rice, eggs, and oil. In their bamboo homes, families shared stories of hardship and resilience, expressing encouragement in knowing that believers outside the camp are praying for them.
To understand the ministry along the Thailand–Myanmar border, one must first see the severity of need there. Nine refugee camps—established as “temporary” shelters over 35 years ago—now house more than 90,000 people who have fled conflict, persecution, and instability in Myanmar. The largest camp alone holds about 34,000 residents.
For decades, families have lived in limbo—unable to return home and unable to fully integrate into Thai society. In this prolonged uncertainty, resources are limited and hope can fade. This is where the Church of the Nazarene has been called—not only to meet physical needs but also to build a spiritual home and bring lasting hope.
While compassion ministry opens the door, the ultimate calling is to plant churches and share the hope of Christ. In meeting with Jubilee Thanga a minister who has been serving in Myanmar, it became clear that a spiritual harvest is already underway.
Seven diaspora churches are now active across the region, including new house churches in Mae Sot. Evangelism, discipleship, and church planting are advancing thanks to “Lydia Teams,” which have grown from one team in 2024 to two teams in 2025–2026.
The ministry’s emphasis is on making disciples and developing leaders. Through Chapman International College (CIC), 12 students are currently engaged in pastoral training via Zoom, while 100 children are receiving educational scholarships through local learning centers.
The Myanmar diaspora ministry believes in God for a bold future, aiming to have 50 new mission-type churches, 60 trained pastors, and 20 learning centers for children by 2030. This vision reflects a growing movement of faith, leadership, and hope among the Myanmar diaspora.
The Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region invites Nazarenes globally to pray for this vision and that God would continue to bring wisdom and provision for those serving along the border.