ASAP Newsletter, 3rd Quarter 2009

third Quarter, 2009

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

ambassadors for christ

IN THIS ISSUE

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A Unique Kind of Ambassador

by Nhean Thonsovan

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14

Church planter

special feature:

A STORY TO SHARE

A Message to the World

by Van Quy

The Life-blood of the Church

By Isah Young

12

Meet Sim Thearith

16

Meet Nguyen Thanh Minh Lay Pastor

Ambassadors Experience Results

by Julia O’Carey

ls God Calling You?

By Martin Kim

Meet Kimberly Coast

ASAP Ambassador

Meet Sitisak Yangsaku

Medical Missionary & Church Planter

Ambassadors on Wheels

By Sam Ngala

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IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Director’s Update BY Judy Aitken 8 the inner view BY Liana Kim 10 In Loving Memory & honor By sara martin

Meet Ko Ko

medical missionary

11 A Giver’s Heart by Martin Kim 19 Snapshot of ASAP’s Finances by Karen Wade 22 ASAP Family Connections By Joy Asumen 23 P.S. we love hearing from you!

Ambassadors for Christ third quarter 2009  Adventist Southeast Asia Projects ASAP is a registered 501(c3), non-profit organization and is fueled by faith in God and His provision through individuals’ financial support. Please note that 100% of your gifts go directly to the projects specified. All donations are tax-deductible.

CONTACT US Adventist Southeast Asia Projects PO Box 84 Berrien Springs, MI 49103

ASAP publishes this newsletter quarterly. Please contact the office to receive your complementary subscription, or for additional copies to give to family and friends.

TOLL FREE PHONE FAX EMAIL WEB

ASI MEMBER ASAP has been a member of ASI (Adventist-layman’s Services and Industries) since 1996 and is grateful to be an ASI grant recipient.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Judy Aitken EDITOR/ASSociate DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITORS Linda Bauer and Jolene Roosenberg DESIGN/LAYOUT Sarah Lee | whyambient.com PHOTOGRAPHY Frank Spangler | worldviewimages.com ASAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Bruce Bauer, Judy Aitken, Max & Linnea Torkelsen, Mary Ann McNeilus, Ralph & Beatrice Neall, Byron & Carol Reynolds, Robin Riches, Trudi Starlin, Kenneth Straw

1-866-365-3541 269-471-3026 269-471-3034 office@asapministries.org http://www.asapministries.org

ON THE COVER Jee Wong, one of ASAP’s ambassadors, poses next to a friendly child he met during the Cambodian campmeeting.

PHOTO BY ALDEN J. HO PHOTOGRAPHY

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and given us the ministry of reconciliation…Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:17-20).

Each time I travel to Southeast Asia and meet with the ASAP missionaries, I leave with a sense of awe by how seriously they take their role as Ambassadors for Christ.

They live and breathe their purpose, to reconcile their family, friends, and neighbors to God. I am profoundly impressed by the way God has transformed these men and women from their old lives of sin, which were often deeply rooted in animistic fears and Buddhist beliefs, to new creatures in Him. Are they perfect? No! But they indeed are effective witnesses because of the mysterious powerful working of the Holy Spirit that creates miraculous changes in them. According to Wikipedia, “Ambassadors are ministers of the highest rank, with authority to represent their head of state.” See for yourself how ASAP missionaries are representing the King of Kings by reading their profiles on pages 5,7,13,15 & 21.

Thorn Sath, a Cambodian lady I met at the camp meeting last February, is an example of someone who wholeheartedly reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. Smiling from ear to ear, Thorn Sath told me, “I have found a new way of life that has given me hope to be with Jesus when He comes.” Read her story on page 4 to find out how that amazing transformation came about.

Within the pages of this newsletter you not only get to meet ASAP Ambassadors from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, but you will discover that ASAP has a team of Ambassadors working right here in North America. Meet Kimberly Coast on page 21. God is calling more and more of His children, like Kimberly, who are gifted with time, a desire to pray, and resources, to speak out on Christ’s behalf and spread the mission of ASAP. I want to extend a personal word of thanks to these dedicated volunteers. Don’t miss Martin Kim’s article on this subject found on page 20, because God just might be calling you to become an ambassador of this sort!

Finally, and most importantly, as Paul communicated to the Corinthians, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, to be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). In these last days of earth’s history, let us not settle for mediocrity in our spiritual lives. My prayer is that God will transform each of us into new creations so we can be even more effective ambassadors for Him.

Sincerely,

Judy Aitken, ASAP Director

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A Unique Kind of Ambassador ambassadors for christ IN cambodia—By Nhean Thonsovan

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hen I think of the word ambassador, faced hardships in her life, though she had done my mind first turns to an important many good things as Buddha taught. As she person who represents a kingdom. continued listening to the radio broadcast, the However, I have discovered that God’s lady’s testimony and the Word of God comforted ambassadors can come in many different shapes her restless heart and brought a flicker of hope and sizes. One type comes as a small black box to her soul. At the end of the show, they gave with a dial, speakers, and antenna. You guessed an address for Cambodia Adventist Mission it, a radio! One of the most exciting projects I and encouraged the listeners to write in their have been involved with is the Voice of Love questions. I received Thorn Sath’s letter. To radio ministry which has been going on for the past three Thorn Sath could not understand why again years. Through the gentle and again she faced hardships in her life voice of Pastor Sophat Sorn, beamed from California by satellite (thanks to Adventist World Radio), people all over Cambodia hear encouraging words of love and hope found in God’s Word.

Let me show you the effectiveness of the radio ministry by introducing you to Mrs. Thorn Sath.

