During the final session, the missionaries reflected on Haggai 1:2-12, where Israel’s neglect of the temple revealed misplaced priorities. They were urged to avoid similar pitfalls by seeking first to please God and by dedicating themselves to building His church with faith and perseverance.

It was emphasized that faith is essential to mission work, drawing from Hebrews 11:6 that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. The missionaries were encouraged to persist in prayer, trust God’s provision for people and resources, and endure challenges as opportunities to witness His answers.

Church planting, the missionaries were reminded, is not about numbers or organizational expansion but an act of love and devotion to God. Each new congregation is meant to bring Him glory, as they are to live in obedience greater than sacrifice, modeled on the Israelites’ immediate response to Haggai’s message.

Over the course of the Church Planter Training, sessions covered the Biblical purpose of church planting, evangelism, Bible study, prayer, discipleship, and shepherding. Additional lectures stressed the importance of faith and order in maintaining a clear vision and unified mission strategy throughout the region.

The program concluded with a time of prayer, as the SEA missionaries renewed their determination to please God by planting churches with urgent hearts, trusting that each new congregation will glorify Him and advance the Gospel across the region.

The closing message began with a reflection on the creation story, explaining that the rest God experienced on the seventh day extended beyond physical repose. It symbolized perfect harmony with God, with one another, and with all creation; which is a state tragically disrupted by humanity’s fall into sin. It was highlighted that the access to this divine rest is restored only through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Participants were then challenged to confront a pressing spiritual danger: seeking security in worldly achievements or treating God as a means to fulfill personal ambitions. The message emphasized that true rest is not derived from material comfort or external stability but arises from a heart fully satisfied in God. They were urged to examine the foundations of their trust and release attachments that hinder deeper intimacy with the Lord, highlighting that walking with God must go beyond concepts and rituals into a personal, daily relationship.

During the retreat, in addition to attending Bible lectures, the participants engaged in a series of fellowship activities designed to strengthen community and spiritual growth, including beachside games, prayer sessions, and small group sharing, fostering both personal reflection and mutual encouragement among attendees.

By the conclusion of the three-day retreat, the participants left with a renewed understanding of rest in God, equipped to integrate the lessons into their spiritual disciplines and daily walk, and inspired to pursue a deeper, enduring relationship with Him.

The training initiative is designed to prepare missionaries to thrive in challenging mission environments, especially those culturally unfamiliar. With a strong emphasis on Biblical foundations and practical skills, the program will feature a blend of lectures and workshops focused on four core areas: Bible, church history, culture, and mission strategy.

The Church Planter Training will equip missionaries with core skills in spiritual formation, mission strategy, church planting, Bible teaching, and pastoral care. It will also address practical areas such as financial management, digital ministry tools, and personal well-being to ensure holistic preparation for effective ministry in diverse mission contexts.

As more missionaries respond to the call to pioneer new churches, this training is expected to serve as a vital launchpad, equipping them with the knowledge, spiritual discipline, and practical tools needed to establish and grow churches across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The sessions focused on the coming of the Holy Spirit during the first Pentecost and examined how the Early Church was empowered to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God with boldness.

Through the Bible lectures, the attendees explored how the Spirit enabled ordinary believers to witness fearlessly even in the face of persecution, demonstrating the transformative power of God at work in the life of the church.

In addition to Bible lectures, the retreats also incorporated small group sharing, prayer meetings, and interactive activities, which allowed attendees to reflect on the teachings, strengthen fellowship, and deepen mutual encouragement. These moments of community reinforced the lessons of Scripture and helped participants internalize the message of Spirit-led service.

Inspired by the faithful footsteps of the Early Church amid persecutions, the retreats concluded with a renewed commitment among OA SEA churches to co-work in harmony with the Holy Spirit, pursuing revival and actively proclaiming the Gospel in their local communities and beyond.

The training reaffirmed OLI’s vision of raising Christ-like leaders marked by humility, character, and love. The trainees were reminded that shepherding is not a personal choice but a calling given through the Holy Spirit. While none are qualified by their own strength, God’s grace makes them sufficient, and His calling is irrevocable. Even in moments of weakness or failure, they were encouraged to remember that God’s decision to choose them is unshaken.

