ASAP Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2010

s m pec is si ial on r tr ep ip or 20 t 10

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

no regrets: sold out for the

SECOND Quarter, 2010

gospel of christ

IN THIS ISSUE

l have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer l who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which l now live in the flesh l live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

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SPECIAL REPORT: CAMBODIA MISSION TRIP 2010 If Only You Could See

BY DICK D’AVANZO

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

BY LI SHAN

God’s Better Plan COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: LAOS Healing God’s Way—Medical Missionary Training in Laos

BY LIZ ANG

A Changed Mindset

BY IRENE TARIGAN

BY MARY ANN MCNEILUS, MD

Full Time Service with No Regrets

BY SAISANA OUDOMSAP

IN EVERY ISSUE

Pray for Laos

BY JUDY AITKEN

3 Director’s Update BY Judy Aitken 14 In Loving Memory & honor BY WAYNE LABINS

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15 interseed for asia by martin kim

OUR WORKERS

16 the inner view BY Judy Aitken

Meet Lapa Chayaborisut church planter—Thailand

18 Snapshot of ASAP’s Finances by Karen Wade, CPA 19 P.S. we love hearing from you!

Meet Tho Ciar

YOUTH EVANGELIST—VIETNAM

No Regrets: Sold Out for the Gospel of Christ second quarter 2010  Adventist Southeast Asia Projects ASAP is a registered §501(c)(3), 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 complimentary 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 EDITOR Linda Bauer DESIGN/LAYOUT Sarah Lee | whyambient.com ASAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Bruce Bauer, Judy Aitken, Max & Linnea Torkelsen, Mary Ann McNeilus, Ralph & Beatrice Neall, Byron & Carol Reynolds, Trudi Starlin, Kenneth Straw and Steve Chang

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

ON THE COVER A young listener of the Peace & Happiness radio program serves God in her tribal village with no regrets. She is one of thousands in Vietnam who encounter opposition from family, other church entities and the authorities when they choose Christ.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me… So shall ye be My disciples.’” (Matthew 16:24) In the Bible text above, Jesus calls on His disciples to follow His example of sacrifice.

Why? Because He knows when we consecrate our all for His service, in response to His self-sacrificing love-gift given on the cross, we will be living with no regrets. This will carry with it a satisfaction that no other way of life brings. A life lived with no regrets proves to be a great witness as well. E. G.White writes, “When those who know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined in God’s Word, the message will go with power.

The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls. God’s people will let their light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify our Heavenly Father” (Messages to Young People, 315).

Recently, many of the national missionaries traveled great distances to attend a training seminar offered by the ASAP team. Some traveled forty-eight hours over poor, potholed roads, some walked and rode buses for two and a half days, and others traveled long distances by boat, but no one showed weariness or uttered a complaint when they arrived at the training site. Instead, they expressed joy and gratefulness to have an opportunity to learn more. Once the training started, I observed a pervasive, fervent zeal for studying God’s Word.

While in Southeast Asia, it was also a privilege to interview and minister to ASAP supported missionaries who gladly take up their cross and share the gospel, doing so with no regrets. I had the privilege of sitting and listening to Aung Aung, one of the ASAP church planers, as he shared his high experiences and struggles. Read about those on page 16. You will be blessed to read how Aung Aung and his wife left the comforts and safety of their home to work among an unreached tribe, the red Lahu of Myanmar. We send our heart-felt thanks to each of you, our readers, first for of all your prayers and second, for your support that is making it possible for national missionaries like Aung Aung and more than 600 self-sacrificing workers to spread the life-saving gospel of Jesus Christ to their people before Christ’s soon return. Please look at page 18 to see at a glance how much it takes financially to support these missionaries.

I would also like to thank the twenty-two volunteers who sacrificed their time and agendas and withstood the heat of Cambodia to minister to people needing spiritual, emotional and physical care. From the testimonies they share on pages 10 to 13 you will get a clear sense that they have no regrets in making the sacrifice. We hope you will consider joining the 2011 ASAP Mission Trip. Please contact the ASAP office to receive information about this trip. Again, I thank you for your partnership and pray that you will live a life of service, with joy and no regrets.

