Field Strategy Coordinator
The South-East Asia field is committed to partnering with God. We seek to disciple churches in the model of Acts 2:42-47. If you would like to understand the direction of the SEA Field, these documents and videos are for you. Dr. Kwon shares his vision for the field. Please read through the document, watch the video, and pray for our field as we attempt to implement this plan.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God, and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
Cambodia is an extremely challenging missions setting. Despite these challenges and a lack of resources, God is transforming lives as the church simply makes disciples who make disciples. The Cambodia District was first organized in 1992 by a local pastor who migrated to the USA. The SEANBC extension program began in 1994. But the first work was not very successful because of the social and political situation. The district, which consisted of 13 churches, was reorganized in 2010 by Rev. Rolf and Debbie Kleinfeld and a few local leaders. As of 2020, there are 62 churches, which makes this the fastest-growing district in all of SE Asia. District Superintendents have included Rev. Rolf Kleinfeld (2010-2019), and Rev. Kevin Campbell-White (2020-present).
Dr. Robin H. Seia and his family began the work on July 15, 1983, upon arriving from the USA. The first Pioneer District Assembly was held on March 28, 1984, under Dr. William Greathouse, Jurisdictional General Superintendent, and Dr. Donald D. Owens, Regional Director.
At the second District Assembly, four local churches were fully organized in Yangon, Bassein, Aungthapyi, and Tahan with 400 members. The Church of the Nazarene was officially registered with the government on August 15, 1984 (Reg. No. 1554), confirmed by the District Assembly as the founding date of the Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar. Dr. Robin Seia served as DS for 32 years, from 1984 until 2016.
In 2016, there were 22 established churches in Myanmar and a SEANBC (now Chapman International College) residential campus in Yangon. Dr. Donghwan (Bill) Kwon was appointed 2nd DS. in March 2016. In 2017, the
Myanmar District was approved to become a Phase II district, and in 2018 the Myanmar District gave birth to a new Phase II district: the Myanmar Southern District. At the same time, the Myanmar District pioneered two mission areas; Mandalay Pioneer area in 2018 and Northern Rakhine State in 2019.
That year, the Myanmar district changed its name to Myanmar Northwest District, and Rev. Lal Pek Mawia (Peka) was appointed the third DS. In 2020, Myanmar Northwest has 21 organized churches.
Dr. Robin H. Seia and his family began the work on July 15, 1983, upon arriving from the USA. The first Pioneer District Assembly was held on March 28, 1984, under Dr. William Greathouse, Jurisdictional General Superintendent, and Dr. Donald D. Owens, Regional Director.
At the second District Assembly, four local churches were fully organized in Yangon, Bassein, Aungthapyi, and Tahan with 400 members. The Church of the Nazarene was officially registered with the government on August 15, 1984 (Reg. No. 1554), confirmed by the District Assembly as the founding date of the Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar. Dr. Robin Seia served as DS for 32 years, from 1984 until 2016.
In 2016, there were 22 established churches in Myanmar and a SEANBC (now Chapman International College) residential campus in Yangon. Dr. Donghwan (Bill) Kwon was appointed 2nd DS. in March 2016. In 2017, the
Myanmar District was approved to become a Phase II district, and in 2018 the Myanmar District gave birth to a new Phase II district: the Myanmar Southern District. At the same time, the Myanmar District pioneered two mission areas; Mandalay Pioneer area in 2018 and Northern Rakhine State in 2019.
That year, the Myanmar district changed its name to Myanmar Northwest District, and Rev. Lal Pek Mawia (Peka) was appointed the third DS. In 2020, Myanmar Northwest has 21 organized churches.
The Myanmar Northern was organized by the pioneering work of Rev. Samuel Yangmi among the Lisu people group. On April 20, 1997, the first District Assembly was held in the city of Myitkyina with 5 pastors and 130 members. In 1999, the 5 founding pastors received district licenses. In 2012, the district grew to 8 churches, 14 pastors, and 500 members. In 2007, SEANBC chancellor, Rev. Kent Pelton, introduced SEANBC extension classes, beginning with 20 students. The first class graduated in 2016 with 27 graduates. Soon after the graduation, 5 pastors received ordination. In 2017, 32 pastors received district licenses. Currently, there are 10 established churches. Rev. Sam Yangmi served as DS until his retirement in 2019. In 2020, Rev. Phu Sar Yai was appointed the first Lisu DS.
As a result of the generous giving of the Japan District Church of the Nazarene, the denomination entered Thailand in 1989, with two missionary families: Michael and Rachel McCarty, and Richard and Jean Knox. The Thailand District was organized in 1990 with two churches: Bangkok First Church and the Khmer church in Surin (which later dissolved when refugees returned to Cambodia). Michael McCarty was the first DS of the Thailand District from 1990-1993, and the Bangkok First Church was officially organized on Pentecost Sunday, 1991. Siripawn Malagul was a charter member. In 2010, there were five organized churches and three preaching points. In 2020 there are seven established churches (including 2 Myanmar churches) and at least seven preaching points. District Superintendents have included: Dr. Michael McCarty, Rev. Richard Knox, Dr. Daniel Saengwichai, Rev. Sawat Hahom, and Rev. Tanongsak Pong ‘oodta (current).
The Northern Thailand District was organized in 1994 with five Lahu churches and several preaching points through the pioneering work of Rev. Samuel and Mrs. Lumae Yangmi (and Julie, Nellie, Samantha, and Anzie) who joined the Church of the Nazarene in 1993. The five churches they had started in Northern Thailand: 1) Huay Tat 2) Pasak, 3)Payang, 4)Nong Wua Daeng, 5) Huay Luang joined the Church of the Nazarene in 1994 as the Northern Thailand District. SEANBC established a residential program in 2004, building on the campus of the MaeTang Children’s Home. In 2020 there are 16 established churches and multiple preaching points in the N. Thailand district. District Superintendents have included: Rev. Samuel Yangmi, Rev. Benjamin (the first Lahu DS), Rev. Kent Pelton, Rev. Lasoe Jasa, and Rev. Anusorn (Simon) Saengbenjatam (current).
Types of Partnerships…
Five Aspects of Healthy Partnerships
