February
went by very fast! Again, it was another busy month. Though our long trip to
the USA is drawing near, Stephen had to make another quick mission trip to
Myitkyina to gather several books that had been printed out there. Not only was
the cost of publishing his books cheaper, but more audiences are there. The
cross over the border into China was a lot smoother as well. Actually, he even
distributed his commentary on the book of Hebrews to churches in China. Praise
the Lord! His commentary on Hebrews is written to shape Christian leaders;
elders, deacons, evangelists, bible teachers and students with the truth of the
Scripture. Many people are now very excited and some have requested for him to
offer an intensive course to study this book after reading his commentary. Many
official workers are discussing the possibility to invite Stephen to teach his
other book about poetic songs to both believers and unbelievers in China.
Hopefully his book on poetic songs will be a great tool for evangelism to Lisu
unbelievers in China. May His will be done! By the way, his commentary on First
Corinthians is in the process of publishing. During his 5 days in Myitkyina,
Stephen also offered an intensive course on New Testament exegesis to preachers
and students at the rehab center and preached at several bible colleges or
training centers. Though it was a quick mission trip, it was a very blessed and
effective time.
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| Commentary on Hebrews |
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| Lisu Traditional Poems |
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| Stephen teaching NT Exegesis |
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| Preachers and students at Rehab Center in Myitkyina, Myanmar |
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| Preaching at Jamaitee Bible Training Center, Wain Maw, Myanmar |
Please
continue to pray for peace in Myanmar! The fighting in the mountainous areas of
Danai, Kachin state of Myanmar decreased the intensity. After several weeks of
intense fighting with air strikes, tanks, bombs, etc. several thousand
civilians who had been caught in the middle of the war has slowly been released
from the fighting zones. However, the relief for the civilians was blocked. The
government does not permit any help or the building of refugee camps in the
area. The local people still cannot go out to get their means from their own
farms because of the sporadic ambush that has appeared all over the place. The
fighting is expecting to be broken up again in the matter of days or weeks.
One
of the huge impacts from this on-going fighting is the death of innocent people.
Many people have lost their loved ones; their husbands and wives, families and
relatives, parents and children. Many people have turned to be homeless and
even hopeless. Many children have lost their loving families, parents and
siblings. Please continue to remember these children as Jesus says in Matthew
25:35-36 “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you
gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me… (NRSV).
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| People who caught between the war zone |
FAMILY
Mary
has been tending to the rice field behind the house since the new season for
rice had just began. Becky has been diligently preparing English lessons in
order to go teach in Myanmar when the opportunity arises. Nick has been
tutoring English in the city to make some money for the next Myanmar trip.
Isaac recently had a play where he played as Jafar (from Aladdin). Isaac also
completed his final exams. John has been able to chat with us about life at
Boise Bible College. He seems to enjoy every moment of it: the teachers, the
fellow classmates, and the lessons that are being taught. He has also been
updating us with his potential internship opportunities in Oregon. Please
continue to pray for him and his internship that he may grow in experience and
in the Lord.
At
the moment, Stephen, Mary, and Isaac are very busy packing for the upcoming
trip. Isaac is very excited to see the place where he was born. Much thanks
goes to all of you for your prayers on our safe journey. We are anxious to
seeing you all face to face soon. May our living God bless you!