Sincerely,

Judy Aitken, ASAP Director

LAOS

COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT:

Laos

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Healing God’s Way—Medical Missionary Training in Laos

By Mary Ann McNeilus, MD

T

his February, a week-long ASAP medical missionary training seminar was conducted in Laos. Approximately thirtyfive Hmong and Lao missionaries came from all around northern Laos. Along with the spiritual training provided by Judy Aitken, quality medical missionary training was provided by Pastor Phamor, who has a medical missionary training center in northern Thailand. Accompanying us were two energetic medical missionaries, Ratri and Pranee.

The team presented the Three Angels’ Messages as truth for this time and its relationship with the medical missionary work, along with practice nutrition classes, education on healing foods and useful hydrotherapy treatments for colds and flus.

As I contemplated his case, my mind reflected on Jesus Christ, the world’s greatest medical missionary. He specialized in healing the most difficult and hopeless cases of His day. Here, before us, was just such a case, designed to demonstrate the purpose and plan of genuine medical missionary work!

First, we laid hands on the ill man and earnestly pleaded for wisdom and guidance as to the best treatment for healing him, spiritually, mentally and physically, all according to God’s will and timing. We then outlined the principles of health to the family, including a vegetarian diet. Ratri instructed the man’s daughter on the application of chest hydrotherapy methods. In contrast to worldly methods, all prescribed treatments were easily affordable.

Medical Missionary Team Members (L-R): Dr. Mary Ann McNeilus, Ratri, Pastor Phamor and Pranee.

Ratri demonstrating water treatments to the ill man’s daughter.

One morning, a pale, feeble man walked quietly into the church where classes were being held. He was accompanied by his sad, dejected-looking wife and several other solemn family members. His young nephew, who was attending the seminar, announced that this man was in need of prayer. He was a hard-working Hmong farmer from the North, who was not a Christian. However, he had developed a lifethreatening lung condition and had spent the past four weeks in the hospital. He had just been discharged that morning. His family was told that he had lung cancer and that there was nothing more that the doctors were able to do for him.

The family attended lectures and ate the tasty, nutritious meals along with the seminar participants. When the seminar ended, the family left happy for their new-found friends in Christ, who warmly embraced them. They had come in great need and had left with a flicker of hope in their eyes, hope in the Great Physician who has just the healing balm for mind, body and soul. Is not that what true medical missionary work is all about?

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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Full Time Service with No Regrets

By Saisana Oudomsap

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ot long ago, I made the decision to work full time for God as the treasurer of the Lao Adventist Field (LAF). In the past I worked part time, but also ran my own successful business. People asked me, Why leave the business that God has blessed you with to work full time for God? Let me share three reasons with you.

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This decision would have pleased my father. He had a very positive influence on my life.

Though he worked extremely hard, moving from his birthplace in China to Vietnam, Cambodia and then Laos, there were times where it was hard for him to make enough money to feed me and my nine brothers. Through the good times and the hard times, my father repeatedly taught me that no matter what happens in life, we should trust and believe in God. I think if he were still alive, he would be very happy to see me dedicated to God’s work.

Until this day, I believe that God knows what each of His children would be happiest doing.

This decision pleases my heavenly Father. God showed me clearly through three dreams that I would be happiest serving Him full time. In the first dream, I saw all the riches that I had accumulated because of the success I experienced in my business. A man came up to me and asked, “What is the true purpose for your life? What do you most desire?” I woke up startled and in reality, started to ask myself those questions. Was I seeking after the things of the world or seeking after that which will last forever?

In the second dream God gave me, I saw that I had partnered up with a friend in a new joint business venture. We made a lot of money and had great success. That same voice clearly asked, “What do you think? Are you happier now that you have earned even more money? What is the purpose of your life? What are you going to decide to do?” I woke up abruptly and could not get those questions out of my mind.

The third dream showed that I had four Taiwanese business partners and was more successful and wealthy than ever before. I saw myself driving a motorcycle with my brother sitting behind me.