Thorn Sath faithfully tuned her radio to the news stations each night to stay informed of what was happening in the political arenas inside her country and around the world. On one particular night, she had difficulty catching both of her favorite news channels, VOA and AFR. As she was moving her dial up and down, searching for a clear signal, she came across the Voice of Love radio speaker sharing the testimony of a lady who suffered through trial after trial in her life. “That’s me!” she thought to herself.

Thorn Sath’s hardship began when her dearly beloved husband, who happened to be a government officer, was taken by Khmer Rouge soldiers in 1977, never to return. At that time, she was seven months pregnant and found herself forced by the head of the Angka Organization to remarry someone they chose for her. This man gambled their money away and in 1992 they divorced. Though she had good jobs working in education, she had no peace or joy. Two of her daughters married men who made poor choices that caused them much heartache. Thorn Sath could not understand why again and again she

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Thorn Sath sharing the radio messages with her daughters and friend.

make a long story short, she completed two Bible study sets and attended evangelism meetings in Kampong Spoe Province. Now Thorn Sath is a regular attending member of the Sen Sok Adventist Church, all because of the work of an important ambassador, the radio.

—————————————————————— about the author

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Nhean Thonsovan has been a pastor and leader for the Cambodian Adventist Mission for the past eighteen years. He currently works as director of radio, youth and health ministries.

 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

workers

Cambodia

Meet Sim Thearith “She opened her eyes and could speak again.”

Church Planter Kampong Thom, Cambodia main goal To listen to God and obey Him in sharing the Good News to others so that Jesus can come soon. position

location

how you can help

You can become your brothers keeper as God asks us to. The cost of a stipend for one church planter in Cambodia—$150/month. prayer requests

I would like to request ASAP to pray that I will have wisdom from God to share the Good News to more unbelievers. Please pray for my church members because many of them need work. Also, pray that their first goal will be to share the Good News with others.

‘‘

I want to be a good witness…”

A FISHERMAN FOR SOULS Just like God called Peter, James and John, he called me to stop

fishing for fish, but fish for men instead. I still get up very early, but I spend all my day doing God’s work as His servant. I believe that people need to see Jesus in me. Timothy 3:7 says, “Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” I want to be a good witness, not only to my relatives who are still unbelievers, but to everyone I meet. I want to live victorious through God’s power and I daily invite the Holy Spirit to work in my heart.

AMAZING! God always helps me and my church members when we have problems because we find comfort and power when we pray and read Bible verses. For instance, when fifty-three-year-old Srey Sokhum had a stroke because of her high blood pressure, I quickly called the medical missionary, Mr. Hem Ngoun and other church members. After applying natural remedies and praying, it was amazing! She opened her eyes and could speak again. In a little while, she returned to normal health. Now that Srey Sokhum experienced God’s true power she is starting to trust Him. TWO GRANDMOTHERS MEET CHRIST When we had evangelistic meetings in my district, 250 people came the first day and about 400 came every night after that. I was happy to see two Buddhist grandmothers in the audience whom I had invited. On the last night when Pastor Pen Narith asked to see hands of those who wanted to study more to be baptized, they both raised their hands up high. I did not think they would accept Jesus because it is very hard for the elderly in Cambodia to change religions. In amazement, I asked, “What made you believe in Christ?” One replied, “My children did not want me to come to the meetings, but I am glad I did anyway. I believe God’s power opened my mind to understand the pastor’s words and He changed my heart to follow Him.” I thank Jesus they were recently baptized.

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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The Life-blood of the Church ambassadors for christ in vietnam—By Isah Young

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have the opportunity to witness the Seventhday Adventist house-church leaders and members in Vietnam living out Revelation 12:11. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

They have a strong sense that we are in the last days of earth’s history. They absolutely believe we have a clear message for the world and will do what it takes to share that message.

They absolutely believe we have a clear message for the world and will do what it takes to share that message

Rock islands in a Vietnamese harbor, one of the areas that ASAP missionaries are reaching.

With the development of most religious organizations registering their groups and churches in Vietnam, the house-church leaders and members who have taken a stand to not register have become a great target. They now experience the cooperation between churches and state to persecute them. As a result, Christ’s ambassadors often feel isolated, standing alone to face the threat of Babylon from every direction. The police hate those who do not register, those who have not fallen into their controlling schemes, which is evident in the situation outlined below.

Pastor Minh*, an ASAP lay pastor leading a large district in Vietnam, called and shared in detail his recent experience with the police. Without any warning, the provincial, district, and local police forces joined together, swarmed into his home, handcuffed him and led him to the police station. Their purpose was to use the “mob” to intimidate and scare him into registering all his house-churches and members’ names.

In response to their demands, Minh told them, “You know where we worship. You see who comes each week. Why do I need to register now? Furthermore, if I release the names of the members, I know you will harass them and this discourages the new members’ faith.” The police then pressed harder for information, but this faithful ambassador replied, “You can shoot me and kill me. But I will not provide you with the information you are requesting!” After he said that, the police released him, but continued to interrogate him the following day.

The difficult situations ASAP lay pastors and youth evangelists currently endure only fortify their understanding of the prophecy of Revelation which clarifies their role as ambassadors for Christ. They have an urge to spread the warning message to everyone, calling people to return to the true God, the only Savior, Jesus Christ, the church that follows all of God’s commandments.

They understand that God has called them to proclaim the true message of the Gospel in the midst of so many false and diluted doctrines today. If they register with the government, they no longer have the freedom to evangelize, period. I believe that evangelism to the church is similar to what blood is to the body. Just as a small incision can cause one to bleed to death, the small decision of registering can cause all evangelism in a church to die. Though it is hard for the Western world to comprehend the mind of communism, we praise God for giving His servants the wisdom and courage to make important stands in order to maintain their role of ambassadors for Christ. *Name changed for the safety of God’s servant.

