NATIONS A PUBLICATION OF WORLD OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL
KAIROS TIME FOR EUROPE’S MISSION FIELD
THE WORST OF TIMES THE BEST OF TIMES ARE YOU ALERT AND PREPARED? ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...
KINGDOM REVOLUTION AMONG EGYPT’S YOUTH
GOD IS AT WORK! REMARKABLE TESTIMONIES FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE
ISSUE 1, 2013
COUNTRY OFFICES
INSIDE
3. DIRECTOR’S REPORT JOHN ELLIOTT CALLS US TO BE ALERT AND PREPARED FOR ‘THE SUDDENLIES’ OF THE LAST GREAT HARVEST PERIOD.
4-5. IT’S KAIROS TIME FOR EUROPE WHEN THE MISSION FIELD COMES TO YOUR DOORSTEP. 7. KINGDOM REVOLUTION IN EGYPT PETER VAN DER WESTHUYZEN REPORTS ON THE PASSIONATE CRY OF EGYPT’S YOUTH.
15. HOW MANY DOORS CAN YOU GO THROUGH AT ONCE?
JO GRAHAM ENCOURAGES US TO GIVE UP THE GOOD TO FOCUS ON THE BEST FOR OUR MINISTRY.
18. MAKING GOOD DECISIONS BRUCE HILLS OUTLINES WISE AND PRACTICAL STEPS. 21. LIVING IS SIMPLE DAVID ELLIOTT TELLS US WHY BEING A FOLLOWER OF JESUS DOESN’T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED.
OUR MISSION
World Outreach International is a multiracial fellowship of Christians and ministries that exists to impact Least Reached Peoples with the Good News of Jesus Christ. WOI is currently ministering amongst 75 such people groups on five continents and has the goal of engaging at least 100 by 2015 through: • Raising Leaders • Evangelism and Church Planting • All Nations Mobilisation • Children’s Ministry • Humanitarian Aid Singapore-based, International Director John Elliott, heads an executive team of senior missionaries, pastors and business leaders. >> ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY WORLD OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL Correction issue 4 , 2012: ‘The Gospel is for everyone’ by Stephanie Herron was incorrectly attributed to Angela Stephens.
AUSTRALIA:
Grahame Orpin Gail McDougall (Office) PO Box 5000, Sunshine Coast, MC Qld 4560 T: (617) 5476 1768 F: (617) 3319 8928 E: admin.au@world-outreach.com
CANADA:
Lynn Leroy (Office) PO Box 172 Lambeth Stn London, ON N6P 1R1 T: 519 680 3355 E: canada@world-outreach.com
HOLLAND:
Bill Molenkamp PO Box 2549 2002 RA, Haarlem T: (31 23) 526 5756 E: bill.molenkamp@world-outreach.com
MALAYSIA:
Au Yong Mun Heng PO Box 8541, Kelana Jaya 46792 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan T: (60 3) 7875 1853 E: malaysia@world-outreach.com
NEW ZEALAND:
Peter McDougall Gail McDougall (Office) PO Box 97230, Manukau 2241 T: (64 9) 263 5434 M: (64 21) 330 874 E: nz@world-outreach.com
SINGAPORE:
Goh Eng Kwang Ghim Moh Post Office PO Box 048 Singapore 912732 T: (65) 6464 8698 E: singapore@world-outreach.com
SOUTH AFRICA:
EDITOR: John Elliott PUBLICATION MANAGER: Janet Chan DESIGN: Donna Elliott EDITORIAL SUPPORT: Robin Merrill www.robinmerrill.com PRINTERS: Tone Ads, Singapore PERMIT No: MCI (P) 102/11/2012 PUBLISHERS: World Outreach International Ghim Moh Estate Post Office PO Box 048, Singapore 912732 T: (65) 6464 8698 F: (65) 6464 8697 E: woi@world-outreach.com
Michiel Coetzee Lezelle Coetzee (Office) PO Box 11238 Riverwalk 2538 T: (27 18) 293 0965 M: (27 83) 462 2224 E: southafrica@world-outreach.com
UNITED KINGDOM: Mike Cross (Office) BM Box 5265 London, WC1N 3XX T: +44(0) 203 642 4873 E: office@wouk.org W: www.wouk.org
USA:
Aaron Rudd 615 East Sego Lily Drive Sandy UT 84070 T: (1 801) 572 0211 ext.11 M: (1 801) 599 3370 E: usa@world-outreach.com 501 (c) 3 Tax Exemption Available
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE:
John Elliott (International Director) Ghim Moh Post Office PO Box 048 Singapore 912732 T: (65) 6464 8698 E: woi@world-outreach.com
FIELD MINISTRIES DIRECTOR: Peter Smith
EXECUTIVE MANAGER: Chia Shee Wai
HONORARY PRESIDENT: Bill Molenkamp
INTERNATIONAL BOARD: Grant Alleway Val Bateup John Elliott Wilbur Farmilo Rob Hennin Alan Vink
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM:
JOIN US ONLINE TODAY! www.world-outreach.com 2
NATIONS
• ISSUE 1, 2013
Chia Shee Wai Luke Chong John Elliott Peter Smith Peter van der Westhuyzen Hendrik Vermooten Bambi Cataluna
The Worst of times THE BEST OF TIMES THE VARIOUS World Outreach International (WOI) 80th anniversary celebrations held in 2012 were truly wonderful times together! Space does not allow me to share all the highlights, except to say that again and again we heard the voice of the Lord speak, not only of things past and present, but also relating to the future. We are now in a period that could be described as both the worst of times and the best of times. The worst of times is reflected in the endless political, economic, religious and social upheaval happening on all continents of the world today. Millions of people worldwide, who once had some level of security and confidence about the future, have in a very short time lost all hope. In our lifetime, most of us have never known such high unemployment worldwide. I could go on and on describing the doom and gloom that has enveloped millions and millions of lives, but I would rather focus on the best of times.
While it may seem that the forces of darkness, chaos and destruction are rampant in our world, at the same time the Holy Spirit is doing a great work. Amazing breakthroughs are happening on continents of the world where followers of Jesus Christ have traditionally been a small minority.
We are living in times where the Lord’s plans for doing something breathtaking, new and suddenly is happening – where the light of His Kingdom gains ascendancy over the forces of darkness and the Body of Christ has a supernatural, magnetic attraction worldwide.
In periods of such chaos, there has never been a better time to share and demonstrate the Good News of Jesus Christ! The kingdom of God is not subject to these worst of times forces. The plans and purposes of God are far and above that which is happening around us.
In periods of such chaos, there has never been a better time to share and demonstrate the Good News of Jesus Christ! I must add here that the kingdom of God is not subject to these worst of times forces. The plans and purposes of God are far and above that which is happening around us. The questions are what are we looking at, whose voice are we listening to and what words are we focusing on?
In a heavily populated nation near Singapore, observers from the predominant religion within that nation have stated that based on the present growth rate of those becoming followers of Jesus there, Christians could be the largest ‘religious’ group in the next 20 years. Similar encouraging testimonies are heard from those serving in North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and China! These are man’s observations!
During such a season, multitudes from the world’s ethnic nations, who have yet to hear the Gospel for the first time, will stream into the kingdom of God and be transformed into His likeness. We are surely living in the best of times from a kingdom of God perspective! I love the words of Isaiah 48:3: I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known, then suddenly I acted and they came to pass.”