Suddenly, a big truck ran into us and sent me flying off the bike, knocking me unconscious. As I regained consciousness I saw a man wearing a white shirt standing over me. While he pointed his finger right at my heart, He said, “Satan is trying to take your life from you and he almost was successful today.” I woke up after this and fell to my knees. I prayed, “God, I believe you are telling me to work for you full time and serve you with all my heart. I am willing!” Looking back, I have no regrets in the decision I made. God blessed me and now I can be a blessing. I also see that if I continued in the business world, I would have forgotten God because money can be a great temptation for me. The Bible says we cannot serve God and money. Also, I believe that with the example I was setting, my children would not grow up serving God. God gave me the power to follow His perfect plan. My wife, mother and elder brother all encouraged me to work full time for God as the treasurer of LAF.

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The Lao Adventist Field needs my help managing the funds during this crucial time of growth. With seventeen provinces in Laos and a church membership of over 2,000. The work is too great for President Boonpranee Wannadee and the small staff as church groups sprout up all the time. I am happy to help carry the responsibility as LAF works on becoming an official Adventist Mission, operating independently, yet still in unity with the Southeast Asia Union Mission and other Adventist entities. There are not many qualified Adventist Laotians who can lead out in the church though there are many dedicated brothers and sisters of God. It is a blessing and privilege to work for God full time and I know that the reward I will get for serving Him is much better than any rewards that I would receive from working in the business world.

second quarter 2010

 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

Pray For Laos

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By JUDY AITKEN

* * * * * *

Praise God for strong spiritual leaders in LAF, such as Saisana Oudomsap. ASAP works closely with the official SDA field in Laos and praises God for the unity that has contributed to recent church growth.

Praise God that in some areas, the government has provided more religious freedom this year than it has in past years. Praise God for successful ASAP missionary training seminars and that LAF was able to hold a youth camp this year.

Pray for local government leaders and village chiefs in certain areas of Laos to become more tolerant of religion and ease restrictions on religious freedom. For example, two groups in the south are prohibited from meeting. One group in the north was told to tear down their bamboo and thatch church and another group in the north cannot meet. Governmental permission for church related projects and activities remains difficult to obtain.

Pray for boldness for the Christians in Laos. Pray that despite the laws and the interpretation of them, the believers will serve God gladly with no regrets and actively evangelize boldly.

Pray that God willing, the government will give permission for LAF to open an office in the south to manage four large provinces with over six hundred members. This will help expedite the spread of the gospel in this area.

Pray that God will provide the funds needed to support Lao missionaries and projects. Currently, ten wells are needed in villages throughout Laos.

web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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workers

Thailand

Meet Lapa Chayaborisut “I found that God can use my personal testimony and that of my wife’s to touch people’s hearts.”

ASAP Church Planter The Koheen Village in the Han Dong District of Chiang Mai, Thailand

position

location

Prayer R equests

An extra measure of the Holy Spirit A church building 25 Karen Bibles Supplies to start a literacy/Bible class

‘‘

I just share and I love doing it.”

THE ANTIDOTE TO SLEEPLESS NIGHTS I cannot sleep well at night if I failed to share Jesus

with at least one or two people during the day. On occasion, instead of tossing and turning, I get up, pray, get my work clothes on and head out the door in the dark of the night to share. I am not concerned about whether the person I share with will listen or not. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. I just share and I love doing it. After sharing God’s love and what He has done in my life, I always can sleep well like a baby.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS My favorite Bible text is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through

Christ who strengthens me.” This text encourages me to continue doing God’s work and not stop even though there are difficulties and sometimes I get discouraged. I was praying for a certain village, seventy-two miles from my village, where no Christians lived. I decided to go start a Thai language class that would help the villagers learn a language that would help these ethnic tribal villagers to integrate better into society. It was difficult at first, but with God’s power, utilized through prayer, now twenty five people are coming to learn about the Bible. Four people were baptized this year from this village and now more young people are coming to study as well. God blessed and strengthened me in starting this group.

POWER OF A GOOD TESTIMONY I found that God can use my personal testimony and that

of my wife’s to touch people’s hearts. They start thinking, “If God can change this couple maybe he can help me in my life too.” I used to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes, but once I became baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, those addictions melted away. Everything changed in my life when I followed Jesus and the truth in His Bible. My wife goes out to witness with me.