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 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

workers

Vietnam

Meet Nguyen Thanh Minh* “Life is always interesting when you surrender.”

Lay Pastor Vietnam main goal To oversee the ministry to the minority groups who live in the mountainous regions of Vietnam. The church membership in his area is 2,380. position

location

SYNOPSIS OF SERVICE I believe serving God is a calling. Sometimes I feel very tired, but I always continue.

I read the Bible, fast, pray to God and believe in Him. I cannot keep God’s Word and truth about the Sabbath to myself. I distribute evangelistic materials, Bibles and DVDs to the groups I work with and to many others who the Holy Spirit tells me to.

‘‘

I believe serving God is a calling.”

*Name has been changed and picture blurred for the safety of the individual.

DANGERS IN SERVICE Life is always interesting when you surrender everything to God and serve Him. For instance, one night when I was traveling on a moped with another ASAP lay pastor, four men started chasing us on their mopeds. As they came closer, we saw they were carrying big machetes. It was frightening, but we prayed very much. When we saw that they were gaining on us, we stopped at a gas station. They yelled at us, “Get off your bike and give us back what you stole from us.” They searched us and did not find their stolen items. They realized they had the wrong guys.

When I got home, I kept thanking God over and over for protecting us.

PEACE IN SERVICE When I have to answer to the police, I always pray, “God, please give me peace.” And He does. It is God who answers the questions. One time when the police asked me angry questions in public, people crowded around, wondering if I was doing something illegal, such as dealing drugs. It amazed me how I was able to talk to them like I talk to my friends, without fear or anger.

POWER IN SERVICE I believe that there is great power in prayer. First, I praise God for the

wells that were put in some of the villages in the mountains this year. They are a blessing to the people and a testimony of God’s love and care. My request for you is to please pray that six of my house-churches can be renovated to accommodate many new members. Pray for the twenty-seven volunteer leaders and the nineteen ASAP missionaries I work with in the mountains. During the rainy season there is more sickness. Pray for their health, protection and effectiveness in ministry through the Holy Spirit. Pray for my health also. I have a hard time eating the tribal people’s food because I am not used to the bitter and spicy leaves. This has caused GI problems. Also, I have severe back pain from riding the moped on bumpy roads for long distances. Pray that I can have more DVDs and DVD players to share with the people. In one area especially, I am not able to give Bible studies. I know that DVDs are the only way to reach the people there.

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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THE INNER VIEW

P Lay Pastor: Loi Saikhamvong

By Liana Kim

I sat down with lay pastor Loi Saikhamvong and listened as he expressively spoke about his life and ministry for the Lord. I felt very blessed by what I heard and I hope you will gain a blessing as well.

LK: What brought you to Christ?

LS: After I got married in 2000, I looked forward to a happy, peaceful life, farming a small piece of land with my new bride, Vong Pachan. Shortly after the wedding, Vong started acting differently than the woman I married. She heard voices and did many strange things. I knew she had gone insane and this greatly discouraged me. I grew up Buddhist, but this religion had no answers for my dear wife. Then a missionary happened to come into our village and told me about Jesus’ power. She even came and prayed for my wife. When I saw with my own eyes how my wife came back to her normal self, I felt very happy indeed! I decided to believe in this powerful God who loves us so much He would work this miracle for my wife and me.

LK: After your wife was healed and you asked God in your heart, was your life what you dreamed it to be?

LS: Not exactly. My new mother-in-law was furious that we became Christian and to keep peace, we moved into a separate house. We fell back into our old, familiar Buddhist traditions and beliefs and did not give God our whole hearts.

LK: Now you are a lay pastor, so what turned you back around?

LS: Two things, a death and a new life. The death happened when we lost our first baby. Vong’s belly swelled up big and the baby died in her womb. This was like a wake up call for Vong and I. We decided to serve God with our whole hearts and we have continued serving Him until this day. Also, my faith grew stronger when I experienced bringing my mother-in-law to Christ. When she became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, her new life in Christ changed her into a loving, kind person.

PHOTO CAPTIONS TOP: (left to right) Lay Pastor Loi Saikhamvong, happy to serve Christ. Loi conducts a Bible study. Loi with the group of lay pastors from Laos during a recent training. A typical village in Laos. Loi prays with a colleague because they know prayer is the key to successfully reaching the people of Laos.

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 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

LK: Praise the Lord for your mother-in-law’s new faith! How is your wife feeling now?

LS: She is thin and weak physically, but very strong spiritually. If I am so tired from working and ministering and forget to pray before I go to sleep, Vong will wake me up to pray. We both see many answers to prayer, so I don’t mind. We love the text in John 14:13, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” We see God glorified often in our family and the three church groups we take care of.

LK: Why do you think God allowed your wife to go through those trials?

LS: I know that one reason is because we now have a testimony to give to others. Our story gives people hope and opens their heart for us to pray for them and teach more about God. For instance, a man in the Lawang village came to me because one of his sons was acting insane like my wife was. He believed that he was demon possessed and though this father did not believe in God, he heard about my wife’s testimony. The spirit mediums could do nothing for his son and I was his only hope. I knew I could do nothing, so I invited two other ASAP lay pastors to come pray with me. Though we prayed for one month, his situation got worse.

During the second month of praying, this boy was delivered from the evil spirit. This family is now members of the church.

LK: Now tell me about your work for God as a lay pastor.

LS: My work for God makes me very happy. I give Bible studies, teach the people and serve them (such as helping them build their houses, etc.) I love to share the resurrection story of Jesus when my members are discouraged.