Can I encourage you to be alert and discern the times and seasons we are living in, to be mindful of what the word of God declares about what the Lord has promised prior to His return, and to be alert, for the things He once spoke will SUDDENLY come about. All praise to His name! May God bless you,
John Elliott International Director • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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MIGRATION MIGRATION IS A REALITY for all European countries. People are on the move for a variety of reasons, whether they are fleeing war and persecution or searching for better job opportunities.
FEATURE
World Outreach International seeks to make a difference in Europe…
Increasing awareness: WOI Mission Mobiliser James Price takes teams to visit a food distribution project in Calais, France. Here they meet people living on the ‘refugee highway’ and hear their stories as they reflect on what the Bible says about welcoming the stranger. The aim of these mission exposure trips is to feel the circumstances and explore
tangible ways to get involved with refugees and asylum seekers in their local community. Reflecting on a recent visit, Ryan (19) said: It was helpful to meet real people from all around the world, to see and hear some of their reality, each one representing hopes, dreams, fears and struggles. The trip to Calais isn’t designed to present a quick-fix solution, but to be a dialogue starter, an opportunity to leave one’s comfort zone and open your eyes to problems of a fallen world. Our team discussions reminded me that God is inviting us to work with Him and watch as His redemptive plan unfolds.
Opportunity to serve: Refugees and asylum-seekers began arriving on the island of Malta by sea in the last decade. Since 2002, more than 15,000 forcibly displaced people have sought asylum in Malta. Most are from sub-Saharan Africa and were originally attempting to reach Italy by boat. After arriving on Malta, their options are limited. As Europe’s most densely populated country, Malta
cannot integrate everyone who arrives into its society.
>> The island of Malta.
WOI seeks long-term workers for Malta, to partner with an organisation running a centre to welcome asylumseekers. Could you give two years (or more) to help nurture the faith and wellbeing of uprooted people? You must be over 21 and be able to speak English. If you would like more information about the refugee situation in Europe, or to explore a call to serve in Malta, please contact james.price@ wouk.org James Price EUROPE Mission Mobiliser
>> James Price with his team in Calais.
Refugee facts: MALTA • Over 15,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Malta since 2002 • 83% come from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan • 85% are single • 80% are male • 1,500 people died attempting to cross the sea from Africa to Europe in 2011
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EUROPE
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MISSION FIELD EUROPE IS THE BIGGEST mission field in the world today! Floods of refugees are streaming into every country. In The Netherlands, immigrants from 14 unreached people groups comprise about 5% of the population—almost 140,000 people.
>> Children from many ethnic backgrounds in a Dutch neighbourhood.
A Dutch friend with a passion to encourage believers to share their lives and the Gospel with Muslims shared this story with me: One man from Saudi Arabia was from a rich family, was well educated and successful, but was depressed. One night he drove into the desert to end his life. He spent the night in a tent with a pistol under his pillow. That night he dreamed of someone speaking gently to him. In the morning, his pistol had disappeared. He took it as a sign that his life was about to change. Soon after, he met someone who shared the Gospel with him.
Another story comes from a young Iranian man living in Belgium: While visiting Turkey, he heard worship music and the Gospel and he gave his heart to the Lord. God led him to Belgium, where he is enthusiastically outworking his faith. For three years he was involved in worship ministry, and is now part of a music group spreading the Gospel by performing in cafés, churches, to the homeless in a metro station and at a refugee centre. He started a home group to invite people off the street, neighbours and families in need to come and fellowship and build friendships. Some months ago, he studied the Kairos course in Brussels. He relished the challenge to grapple with God’s purposes, and how to apply that to the church and the world around him. He writes, “Kairos is a course to look at our world from God’s perspective and to see the whole church mobilised for cross-cultural mission to the world’s Least Reached Peoples. I was very excited to learn more about cross-cultural missions, reaching out to different cultures and praying for other ethnic groups.”
believers come to faith in Christ through a relationship with a Christian, and even those who experience dreams or visions of Jesus are in due time lead to connect with believers. The number of Evangelical Christians in Europe is roughly the same as the number of Muslims in Europe. What if every Christian reached out to one Muslim? Through the Kairos course, local churches and believers are mobilised to reach out with the Gospel and to mobilise others to do the same. Our particular focus in Europe is to launch Kairos in new countries and train up local leaders to run the course themselves. We must pass the baton on!
>> Praying for Least Reached Peoples at the Kairos course.
There are no countries closed to God! He reveals Himself to all who call out sincerely to Him from their hearts. Most Muslim-background-
Kay Weavers EUROPE Ministry Leader
MEET OUR NEW WORKFORCE What a joy to see young, strong Muslim-background-believers clambering all over our centre’s roof to do repairs. Our building is 110 years old but is being rebuilt and restored with the new workforce the Lord has given us.
PLEASE PRAY FOR US as unusual and encouraging things are happening here. The nations seem to be flocking into our International Christian Centre both to learn English and to participate in our Sunday worship. Recently we launched our cell groups throughout greater Manchester, an area with over 2.5 million people, drawn from every corner of the world. >> Repairing the 110 year old roof.
Keith and Christine Kelly UNITED KINGDOM Ministry Leaders • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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MIDDLE EAST A N AT I O N I N C R I S I S PLEASE PRAY FOR EGYPT! The economic, social and religious status of the country remains uncertain. There is chaos and confusion at many levels of government. Egypt’s population is about 90 per cent Muslim. Some Muslim groups took advantage of the Arab Spring uprisings in Egypt and are now part of
many key government departments. The constitution is being rewritten and some are working to make Islamic law part of it. This new constitution will have a large effect on the nation and the Christian church in Egypt. Ninety per cent of the Christians in Egypt belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pope Shenuda, the leader of the Egyptian Coptic Church, recently passed away and Pope Tawadros has been chosen to take his place. Evangelical Christians are praying that God anoints the new pope with wisdom and sound leadership. Many in Egypt consider him to be the voice of Christianity. The Arab Republic of Egypt needs the prayers of all Christians to intercede on
>> Pope Tawadros II will be the spiritual leader of a community that increasingly fears for its future amid the rise of Islam.
behalf of the nation, that God’s plans and purposes will prevail. EDITOR
BREAKTHROUGH IN MIDDLE EAST WORLD OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL recently held pastors’ seminars in Jordan and Egypt. These seminars provided ministry and training to spiritually-hungry leaders in Amman and Alexandria. The Holy Spirit inspired the teaching, preaching and ministry. The tangible presence of the Lord was confirmed by several testimonies from the delegates.
One Jordanian pastor said, “This has been a conference like no other. It was practical and powerful”. An Egyptian pastor said, “I’ve been in ministry a long time and I’ve never heard teaching like it”. In a post-seminar debrief, the overwhelming response was that the seminars were “a special visitation from the Lord”.
One senior Egyptian leader, who brought 35 pastors from his denomination, told Dr Nathan Bassaly (WOI Egyptian director) that he and his leaders were spiritually revived, and that he believes revival will follow within their congregations. Plans are underway to provide training for emerging leaders in both nations. Please pray for the church in the Middle East. It is at a critical juncture.
>> Ministry team: Pastor Bruce Hills (far left, second row from top) and Pastor Tak Bhana (Church Unlimited, Auckland, NZ - fourth from right, front row), WOI Egyptian directors Sawsan and Nathan Bassaly (left, front row) with Jordan conference delegates.