I know that the Spirit of God is working through us. She shares of how she could not walk for a month, but after praying and using massage therapy, God healed her and she is able to do everything she used to do. Sharing our testimonies is a great blessing.

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workers

Vietnam

Meet Tho Ciar* “It does not matter what people do to us.”

Position Youth Evangelist Location Vietnam Main Goal To nurture the youth in his district and spread the gospel throughout Vietnam by means of DVD evangelism.

THO’S PRIORITIES I

believe because we are God’s children we should spend more time for God than ourselves. On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I work with the youth in five churches in my village and neighboring tribal villages.

Sundays I team up with another worker to travel great distances to distribute sermons on DVD. I desire *Name has been changed and picture blurred for the safety of the individual. to go all over the country of Vietnam to preach the gospel. My two small children have the same desire in their hearts as I do. I follow God’s words in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. I can see that God’s promise is coming true. He is blessing my ministry, my family and our rice and yucca farm because I put Him first.

‘‘

We have never looked back.”

FAMILY FIRST When I learned about the truth of the Sabbath, I first encouraged my wife to be a Sabbath keeper because this is what the Bible instructs us to do but I did not stop there. My parents, grandparents, six siblings, and all our extended family on both sides became believers.

God then led me to share with my family of God—my neighbors and friends. Many accepted the truth in His Word about the Sabbath.

NO REGRETS I often encounter the authorities when I witness. One day I went out with another pastor to distribute 100 DVDs to old and young people alike. This created quite a stir because the police at the station had called me sixteen times that day but could not reach me. Finally, I had to go in to the police station for interrogation. The chief of the province instructed me that if I did not answer appropriately, I would experience harsh punishment. They told me of all the house church workers I am the one they watch the most because I have the longest list of complaints against me. When I heard this, I praised my Father in my heart because I can see that my work for Him is angering His opposition. After a long day of difficulties and hindrances I was able to go home. My wife asked me, “How was your day?” I told her, “It was great because we are believers in the Lord.

It does not matter what people do to us. In God’s timing everything will be made right.” We have never looked back. We are committed to continuing to spread the gospel.

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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MISSION TRIP REPORT 2010

Twenty-two volunteers joined the ASAP team from February 4–16 for the 2010 Cambodia Mission Trip to Phnom Penh, where they served those living in abject poverty. Through sweat, toil, and tears, they ministered to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people who struggle to survive on less than a dollar a day.

The volunteers each served on one of five teams: (1) medical, (2) dental, (3) teaching/ training national ASAP missionaries, (4) interviewing/counseling, and (5) children’s Vacation Bible School. ASAP is very grateful for each person who sacrificially gave of their time, talents, and financial means. As you see their pictures and read their testimonies, ask the Lord if He is calling you to go on the next mission trip.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

If Only You Could See

By Dick D’Avanzo

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ne of the most spiritually uplifting times of my life was helping Judy Aitken minister in the refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodia-Laos borders during the late 1980s. It was time when I saw over a thousand refugees come to know Christ.

During those years I witnessed their terrible suffering and my heart went out to them. A strong bond of brotherly love developed as our relationships grew. Then after ten long years the camps closed and they were sent back to their ravaged countries of origin.

I am literally in awe!

Fast forward more than twenty years and I’m boarding a plane on my way to Cambodia…on an ASAP mission trip. Memories of the refugee camps of years ago are flashing through my mind. What happened to them, and those that were leaders of those bamboo refugee churches?

Will I see them again? Are they still faithful?

Twenty-eight hours later I land in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and begin witnessing the fruit of the Holy Spirit during the past twenty years.

One by one over the next two weeks I am in tear-filled reunions with nearly every one of

Richard D’Avanzo reunites with Hang Dara, SDA District Pastor.

those church leaders I knew so many years ago. They were not only still faithful but were now district pastors and leaders of the SDA Cambodian church, leading over 200 church planters, literacy/Bible workers and medical missionaries. I am literally in awe!

