Febuary 2009
For the past two weeks I have visited and been impacted by our many faithful workers and teams in Thailand and L*. One theme that continued to emerge from the various ministry opportunities and meetings was that we serve a God of restoration.For the past two weeks I have visited and been impacted by our many faithful workers and teams in Thailand and L*. One theme that continued to emerge from the various ministry opportunities and meetings was that we serve a God of restoration. Our invitation is to join God in a ministry which offers "comfort to all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning....they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor" (Is 61:3).
During a Bible conference for all our Khmu churches where I was teaching on the book of Ephesians, I had an opportunity to visit with one of the local town mayors. He had come to the conference interested to learn more about God's Word. Although he was still an Animist, this Khmu leader was curious about what Christians believed. He was drawn by the love of God in Khmu Christian families and the positive community development efforts in which the churches have been investing. The Khmu villages and culture are being transformed by the growing number of Christians in these villages who found freedom from the spirits and now work for the good of those around them. Love is driving out fear.
Our church planting teams in Thailand are regularly seeing God's power to transform lives and bring hope. In our new church planting effort in Chachoengsao we are seeing conversions almost every week. These very excited believers are sharing the gospel with their family members and neighbors and finding that God is transforming the ashes of their ruined lives for His beauty. "May" is a single mother who has found Christ in the past months. She was abandoned by her parents and her husband recently left her for another woman. Since finding Jesus and His forgiveness and love, May is sharing her story with everyone in the neighborhood. Her favorite saying is, "God will never throw you away." In a culture of disposable relationships this is a powerful concept. This is God's work and our desire is to give Him all the glory.
Ministry Highlights
o Dave & Sinclair Peters, working with the Bethel church plant in Chachoengsao write, "We are amazed at the speed in which the Spirit of God is moving these days. This was a village that had only one adult believer last year!" Praise God for the work He is doing through their team, and through the members of this new church, and pray that God will continue to transform lives.
o God is working in a marvelous way in North Africa. Pray for the members of our Oasis Team, who produce satellite TV programs focused on evangelism and discipleship, and who will provide follow-up ministry to an expected 50,000 people through that ministry this year. Praise God for this incredible opportunity for ministry in these "closed" countries.
Items for Prayer
o God is building His church in Portugal! Pray for our missionaries, Otto & Marjorie Ekk, and their multinational team who serve five church plants in the greater Lisbon area. Pray that Otto & Marjorie will have many times of meaningful connection with friends, family and churches in North America this month, and pray that God will bless teammates Jose & Paula Arrais with abundant strength, energy and creativity.
o As the Matthew Team in Guadalajara, Mexico launches into their second term of service, pray that God will continue to guide and direct their paths. Pray for continued unity and abundant love so that their team itself will be an example of the kingdom of God for those they serve.
Vision for Mission