Bruce Hills AUSTRALIA International Leadership Development Director
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Kingdom Revolution AMONG EGYPT’S YOUTH
THE ARAB SPRING REVOLUTION has resulted in much hardship for people everywhere. Tourism is at an all-time low and unemployment is high. The Muslim Brotherhood has taken the reins of government. People are leaving by the thousands and Christians have experienced increasing persecution.
FEATURE
What you might not have heard about in the media is that there is also a kingdom revolution taking place in the Christian youth in Egypt. Recently 10,000 young people gathered for a worship conference. Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors reported: They came from all across Egypt for three days to worship the Lord and to seek God’s blessing for their country. The worshippers, mostly ranging from ages 13 to 30, gathered from 10 o’clock in the morning until 8 each evening. Many travelled hundreds of miles to the middle of the desert north of Cairo. The 3-day event was called “One Thing” taken from Psalm 27:4: One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. A local Christian leader said, It is hard to describe in words what it what like to sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God’s powerful presence in our lives. The wonderful fact is that these young
It is hard to describe in words what it what like to sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God’s powerful presence in our lives. people came from all over Egypt. About 3,000 of them came all the way from many cities in southern Egypt. The remaining 7,000 had to come on long bus rides every day from Cairo and Alexandria. The worship music was loud, the lights were attractive and the entire setting of this large youth conference was quite impressive. What was even more impressive and touching were the tears coming down the cheeks of boys and girls, and those genuine shouts of the name of the Lord echoing across the silence of the desert. They loudly proclaimed that our Father God is Lord and master in the hearts of a generation of Christian youth in Egypt. Imagine the empowering, heavenly force that those young people have taken back with them as they flooded back into their cities, towns and villages all across Egypt! They are assured that God the Holy Spirit is Himself living within them, determined to make them a blessing for their nation. God is at work in Egypt, no doubt! According to the church leader, another 2 million people followed the event on Internet and live satellite transmission. Dr Luis Bush who heads up the 4-14 Movement reports this is all part of
what some are now calling the “Church Revolution”. Christians are boldly stepping out in faith and showing love to those in need. The International Day of Prayer held in the garbage city in Moqatan, Cairo has inspired thousands to cry out to God for Egypt and the Middle East. Young people are being
>> An Egyptian children’s worship team.
challenged to prepare the way for Jesus in their lives of action and prayer. In recent meetings, 230 senior leaders of Egyptian churches have made a genuine commitment to make reaching the next generation a priority. They recognize that the future of the church and the nation depends on these young people. Peter van der Westhuyzen Generation Ministries • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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AFRICA NEVER TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SINCE GOD FIRST called our family to serve Him in Mozambique, we have felt compelled to proclaim the whole Gospel. We are thankful for so many opportunities at Maziotela Ministries to demonstrate God’s love in very tangible ways. Given Maziotela Ministries’ vision to impact and transform the Makua communities, we are launching a new programme that will train and support local preschool teachers, enabling them to pioneer preschools in the surrounding villages. “Why do we distinguish the value of one human life from another? Does God have different levels of compassion for children
Our training seminars focus on : • The spiritual growth and discipleship of the teacher. • Preparing and equipping the teacher with necessary skills and knowledge. • Specific training for children’s ministry.
>> Teaching the creation story.
based on their geographic location, their nationality, race or parent’s income? God surely grieves and weeps because every one of these children is HIS child... not somebody else’s!” Richard Stearns
As the African saying goes: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a closed room with a mosquito.” None of us is too small to make a difference in God’s kingdom plan for our generation! Colin and Jenny Ayling MOZAMBIQUE Ministry Leaders
C R E AT I V E W AY S T O S H A R E T H E G O S P E L LAST YEAR, while in Democratic Republic of Congo, we noticed many people wearing T-shirts with English slogans, but very few who understand English. Following a crash course in screen printing and the generous donation of a complete screen printing kit, we set up a small business in Lubumbashi to spread the Gospel on T-shirts.
Two local pastors now print French and Swahili T-shirts while generating an income to support their missions effort. We now hope to duplicate this successful project in all the areas in which we are involved. Gavin and Marlien Porter SOUTHERN AFRICA Ministry Leaders Displaying the screenprinting equipment and new T-shirts produced. >>
T H E L I B E R AT I N G G R A C E O F G O D THE LORD IS transforming lives in the Langata Women’s Maximum Security Prison. Each week, more women give their lives to Christ. One of these new believers, Esther said, “I’ve done so many evil things in my life, yet I feel such love, joy and grace from God”. Angela Stephens KENYA Ministry Leader Inmates responding to the Gospel in prayer. >> TO MAKE A DONATION OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER VISIT WORLD-OUTREACH.COM
AFRICA H E A L I N G B O DY, S O U L A N D S P I R I T WE SERVE A MIGHTY GOD! Our ministry, O Bom Samaritano, now has 190 health care workers and 39 health care clinics! I have such a great team! We are working to treat people with, and educate them about, natural medicines.
>> Miriam Wahr (second from right) with the health care workers.
Our radio programme has been a blessing to many. Co-worker Martin Schumann teaches listeners about the word of God and Papa Paulino teaches them about health. Please pray for this ministry that reaches 200,000 people! Recently I joined Papa Paulino on a visit to the local prison. I spoke about God’s word and Jesus’s forgiveness. One of the men had tears in his eyes as he asked God to forgive him of his sins. I was so moved! If everything works out as we hope, my colleague Deborah and I will soon move to Mossuril to work with the Macua Nahara people. Please pray for us! Please also pray for the
malnourished babies and for the orphans in our programmes, and for a good rainy season that will help people to have a bountiful harvest! Myriam Wahr MOZAMBIQUE Ministry Leader
L O O K W H AT G O D I S D O I N G ! A NEW CHURCH PLANT IS located 520 kilometres north of Ethiopia’s capital. The city council recently gave us two square kilometres of land for the church building. Look what God is doing! God has led us to reach out to and share the Gospel with Ethiopian Muslims. We continuously find ourselves amazed by the work of the Holy Spirit. People are hungry for the truth and hundreds of Muslims have come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. One of these new
believers is the daughter of an Imam (a Muslim religious leader). When she gave her life to Christ, the people in her neighbourhood rose up to try to kill her, but God protected her. Today, she safely lives in another village and was recently water baptised. Please pray with us that God will send more labourers to this ripe harvest field.
>> This new believer being baptised (centre), is the daughter of a Muslim religious leader.
Mesfin and Genet Abebe ETHIOPIA Ministry Leaders
THERE IS A GOD WHO CARES INACIO IS A SUCCESSFUL Muslim fisherman. He owns four fishing boats and was the first in his village to have electricity. Over time, he heard several Bible stories and one day decided to put his trust in Jesus.
baptism, he said to his wife, “Just so you know, from today on, we follow Isa (Jesus)! When our children get sick, we will no longer visit the witch doctor, but will pray to God and then go to hospital”. Inacio’s wife agreed.