Then the thought came to me. If only the ASAP supporters could see what my eyes are seeing— starving children no longer needing to go to the city dump to try to stay alive because ASAP is providing food, schooling and a belief in Jesus so they may break their cycle of extreme temporal and spiritual poverty. Families infected with AIDS are no longer treated as lepers and abandoned to the streets, homeless. ASAP is providing a clean, simplez and safe place to live while learning about the gospel of love, a love ASAP supporters on the other side of the world have for them. If only the supporters could see how joy and peace replaced suffering and hopelessness in so many.

Words are inadequate to express my joy at seeing the work of the Lord through ASAP. My prayer is that ASAP supporters will continue their prayers and financial contributions for our workers as they lift those still suffering into a newness of life in Christ.

ASAP is breaking the cycle of poverty for starving street children.

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

By Li Shan

I

am beginning to see how special each child and adult is in the eyes of God. The testimonies of answered prayers that the children shared have been a powerful witness to me, revealing that our God is alive and hears the prayers of each of His children. A little girl shared how her mother had gone into prison because of the inability to pay her debts. This girl told her Christian teachers at the Feed & Read School, who prayed for God to help bail the mother out. When the prayer was answered and her mother was released, she started attending church regularly. This story as told from a small child who was not at all ashamed to share in front of her classmates, proved a touching and effective testimony for me. Oh how our Father loves us, and how He wants to make us happy, and to free us from the bondage of sin. He really wants us to be joyful Christians, and to free us from anything that separates us from Him.

Liz Ang tending to the man with a deep cut.

Ji Lian Firman and Zoe Shiu with CAS students.

God’s Better Plan

By Liz Ang

We later heard that his son was addicted to drugs and was threatening him with a knife to give him money. He was able to dodge the knife, grab it, and throw it away. In retaliation, his son angrily picked up a glass and threw it at his father’s face. I thank God for changing our site because we were able to help this man, our neighbor. It opened my eyes to see that God’s plan is always the best plan.

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Medical and Dental Team Participants

A

fter the medical and dental teams got their clinics set up, we had to change our location to the church. “Why would you allow this to happen?” I quietly questioned God. He soon answered. When we were about to start the medical screening for patients, we heard lots of yelling and noise from the neighboring house. They rushed a man in who was bleeding from a deep cut on his cheek. We placed pressure on the wound and took his vital signs while on the floor.

We placed him on the table and cleaned out the wound with normal saline. The only sutures we had were ones from the dental team. So Dr. Steve Chang and Dr. Eduardo Nam stitched him up.

We gave him antibiotics and pain medication to take. On his way out he kept bowing his head with hands folded thanking us for our help.

A Changed Mindset

By Irene Tarigan

M

uch of my responsibility consisted of interviewing and ministering to church planters, medical missionaries and literacy teachers. I learned what God has done for them during the past year. The first two days of interviews were amazing. Hearing the miracles God has wrought in their lives made a wonderful impression upon my heart. These workers have so little and yet they are willing to give the little they have. Their lives reminded me of the story of the widow with only two mites in Mark 12. These workers give all just as she gave all. And like the Pharisees of that story, I have much but I have not given all that I have to the Lord.

Go online for complete mission trip reports: www.asapministries.org

Kimberly Coast and her daughter, Arielle, with donated materials for the VBS program.

Li Shan and her daughter, Ji Lian, help with the VBS ministries.

Christ is Coming ASAP ‌ Reach Asia Now!

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ln Loving Memory & Honor By wayne labins

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

In Memory of: james and dorothy aitken berry

by Chris and Valerie Barr •

by Heidi Coupland • aquirre

christene salvage

earl coupland

pearson van meter

ted wade

jean grams

father, keith rashleigh-

by Marlene Cardey •

by Heidi Coupland •

by Consolacion DaProza • w.