JO: What can your family of God in America pray about for you and your work?

LS: Please ask them to pray that I will have wisdom and knowledge to serve God. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work through me so that when I speak to my neighbors, they will believe. Please pray that my wife and I will be able to have a healthy baby. Pray that if it is God’s will, we can build a church in one of the three villages I serve God in. Pray that the village I live in can have a well. This would greatly help my family and neighbors with our farming projects.

—————————————————————————————————————— A bout the Author ——————————————————————————————————————

Liana Kim considers it a privilege to be able to serve God through the ministry of ASAP. She has a heart for missions and love for the people of Southeast Asia. She enjoys working and traveling together with her husband Martin Kim representing ASAP.

web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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ln Loving Memory & Honor By sara martin

“It is only when we become consciously aware of God’s gracious activity in the details of our everyday lives, that we can be transformed and find purpose in our lives today. Jesus said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31, NIV).

In Memory of:

My brother, Monte Morris, by Shirley Burton Dick Mills, by Lawrence Collins Dr. Manuel S. DaProza and Samuel C. Aguirre, by Consolacion DaProza Ramnarine Ramharacksingh, by James and Alma Hanson Milton Kesler and Wesley Steele, by Yvonne Kesler My husband, by Ann J. Kim Wendell Horning, by Helen W. Lee Leslie Roth, by Robert and Sherron Lockwood Edith Maples, by Donald and Gwendolyn Maples My father, Eldon Jenicke, by Sandy Monette Justine Peshka, by David Peshka My brother, Ken Eager, by Nancy Rader Pearl Gobbel Sutton, by Jim and Carolyn Sutton Marvin Wilson, by Gene and Blanche Wilson Pearl Keller, Pauline Brown and Dorraine Schermerhoin, by Herbert and Phyllis Wrate

In Honor of:

Abigail Kelly’s 8th grade graduation, by Julia, A.J. & Kaila O’Carey Cindy Potter, by Phyllis Geiman David Brown, by Katherine Brown Firebaugh Child Sabbath School, by Amanda Caldera Julie Orellana’s 8th birthday, by Carolyn Hartman

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ASAP joins our family of God in Cambodia to mourn the death of Chea Monireth, a six-year-old first grader attending the SDA Westside Feed & Read School. He passed away May 6, 2009 by way of drowning in a pond. Please pray that God will comfort his family and classmates during 2009  Adventist Southeast Asia Projects third quarter this time.

A GIVER’S HEART

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What Matters Most? picture of Martin was taken by Joy Asumen

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n Stephen Covey’s bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he writes about the importance of beginning with the end in mind. Covey says that many people climb the ladder of success only to find the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. He writes, “We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind” (p. 98).

For those of us who claim to be climbing Jacob’s ladder, how important is it that we keep the end in mind? It is more than a matter of being truly efficient and effective, it is a matter of our eternal future.

By MARTIN KIM

Recently I received an e-mail that spoke volumes.

Its message reminded me about the importance of keeping the end in mind as I continue serving Christ as His ambassador. When I read it (see below), I was reminded of a quote in the Desire of Ages. Ellen White wrote, “When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.”

May this be a gentle reminder to you as it was for me, to really live for Him and the things that matter most to Him—to live as Christ’s ambassadors.

NINE Things God Won’t Ask on That Day: 1.

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove.

He’ll ask how many people you drove for who didn’t have transportation.

2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house.

He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3.

God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet.

He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was.

He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5.

God won’t ask what your job title was.

He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6.

God won’t ask how many friends you had.

He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7.

God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived.

He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8. God won’t ask about the color of your skin.

He’ll ask about the content of your character.

9.

God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek salvation.

He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven.

web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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Ambassadors Experience Results ambassadors for christ in thailand—By Julia O’Carey

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everal years ago, ASAP started a joint project with Mission College (MC) in Thailand all because of one man’s vision. Khamsay Phetchareun, then an associate professor of religion in the undergraduate program, believed strongly in getting his students involved in outreach.

He urgently felt the need to share Jesus Christ with the many Buddhists in and around Mission College. He knew the concept of Branch Sabbath Schools in English would be a win-win situation for all involved. Phetchareun was right! Not only have the students benefited from the practical experience in ministry, but the project has planted seeds and is starting to reap eternal results.

new heart of flesh. Nola Tudu, a friend of Mr. Somsak and his wife, Mrs. Sajaporn, attended the baptism and writes, “After church I stopped to talk with Mrs. Sajaporn. She looked at me with eyes brimming with tears of joy and said, ‘I waited for ten years.’ With our faces radiant, we expressed happiness in the decision her husband finally made for Christ.”

In Muak Lek, the town closest to MC, ASAP helps rent a building where English classes and Branch Sabbath Schools take place on a regular basis. From April 27 to May 1, 2009, MC students and staff conducted evangelistic meetings for the students (some adults came as well).