He was recently water baptised in the river. When he got back from his
Inacio started a new life. He told his friends, “The old Inacio is dead. I am
a new Inacio! I am not doing the old witchcraft things anymore, because there is a God who cares. We do not have to pray to the spirits under the big tree anymore”. Martin and Simone Schumann MOZAMBIQUE Ministry Leaders • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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AFRICA NEW CHURCH PL ANT IN BURKINA FASO TOROKORO IS A VILLAGE located 528 km from Ouagadougou. Of its 6000 habitants, 99 per cent are Muslim. Neighbouring villages are either Animist or Muslim. There are very few Christians. Pastor Gregoir, a young evangelist, recently graduated from a local Bible
>> Open air evangelism evening.
school. When he attended children’s ministry workshop, the Holy Spirit inspired him to start a church in Torokoro by reaching the 4-14 window. We partnered with him in evangelising the region through film showing, children’s ministry, and community development.
in number, they are now planning to plant more churches. Hallelujah! Danny and Ruby Bayasan BURKINA FASO Ministry Leaders
During one open air evangelism, an old woman was brought in for prayers. She was in great pain and could not walk. The Holy Spirit healed her instantly and she began to walk around with a smile on her face. Key disciples were recently trained using Church Planting Movement principles. Although they are still small
GRANNY GIVING
>> Instantly healed, this woman now has a reason to smile!
grandchildren arrive at their doors, even though they can no longer work in the fields and don’t have enough food for themselves!
RECENTLY WE GATHERED a gaggle of gorgeous Koti grannies for a party. The young worship leader chose gentle songs, but they weren’t waiting for him, and danced and sang with such gusto! These grannies are feisty for Jesus! We encouraged them with the story of Elijah’s widow friend who sustained her family by giving away her last handful of flour, then we gave them 5 kg of flour and a bottle of oil to experiment with!
>> These grannies are feisty for Jesus!
But they are already givers. They are the social welfare safety net. When their
daughters die (from malaria, cholera or childbirth) or just disappear, more
We support them so they can care for their grandkids. Sponsoring a cute orphan is great but how about sponsoring a granny who cares for five or six orphans? Ask us about our Sponsor-a-Granny programme! Jo and Jenny Graham MOZAMBIQUE Ministry Leaders
VISIONARY LEADERS MOBILISED GOD IS DOING AMAZING THINGS to mobilise His church for mission. Recently, two visionary leaders, Timothy Olonade in Nigeria and Tariku Gebre in Ethiopia, have left significant ministries to work as full-time mission mobilisers. We have run initial courses in each country with strong responses. As future Kairos National Coordinators,
they aim to use their influence to see tens of thousands of ordinary believers mobilised into the ranks of Christ’s Great Commission Army. May God enable them! Chris and Nadine Brittain KENYA Ministry Leaders >> Timothy Olonade and Tariku Gebre.
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FRONTLINE FILES DAY 1
Malcolm and Linda Bayliss • SE ASIA
DAY 2
Duncan and Lindie Ross • SE ASIA
Our suitcases are now very important items in our ministry. From late January until mid-March, we will not be home due to ministry travel commitments. Our time will be spent sharing with and supporting missionaries, training and other WOI meetings. We would appreciate your prayers for God’s empowerment, anointing, wisdom and insight, as we meet with these various groups and individuals.
We have enjoyed celebrating WOI’s 80 years past. Now we look forward to the next 80 years! Our team is excited to be part of a growing organisation that is moving and shaking the world. We would appreciate your prayers for us as a church planting team in believing God for greater opportunity to expand His kingdom in all His fullness and measure for 2013.
Day 3
John and Mary Elliott • SINGAPORE
WOI holds our annual leadership meetings at the beginning of each year. These help set the course for the year. Pray that as different ministry teams meet, we will have the mind of Christ for the decisions needing to be made. Also, the month of January is always set aside for prayer and fasting in the Mission. You can join us by emailing woi@world-outreach.com and advising us of the day(s) you will dedicate to prayer and fasting.
DAY 4
Allen and Charlotte Teal • NEW ZEALAND
We have just completed a coaching training course and will utilise the skills and tools we have newly acquired for our member care role with WOI. We value your prayers as we prepare ourselves for another busy year caring for WOI fieldworkers. Please pray that we will know God’s peace, wisdom and His provision for our upcoming ministry assignments.
DAY 5
Eugene and Tina Wessels • MOZAMBIQUE
Each new year brings new works and opportunities. For our church planting work in the town of Chimoio, please pray for protection of the new believers in their newfound walk with Christ. Please pray too for a church plant initiative in Nicoadala, where we are asking the Lord to raise up a new generation of leaders.
Thank you for supporting our partners in prayer!
DAY 6
Donna Elliott • SINGAPORE
Day 7
Paul Won and Misun Pyun • PHILIPPINES
DAY 8
Susan Khoo • SE ASIA
DAY 9
Wanna Jai-ou (Doi) • THAILAND
2012 saw some good new communication foundations laid for WOI, especially the recreation of our website and various online systems, giving us the opportunity to build and optimise on these in 2013. Please pray that in 2013, God would give us communication keys uniquely fitted to His purposes for WOI’s future so that we can get our message and work much more widely broadcast and known around the globe.
We are establishing a new WOI training and mobilising ministry here with Manila as our base. Please pray for favour that will lead to new and effective partnerships with church leaders and individuals. One clear goal is to help place Filipino cross-cultural workers among Least Reached People groups in different parts of the world. Pray for this success.
Our sovereign God has now opened doors for GPI team to do church planting in Nepal. Last year our first training there resulted in four house churches being planted. Please pray for more leaders to be raised up who will be passionate to plant churches in difficult terrain and mountainous areas where there are no churches and where Christ is not known.
Our Good News Team will go to state schools in Udon Thani (NE Thailand) this February. It will be our first time to have school outreaches there among more than 2,000 children and teachers. For many it will be the first time they have ever heard about Jesus. Please pray for us as a team that God’s blessing and favour will be on this outreach.
Day 10
Janvier and Claudine Yokoinele • IVORY COAST
After the special teacher training here last year, three Christian schools have been started, in Burkina Faso, Benin and Cameroun. What a privilege to be part of the transformation of the new generation, reaching children for God through education. Thanks for your prayers, your practical support and your love. Please uphold us in prayer as we travel to visit and encourage these new schools.
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Day 11
Gayle and Chaiyot Wansong • THAILAND
We are working towards the Thai translation of the Kairos 4th edition, a large task for which we appreciate your prayers. It’s a joy to see Thai Christians encounter God and His love for all unreached people groups as they journey through these studies. Pray that each church that does these studies will engage in their own mission to nearby unreached people groups. Pray that they will envision God’s heart for the 70 still unreached people groups in Thailand.
Day 12
MC and Lezelle Coetzee • SOUTH AFRICA
We praise the Lord that a volunteer has stepped forward to help with a creative craft project in our training centre in Lesotho.This project will help families in this poor rural area. We are also starting a training centre in Swaziland this year as well as a computer school which will assist in the up-skilling of the local people. Pray that WOI-South Africa will continue to have an effective role to play in helping lift communities out of poverty.
Day 13
Day 17
Angela Stephens • KENYA
Day 18
Bambi Cataluna • PHILIPPINES
Day 19
Abigail and Karel Lawery • INDONESIA
Day 20
Hendrik and Bets V • SE ASIA
Day 21
Koti and Rina Smit • MOZAMBIQUE
We are seeking God for fresh ideas to help the church in Australia become aware of the more than 6000 Least Reached Peoples who have never heard the name of Jesus. Please pray for Holy Spirit-inspired new connections with individuals, families, churches and business people to partner with WOI in the more than 75 LRPs our WOI missionaries are currently working among.