E. Hieb • •

by John and Harryette Aitken • valerie’s

by David L. Grams • emma

by Betty Hunsaker •

barbara hutton

dr. manuel s. daproza and samuel

my son philip hunsaker

aitkin

by Patrice

by Betty Hunsaker

by Karen A. Wade, Loron and Ruth Ann Wade, Thomas and Jennifer Ish, A.J. and

Julia O’Carey, Perry Peterson, Rocco and Dorothea Sarli, Andrew J. and Julia T. Snyder, Don and Trudi Starlin • ramharacksingh jenicke

(father)

mary jane allen

•

justina peshka

washam

mr. and mrs. birdie and virginia williams

by Ronald and Esther Knott • and jeane kravig

by Angie Jones •

wendell horning

(aunt) by Sandy Monette •

ramnarine

by Helen W. Lee •

eldon

cebert demacado allen and

by Network for Good • willma and olav blomquist by Norman and Iris Specht

by David Peshka, MD •

mary high

by Wayne and Corliss Rink •

jay camron

by Clint and Sandy Washam • pastor irwin barry burton by Michael and Alice Weakley

• gordon wallace thompson, md by David and Sharon Wheeler

In Honor of: sherri labins, to his loving wife of 14 years on may 12, 2010 shirley brown, marlene shuttleworth, rex

&

by Wayne Labins • lisa

mallett,

by David and

susan tilley and our family

Katherine Brown • jesus christ by Daniel Childress, Andre J. Vlijter • pastor and mrs. orlando c. aquirre sr

by Consolacion DaProza •

dianne hendall

by Jo Ann Davis •

daniel orellana’s

4th birthday on january 17, 2010 by Carolyn Hartman • birthdays for son bryan, 22; daughter monica, 20 ; son alex,

18 by Wayne Labins •

joshua, seth, and sarah hannay

by JK and Esther Martinez •

james

&

betty lemos

by JK and Esther Martinez •

deedee’s megavoice project

by Lance Lemos •

pastor

&

mrs. andy wolcott

by Barbara Miller •

stephanie c. byl,

granddaughter graduating central middle school to high school this year

Clare Putnam • reinbold

tilstra

by David and Kathi Westcott • mary

whitaker

Whitaker

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second quarter 2010

peter,

 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

by Frank and

by Andrew R.

Interseed for Asia

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The Art of Begging

By Martin Kim

“The Holy Spirit will come to all who are begging for the bread of life to give to their neighbors” (6T 90).

I

f you are a foreigner or tourist, it will seem like beggars are everywhere in the war-torn country of Cambodia. I find them on street corners, in the market places, and even waiting for me when I step outside the hotel.

People often look down on beggars, treating them like scum. Let’s be honest, they are generally stereotyped as people who will not go out and get a “real” job. I have come to appreciate beggars in Cambodia and have actually been inspired watching them. I learned that many Cambodians are beggars because there are no job opportunities and simply no other way to survive. They are anything but lazy. How would I describe them? They are persistent. They know how to persevere. They are very bold and not afraid of rejection.

The beggars in Cambodia remind me of the story of the woman of Canaan whose faith was tested (Matthew 15:21-28). This Gentile cried out to Jesus saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed” (v 22). What did Jesus do?

Jesus completely ignored her (vs 23), doing what most people do when they come across beggars.

Beggars are often treated as if they are invisible.

The disciples then came and urged Him to send her away and Jesus Himself said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (v 24). Jesus and His entourage made it clear that she was not wanted in their company. Despite the rejection, she did not give up. She worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” (v 25). And for a third time, Jesus communicated that He did not come to help Gentiles like her by saying, “It is web:

not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs” (v 26). As she heard the word “dogs” she was reminded that she and her people were despised. The words of Jesus could have made her lose all hope, and might have driven her to despair. But she responds, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Finally her persistence paid off! Jesus answered her with a great compliment saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire” (v 28). And Jesus healed her daughter at that very hour!

It strikes me that Jesus appreciates the persistency many beggars possess. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you.”

But He wants us to do more than just ask. He says, “Seek and you will find.” And then says, “Knock and it will be opened to you.” In order to receive heaven’s answers, we must “ask…seek …knock.” Each word indicates a deeper level of intensity. In the book Christ’s Object Lessons it says, “All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised” (COL 149).

