C E L E B R AT I N G
3 0
Y E A R S
1 9 9 5 – 2 0 2 5
December 2024
E Saing Mar School serves as a sanctuary for at-risk children.
Turning Tragedy Into Triumph at Saing Mar By John Press, ASAP Media Coordinator
Myanmar is one of the world’s largest producers of methamphetamines and opium. Drug trafficking and drug addiction are rampant in the Taunglay* province, and children are often the victims. In the heart of this region, ASAP’s Saing Mar School* serves as a sanctuary where at-risk children receive education, spiritual guidance, and hope for a better future. Sophia Doe* grew up in this area and knows the devastation drugs bring to families. A former Saing Mar School student, she returned as a teacher after earning her degree, choosing to serve her community despite better paying and safer opportunities elsewhere.
Months later, Dedan’s mother reappeared, and shockingly offering to sell her son to Sophia for 10,000 kyats—about five U.S. dollars. His own mother valued him so little that she was willing to sell him just to get her next fix! Heartbroken, Sophia refused, explaining she sought to give Dedan a better life, not buy him. Somehow, Dedan’s mother understood. She left the school and never returned. Today, thanks to YOUR support, Dedan continues to study at Saing Mar School under Sophia’s care. He is one of many children who live at the school and rely on the generosity of donors like YOU to provide for their basic needs.
During a visit to her home village, Sophia met eightyear-old Dedan.* Neglected by his drug-addicted parents, Dedan had never been to school and often lacked basic necessities. Determined to help, Sophia secured permission to enroll him at Saing Mar School, where he thrived under her care. P.2 The Spirit Bear
P.3 Ella’s Flower
Help support ASAP mission schools in transforming at-risk children’s lives by donating to ASAP’s Education Fund! P.4 30 Years of Impact
A Village Encounter That Changed Everything By Sou Yavy, ASAP Medical Missionary, Cambodia
Recently, I met Prom Yen, a frail 65-year-old woman. She greeted me with a weak smile and shared her struggles. “My legs and hands ache terribly, especially in the joints.” “How can I help you?” I asked gently. “Could you try a natural remedy?” she whispered. I assured her, “We can start with a hot and cold foot bath and follow up with massage therapy. But most importantly, we’ll trust in God’s healing power.” We bowed our heads, and I prayed for her. I encouraged her, “If you believe in Jesus, He can heal you not just physically but spiritually, too.” I returned regularly to continue the
E Khoua studying the Bible with Chavanh.
Freedom From the Spirit Bear By John Press, ASAP Media Coordinator
Khoua* grew up in a Hmong village in a communist country in Southeast Asia. Her family was animist, and as a young girl, Khoua was possessed by demons. Later, she became a Christian and experienced freedom from demonic oppression. But when Khoua married into an animist family, the demons returned. One day, while working in asapministries.org
E Prom Yen
treatments. Each visit seemed to uplift Prom Yen’s spirits. She found comfort in the physical and spiritual care she received. One day, her curiosity sparked. She asked, “Where do you go when you’re not here?” Smiling, I invited her to church. To my joy, she accepted and began attending services. As we studied the Bible together, I witnessed her heart open to God’s love. Now, Prom Yen is preparing for baptism; her life is a testament to God’s transformative grace. Thank you for YOUR generosity, which makes stories like this possible! the field, Khoua saw the dark shadow of the “spirit bear,” a powerful evil presence in Hmong culture. The shadow overtook her, and she collapsed. Her husband, Foung,* called the local shaman, but he couldn’t revive her. Foung’s father remembered Chavanh Meang,* an ASAP church planter who had recently prayed for his granddaughter, resulting in the girl’s miraculous healing; maybe Chavanh and his God could help again! When Chavanh and a church elder arrived at Khoua’s home, she woke up but was still possessed, and the demon became very angry. Chavanh and the elder prayed and sang as Khoua’s family, and the shaman watched. Slowly, Khoua regained her senses, and the demon left her. The astonished shaman admitted, “Your God is very powerful!” Grateful for her deliverance, Khoua began attending church and studying the Bible with Chavanh. Eight months later, she was baptized into the Seventhday Adventist Church. Now, she actively serves in her church. Thank you for supporting ASAP church planters who are leading people to freedom in Christ.
