Happy New Year!
AFC’s ministry of making disciples of Jesus across Southeast Asia and China continues to grow as we faithfully teach God’s Word. This is especially true among believers in the Shan state of Myanmar, where many church leaders are deeply hungry to learn the Bible, even as they live through the hardships of civil war. Asia international seminary, AIS, a program under AFC has trained many classes of leaders throughout the various countries in Asia.
Recently, a class was offered by AIS, for the first time since the war began, on the Myanmar side. Some of the students, Zaw-wa and four others showed remarkable commitment by riding small motorbikes for seven days, deliberately avoiding areas of fighting. At one point, they had to stop and wait near a battlefield for several hours until it was safe to continue. By God’s protection, they finally reached our meeting place on the Thai–Myanmar border and were eager to study God’s Word together.
Josephus also faced a very painful challenge. Just days before leaving, his wife fell ill and had to be hospitalized. The doctors told him there was no hope and suggested removing all life-support equipment. Longing to attend the training, Josephus and his classmates prayed together and trusted God to step in. The very next day, his wife was completely healed, leaving the doctors shocked. That same afternoon, she was released from the hospital, and Josephus was able to join the training.
Personally, Stephen also struggled with fear about going to teach in Myanmar. Many people warned him not to go because of safety concerns. Bringing his fear to God in prayer, and one day he noticed a sign in his living room that said, “God is with you in all that you do.” He also realized he had been choosing comfort over obedience, while many students were risking their lives just to come and study the Bible. So, he decided to go, even though he was afraid. When the Stephen and the AFC team reached the border gate, which is usually closed, the authorities opened it just for us. They did the same when we returned. These experiences reminded us that God is faithful. When we step out in faith, even with fear, He goes before us and makes a way.
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| Stephen with the students in Myanmar |
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| In Myanmar, the weeklong class was held in the church |
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| The students diligently studying |
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| Local leaders in various ministries coming to study with Stephen |
After Stephen’s return, Thanksgiving and Christmas season was in full swing. Thanksgiving is very important to the Lisu people. The majority of Lisu are farmers, and therefore October and November mark the harvest season, a time of gratitude and communal celebration. Almost every week, churches across different areas take turns hosting thanksgiving gatherings to give thanks for God’s provision. Nearly every weekend, Stephen and the team were invited to join these celebrations and share God’s Word.
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| Thanksgiving at a church in the mountains of Northern Thailand |
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| Stephen preaching at a Thai church in downtown Chiang Mai |
One weekend, our center hosted a thanksgiving service/building dedication attended by more than 200 people. Throughout the day believers from various churches offered songs and dance as acts of worship, followed by messages of encouragement from Christian leaders. Hosting this event was a profound blessing, as many non-believers including a senator, a lawyer, local authorities and even a shaman, heard the Word of God in this setting. Then, December came with a new wave of Christmas gatherings. Like Thanksgiving, Christmas is a communal celebration, rather than private family observances. Again, Stephen and his team traveled from place to place preaching at these services, and Stephen also offered special song, an uncommon by deeply appreciated blessing for many.
We are
truly grateful for the privilege of serving the Lord and encouraging believers.
We also hosted a small gathering at our house, inviting college students to share
a meal and fellowship with our family. Though we have been super busy, and
manpower limited, we praise the Lord for opening many doors to serve and for
sustaining us through every opportunity.
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| Our Thanksgiving event began with a singer from Myanmar praising God! |
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| There were so many people, that some had to sit outside |
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| The people prayed for our family and ministry |
Family
Stephen
and Mary continue to oversee the detailed renovations as the big construction
projects have been completed. Stephen has taught and preached just about every
week since September, including his trip across into the Myanmar war zone. Mary
has started fall clothes drive in order to get clothes, pack them, and deliver
them to the people in need throughout Southeast Asia. Becky has started
teaching a group of local children in the neighborhood and has accrued over 7
regular students. Nick has finally passed his thesis exam and in his revision
phase before submitting his thesis to conclude his degree. On top of this, he
continues to support the technological side of AFC and leads a bible English
class to Myanmar students with Becky and a group of brothers and sisters in
Christ from the states. Nick has found much empirical evidence in support that
having a relationship with God and Christian practices are beneficial for
mental health of Christians in Asia. This has been one of the first findings
especially in the topic of relationships and mental health for Christians in
Southeast Asia. He plans to implement his findings in a course for AIS this
year.
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| Our family went up to celebrate new years with a church in Chiang Dao |
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| Stephen gave a sermon an hour before the countdown |
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| John giving an encouraging message |
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| Mary's clothing ministry blesses the local children |
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| Becky teaching English to the local children |
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| Nick was asked to lead his faculty wearing traditional Lisu clothes |
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| Nick passed his Thesis exam! |
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| Nick taking university students camping; for many, it was their first time |
We would like to invite you to partner with us in prayer for the advance of the gospel in Southeast Asia and China. Since 2019 due to the Covid, our outreach among non-believers in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and China has been significantly restricted. Yet the call from local communities continues to grow. As Scripture reminds us, “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Rom 10:14). If God permits, we long to restart this ministry by visiting our students and teammates in the different regions and countries and sending them out to reach unreached and restricted areas, trusting that the Lord will use his people to bring the good news of Jesus’s redemption to their own people and nations.
We are happy to share the wonderful news that the construction of the new facilities at our center in Chiang Mai has now been completed. By God’s grace, a new multipurpose building is now ready to serve as a space for meetings, worship services, Bible teaching, and a digital recording studio for training and outreach. In addition, a new residence has been completed, allowing Stephen, Mary, and Becky to move in and free their former home to be renovated for visiting teachers and students. Please continue to pray with us as we furnish and equip the interiors, especially as we establish a media recording studio to further extend our outreach ministry.
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| Stephen, Mary, and Becky's new home |
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| The new multipurpose building |
We hope you all have had an amazing Christmas and New Year. May we continue to faithfully do great works through Christ who strengthens us this year.