Adoniram Judson, the American missionary to Burma, has said, “God loves importunate prayer so much that He will not give us much blessing without it. And the reason that He loves such prayer is that He loves us and knows that it is a necessary preparation for our receiving the richest blessings which He is waiting and longing to bestow.” Those who have accomplished the most for Christ and His cause are those who have spent much time on their knees, begging their loving heavenly Father for the souls of others. My prayer is that you will learn the art of begging and join us in persistently “interseeding” for the people of Southeast Asia!

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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THE INNER VIEW

P Myanmar Church Planter: Aung Aung*

By Judy Aitken

T

he issues confronting hill tribe people in Myanmar includes poverty, conflicts over land rights, drug abuse, racism, cultural erosion, human trafficking, an overall lack of education, and a high rate of child mortality. In a humble, quiet and passionate way, Aung Aung painted me a beautiful word picture of what Jesus is doing through him and his wife for the Lahu people.

JUDY: What do the Lahu people believe?

AUNG: The red Lahu tribe of whom we work are pantheistic animists (worshipping the good spirits of their ancestors). While the Lahu believe in a spirit realm they also believe in a supreme being called G’eu sha. The village shaman, or paw hku (priest) is an important presence in village life who acts as chief mediator between the village and G’eu sha and as the main religious teacher.

JUDY: Did the villagers accept you?

AUNG: We came to this big village in response to a request for teachers which the village chief gave the government. The villagers even built a home and school for us. We immediately started learning their language and culture. After about one year, I thank God that the village people fully accept us. They seem to like our Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle. We love them so much and they also love us. When I was getting ready to leave for the training seminar, they said, “Do not go long. Come back quickly.” It is a miracle they welcome us so warmly because they have a proud history as warriors. Years ago when the Baptist missionaries came to the village the people chased them out JUDY: Tell us about the school you and your wife started.

AUNG: Currently we have thirty-five students but the neighboring villages are planning to send their children soon. My wife teaches during the day and I teach in the evenings. Before we started teaching, I built a worship chapel. We teach the children a quality education and also teach them to believe in God through Bible stories, praying and Christian songs. They especially love it when I play my guitar. One of the village leaders told me that the parents are happy with our teaching.

They feel that they now have human dignity now that their children have an education. My longterm goal is to send students to an Adventist academy and college so that they can come back to teach their own people. Already, many students told me that they want to be Christians and want to read and write and become teachers like my wife and me.

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JUDY: What is one challenge you face?

AUNG: The village is in a remote mountainous area. This is intentional because the Lahu are strongly committed to maintain the Lahu way of life. It takes us six hours to walk to the nearest town, Mine Sat. I do not have a moped but sometimes I can borrow one from the village leader.

It will be easier to visit and help other villages once God provides a moped.

JUDY: Are the people open to hearing the gospel?

AUNG: Before we were sent to this village, my wife and I prayed for God to guide us to where people’s hearts are ready to accept God. The Lahu are a people of strong rules and do not bend to the will of others easily. Our students can recite the Ten Commandments by heart, which they learn quickly. The parents tell us that we can have all their children but not them-meaning that they will let their children believe in God but they are not ready to believe. I know that they do not know God yet, but we pray daily that God will open their hearts through their children.

JUDY: How have you seen God’s powerful hand helping you?

AUNG: The son of the village chief got malaria. When his fever was high he called me to treat him. Through prayer and natural remedies, God completely healed him. The parents laughed and laughed during the treatment because they had never seen anything like this before. I thank God that the child recovered. I also helped the wife of the village chief when she was having birth complications during delivery. Because my mother is a nurse midwife, I learned how to help deliver babies. The Lahu culture is unique in that there exists an equality between men and women within the household. The Lahu husband is valued for his caring nature, especially at times of sickness and childbirth. Since I helped the village chief’s wife, other people trust me. They call for my help very often. They have now given up their practice of worshiping their ancestor’s spirits before delivering their babies and they ask me to help them instead. Since I started helping with deliveries we have not lost one baby and I know that it is because of God’s blessing through answered prayer. *Name has been changed for the safety of God’s worker.