What was most impressive On March 28, 2009, in the was how so many students Korat SDA Church, ten from MC joined in the effort, people affirmed their faith assisting with music and in God and Christ Jesus. Six fundraising. The fellows of were baptized for the first Elijah Hall, on their own time and four others returned initiative, raised over 1,000 to the church and to their faith baht to provide refreshments in God. As the congregation at the meetings. Lots of people sang, “I Have Decided stopped outside the building to Follow Jesus”, the first to look in and check out what candidate, Kittichai Sophon was happening. Ryan Ashlock, Ampornont stepped into the pastor of the church in Mission baptistery. It was through the College says, “In many ways experience of helping with we are sowing seeds for future the English Branch Sabbath evangelism.” ASAP is grateful Visit www.asapministries.org School on the military base in that Mission College keeps the Learn more about these Thai Korat that this MC sophomore focus of these projects where projects through the eyes ASAP Ambassador Tim Koss. student totally surrendered it should be—to share Jesus his heart to God. A longtime and the Bible with others. We resident of Mission College, Mr. Somsak look forward to hearing how these projects will Sankham, was next. Though his heart was far continue to grow and bear fruit as Christ’s young away from God, he faithfully drove the van to ambassadors represent Him to Thai Buddhist and from MC to transport students on Sabbath children and their parents. afternoons. Week by week, the Holy Spirit chipped away at his heart of stone and finally he allowed God to replace his old heart with a

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Thailand

Meet Sitisak Yangsaku “I am so thankful my cousin invited me to church that day!” position

Medical Missionary & Church Planter location Nam Soon and Huay Sieo Villages in Hangdong District, Thailand main goal To use the power of prayer and natural remedies to show Christ’s love by helping and caring for sick people. how you can help

Giving $150 per month supplies a stipend for one Thai medical missionary.

Missionaries like Yangsaku can reach people that a pastor or teacher would never have the opportunity to.

Yangsaku’s immediate needs are for Hmong Bibles and song books ($150) for two of his churches and for a small moped ($800) for traveling between three villages.

‘‘

Jesus totally changed my life.”

please pray

Pray that people will see Christ’s love in me and accept salvation in Jesus Christ. Pray for my extended family to be converted and also pray that my members’ faith will be strong. Pray for those who are taking Bible studies with me, that they will make a decision.

How God Reached Me John 3:16 is my favorite Bible text because when I heard the pastor

speak of God’s love to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins and give me eternal life, my heart was touched. Right after I heard that beautiful message, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and repented of my sins. Jesus totally changed my life. His love in me makes me willing to sacrifice the happiness of being with my old friends and living the ways of the world. Today, Jesus has placed a strong desire in my heart to share the peace that He has given me. I am so thankful my cousin invited me to church that day!

My Work for God Not long after I was converted, I joined the health evangelism classes led

by Pastor Phamor Phoopichitprai. I learned how to be a medical missionary, the power of praying for the sick and methods to spread the good news of Jesus through natural remedies. I go out to the villages to visit and make friends. After saying a quiet prayer, I walk up to the people’s houses and give them a friendly greeting. They welcome me and ask who I am. I tell them that I am a medical missionary who has come to help them with their health problems. They often ask me for advice and help which I am glad to provide.

The Power of Using Natural Remedies In Que Sua Village I treated a lady who had no appetite and was severely malnourished by advising her to eat a good diet which includes fruit and vegetables. Her health and appetite greatly improved. I often give hydrotherapy treatments to those with joint pains and charcoal to those with stomach pains. I pray for each person and always thank God for His miraculous healing and help. web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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Ambassadors on Wheels ambassadors for christ in Myanmar—By Sam Ngala

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magine how frustrating it would be to be one of the pastors in Myanmar, trying to minister to your parishioners, but having to walk or pedal a bicycle miles and miles between your parishes. Pastors in central Myanmar work in a mission field that stretches across seven states and divisions that border Bangladesh in the West, and China, Laos, and Thailand in the East. This central region has a total population of more than 15 million. To make matters worse, only a few national highways are paved along with very few roads in the cities and towns.

ASAP supporters, with your help fueled by God’s blessings, you are turning things around so that the district pastors can effectively and efficiently train and serve lay church leaders and members scattered across green valleys, mountainous terrain, and arid territories. Recently, you have helped ASAP provide six mopeds for the Adventist district pastors, and God willing, ASAP would like to equip at least six additional pastors with mopeds. I would like to introduce you to some of the pastors that you have been helping.

Pastor Maung Shwe*

I accepted Christ as my Savior and became an Adventist by reading the Story of Redemption in a pamphlet given me. When I wanted to continue my studies, I did not have money. I prayed to God for this difficulty. He opened the way so that I could engage in canvassing. I saved enough money for my travel. Once I reached the university, I received sponsorship. I praise God for His help. I was able to complete my graduate studies and return to my country to serve. Thank you for providing me a moped. I will use it for God’s glory.

Pastor Moe Htaik*

I was born in an Adventist home. My father dreamed of me becoming a minister and he prepared me for it. I work with people living in the mountains and near rivers in remote places. In order to reach people, I build friendships with them, visit them when they are sick and help with their medical treatment. I am always willing to go through trials and trouble for God’s work. God always helps us. When our family has no food to eat God sends people to give us food. He saves me from accidents.

I am very happy for His help through ASAP. This moped will hasten the Lord’s coming. *The names of the church pastors have been changed for their safety and the work of God.

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Providing Wheels with a Purpose Would you like the joy of knowing YOU helped speed up progress of getting the gospel into difficult to reach areas? Consider equipping an ambassador for Christ with a moped $850 or a bicycle $80.

PRICELESS GIFT CATALOG ITEM #112

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workers

Myanmar

Meet Ko Ko* “I visited him, prayed for him and gave him an herbal treatment made with coconut oil.”

Medical Missionary Central Myanmar main goal To bring God’s children to Christ through medical missionary work position

location

how you can help

Please pray for the down-pouring of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for funds to support more medical missionaries and medical training seminars in Myanmar.

‘‘

Until then, I remain an ambassador for Christ’s kingdom.”

*Names changed for the safety of God’s servants, the progress of His work.

