Testimonies of healing and transformation

“I came here thinking I knew a lot about God. Turns out I knew so little, and was so full of pride and unforgiveness. I came with so little faith, and had such a small picture of who God is... This three months [of discipleship school] has made me realize how little I know, how little I am, but also how BIG God is and how good his plans are!” - student testimony

Some trauma group attendees participate in an exercise.

We were so blessed to hear the students share their experiences of the discipleship school we ran July to September and how God had impacted them during their time in school. Many of the 25 young disciples are preparing to enter ministry as apprentice church planters and interns.

A few weeks after grad, students returned for the annual Myanmar family camp, joining believers from each church to play, learn and spend time together. There was a moment while worshipping when all of us senior leaders were at the back, and we realized that the whole worship team was made up of young church members—not a single pastor or leader was up there; it was the church leading the church! For us that felt like such a beautiful and prophetic moment as we saw the blessing of these young disciples who are so passionate and are serving so faithfully.

Trauma healing groups on the border

Pastors and interns alike are constantly engaging with people who have experienced great hardship and suffering. After leading the Bible school students in Ko Pho through a trauma healing group, Adrienne and Mai Mai, her good friend and Lighthouse MB Church accountant, could hardly wait to lead another trauma healing group on the border.

We have seen the Spirit move powerfully through an incredible curriculum we are using. People are learning to bring their pain to Jesus, and allow the greatest Healer there is to bring freedom to the wounds of trauma.

And as we worshiped, prayed, studied Scripture, learned about trauma, grief, abuse (and many more topics), lamented, shared vulnerably, brought our pain to the cross, and then ... chose forgiveness! God really moved and brought healing to many who attended.

"As an intern in the Lighthouse Mae Sot church, I often find myself … serving behind the scenes … but this time I was thrilled to be able to attend the trauma healing group. I praise God for what he did in my heart during those four days. I was able to recognize the pain and wounds I held, and Jesus graciously walked me toward freedom and healing. The forgiveness lesson, especially, had a significant impact on me. The Spirit gently revealed how I had been harboring unforgiveness toward my father, for the pain he had caused me since childhood. Though I know it is a process, I was able to begin the journey of forgiving him. And what freedom follows when we release our offense and our pain! Praise God for this trauma healing group and the way God is working in my life!"

- one church planting intern’s testimony