PHOTO CAPTIONS TOP: (left to right) ASAP Church Planter, Aung Aung poses during training. Aung Aung ministers to the sick in the village. Aung Aung poses with his wife and their students. This couple walks miles in the jungle to reach the nearest town. Aung Aung prays with the leader from the Myanmar SDA union.

Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

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A SNAPSHOT OF ASAP’S FINANCES

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ASAP’S Top Priority By karen wade, CPA

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s we consider the many needs in the Southeast Asian countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, in light of the perilous, yet exciting end time we are living in, the most pressing, urgent need lies in continuing to support over 600 ASAP national missionaries. The lay pastors and church planters, along with the other laborers, work sacrificially each day. They are eager to share God’s love with those who have never even heard the name of Jesus—who are praying for light and knowledge; whose souls are unsatisfied and who long have fed on ashes (see Isaiah 44:20).

The stipends national ASAP missionaries receive are small, but they are thankful to be able to do God’s work, and are courageous to keep working in spite of hardships and persecutions.

In these tight economic times, ASAP is not operating by status quo. We are constantly praying and assessing our operations and cutting wherever we can in order to continue providing for the dedicated national missionaries who share the gospel to the millions who still live in darkness. We encourage you and your family to do the same. Is God calling you to trim your budgets in order to help send more laborers out into the ripe harvest? I believe you will have no regrets for every sacrifice made. ASAP would like to send out additional workers who right at this moment are ready to help reach God’s children in Southeast Asia.

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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Let’s Keep Current Missionaries Working and Help Send Out More!

419 Lay pastors/church planters ($539,192/year) 178 Bible workers/literacy teachers ($85,020/year) 31 Medical missionaries ($23,640/year) 50 Youth evangelists ($25,000/year) 5 Pastors/Bible Workers for USA refugees ($55,600/year)

Thank you for supporting these valiant soldiers in God’s army so they can continue passionately sharing Jesus and His love with all the people in their countries. We value your continued support.

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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

We are honored to be able to share with you what God has given to us for your ministry.

We feel divine help prospered us again in spite of the economic crisis. We do all we can to be diligent, but it takes God’s blessing to make it all turn into financial success. We are very aware of that every year. It is a blessing to be in partnership with Him, even in the business world. We are grateful for what you are doing and the devotion you show to those you are trying to help. It makes the world a better place for your efforts, and your love reflects a beam of His love. We pray that some will find their way into His arms as a result of what you do.

And we pray for you that your light will shine brighter as the time grows shorter.

SIDNEY & CANDACE FROM TX

I have received so many calls from many Hmong people in the mountains of Laos who are begging me to come to teach them about God. I feel that God wants me and other brothers in Christ to preach and spread the gospel to them. I need your prayers and offerings to support more lay pastors and provide travel funds to make it possible for us to bring salvation to our people.

Thank you for sharing with me the report of ASAP and its growth during the years. Your burden for the salvation of Southeast Asian peoples is surely being blessed by the Lord. It is my prayer that He will continue prospering the projects so that many more Southeast Asian peoples will be garnered in the fold of Christ, ready for His soon return.

GEORGE FROM CA

I would like to tell you about God’s recent miracle. He helped us find a better place for the Sda Center (AIDS refuge). There are three houses together that can hold 100 people, a large place to worship God, some space to plant vegetables and no houses behind it so that the residents can walk and get fresh air. The rent is cheaper than what we are paying now because God touched the heart of the landlord. This is an answer to prayer!

DISTRICT PASTOR HORNG SOPHAL FROM CAMBODIA

LAY PASTOR SDUA LEE FROM LAOS web:

www.asapministries.org |

phone:

1-866-365-3541

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

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

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Learn more about how you can give at: www.asapministries.org

This is a chance to double the blessing of your giving. For a limited time, a donor has offered a matching grant, Bible per Bible, up to $20,000. If you respond, this means over 5,000 Bibles in the hands of the Hmong-speaking ethnic people in Vietnam.

One Hmong Bible costs only $7.50! If one Bible in the hands of a Christ-led Hmong can bring 600 to Christ, imagine what 5,000 Bibles will do!

TWO FOR ONE offer ON HMONG BIBLES FOR VIETNAM