Thailand has the infamous white temple, China has the great wall, Italy has the colosseum, and so on. Every country has something that was built to be unique and important. The beauty of these construction draws many people to visit and enjoy the finished product; many overlook the resources, time, effort and other things that went into producing these unique structures. On top of this, it takes a lot of people working together to accomplish such great works. In similar ways, the mission work requires much planning, praying, and implementing. It takes a team to expand His Kingdom!
The past couple of months we have been packed with tasks and projects! First, the new batch of leaders has started their studies with us at Asia International Seminary (AIS). Every month, they come to live with us for a week and study the Word with us. We are glad to have such a caliber of teachers from America to help teach our classes. Derek taught the book of James, Jeremiah taught 1 Thessalonians, and David taught Ephesians. It has been a wonderful experience as the students are all enjoying the gleaning of the biblical knowledge. They are very receptive and have said that these were some of the best classes they have had.
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| Stephen teaching the new group of students |
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| The students spend much of their break diligently studying |
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| With limited bedrooms, some of the students have to sleep in the office |
Several groups of church leaders,
ministers, evangelists, and teachers are in line to come and study at AIS from
various ethnic groups- Lisu, Lahu, Hmong, Kamu and from countries for instance,
Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and even Cambodia. Due to the limitation of
the space, teachers, and resources, they are waiting for their turn. Over one
hundred church leaders throughout Myanmar and China are studying via online
means, at this moment. Please pray for this important ministry in order to
carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ: “Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you”
(NASB).
In Laos, the spread of the gospel
has been like wildfire. In one case, an ethnic Kamu evangelist planted many
churches in Laos, and many have turned to Christ. Unfortunately, he was
murdered because there are many who are against Christianity in Laos, even
though it is considered one of the legal religions. This has encouraged many evangelists
in Laos to continue His magnificent work, while some are beginning to fear for
their lives. Please continue to pray for God’s Kingdom to expand.
Additionally, AFC teamed up with IDES to support displaced people with the escalation of war in Northern Myanmar. Prior to the past month, battles in the country were predominantly in low populous areas such as jungles or open fields. Recently, the fighting impacted smaller villages on the outskirts of the large city like Myitkyina. This caused thousands of people to be displaced, some internally while others had to flee into China. Through the partnership with IDES, we delivered funds to help buy food and provided relief packages which would help families get through a couple of months while they plan their next steps. It is always wonderful to also see the local churches and their members step up to help the displaced people in the best way they can.
Stephen, Mary, and Nick made their way to the
Thai and Myanmar border to connect with the team in Myanmar who continued the
project in Myanmar. The other project to aid the displaced on the Chinese side
was conducted by Nick as he traveled into Laos and all the way into China to
meet with the local Christian leaders who are ready to serve. It was a very
long trip, but all the funds were distributed safely to the right hands. According
to ACAPS, a humanitarian analysis organization, an estimated 17.6 million
people are in humanitarian need, including 4.5 million with severe needs,
primarily in rural conflict-affected areas. Please continue to pray for those
in need; when it comes to war, everyone is affected. Through these relief works,
many experience the love of Christ through these acts, and many people have
come to have a relationship with Christ. We, AFC, are extremely excited to have
more people and churches partnering with us. It takes a team, led by God, to expand His Kingdom in
Southeast Asia and China.
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| The displaced in a city in Northern Myanmar |
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| A family receiving a food package |
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| Nick with the Chinese Team |
Family News:
Isaac is now a senior in high
school and has a great interest in computers. He is a very creative person and did a lot of projects
including non-invasive glucose monitoring device, smart water billing app with
analysis on usage or problems with water, and a small-scale rocket in which the
mission was to reach the highest point along with the ejection (at the highest
point) of the “cansat” (inner compartments) in order to collect data about the
weather whilst having to protect an egg from breaking. He is currently searching
for a university in the USA as well as in Southeast Asia to continue his
education. Much appreciated for lifting him up in your prayers!
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| Isaac's rocket project receives awards |
Mary has been busy taking care of
student-leaders and guests. Without her assistance, our mission base would not
be able to accomplish many tasks as smoothly as it has been. Becky is assisting
Nick with the teaching English through the Bible via zoom. They meet every Saturday.
She is also helping with the mission’s accounting. Nick has passed his Master’s
proposal exam and is now currently submitting his proposal to the ethics committee.
After the ethics committee approves, then he can begin doing his research on
mental health and Christians in Thailand, one of the first research of its kind
in Asia.
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| Stephen was invited to encourage a church celebrating its 25 year anniversary |
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| Nick during his Master's proposal exam |
I am excited to share with you all
that Anna and I will be heading back to Thailand! Just a quick update, Anna and
I were in Missouri the past couple of years and while we were there, Anna has
been struggling with her health. Last year, we visited Thailand and while we
were there for a brief time, Anna’s health improved dramatically. With much
prayer and talking, we decided to venture back to Thailand in hopes that either
the change of diet or a fresh new start will be able to help Anna. I am hoping
to work at a local school or tutoring center while being able to help alongside
the missions during my free time. We are so excited to finally be with family
and serving alongside them! Prayers that our transition will be smooth, and we
will be able to settle well!