Central to the message was Apostle Paul’s exhortation to keep watch over oneself before caring for others. The trainees were urged to remain rooted in their relationship with God, understanding that the church is not an ordinary institution but a community purchased with the blood of Christ. This truth, they were told, should cultivate humility and reverence in service.

Apostle Paul’s example of serving “with humility and tears” was also emphasized as a model for leadership. Humility acknowledges complete dependence on God, while tears reflect genuine love and burden for the flock. A true shepherd, the trainees were reminded, does not serve merely out of duty but with deep compassion and intercession for God’s people, especially in times of struggle or danger.

The trainees were also cautioned that the real test of leadership lies beyond the training itself. The mission field will bring spiritual battles, doubts, and challenges, but these should be seen as opportunities to grow in faith. Just as the apostles were led by the Holy Spirit in Acts, leaders today must choose to walk with Him daily, trusting that God’s faithfulness will sustain them in every situation.

Despite feelings of inadequacy, the trainees were encouraged to cling to God’s grace, which is greater than any weakness. Echoing Hebrews 11:6, they were reminded that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, and He provides strength to continue the mission.

The conclusion of this 5-day training was framed not as an end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of shepherding. The trainees were sent out with the charge to live out their calling with humility, faith, and perseverance, always remembering that the people they serve were bought at the highest price — the blood of Christ.

In His Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples-not simply to inspire a single moment of conversion but to lead others into a committed, lifelong walk with Him. As Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul wisely reminds us, “Jesus’ lordship encompasses all of life.” His call was not only a call to action but a call to depth, urging us to guide others in a journey that involves every part of their lives. This vision of discipleship means going beyond simply sharing the gospel; it involves teaching, nurturing, and encouraging others to grow in their faith continually.

When Jesus says, “all nations,” He is reminding us of the global reach of His message. The gospel is meant to transcend boundaries, cultures, and nations. Christ’s message is for everyone, everywhere. For us, this can mean sharing His love both with our next-door neighbor and with someone across the world. Making disciples is about showing others how to bring the teachings of Jesus into their daily lives and how to let His love shape their decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Discipleship doesn’t end at conversion; rather, it begins there. It involves coming alongside others, guiding them to follow Jesus with their whole heart, and encouraging them to embrace His Word fully. We are called not just to inspire temporary faith, but to help foster a steady, growing commitment that permeates every area of life. Sproul captures this beautifully by reminding us that we are called to live under Christ’s lordship in everything we do.

Lord, help us take Your call to make disciples deeply to heart. Guide us as we seek to nurture others in their faith, teaching them to love and follow You in every part of their lives. Empower us to reach out, to share Your truth, and to walk alongside those who are growing in faith. Let our lives be a reflection of Your love, calling others to a life committed to You. Amen.

Delivered by the General Secretary of Olivet Assembly of Southeast Asia (OA SEA), the closing message, based on Acts 28:23-31, emphasized the Apostle Paul’s unwavering proclamation of the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ “with all boldness and without hindrance”. The leaders were exhorted to carry this same spirit as they engage in mission work across Myanmar.

The message urged leaders to deeply understand and teach the core doctrines of Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology, stressing the need to present the full narrative of redemption – from creation to Christ’s return. Highlighting the centrality of the Cross, the preacher reminded the leaders that salvation is not just justification, but includes sanctification and the future hope of glorification.

Myanmar leaders were also cautioned against reducing preaching to motivational speaking, emphasizing instead the need for Gospel-centered proclamation grounded in Biblical truth and the Cross of Jesus Christ. “We must preach Christ crucified,” the preacher emphasized, “not based on emotion, but based on the truth of salvation.”

Referencing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, the leaders were reminded that the call to evangelize is for all believers, not just trained ministers. Despite rejection or hardship, they were encouraged to remain faithful, trusting in God’s presence and purpose.

As the conference drew to a close, the leaders were called not only to listen but to act – to participate in building the Kingdom of God through bold church planting efforts. The message concluded with a stirring challenge, “Let us go and build the Kingdom of God, for nothing can stop the advancement of the Gospel!”

May the fire of revival sparked during this conference continue to burn in the hearts of Myanmar’s leaders, propelling them forward in their mission to proclaim Christ without hindrance.