MYANMAR CHRISTMAS UPDATE / Rev Dr John Thaung 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your partnership in our Christmas outreach. Your support has been a tremendous blessing in these challenging times. Myanmar remains under military rule, where freedom is scarce, and fear and uncertainty have become a daily reality. The soaring cost of living has made survival a struggle, and many live without joy or peace—only the constant anxiety of when the soldiers might come, when homes might be searched, or when sons might be taken for military service. In the midst of this darkness, people long for security and peace—something only God can truly provide for He is the only way. It is our mission to bring the reality of God’s love to those who are suffering, and we chose the Christmas season as a time to share this hope.

We travelled to six villages, and everywhere we went, people came out to hear us. Our students performed dances, taught Christmas songs, and shared the Gospel. It was a beautiful moment of joy and transformation. Worship, music, and the message of the Gospel brought people together and gave them hope, even if just for a few hours. In those moments, fear, worry, and struggles faded away. Praise God for the 14 people who responded to Jesus. In some areas, we also distributed food parcels to the poor, many of whom had no food to eat.

When we journeyed to the delta area—a four-hour trip—we took only 10 students due to concerns for their safety, as there were four checkpoints along the way. We prayed for God’s protection and favor. As we reached a checkpoint, the students prayed silently while soldiers approached our truck. They studied the logo on our van and asked if we were Christians. We answered yes and explained our purpose—to conduct Christmas outreach programs. By God’s grace, they allowed us to proceed.  Upon arrival, about 150 villagers gathered to hear the Word of God. Even the local authority, who was not a Christian, attended and was filled with joy upon hearing the Gospel. We ended early due to a power outage, but people lingered, eager to hear more. That night, 25 people raised their hands to receive Jesus.

In every area we visited, we were warmly received. Some believers invited us into their homes to share the Gospel with their neighbours and families—many of whom had never heard the Good News. One of our church members, a teacher at a private school, invited us to conduct an outreach program at her school. We ministered to 300 students and their parents, openly performing dances and sharing the Gospel. The principal was deeply moved and requested prayers for her and her family. The favor of God was evident upon us, and the people were greatly blessed by the joyful worship and dedication of our Bible students.

At another location, my wife boldly approached the local authority and requested permission to hold an open-air evangelistic meeting. By God’s favor, he agreed and even volunteered to help us set up. We were in awe of how God had prepared the way for us. My wife and the students prepared a simple meal, and the local authority invited about 500 people. At the end of the meeting, the people urged us to continue, hungry for more of God’s Word. Though we were exhausted, we recognized this as a God-given opportunity and pressed on. We really thank God for his grace and favour with the local authorities and we saw the Way Maker in action.

All this would not be possible if not for the Lord. We made ourselves available and God did the rest. We originally planned for five programs, but by God’s grace, we conducted 15. The hunger for peace and truth was evident. In total, we reached 2,215 people, and about 80 individuals confessed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. At the end of our journey the Bible students were so tired but I encouraged them with the words of Jesus in John 9:4: “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you. Thank you, Asian Outreach, for standing with us to bring light into the darkness. May God continue to bless this partnership as we work together to proclaim His love and salvation.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

 

THE HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH /Peter U, Chairman

The Foot Soldiers Ministry

The Foot Soldiers/Church Planting Ministry has always been the heartbeat of Asian Outreach. Our focus has always been to help the people we serve live out the Great Commandment (love God and love our neighbors as ourselves), so we can fulfill the Great Commission (make disciples of all the nations and teach them everything Christ has taught us). The starting point for fulfilling the Great Commission starts with us.

In a fragmented world, genuine relationships are a powerful testimony of God’s love. Loving our neighbors begins with knowing them. As we love God and our neighbors authentically, we create fertile ground for the Gospel to take root and flourish. In a world desperate for hope and restoration, our communities and neighborhoods can become beacons of Christ’s light, one relationship, one act of service, and one conversation at a time.

Pastor Biswajala of Odisha is a vessel of God’s power, bringing the reality of Christ to the people around him. Through the Gospel, he has touched and transformed countless lives, including that of Sunit Mahananda. Sunit was born into a Hindu family and at an early age, developed severe kidney problems. Others in his village suffered from the same condition, which they attributed to contaminated water. Unfortunately, his family was too poor to afford treatment, and their village had no medical facilities. With no hope for recovery, Sunit was devastated.