A Test of Our Faith When our two daughters got a serious disease, Thalassemia Major that

requires regular blood transfusions and medical care, my wife and I were overwhelmed, financially broke and heartbroken. I tried different cures but they did not work long-term. Previous to their sickness, we had left our successful fish pond business to enter into God’s work and then found ourselves in a crisis situation. After much prayer, I found a remedy from an herbal medicine book using the Sulanapar plant. Her health and appetite greatly improved and her hemoglobin test showed that she did not need blood transfusions or treatment for an iron overload. We praise God for this miracle. In His love, God has prepared plants and vegetables to help His children.

Healing for U Ba I met a man by the name of U Ba* who had a cancerous sore on his neck that was swollen and excreting puss. He had to wrap cloths around his neck to keep the flies away and no one would visit him because of his disgusting situation. He spent lots of money for medical treatment but things only got worse. He was getting thinner by the day. I visited him, prayed for him and gave him an herbal treatment made with coconut oil. U Ba’s tumor is getting close to being completely healed.

NEW START I taught the health message to three women in U Ba’s village that showed an interest.

I bought three notebooks and pencils so they could use them to take notes on what I shared. A few days later I found out that they were using the notebooks to calculate three digit lotteries famous in Myanmar and Thailand. Though it upset me, I prayed for patience and love like Jesus. One of the three ladies asked me to pray for her son who was working in the forest with elephants. He had stopped communicating with his family after becoming addicted to heroine. After four days of praying for him, he came back home. This lady became a catalyst for God’s work.

ENTERING THE NO-ENTER ZONE When my siblings and I were first asked to hold health training seminars, I was very worried. The community we were to go to is known as a no-enter zone for Christian workers. Nevertheless, we held a health seminar. Forty non-Adventist adults and sixty children attended daily to hear the health message and of Christ’s love. Only in Heaven will we see the full results of our work. Until then, I remain an ambassador for Christ’s kingdom. web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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A Message to the World

By Van Quy* from the country of vietnam

It took me three years to study Adventist literature, comparing scripture to scripture, before I fully understood the truth. Through this study, I discovered many things I did not know as a Christian pastor of another denomination, such as the state of the dead, the last day prophecy and the beauty of the Sabbath rest. At that time a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit caused me to accept all the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Lord gave me zeal in my heart to share the truth with everyone who would listen. I prayed and pled with God to use me to bring salvation to many people who live in darkness. God answered my prayers and the prayers of my wife who works with me and blessed our work beyond what we imagined He would. Now there are more than 2,000 members in my district who are a part of twenty large and thirty small congregations. We work with twelve missionaries supported by ASAP.

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17 Many miracles happened to me after I came to the true church. I will share a few of them with you today. When I first made the switch to work as an Adventist lay pastor, my Christian colleagues were angry. They felt like I betrayed them and my church members and so reported me to the police. When I went in for interrogation, an officer took my cell phone away and immediately put me in prison. I refused to eat the rice porridge the officers gave because I knew I needed to fast and pray for wisdom and spiritual strength. This angered the police. One officer yelled at me, “Are you refusing to eat so that you can show the world that the Vietnamese police are cruel and do not feed their prisoners?

Is that what you are trying to do?” I quietly explained to him that I chose not to eat because I was praying to God. After about ten days in jail they were afraid that I would die so they released me. After this incident, God gave me courage and determination to (1) return to my friends that did not understand the truth, and (2) to go farther distances in spreading the truth of the gospel.

I did not know exactly how to share my new beliefs with my friends who still were in darkness on some important doctrines in the Bible, but I trusted God would guide me. Not long after this, my friend Trie,* who I have known since gradeschool and who I went to the seminary with, told me, “I am so sad you joined the Adventist Church.” I asked him, “Why would you be sad

since I found the true church? My heart is full of joy because I now understand the truth in God’s Word.” At that, he told me, “I do not plan to go to your church, but do you have some literature that explains what you believe now?” I shared some books and sermons on DVD. One month later, he came back to me and said, “Pray for me. I now know you are in the right church.” I believe that he, together with many of his church members, will join the Seventh-day Adventist church in the future.

I pray that every person in the world who hears my story, who does not yet believe, will keep searching for the truth until it’s found.

The Lord led me to an area under strict control of the military where many ethnic, tribal people work for the government. The first day after I entered this area with my big bag full of literature and DVD sermons I went undetected by the police. I was able to meet many Christian people in a short amount of time. I thanked God for this miracle that I believe came from fasting and praying previous to my trip. I traveled a great distance to get there and was happy to have the opportunity to share with people who were genuinely interested in truth. On the second day I was arrested and taken to the

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police station. An officer indignantly told me, My workers and I believe in God’s power to “How dare you come into this area! Do you not answer the prayers of his people. Each local know that this is a highly secure area that you congregation has prayer together everyday are not supposed to enter?” I replied, “I come before they go out to witness. Once a month to bring peace. The DVDs I have here will not all the ASAP workers and volunteers come only bring peace to the people who work under together to fast and pray. I myself fast and pray you, but will make them better citizens, more for seven days at least once per year–before compliant to the military’s wishes.” The officer a major outreach endeavor. Thank God! He then asked, “Are you afraid of being arrested and hears our prayers and blesses our efforts for rotting in prison?

Him. We are not No one would come ashamed to tell the to your rescue here.” world about the I calmly told them, truth we now know “If you arrest me found in His Word. for the sake of Jesus We share this truth Christ, I am willing with anyone willing to be arrested.” The to listen--to the officer paused for animists, atheists, a long moment and Buddhists, Catholics looked right in my and many others. eyes and said, “I I pray that every am going to let you Sabbath-keepi ng speak about Jesus believer that hears to the people and my story will speak tell them to live up for the truth they peaceably with the have in their hearts.

