To the Community of VST

It was a great privilege to visit VST again many years after I had graduated. I went with my wife Grace on the 21st of March 2024. Thank you to Principal Richard, staff and faculty, and students who were interested in listening to my sharing about Myanmar and our ministry there. 

Although time was limited, we had a good conversation, covering the country situation, church ministry, and my own experience and life there. Thank you to all who raised some questions, including about my commitment to Myanmar. VST is a very welcoming, friendly, and inclusive community as always. 

VST always brings back our old and good memories. Visiting the school made us more confident that we are not alone when we are in pain, in great need of help, and in loneliness. 

Due to the recent chaotic and collapsing situation in our country, our people have been forced to flee. Our people are working in other countries as slaves. We do not have an outside enemy. Our enemy is our rulers. 

We recall the old glorious days under British colonial rule. Strangely, we recall our days of being ruled by the British as better days. It is not only strange but also heartbreaking. Living in the colonial days was far better than suffering under an oppressive and brutal reign of our people.

Due to the situation in the country, people’s minds are kept dark, their smiles fade away, and their future disappears. 

We owe so many things to God, churches, and communities, and 

that makes us more responsible for giving what we have received back to others. Seeing many new faces at VST, old and young, from all over the world, convinced me that we still have hope for a better day ahead, even while we now are in an uncertain future. Seeing more Asian and African students convinced me that VST is embracing international students of different traditions and theological and contextual backgrounds. 

What a beauty that we ended our gathering with a blessing and prayer for Myanmar and the church. Prayer requests are: to guide the authority of both the country and the church to use their power and authorities wisely, justly, and appropriately; to promote the civilians and church members to get higher thinkers and freedom from indoctrination and ignorance; to protect youths from intentional destruction by the authorities. Pray for the churches not to conform to the world. 

Blessings to you all in Christ! 

—Rev. Andrew S’Zaw Lwin
VST ThM 1999, DMin 2011