80% of the world’s evangelical Christians live in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Over the last 50 years, God’s church has grown exponentially in these areas.

These regions have tremendous mission sending potential to help bring the gospel to unreached peoples, but they currently send only 20% of the world’s cross-cultural missionaries!

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This infographic provides a visual score for seven data points ranked on a 0 to 100 scale. Faded icons show scores for other countries on the mobilization index. See below for actual scores and country-specific insights.

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In the heart of Myanmar, a miracle was unfolding.&nbsp;An unreached Buddhist tribe of 115,000 people, largely unaware of the God of the Bible, had begun to witness a profound transformation.
Just a year ago, less than 50 people in this tribe had any relationship with Jesus. But today, the light of the gospel is breaking through, thanks to the united efforts of Via, a church in Oklahoma, and dedicated Burmese church leaders.

The Challenge: Bridging the Gap

Faith Bible Church (FBC) in Edmond, Oklahoma, was ignited with a passion to reach the nations. The congregation prayed and fasted, seeking God&rsquo;s direction for their mission. Their hearts were set on adopting an unreached people group, translating the Bible into a new language, and establishing a church in Myanmar.
A mutual friend connected Via&rsquo;s Southeast Asia Team to FBC, sparking a collaboration that would change lives. Via introduced FBC to a long-time partner and pastor in Myanmar. Learning about the unreached tribe, FBC cast a vision before their congregation: to translate the Bible and plant churches among this Buddhist tribe.

Mobilizing Resources and Hearts

Within just two weeks, FBC raised an astounding $565,000 to translate the Bible for the tribe. This incredible outpouring of generosity set the stage for the next steps.
Via's Southeast Asia Team hosted a Mission Mobilization Conference in Myanmar, teaching God's heart for the nations. Attending from FBC were Tonya, the missions director, and Kip, a devoted church member. They joined Burmese attendees in learning about the 7,000 people groups still unreached with the gospel, including 52 within Myanmar.
The conference culminated in a powerful commitment: 10 pastors from local Myanmar churches and FBC pledged to partner in reaching the Buddhist tribe with the gospel.

Commissioning Burmese Missionaries

With funding established and missionary training completed, the mission moved forward. Bible translation was underway, and five new Burmese missionaries were commissioned to bring the gospel to the Buddhist tribe. These dedicated missionaries began sharing the gospel in homes and villages, recounting Bible stories, and sitting among nearly 40 new followers of Christ within the tribe.
This year marks a significant shift for the tribe. They now have advocates&mdash;locally mobilized churches sending missionaries to reach them, a partner church in Oklahoma funding a Bible translation, and the unwavering support of believers worldwide.

Christianity faces strong opposition from Buddhist families and religious leaders in Myanmar. Monks often go to extremes to protect Buddhism, seeing it as a threat to their power and income. Despite many obstacles, including interrogation and expulsion from their homes and villages, the missionaries have persevered.
We ask for your prayers for these new believers and missionaries. Pray for their protection, growth in faith, and for the name of Jesus to be glorified among the unreached tribe. Your prayers and support are crucial in making this transformation possible.

Your prayers and support are making a significant difference. Here&rsquo;s how you can take action:
<ol>
<li>Pray: Lift up the new believers and missionaries in your prayers.
<ul>
<li>Special Prayer Request (06/11/24) - The Burmese military is now enforcing a conscription law in the country requiring men aged 18-30 and women aged 18-25 to report for military duty if their name is called. So far, three of the missionaries have been called up. Pray that these three would be able to return to the mission work without having to join the military, and also pray that no others would be enlisted.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Support: Consider providing financial support to <a href="https://www.vianations.org/give/vision-fund" rel="follow">continue the translation and missionary efforts</a>.</li>
<li>Spread the Word: Share this story with others to raise awareness and inspire more support for the mission.</li>
</ol>

An Unreached Tribe Receives the Gospel in Myanmar

Via