A friend took him to meet Pastor Biswajala who prayed for him and shared the Gospel. As Sunit’s condition worsened, Pastor Biswajala continued to visit him, offering prayers and encouragement. One day, the pastor shared Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” As Sunit heard these words, he immediately felt something shift in his body. Over the next few days, his weakness faded, and strength returned. As he continued to pray with Pastor Biswajala and read the Word, he realized he had been completely healed. His family and neighbors were astonished by his transformation. Sunit was baptized, and today, he boldly proclaims Jesus wherever he goes. His testimony is a powerful reminder that our stories foster faith in God.

Our Foot Soldiers carry powerful testimonies of God’s goodness, and our missionary in Indonesia, Honey, is no exception. Her journey is a testament to the miraculous healing power of God and the unwavering faith that sustains His people. In 2015, while actively serving in the mission field, Honey began experiencing severe constipation and constant pain. Without access to proper medical care due to financial constraints, she simply prayed and trusted the Lord. However, her fellow missionary friends came together and raised funds to help her visit a specialist for a proper diagnosis.

After undergoing scans and tests, doctors confirmed that she had a cancerous tumor in her colon. Faced with this life-altering diagnosis, Honey surrendered herself completely to the Lord, continuing to pray and trust in His divine plan. When she went for a follow-up scan after her initial diagnosis, the results left the doctors stunned—the tumor had completely disappeared. Unable to explain the sudden and complete healing, the doctors attributed it to an “anatomical error”. But Honey boldly responded, “God never makes mistakes in creating people.” Left without words, the doctors could only admit that it was impossible—but perhaps, just maybe, it was a miracle.

Today, Honey continues to share her testimony, encouraging people and bringing the reality of God to those around her. Through her story, many on the island have found renewed hope in Christ. Her life is a shining example of how God can take our trials and turn them into a powerful message of faith, healing, and redemption. God is able to take our mess and turn it into a message! May Honey’s testimony remind us all of His faithfulness and power to do the impossible.

We lift up these faithful workers who are laboring in the harvest fields of Asia. God sees their struggles, fears, and sacrifices. We pray He will strengthen their hearts and fill them with an unshakeable peace, renew their joy daily, and may hope abound in their spirits even in the face of trials. Through these men and women who have given their lives to serving God, may His Kingdom advance, and may many come to know God through their faithfulness.

 

THE HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH / Peter U, Chairman

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

As parents we are entrusted to protect, guide and nurture our children, preparing them for the divine purpose God has for them. God will equip us in preparing the next generation to take up the torch and become the instruments by which the Gospel is carried to the ends of the earth. Right from the old testament to the new testament there is evidence of this. John Maxwell said this, “The best leaders lead today with tomorrow in mind by making sure they invest in leaders who will carry their legacy forward.” Parenting your children is the most important thing you will ever do, so let’s prepare them so that God can use them in the way He has planned.

Psalm 78:4: “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Ps Paul Silvanus’s dad had a huge impact on his life and his desire to serve God. The biggest thing that influenced him was seeing his dad on his knees, deep in prayer first thing in the morning. His father went on to become a pastor and an evangelist, and as a boy he would often follow his father into the villages to share the Gospel. His father would stand in the open and preach the Word boldly and Paul saw his love and passion for winning souls. Paul watched his methods, style, strategy and approach in sharing the Gospel. He had such a unique way of presenting Jesus to the Hindus. His father never asked him to follow his footsteps but seeing all this, all Paul wanted to do was to follow his dad’s footsteps, catching the fire of his dad’s love and passion for the unsaved.

Ps Paul’s journey in ministry started when he was a university student; he would use every opportunity he had to share the Gospel with other students. After graduating he continued to reach out to the students, cycling 50km each day around the various campuses. He did this for eight years while working part-time to support himself. God then took him into pastoral ministry for three years in a local church and here Ps Paul came to see the life and needs of the downtrodden people in the slums. It was heartbreaking for him.

In 1994 he joined a mission organization, and on his first mission trip to Odisha to evaluate the living conditions of the missionaries and pastors he was shocked when he saw their poor and pathetic living conditions. The organization that sent them out hardly gave them any financial aid. He spent long arduous hours travelling by bus and train, and everywhere he went it was the same. One day while travelling they stopped in a jungle area to spend the night as there were no hotels or any form of accommodation. Lying on the hard ground the Lord spoke to him about what he had seen. The spirit of God asked him, “Now you have seen the plight of my servants what is your response?” His reply was “Lord if you give me an opportunity and strengthen me I promise to take care of your servants.”

