Around 300 Lisu Christians from eight denominations gathered for an interdenominational prayer meeting at Lisu Baptist Bethlehem Church in Mahkring Ward on September 4, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of a prayer initiative aimed at strengthening Christian unity and fellowship among the Lisu community.

The gathering, organized by the LJW (Lisu Christian Prayer Group), brought together approximately 300 faithful and 12 Christian leaders from eight Lisu Christian denominations. RVA Lisu also participated in the gathering and documented the event through its media ministry.

Breaking Down Denominational Walls

Rev. LE ME SI welcomed the participants and explained that the prayer gathering seeks to bring Christians from different denominations closer together, encourage mutual understanding, and provide opportunities to pray for the needs of the Lisu community.

“In the past, we tended to remain within our own churches,” Rev. LE ME SI said. “Today, we want to come together in Christ, beyond denominational differences, and build unity among Lisu Christians.”

He said the gathering was also an opportunity to pray for students pursuing their education, people working to support their families, and those contributing in different ways to the development of the Lisu community.

“We pray for those seeking education, those working to earn a living, and everyone who is making efforts for the development of the Lisu people,” he said.

Walking Together With Christ

During the gathering, Rev. Dr. Ah Dee Wa Ya Zi delivered a Scripture-based spiritual reflection and encouraged participants to remain close to God in every aspect of their lives.

“God listens to the prayers of His people when they come together,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to God for the Lisu people and encouraged Christian leaders, catechists, laypeople, and all those serving their communities to remain united with Christ.

“Whether we are catechists, laypeople, or people working in different fields, we need to walk with God always,” Rev. Dr. Ah Dee Wa Ya Zi said.

Using the image of a tree to illustrate the importance of spiritual life, he added, “A person who does not live in Jesus is like a dead tree. That is why it is important for us to walk together with Jesus.”

Preserving Lisu Language and Culture

The secretary of Lisu Christian Prayer Group, Thawng Lay, also addressed the gathering, encouraging participants to value their Lisu identity and preserve their language and literature for future generations.

“We thank God for creating us as Lisu people among the many peoples of the world,” he said.

Noting that the Lisu people have had their written language for more than a century, he called on Lisu churches to continue using and promoting the language.

“We need every Lisu church to continue using the Lisu language and literature,” Thawng Lay said. “We should also make greater efforts to teach Lisu children how to read and write their own language in schools.”

He also called on Christians to remember people suffering because of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and to continue praying for peace.

“Please pray for those who are facing hardship because of the war, and pray earnestly for peace in Myanmar,” he said.

Four Years of Prayer and Fellowship

The interdenominational prayer initiative began on September 13, 2022. The gathering is held once a month, with different Lisu Christian churches taking turns hosting the event.

Over the past four years, the initiative has provided an opportunity for Lisu Christians from different denominations to meet one another, pray together, and strengthen friendship and cooperation within the wider Christian community.

The anniversary gathering highlighted not only Christian unity but also common concerns for the Lisu people, including education, preservation of language and culture, assistance to people in need, and peace in Myanmar.

A Shared Meal of Friendship

Following the prayer program, participants gathered for a grand fellowship lunch prepared for the occasion. Church leaders, ministers, and faithful from the different denominations shared the meal together in a spirit of friendship and unity.

The shared lunch brought the anniversary celebration to a warm conclusion, giving participants another opportunity to meet, converse, and strengthen relationships beyond their respective churches.

After the meal and fellowship, the participants departed for their respective churches and communities, concluding the gathering with renewed encouragement to remain united in prayer, support one another, and continue praying for the Lisu people and for peace in Myanmar.

RVA Lisu participated in the gathering as a representative of the Catholic Church, contributing through its media ministry by documenting and covering the event, demonstrating its commitment to interdenominational cooperation and Christian unity.

By RVA Lisu Service