Van Quy* in prayer with Pastor Isah Young. government and not I also pray that rise up against us.” every person in the After that I was able to teach the people many world who hears my story, who does not yet things. They readily responded. I returned and believe, will keep searching for the truth until even held training sessions for house-church it’s found. leaders in this area. I thank God for the miracle of making all this possible. *Names have been changed and photos blured for the safety of God’s servants and the work of God.

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WILL SHE FIND THE PEACE SHE LONGS FOR? Send an Ambassador for Christ to introduce her to the Prince of Peace, the solution to all her problems.

For $70/month, you can fully fund a Vietnamese lay pastor

Help spread the only peace that lasts— sponsor a missionary today!

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A SNAPSHOT OF ASAP’S FINANCES

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Great Needs for the Third Quarter 2009

By Karen Wade CPA, ASAP Treasurer

G

od’s ambassadors, the national workers in Southeast Asia, are busy working for God in spite of hardships and difficulties. During the third quarter of 2009, ASAP has committed to support about $175,000 for their stipends. This is our greatest need!

Please praise the Lord with us as we “proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day; [and] declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples [in Southeast Asia]” (Ps 96:2, 3). We thank the Lord for your continued prayers and support.

In addition to helping support the missionaries’ necessities of life, we trust that you will get excited about helping equip them for ministry.

Some of the tools they need for ministering effectively are listed below.

For more details and projects, please visit ASAP’s Priceless Gift Catalog at www.asapministries.org.

current great needs for the third Quarter 2009 $51,352

Training for lay pastors in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

$2,000

Evangelism meetings in Cambodia ($400 will provide for one site)

$30,314 Mopeds and bicycles

(motorcycles cost $850 each and $50 for gas each month; bicycles are $80) $34,638 Bibles, Bible lessons, books and other literature

Bibles: Vietnamese $5, Cambodian $10, Thai $20,

Hmong $25, Lao $18.50, Karen $7, Mien $12.25, Lahu $10.75 $80,350 $2,400

DVDs and players in Vietnam ($65 for one player and set of DVDs)

Portable generators in Myanmar ($200 each)

$12,885 House-church Building and Repair

Laos $4500 each

Cambodia $700 each

Vietnam house-church average repair cost: $650 $15,000 Youth evangelism (Vietnam)

Radios $10; Youth Evangelist Sponsorship $40/mo $28,144

Poor fund, food for the hungry, disaster relief to be given as needed in: Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand

web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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ls God Calling You? ambassadors for christ in north america—By Martin Kim

H

as God ever remarkably answered your prayers for more laborers? This happened to me during the week of the Washington Conference camp meeting in 2007. I pleaded with God for more ASAP ambassadors, people with a passion for mission and the spirit of volunteerism, willing and excited about spreading the word of what ASAP is doing in Southeast Asia. As I stood at the ASAP exhibit one evening, a young Asian man about my age, walked up and started looking through some of our materials. He introduced himself to me as Jee Wong and said straightforwardly, “I’d be happy to represent your ministry.” I quietly breathed, “Thank you Lord!” As I got to know Jee Wong better I found out that he was an accomplished pianist who used to play for some big names including Yamaha.

We at ASAP are grateful for not only Jee Wong, but the many other ASAP ambassadors He has sent us. ASAP ambassadors share in churches and inspire others to get involved in supporting God’s work in Southeast Asia through their prayers and resources. They represent us at camp meetings and conventions as exhibitors.

Others help organize benefit concerts and other ASAP awareness events. Many of our ASAP Ambassadors, like Kimberly Coast, have a heart for missions because they have grown up hearing mission stories or because they have gone on a short-term mission trip. Others simply realize that we are all called to be missionaries.

As someone once said, “You are a missionary or you are a mission field.” We feel blessed and honored to have such committed missionaries who are laboring on the home front. We thank the Lord for our ASAP Ambassadors for the important role they play in bringing Jesus to the people of Southeast Asia. Would you join us in praying to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more ASAP ambassadors? Maybe God will start with YOU! Please contact ASAP if you sense God’s call.

Hear what two of our ambassadors have to say about why they volunteer:

Carrie Lahti swaping contact info with Cambodia Adventist School students before they say farewell at the Cambodia Campmeeting.

I was so grateful to the Lord for the way he had led Jee to ASAP and for the way he answered my prayer in such a direct way. God brought Jee to Southeast Asia on a mission trip and his personal experience meeting the people and projects brought a new dimension to the relationship between ASAP and Jee. The past couple of years, it has been a tremendous blessing to work with Jee on a number of ASAP benefit concerts.

“I have admired missionaries since I was a child.

I’ve ministered to others since we became SDA’s.

I love to see people’s lives transformed, to know that they will be happier when they find Jesus.

My heart is in Bible work. When I hear what the church planters and the literacy teachers are doing there it just warms my heart and makes me want to do what I can here.”

Geneva Kelps

“My favorite moment is talking to people after ASAP Keep Hope Alive benefit concerts. I hear some incredible stories and testimonies from people. It feels like we are all connected and becoming this big group of missionaries for Christ’s kingdom!”

Jee Wong

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workers

N orth A merica

Meet Kimberly Coast “There are so many in Southeast Asia who need Jesus.”

ASAP Ambassador Citrus Heights, CA main goal To bring hope to captive people and increase an awareness of ASAP. position

location

how you can help

Pray for Kimberly and the other dedicated ASAP Ambassadors.

Prayerfully consider becoming an ambassador in your area by donating your time, money, and abilities to ASAP. Share your love for Jesus to the world!

‘‘

I wanted to be a missionary.”

