Myanmar Buddhists Finding Jesus in Superbook

People living under the harsh military regime in Myanmar are finding a reason to hope. Thanks to CBN partners, the light of God's love is reaching into the darkness.

Over the past several months the animated series, "Superbook," dubbed in the Burmese language, has been airing on national television in Myanmar.

Although most of the population is Buddhist, many say they're getting to know and experience the "God of the Christians" by watching "Superbook" and finding Him to be real in their lives.

A Mynanmar woman named Ohn Mar Mon stumbled on "Superbook" one day when she turned on her television. Although a Buddhist, she persuaded her daughter, Yamin Oo, to watch the animated show because she wanted her to learn about Jesus.

"Since I was young, I had Christian friends and through them I learned a little about their God, but I was not serious about it," Mon told CBN News.

"Three years ago, I was diagnosed with liver cancer and the doctor told me I only had six months to live. I became very weak," she explained.

"I went to the Buddhist temple, but I prayed to Jesus and after that I became strong and I got healed," she said. "My daughter only knew Buddha and I want her to know about the God of the Christians through 'Superbook.'"

Mon and her daughter began watching "Superbook" regularly.

"At first I was attracted to the animation," Mon's daughter told CBN News. "But I also like the stories in the Bible. I saw the love of God for all the people."

"In the story, 'He Is Risen,' I am touched by His great sacrifice for all the people," she said. "I am happy that Jesus became alive again."

Soon, Yamin Oo began to pray to Jesus and He answered her prayers.

"I was very nervous for the result of my exam because I did not pass before," she recalled. "But I prayed very hard and when the result came, I passed the exam. Jesus helped me!"

As a regular viewer of "Superbook," Yamin Oo joined "The Quiz" and the show's drawing contest. She won both.

But Yamin Oo and her mother participate in a much more important activity: prayer. They spend time in prayer regularly with CBN Myanmar staffer, Aye Aye Thein.

"Watching 'Superbook' on TV is only for a moment," Thein explained.  "When I visit the viewers, I have the opportunity to counsel them and pray for them. And we are able to dig deeper into the lessons of these Bible stories."

On one visit, Thein sang the "Superbook" theme song with Mon and Yamin Oo. She explained the meaning of the song, Jesus' death on the cross, and His resurrection. When she finished, Thein led them in a prayer of surrender to Jesus.

With the help of Church, CBN conducts "Superbook" screenings in Sunday school and in homes, where family and friends can get to know more about the Christian God.

"Superbook helped me trust in God more. I saw how Jesus loved the people. And this gave me peace that if I die, I am assured that God will take care of my daughter. And so I surrendered everything in God's hands," Mon said.