I praise God that more Kenyan women are experiencing the love of father God and knowing their (new) identities in Christ.The Zawadi jewellery project disciples women while teaching them to make jewellery. Please pray that more women will receive Jesus’s healing and deliverance and pray for the new jewellery and discipleship courses we will run in the coming months.
William and Marlinde Tamminga • INDONESIA
We are serving as interim leaders at New Hope Ministry in West Kalimantan. We feel so blessed and privileged to be able to come and care for the children. Please pray for us, the Indonesian leaders here and the 140+ children. Pray for joy, strength, wisdom, peace, love, unity and divine protection. We all need God so much and we are totally dependent on Him.
Day 15
Grahame and Philippa Orpin • AUSTRALIA
Rod and Lynley Talbot • SOUTH AFRICA
After a short home leave, we are about to commence another 3-year term of service based in South Africa. Please pray for favour with the authorities as we apply for another 3-year visa, and also safe travels and good health for Rod who has WOI assignments in West Africa and Ethiopia this March.Thanks for your partnership in helping spread the Gospel in this great continent.
Day 14
Day 16
Chris and Nadine Brittain • KENYA
The Kairos course is significantly impacting churches and denominations here. We are seeing a rising enthusiasm and commitment to missions. Please pray that 2013, which includes some strategic mission events, will accelerate a mission movement from Kenya to near neighbour Least Reached People groups. With an expanding ministry, pray with us for a release of finances as well. Thank you.
FRONTLINE FILES
Please pray for us as we finalize the 4th edition youth Kairos course. We hope to put together a simple package that can be easily contextualised for various cultures. May the Lord bless this tool to mobilise young people for missions all over the world!
Please pray for the students who are getting ready to graduate and leave the Mount Hope Training Centre. Pray that the right doors would open for them and that they may continue to live what they have been taught and spread God’s word even further.
Please pray for us as we start to prepare for the next Nations course that we will be heading up during April/May in South Africa. Pray also that the students from different African nations will have all the finances needed to attend, and for South African people with serving hearts to come help take care of the missionaries’ children while the parents attend the course.
As we enter into another year of ministry, we so appreciate your prayers for us as we work among the Naharra people group in Nacala. In particular please pray for God’s blessing to be upon our training of leaders, Christian radio, Christian pre-school that includes local orphans and distributing Bibles to believers. Thank you.
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Day 22
Nancy Mancilla • THAILAND
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness during the six years I have been serving Him in Thailand. This March I will be returning home to Uruguay indefinitely, where I will be seeking the Lord about His future direction for my life. One burden I have is to encourage the Uruguayan church about world mission. I know God has great things for my future. Please pray for me that I will know His leading in the coming months.
Day 23
Chanaprai Wongkampa • THAILAND
For the last three years I have been busy working at Rahab Ministries during the day and studying a Business Management degree course at night time. My studies will conclude this May. Please pray that I will be able to cope with the heavy workload and also achieve good results. Please continue to pray for our outreach efforts to the bar women in the ‘red light’ district of Patpong, that our team will have increasing success.
Day 24
Sukhen and Puspa Biswas • BANGLADESH
Day 27
My first term in India is complete and I have transitioned back to the USA for a season of networking and fellowship. My colleague Michele and I are preparing to return later this year, to work on developing sustainable ways of addressing the maternal and newborn health crisis in our area—please pray for wisdom and insight as we plan as well as a joyful and restful time at home.
Day 28
Malcolm and Sandy Potter • THAILAND
DAY 26
David Elliott • SE ASIA
Each year we have a number of overseas teams coming to minister to the children at the Baan Faa Mai (Mae Chaem) hostel and nearby villages. Pray for God’s blessing to be on these teams, and for changed lives among our student body, that there will be enduring fruit. Please pray too for our youngest, Lisa, who is about to start her university studies in NZ.
I’m now a few months into my new role with a WOI church planting team. I need to find a place to live and a suitable, reliable and economic mode of transport. Your prayers are appreciated for these and are essential to fuel the work of our many exciting church planting ministry opportunities in Cambodia, Nepal and at here in SE Asia.
Theo and Mignonne Schumann • MOZAMBIQUE
We recently received MP3 players that WOI friends helped us purchase. Each MP3 player contains the Bible in the local Kimwani language as well as songs and lessons to explain God’s plan of salvation. We will prayerfully be distributing these among the Mwani people. We are also distributing Bibles in their language. Please pray with us for open hearts among the Mwani as they receive these players and hear the word of God for the first time.
Day 29
Ben and Rachel Brooks • SE ASIA
Day 30
Mangkaew Chuenjit • THAILAND
DAY 31
Bob and Kim Teoh • INDONESIA
During the past few years, we have had a partnership with Compassion International Bangladesh and every year we do more 100 Kids Camps with them. This arrangement is about to change, and we need God’s wisdom to know the way forward. Generation Bangladesh has many trained and skilled full-time and part-time staff who we want to utilise as much as possible.Thank you for your prayers.
Day 25
Jes La Bleu • INDIA
Please pray for our GPI team as we continue to press forward with CMM (Church Multiplication Movements) in Southeast Asia amongst new Least Reached People groups. Pray our existing church leaders will have vision, wisdom and strength to continue to raise up new leaders so many more people will come to Christ.
Thank you for praying for the young people who have come to Christ at the youth prison. Just last week, two more gave their lives to the Lord. I visit the prison weekly for prayer and Bible study. Recently, four young disciples were released. They had nowhere to go, so we rented a small house for them. They already have full-time jobs and are growing in the Lord. We are so grateful to those who pray for this prison ministry!
Mid-2013 we complete our 3-year appointment at Mt Hope Training Centre in West Kalimantan, and plan to relocate to back to Malaysia, which will be our new ministry base. Please remember us in prayer as we complete our ministry initiatives at Mt Hope and make plans to relocate.
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INDIA
GOD IS MOVING IN INDIA ANITA WAS SICK for 14 years. Her parents consulted witch doctors, but nothing worked. Then a group of house church members did a prayer walk through Anita’s village. They visited and prayed with Anita for several days and she was healed. Today, Anita’s family runs their own house church.
take her to the bus station. She was travelling alone and the driver wanted to take advantage of her, so he took a different route under the pretence of taking a shortcut. Bala became suspicious. She had a feeling that she was in danger and began to pray to God for help. Just a few minutes later, the cab was involved in an accident. No one was injured and people quickly arrived on the scene to help. Bala was safe. Even though Bala is struggling with her health, she knows now to turn to the Lord. She was lost, but now she is found in Him again.
>> Anita and her family.
BALA IS A SPORTS COACH in Guwahati, India. She has been a believer for some time, but for many reasons, her life had drifted away from the Lord. When she was diagnosed with cancer, church planter Sheemila encouraged her to turn back to God, and Bala did. Not long after, Bala hired a cab to
PRITI HAD BEEN SICK for three years with various ailments and her parents had spent a fortune of more than 300,000 rupees for her medical treatment but to no avail. They had been to a number of hospitals, doctors and witch doctors as well and were at the end of the road with despair. Then they met Nirmal who told them about Jesus’s healing power. They had never heard of Jesus Christ but in desperation they chose to trust and believe. Nirmal prayed with them and has ministered to them regularly since. Their daughter is now back to full health and the doctors have certified her healing, even asking what treatment they used. It was Jesus who came and visited with healing in His wings! Kitbok Ryntathiang INDIA Ministry Leader
>> Bala.