*Pseudonyms and representative pictures have been used for the safety of God’s people.
Ella’s Flowers
By Carol Reynolds, ASAP Board Member
My sweet niece Ella has been part of the ASAP Ministries family for as long as she can remember. Last spring, at just eleven years old, Ella decided she wanted to grow flowers. With determination and a lot of help from her family, she set out on her mission. She sold beautiful blooms to florists, friends, and even at local farmers’ markets. The result? An incredible first donation of $200 to ASAP! But that wasn’t all. While browsing through ASAP’s gift catalog, Ella stumbled upon cuddly stuffed animals that came with MegaVoice audio players containing Bible stories for children. This brought memories back to her of when she was younger— listening to those same stories before she could even read. Inspired to share that joy, Ella donated another $100 from her flower sales. She even asked
family and friends to contribute to ASAP Ministries for her birthday instead of giving her gifts, leading to an additional $120 in donations! Ella raised a remarkable $220 to support the Cuddly Megavoice project, helping children learn to love Jesus. From her humble start of planting seeds, Ella became a shining example of how one small effort can create a significant impact, raising $420 for ASAP projects!
E Ella and her beautiful blooms.
pleaded with him, “If your God can heal my daughter, please go and pray for her.”
E Bible study with Saum.
When Desperation Meets Divine Intervention
By Colleen Louw, ASAP Development/PR Coordinator
Without hesitation, Saum visited Lim’s home. “Your mother asked me to pray for you. My God is powerful and can heal you,” he said. Desperate for relief, Lim agreed. Saum began visiting her three times a week, praying and providing charcoal to ease her discomfort. He challenged her, “If God heals you, will you accept Him as Lord and Savior?” Lim agreed. After two weeks, her condition began improving. At her next hospital visit, Lim believes that because of their prayers, the doctors were able to identify severe stomach ulcers and start her treatment. Over the next six weeks, as Saum and Lim continued to pray, Lim was fully healed.
Lim Chanthou suffered excruciating stomach pain for months. Desperate, she visited a witch doctor and later a hospital, but nothing helped. Her condition remained Grateful, Lim began studying the Bible with Saum, and six months later, she was baptized. Today, she a mystery, leaving her frustrated and hopeless. worships with her children, mother, and nephew, thankful for what God has done in their lives. One day, ASAP church planter Saum Sovannak went for a haircut at Lim’s mother’s shop. Saum had shared the gospel with her family before, but they weren’t interested. This time was different. Lim’s mother
Thank you for supporting ASAP’s Evangelism Fund and being part of this life-changing mission! asapministries.org
E Recently, we visited ASAP mission schools in the West Thailand Region.
Celebrating 30 Years of Impact and Transformation By Darryl Hosford, ASAP President
As we enter a new year, we’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone: 30 years of ministry in Southeast Asia! This ministry began through the vision and dedication of Judy Aitken, who founded ASAP Ministries after witnessing the immense need while working in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodia border. Today, ASAP Ministries supports over 700 local missionaries, educates more than 9,000 marginalized students, and operates over 90 schools— bringing hope and transformation to communities across the region.
The year ahead holds immense promise, and we sense a renewed calling to deepen and expand our efforts. Our vision for 2025 is ambitious—we aim to reach even more children with quality education, and equip additional missionaries to share the gospel in unreached villages. With God’s guidance and your partnership, we believe we can make an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve.
word of encouragement has made a tangible difference. As we celebrate 30 years of impact, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Thank you for being part of the ASAP family. Together, let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet as we press on, knowing that Jesus is coming soon and that this mission truly matters! Together, we can bring hope, healing, and the message of Christ to even more lives in Southeast Asia! For His Glory,
Your generosity has been the backbone of this mission. Every prayer, every donation, and every NL0125
WAYS TO GIVE
Online—Safely donate by simply scanning this QR code or visit asapministries.org/give Phone—269-471-3026 Mail—P.O. Box 84 Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Planned Giving Create a lasting legacy by giving through your estate plan—will, trust, or property. For more information email plannedgiving@asapministries.org SE Asia Education Endowment Fund Consider giving a gift that keeps on giving.