Myanmar Trip Update 01: Road Trip to Taunggyi

I’m never going to take wide open spaces for granted ever again!

Ciin Suan, Kyaw Nay Lin (GTP Myanmar Coordinator) and I (Saangpi), just returned to Yangon after a 12-hour one-way drive from Taunggyi, in central Myanmar, where we met up with GTP’s newest missionary, Saw Lu.

The journey to Taunggyi is an experience in itself. We left the former capital of Yangon at 5 am on Friday for a weekend visit and began our trip north. We traveled down long highways, often stopping for roadworks (repairing the damage from the earthquake that shook Myanmar earlier this year), checkpoints, and toll booths dotted along the way. This was followed by winding mountain roads where 18-wheeler trucks, buses, and scooters weaved in and out of danger like a choreographed dance. Thankfully, we made it there and back safely.

Although we’re physically tired, we’ve come home spiritually full. Seeing Saw Lu and his lovely family was heartwarming and encouraging. Their earnest love for God was so evident, and we’re excited to be partnering with them over the next three years.

Saw Lu and his family

Saw Lu moved his family to the Yay Aye Kwin Quarter on the outskirts of Taunggyi in early August and has a genuine care for his neighbours and community. He has already begun building relationships with locals and sharing the gospel in nearby villages. His dream is to see a multi-ethnic community of believers worshipping together. He also envisions caring for orphans and underprivileged children in the region by supporting their education and running Sunday school programs.

Thanks to the generosity of CityLife Church in Melbourne, we were also able to purchase a new motorcycle for the family on Saturday. With Taunggyi’s steep hills, having reliable transport will make everyday life easier, from buying groceries to visiting nearby villages for ministry.

About Taunggyi

Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State and one of the largest cities in Myanmar, with a population of around 250,000 people. The city sits high in the Shan Hills, 1,400 meters above sea level, giving it a cooler climate than most of Myanmar.

Shan State is one of Myanmar’s most ethnically diverse regions. Alongside the Shan people, the area is home to Pa-O, Intha, Bamar, Gurkha, and Danu communities, among others. This mix of cultures and traditions makes Taunggyi a vibrant and unique city. This diversity is part of what makes Saw Lu’s vision for a multi-ethnic church so meaningful.

On Sunday, we were invited to join Saw Lu’s church service.

His church was his living room.

His congregation consisted of his wife, two children, his new assistant minister (who has a magnificent voice), and three GTP staff.

It was simple, heartfelt, and beautiful.

To be there at the birth of a new church. A genuine new church plant from the foundation.

It's a beautiful thing.

It reminded me of when Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven as a mustard seed. Though it begins small and may seem insignificant, it will ultimately grow into something vast and powerful, offering shelter and refuge to many. We pray God will do great things with Saw Lu.

But like newborns, new churches are full of potential but also deeply vulnerable. There are always wolves at the door. Please remember to keep Saw Lu and his family in your prayers. Pray that the Lord will protect their minds, bodies, and spirits as they battle “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Let us also pray that the mustard seed being planted today will one day grow into a strong tree, bearing much fruit and becoming the pillar of the community.

Sunday closed with prayer for Sw Lu and his family and time in fellowship, a shared lunch, and a short trip to the beautiful Inle Lake. By Monday evening, glassy-eyed and weary, we tumbled out of our hired van after our second 12-hour drive in four days. Knees stiff. Back stiff. Our flesh longed for the mattress, but our spirits were doing jumping jacks. Our trip to Taunggyi was over, but the work of God is only beginning.

If you have journeyed with us, thank you.

The way of the Lord is narrow, and it takes a bold and faithful band of servants to fulfil His Great Commission. Your prayers and support mean so much to us.

If you feel led to support our work in Myanmar, you can make on one-time donation here >

Until we meet you again on the narrow road, stay tuned for our next update.

Saangpi and the GTP Team