THE POWER OF A CHILD’S FAITH OUTREACH INDIA welcomes eligible, destitute children at the Aashray Child Care Centre in Pithapuram, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. We work hard to give the children a comfortable place to live, a good education and also to prepare them to stand on their own and to become worthy citizens of India. Most importantly, our caretakers train them in the Scriptures.
had taken place in their lives. They are now living together as a happy family. Praise be to God!
K. J. George Outreach India INDIA
In one case, we admitted two small children after their parents separated and abandoned them. We taught them to pray to Jesus for all their needs. In particular, they prayed for their parents. After a year or so their parents, who were living in different places, renewed contact with each another, and after counselling were reunited. They both came to us and fetched their children, having convinced us of the change that TO MAKE A DONATION OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER VISIT WORLD-OUTREACH.COM
HOW MANY DOORS CAN YOU GO THROUGH AT ONCE? it totally bombed! “OK, thank you, Lord. I get the message!” My heart breaks for the poor around us, but my personal calling is not to development. We love our people intensely and practically, but we pray for others to work with us in development. I must focus on making disciples and raising up leaders and as I do that, their poverty is slowly being healed from the inside out. We love to do His will more than FEATURE HAVE YOU EVER we love any particular ministry. Why? underestimated a Because His heart and ours yearn to task and failed, when with more focused open the door into that new nation! preparation, you could have succeeded? Of course, all of this calls for Do you shudder at the thought of that discernment. Sometimes we need to exam you should have passed? be flexible. Jesus took his friends to the I have seen wonderfully gifted people – beach at Sidon for a much-needed rest, who have succeeded in ministry among but he still allowed a desperate woman a reached people to squeeze a group – approach Sometimes we need miracle out of Him an unreached nation for her daughter. to say no to doors of unprepared. Many He wanted time doors were open opportunity – good stuff alone to grieve to them to minister that we love to do – if over the death of in other areas, while we are to open that one John the Baptist, but simultaneously thousands of people engaging with the door that has stood intercepted Him. He new field. So they taught them, healed closed for centuries. struggled to focus on them and put on a learning the language banquet for them. Then He sent them and culture or prevailing in prayer. home, and a few hours later than He Sometimes we need to say no to doors had planned, went up into the hills to of opportunity – good stuff that we love pray. to do – if we are to open that one door How many doors can you go through that has stood closed for centuries. I love at once? Be flexible and compassionate, ministering to kids, but in Mozambique but be incredibly focused. The the Lord impressed on me that it was not unreached deserve that focus. the key to open the Koti door. It was so hard to let go! I remember sneaking in a Jo and Jenny Graham special children’s outreach – and mercifully MOZAMBIQUE • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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ASIA G O D S AV E D M Y L I F E MOSHI WAS BORN into a Christian family but got involved with the wrong crowd at university. When he and his friends went to a particular village, a rival gang heard about it and planned to attack and kill them. Moshi’s group learnt of this and spread out, looking for places to hide. A farmer took pity on Moshi and allowed him to hide in his barn. He was terrified and knew if the rival gang found him it would mean certain death. While in hiding he began calling on Jesus and declared that if the Lord
saved him, he would abandon the life he had been living and serve the Lord. In the morning the farmer came and took him to the station and put him on a bus back to his home. Moshi never returned to his previous lifestyle and last year applied to study at CDC. With his wife Gulapi, he is now preparing for the Lord’s service. Please pray for them. Vijaya Chowdhuri Christian Discipleship Centre BANGLADESH Ministry Leader
>> Moshi and his wife Gulapi outside CDC.
SHINING A LIGHT IN DARK PL ACES IN 2012 OUR Generation Ministry teams were busy strengthening churches to multiply their effectiveness in establishing the kingdom of light among children and youth. Peter van der Westhuyzen, Generation Ministries. BANGLADESH: 98% Muslim, 0.3% Christian, 65 million youth. • 57 outreach camps (9625 kids). • 490 kids’ workers trained. • Children’s ministry curriculum published (450 users). • National children’s workers conference (440 leaders). • Mailbox correspondence program (4300 kids). VIETNAM: Communist nation, 2% Protestant, 35 million youth, persecution frequent. • 30 outreaches to kids. • 510 kids’ workers trained. • Children’s ministry curriculum published (700 users). MYANMAR/BURMA: Buddhist stronghold, 3% Christian, 20 million youth, military dictatorship. • New girls hostel. • 12 outreaches to kids. • 110 children’s workers trained. CAMBODIA: Buddhist nation recovering from genocide, 1% Christian, 5.5 million youth. • 140 teachers trained by our partners “Children’s Commission”. • Children’s ministry curriculum published (500 users). INDIA: Hindu nation, 500+ million youth. • 220 kids’ workers trained. • Curriculum and many new lessons written for holiday programmes. • Lending library of resources for children’s ministry established.
>> Generation Ministries equips believers to reach and disciple children in NE India, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. Hannah (left), a Vietnamese dentist, is confident that her new training will transform her ministry. Rose (right), a former Vietnamese Buddhist nun, reaches out to children who are not allowed to attend church. Menuo Keditsu Generation India INDIA Ministry Leader
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ASIA A N E W N O R T H KO R E A E M E R G I N G NORTH KOREA, also known as ‘Eastern Jerusalem’, is a mysterious, nuclear-armed and impoverished nation that shut its door to the outside world at the end of Japanese colonialism. When the Lord opens the door of a nation however, no man can shut it. In 2007, a team made a trip inside North Korea. We scaled the borders with silent prayer knowing that approximately 70, 000 Christians were imprisoned within. I made another trip across the border
again recently, on a specific intercessory assignment. I met with a ‘softer’ North Korea and was greeted with more smiles, open hearts and colour than I had been on my previous trip. I saw a glimmer of hope and a longing for a better tomorrow in the eyes of North Koreans and felt a shift in the timetable of God for this country. I invite you to partner with the Holy Spirit for such a time as NOW to bring deliverance and healing to North Korea. Contact us if you have a heart for this nation. ‘Suzy’
EVERY SOUL IS PRECIOUS TO GOD Elisa Diaz THAILAND Ministry Leader
THE LORD IS BLESSING Lawa Day Care! We praise Him for one little boy in particular. El Nenito came to us when he was less than a year old. He had disabilities, so we have been praying for him. Today, he is able to run and smile and is on his way to a full recovery!
ABOVE: Big smiles for the camera. << El Nenito and his father.
BIBLE TEACHING TRANSFORMS LIVES MYO’S FATHER WAS a very devout Buddhist monk who recently accepted the Lord into his life when my church conducted an outreach in his village. His father then suggested that he too become a Christian and attend the Bible School. He did as his father recommended, but he didn’t really made a decision for Christ.
>> Myo.
It was only when I taught on the subject of God’s salvation plan that can
be found throughout Scripture, that Myo realised Christ really is the Son of God. He invited Jesus into his heart then and there. Myo has embraced his studies with much greater passion and commitment, and when he graduates he wants to help others discover Jesus and be set free from their spiritual blindness. Our team also held a Bible seminar in Myanmar’s delta region recently. On the last night, one person shared how he had been miserable and addicted to alcohol, but then accepted Jesus.