GO FOR GOD I became a Seventh-day Adventist when I was ten years old. I was very

moved by the sacrifice of Jesus and I loved how He stood up for sinners, women and children. I grew up with stories about Eric B. Hare and at church returning missionaries told great stories and brought cool stuff from the mission field. I wanted to be a missionary too. When I was fifteen I got to go on my first mission trip with “Teens on a Mission.”

I dedicated my life to service to God on that trip. I wanted to GO everywhere for God!

MY EXPERIENCE IN CAMBODIA In Cambodia on the 2008 mission trip I met many young girls who had been held captive in the sex trade. I met people who had been beaten by their neighbors for talking about Jesus. I met people who had been freed from devil possession and who were now beaming with hope and love. It was through this mission trip that I came to love and appreciate the work that ASAP is doing for such people.

MOTIVATING OTHERS I love telling people how God can use them to help people. I love to hear from one-time donors who have decided to donate every month to keep hope alive. They tell me how God is blessing them in every area of their lives now that they are sharing the little they have with the needy.

LET’S FINISH THE WORK My goal in life is to help people find freedom and hope in Jesus

Christ. I desire to see others set free from the invisible chains of sin that hold them captive. There are so many in Southeast Asia who need Jesus. I thank God that I can partner with a ministry like ASAP to bring hope and healing to those who are in great need. Let’s finish the work and spread the hope of Jesus Christ in our homes, our neighborhoods, and around the world!

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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ASAP FAMILY CONNECTIONS

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Bringing the Light of Hope

By Joy Asumen

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ay 9 of this year saw close to 400 people at the Carmichael SDA Church for ASAP’s Benefit Concert, an event centralized on the concept of HOPE. While featured piano artist Jee Wong mesmerized everyone with his swift hands over the keys producing beautiful and powerful music, he also captivated the audience with his story of

His was a story that captured in essence the mission of ASAP how he came to learn about Jesus. He grew up in poverty, and was deprived of the knowledge of Jesus, until some persistent missionaries reached out and introduced him to Christ. His was a story that captured in essence the mission of ASAP—bringing the light of hope to the people in Asia who have never heard of Jesus.

ee Wong at ASl ASAP invites you to come to Jee Wong’s concert taking place during the ASI International Convention in Phoenix, AZ August 5-8, 2009.

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Jee Wong proceeded to narrate the heartrending story of Hein, a thirteen-year old girl from Cambodia. Sold into the slavery at seven years of age, she had only despair to look forward to.

But her hope of a better life was fulfilled, and she now helps as a translator for many Bible workers. Her life is indeed a living testimony of HOPE. And finally, the people that came to witness the event, who gave of themselves with their time, their talents, their support, their money, and their prayers were blessed indeed. They are united with the greater body of people that support ASAP in their prayers and donations, and enable them to bring the message of Hope to Southeast Asia.

——————————————— A bout the Author ———————————————

Joy Asumen works as a nurse in Sacramento, CA. She joined ASAP on their trip to Cambodia in 2008, and has been inspired to pursue dentistry as a result of her involvement with the dental team. She also enjoys photojournalism.

Host an ASAP Benefit Concert!

Get lnvolved! Make a difference!

Our promise to you: You and your community will be richly blessed by hosting an ASAP benefit concert with Jee Wong. Contact Martin Kim online for details on planning a benefit concert in your community.

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P P.S. We Love Hearing from You! myanmar

vietnam LAOS

THailand cambodia

You can read more inspiring stories of how God has influenced people’s lives by visiting our website: www.asapministries.org/about-testimonials

During the last quarter my students were not able to read and write. They did not know how to pray and sing songs. Now they have improved a lot. They can read and write in Khmer very well. They sing praises to the Lord Jesus Christ and learned how to talk to our heavenly Father.

I am happy they like to read the Bible and memorize Bible texts.

Literacy Teacher Tach from Cambodia

I was watching 3ABN and I saw the interview with Dr. Bruce Bauer and Pastor Isah Young. I was lost for words until now. I have never seen anyone with such zeal and enthusiasm to work for the Lord. I was so touched. I am retired and on disability, but I promised myself I must send some money to support those DVDs that are going overseas. The Lord knows that this gift is coming from a sincere heart. Keep working for Jesus.

Garnet from Florida

We advise you who have not yet registered with the government to take time to think very carefully about this matter and base your decision on the Word of God. The government of Vietnam does not give freedom of religion as it promised. It uses the recognition of Christian churches to control them and to try and prove to the world that the government in Vietnam is giving religious freedom to it’s people. We pray that God’s people will be alert and have discernment about these matters. We give you the following points to consider: 1.

When we register with the [communist] government, God can no longer be first in everything we do.

The government becomes first and the church loses its authority. Church activities and growth are severely limited because we must ask the government for permission for all church activities, such as weddings, baptisms, trainings and the election of church officers because it is all closely monitored by the government. Permission is given according to the will of the local police and policies of the district where you apply and is approved or denied depending on whether it benefits the government.

2.

If you register, your pastors must undergo indoctrination and training by government agents on subjects contrary to Bible truth, such as evolution, communist history, Marxism, Ho Chi Minism, traditional religions and government practices.

From God’s servants (church leaders) who belong to Christian denominations recognized by the Vietnam government to pastor isah young EDITOR’S NOTE: Yes, persecution continues in Vietnam today. This is confirmed by the 2009 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Visit www.asapministries.org to learn more.

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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P.O. Box 84, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

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Request a copy of ASAP’s Priceless Gift Catalog: 1-866-365-3541

Provide a radio for someone today!

Your gift for the Voice of Love radio ministry (Priceless Gift #129) will keep this broadcast on the air in Cambodia.

A radio makes a great ambassador for Christ! For only $10, you can provide a radio to someone like Mrs. Thorn Sath (story on page 4) and help transform a life.

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