He planned to go with one of our workers to share the Gospel where there is no Gospel. No Pum MYANMAR Ministry Leader
>> Praying for lost friends and family at the Bible seminar. • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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Decision making is an inescapable task for ministry leaders. Decision making is one of the things that distinguishes us as leaders. In the end, it is the quality of our decisions that determines the success or failure of our leadership. MANY OF OUR DECISIONS can be made as part of a decision making body such as an eldership or church council. There are times, however, when the responsibility to make a decision cannot be passed to anybody else. The leader alone has to make the decision. To quote the plaque on former US President Harry Truman’s desk, “The Buck Stops Here”.
FEATURE
prayerful attitude and practice the daily discipline of prayer. We are encouraged in Scripture to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6–7). As leaders, we should specifically pray for wisdom and discernment in our decisions (James 1:5–8; Prov. 4:7; 2 Chron. 1:10; 1 Kings 3:9). Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
1. Clarify the vision God has given you.
2. Understand your own style of leadership. Another principle is to understand our natural decision-making style. There is no ideal or perfect method. Some leaders have a more intuitive (gut feel) style of decision making, whereas others display a more deductive (or process) style. Both styles need to develop complementary skills. Intuitive leaders need to learn process, and deductive leaders need to develop intuition. 3. Pray. In the general tone of our life and leadership, we need to foster a
7. Consult other experienced leaders. Another practical idea is to confidentially discuss the whole scenario with other experienced pastors and leaders both inside and outside your ministry. Those who have been through similar challenges will bring an invaluable perspective.
Here are some guiding principles for how a leader can make good decisions.
The vision God has given us for our ministry gives perspective and parameters to our decisions. Clarifying our vision helps us to define what is in the vision and what is not in the vision. Decisions are generally easier to make when we know where we’re going and how we’re getting there.
Find out as much information as possible about the details. If necessary, seek technical or professional information. Do research or focused reading. Be inquisitive. Listen objectively. Ask probing questions. Seek clarification on grey areas.
>> Bruce Hills ministering in Ethiopia.
4. Reflect in Scripture. Once again, in the general tenor of our life, we need to engage with Scripture every day. Aside from reading and meditating, we need to reflect on our decisions in the light of Scripture. Is there a specific principle that relates to the decision? Are there stories or teaching in Scripture that give insights into the decision? Is the decision consistent with the teaching of Scripture? What does the Bible say? 5. Clarify exactly what you need to decide. To make wise and informed decisions we need to know exactly what we have to decide. To understand a problem is the biggest part of solving the problem. 6. Be informed about the whole dimension of the decision.
8. Decide. After working through principles 1–7, it is time to decide. Before we implement or communicate our decision, we should let it settle in our heart until we have peace with it. 9. Communicate the decision. Now it is time for us to inform the relevant people in the appropriate order. 10. Implement the decision. Initiate and organise a step-by-step plan to implement the decision. We won’t get it right all the time. Our decision making capacity is an ongoing challenge and process. The Lord gives us the incredible resources of prayer, His word, His Spirit, other leaders, books and our past experience to help us make better decisions. Pastor Bruce Hills International Leadership Development Director
ASIA
SOUTHEAST HOUSE OF HOPE THE SLUMS AROUND BANGKOK are desperately needy. Parents despair as they watch their children struggle against drug dealers who hang around at the school gates, targeting the most vulnerable. That is why mums and dads in Tungsonghong are so grateful that the House of Hope offers a safe place for children to go after school. The kids come to learn English and music and also to study the Bible and worship Jesus! Every week there are more
young people coming to join in the activities.
>> The children enjoying activities at the House of Hope.
Now, some older teens have joined our leadership team and are helping with the Top Kids outreach programme every Saturday. They are learning how to share their faith with their families and friends. It’s a tough, heartbreaking place to work, but we are filled with joy when we see whole families baptised and following Jesus – ever-increasing circles of light in this dark place. Prasert Taksin THAILAND Ministry Team Member
T H E L O R D W AT C H E S O V E R T H E F I E L D S MANY YEARS AGO, an accident left Somchai unable to walk. Our team
>> Showing off a bountiful crop.
witnessed and led him to the Lord, then prayed for his healing, and saw him completely restored. Today Somchai says, “Since I became a follower of Jesus, the Lord has blessed us abundantly. Our harvests were bountiful last year. When we were about to plant cassava in our fields, the region was experiencing a drought, and we weren’t sure the crops would survive. But we planted them anyway in the name of Jesus! The rain came 20 days later. The crops grew to a considerable size, giving us a great harvest!”
Another farmer Prasert experienced a similar blessing. His cassava crop had only been growing for nine months when a flood came. Other nearby farms harvested their crops early to avoid losing everything. Prasert sought the Lord for wisdom, and left his crops more time to grow. At harvest time, his crops were bountiful and brought great returns! John and Nok THAILAND Ministry Leaders
THAI CHILDREN FIND THE TRUTH GOOD NEWS TEAM members love going to Thai schools to introduce children to Jesus and then hearing from children in those schools. Such as 12-year-old Chartsarudt who said, “When you came to my school everything you said was new to me, but somehow I knew it was the truth”. 11-year-old Areeya said, “Please come again to my school. I loved the puppets, and how do I feel now? The happiest ever because now I know I’m special to God”. Kidtichai said, “After you came to my school I decided
to do your lessons. They made me know that Jesus is the incredible God. At camp my friends and I gave our whole lives to Jesus”. Please pray for Thailand’s young people. For many it can be a long and challenging journey from a background of darkness and fear into the light and love of Jesus. Valerie Bateup Good News Team Noinon from the Good THAILAND News Team, shares the story of Jesus. >> Ministry Leader • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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ASIA
SOUTHEAST
FULFILLING OUR MAIN PURPOSE RECENTLY, 155 Mt Hope junior high students travelled to Sanggau, West Kalimantan to learn more about Jesus. This was a two-hour trip! Most of the students who live at Mt Hope had already received Christ, but many of the students who live offsite had not. Many of these students accepted Christ at this event, and 44 dedicated their lives to God’s service. Mozha Amalia, who is from a Muslim home, says, “I
have learned to pray to Jesus now and every morning, when I wake up, I give Him thanks”. Willy, who is from a Buddhist home, says, “I believe in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour. I know I’m special in His eyes”. This is the main purpose of Mt Hope! Sam and Carol Soukotta Tawangmangu Bible College INDONESIA Ministry Leaders
>> Students seeking the Lord.
EXPERIENCING LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME However, things changed for Ripin two years ago when she came to Living Waters Village. She now feels safe living here, going to school and experiencing the tangible, healing love of Jesus.
FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, Ripin was treated as a slave by her mother and grandmother and made to work. She was thrown down a flight of stairs and hurt in other ways. She was not allowed to eat the same food as the rest of the family and was fed the old, putrid rice. If she did not bring enough firewood for cooking, they threatened to use her hands as fuel.
Malcolm and Wendy Taylor Rivers of Life Ministries INDONESIA Ministry Team Members << Ripin.
THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL THE BIBLE SAYS, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. Patpong is all about making money, whether it is the women working in the bars, the bar owners or the organised crime groups who take their share. Recently we sat with three of our women at Rahab House sharing in their conversation. It
was so encouraging to hear how God has changed their lives. They were talking about how much money they made in the bars and some of their friends had said they would never last at Rahab Ministries because they pay so little. One women said, “Even though we earn only a little money, now we are
so much happier. We are not worried about how much money we earn, but about being happy and understanding God more. Alex and Sarah Meygaarden Rahab Ministries THAILAND Ministry Team Members
THE GOSPEL BRINGS CHANGE OUR RECENT TRIP was a great success with many healings! The village leader was an alcoholic and made a commitment to give up alcohol and follow Jesus. There were also women who complained that their husbands beat them daily. After our visit, two days went by with no violence
reported. The village is now very open to the Gospel. We will go on visiting them on a weekly basis. Please pray for the Spirit of Truth to continue to set them free. Ben and Rachel Brooks SE ASIA Ministry Team Members
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LATE LAST YEAR six young adults along with two World Outreach International leaders were involved in the Next Generation Consultation in Bangkok. Our purpose was to identify what is needed to mobilise the next generation into playing their role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
the whole Bible at once, we focus on reading, understanding and obeying a little bit of it at a time.
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The power of this was realized when a group of us in Singapore gathered on a Sunday afternoon to put Luke chapter 10 into practice, and we witnessed heaven encounter earth! Young people from 12 to 30+ years old ministered to Bangladeshi migrant workers and witnessed over 200 workers completely healed in Jesus’s name. It was that simple. Our faith exploded, as this ripe harvest was ready to be reaped. We started Bible study groups with them even before they made decisions for Jesus. We saw salvations, and we are expectant for more.
We agreed that relationships make life worthwhile – with God through prayer, worship and obedience to the Word, and with people through mentoring, accountability, sharing life experiences or even social media. Relationships can be complicated, but we can simplify things by doing a little bit at a time, rather than a whole lot at once. Take for example, our relationship with God. Rather than trying to read
>> David Elliott (right) at the first Bible study with Bangladeshis in a carpark stairwell.
A Switchfoot song sums it up: “Living is simple, And breathing is easy, It’s easy to do, Living is simple”. Following Jesus can be simple too. David Elliott Ministry Team Member SE Asia
>> Some of these Singaporean youth were mobilised to minister to Bangladeshi workers.
• ISSUE 1, 2013 •
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE WITH WORLD OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL With growth happening and expansion needed, a number of World Outreach International (WOI) teams have opportunities for short to long-term personnel or interns who can raise their own personal support and travel costs, to assist their ministry vision.
COMPUTER EXPERTISE
If you have skills in Liferay Portal or Java Portlet development and are prepared to offer your help via Skype/email on a part-time basis, we would love to hear from you.
AFRICA
We are looking for babysitters who would be willing to mind missionary children while their parents do the Nations course, held at ASM, White River, South Africa from April 7–May 17, 2013. It would involve giving time during normal working hours and covering any personal expenses involved.
THAILAND The Global
Connections Centre in Isaan is looking for English and Mandarin teachers to take lessons at the student centre for a period of 3-12 months or more. Contact: kevinchan@ globalconnectionscentre.com
EUROPE
WOI is looking for people to come to France, to England and to Spain to serve in teams. If you would like to come to visit, or send a short-term team, or come as an intern please contact: james.price@wouk.org
INDONESIA Three WOI bases
in West Kalimantan are looking for people with the following skills: builders, joiners, brick layers, tilers, electricians, plumbers, doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, administrators, agriculturalists, fish and chicken farmers and a gardener for a pepper plantation.
INTERNSHIPS Get deeply rooted in cross-cultural ministry while under the mentorship of experienced WOI personnel. Internships last from 6 to 24 months. To see what internships are on offer in 2013 visit: www.worldoutreach.com/internship-opportunites/
For enquiries on any of these opportunities, email: bets.v@world-outreach.com Please post this form to your nearest country office (addresses listed on pg 1)
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AUSTRALIA W H AT I S G O D T E L L I N G Y O U T O D O ? AT THE BEGINNING of the year, I felt God leading me to create films that would communicate the Gospel to young people. I left a good job and stepped out on faith to begin Iblaze ministry. I had saved for the support and new equipment I would need to get started. Then I was given opportunities to train children’s leaders through World Outreach International. I put iblaze on
hold. Midway through the year, I was out of money, with no way to produce what I had originally intended to produce.
presented in English, Spanish, Mandarin, French and Arabic, so God sent five amazing young people who spoke these languages.
I thought maybe I had gotten it wrong, but God’s wisdom is not conventional – it’s divine. I simply started with not one cent. God provided us with a large building and new camera equipment. We made sets and costumes. Actors volunteered. We wanted the film to be
Find us at “iblazeworld” on YouTube and iblaze.org. Peter Blase AUSTRALIA Ministry Leader
CLOSEUP
>> Peter Blase (centre) with Iblaze film actors. Centre, filming in action. Right, filming studio set.
CHRIS AND GERRIANNNE
, formally a hotel manager (Chris) and teacher (Gerrianne), had a desire to leave The Netherlands and serve wherever God needed them. When they heard about Living Waters Village, they decided to orientate there for a year. During that time, they felt the need of the Dayak children and knew that Living Waters would become their new home. Chris is a full-time student of language and culture in Bandung, West Java. He manages the applications and travel arrangements for visitors and volunteers. Gerrianne works with special needs children at the primary school. LIVING WATERS VILLAGE, BORNEO
HAVE YOU MADE A WILL? Making a will is the only way you can be sure that your wishes will be followed after you die. Having a will also makes your loved ones’ time of grief simpler. If you don’t leave a will, part or all of your estate may go to people whom you never intended to benefit, or even to the government! Including a gift to the ministry of World Outreach International in your will is a special and personal way to continue making a difference in the world after your life on earth has passed. For further information, please contact the World Outreach International office nearest to you. • ISSUE 1, 2013 •
NATIONS
23
Mercy Ministries
Helping Provide a Hope and a Future!
It does not cost a fortune to turn someone’s misfortune around! The world’s media excel in presenting us with vivid images of natural or manmade disasters. After a deluge of such misery there is usually one of three responses: we (eventually) become immune to what we see; we think we don’t have the means or the understanding to help; or we choose to be part of the answer. World Outreach International “Mercy Ministries” are scattered around the world and are generally part of a missionary’s involvement among specific communities. These lifesaving humanitarian programmes may not have the high public profiles of the larger secular NGOs, but they are effective in helping alleviate the suffering and/or crisis that people are experiencing.
• Refugee Camps.
• Health Education.
Every year, WOI personnel help provide basic food, clothing and toiletries to refugees (usually women and children) when they flee from armed insurgents or religious fanatics to seek refuge in camps.
WOI teams are committed to educating illiterate villagers about hygiene, nutrition and general health. An untold number of lives, young and old, have been saved.
• Microenterprise.
• Milk Feeding Programmes.
A growing focus among WOI personnel is to assist followers of Jesus Christ in economically depressed regions by providing training to help them start and run small enterprises that will support their families and create jobs in their communities.
Providing healthy milk formula to malnourished babies has saved thousands of lives.
• Disaster Relief.
When earthquakes, famines or floods strike, WOI teams in affected regions stop what they are doing and get involved in disaster relief. We believe that a quick response is the best response. All of the above are “faith” projects. In other words, when finances are available, WOI teams can respond with love and compassion in practical ways. Through every Mercy Ministries enterprise, WOI personnel take every opportunity to share the Gospel with those they are helping. Your partnership can not only save lives, but can also help share the love of God with desperate and needy people.
GIFTS CAN BE POSTED TO: World Outreach International and designated “Mercy Ministries”. See page 22 to respond. You can also make a donation via our website: www.world-outreach.com