The Lord led him to start Apostolic Faith Mission, training and sending out pastors, leaders and missionaries. The Lord enlarged his territory to all over India, planting churches where the name of the Lord was not known. He now travels even more, spending long hours on the train and bus. However, he never misses an opportunity to share the Gospel. Many a person has accepted the Lord during his long journeys. As Ps Paul gets older, these long journeys do take a toll on his health but the minute he steps on the train or bus, he prays for renewed strength and is immediately refreshed.

Ps Paul and his team have planted 300 churches in 11 states in India and is overseeing 110 pastors in these areas and discipling 330 student pastors. Besides this he is operating 6 slum Day Care centers in various parts for children and a Leper Ministry. He is constantly travelling around visiting them, encouraging them, motivating them, counsels them and planning strategies and new ideas with them. He stays in their home so he can fellowship with their families and have a closeness with them. He has kept his promise to the Lord. Through all this Ps Paul has learnt a deep sense of humility at what God has called him to do and he has never felt the presence of God more than out in the mission fields. We pray that the Lord will continue to use this man of God to Reach, Touch and Transform lives throughout India.

Through all this, Ps Paul has learnt a deep sense of humility at what God has called him to do and he has never felt the presence of God more than when out in the mission fields. To the Foot Soldiers, Ps Paul is family and they share a closeness with him. We pray that the Lord will continue to use this man of God to Reach, Touch and Transform lives throughout India.

John 15:12-13: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

 NEVER TOO OLD TO SERVE / Sister Annie Ng, AOM Volunteer.

Asian Outreach is blessed to have a group of ladies who volunteer their time to help us with the mailing of our newsletters. Most of these women are in their seventies and still serve the Lord faithfully in their churches and cell groups. They all have hearts of a missionary and though they are unable to go out to the mission fields (though some still do go) they never fail to share a tract, give a word of encouragement, reach out to someone in need and invite people to church. They share the work of our mission fields with others and pray for us.

We would like to honour Sister Annie Ng, a long-time volunteer and a sister in Christ who has become part of our AO family. This is her story….

I had my first encounter with the Lord in 1979 and it changed my life forever. It was during a period when I was in the worst storm of my life. I was devastated and did not know what to do. Though I professed to be a Christian, I would often go to bomohs and mediums. One night as this personal storm raged around me, I wept bitterly and cried out to God. I asked God if all Gods were the same and was it alright for me to go to the bomohs and mediums to seek help.

He answered me by giving me Isaiah 47:12-14: “Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by you.”

I was frightened by the answer and thoughts of the destruction of my family came to my mind. I asked God to forgive me and repented immediately. God led me to Jerremiah 15:20: “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you.”

After that encounter, the storms of life quietened down and the peace of God has always been with me ever since. Though I did go through a hard time, God was right there to direct my path and guide me. My desire is always to bring others to Christ and to know Him intimately as I have come to know Him. I would evangelize to friends and people I met casually, and some of my friends and family have come to church and been baptized. It always amazes me to see how God works in our lives. He can use anyone if only we let Him.

I was able to go out to the mission fields when I was younger and it earned me a wealth of experience. I went to Cambodia with AO, then to the Philippines, Sabah and Bario, Sarawak, with other churches. My last trip was to Myanmar with AO in 2019. Being there in the mission fields personally changed my life as in those few days I was there, I lived their story. I learned that life on the mission field is about putting one foot in front of the other alongside the lost, sharing their challenges, and relying only on the Lord for the answers. Out there in the mission fields you are entirely dependent on God for everything. Such a complete surrendering of our life to Him.

Volunteering in Asian Outreach for the last 10 years has been such a blessing for me. By helping in the mailing process of the magazines and reading the stories, I have come to know of the challenges and difficulties the mission field workers face. I am so inspired by their stories and how God has used them in difficult places, to bring His love and Word to people who do not know Him.

I share these stories with friends and though I am not in the fields personally, I am contributing to their work by sharing their testimonies. In my own way I am evangelising and I have brought friends to come and join us in AO. It is just a simple task but so rewarding and enjoyable. We share our stories with others, encourage each other and long friendships have been forged. I thank God for this opportunity to be part of what God is doing through Asian Outreach Ministry.

 

THE HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH / Peter U, Chairman

The power of our God’s miracles, signs and wonders is a vital part of our heritage and faith as Children of God. We value everything He has done for us, but the greatest miracle is what happens inside us not just the physical healing. Being God’s channel changes our faith and blesses us more than we can ever imagine. The miracle power of Jesus Christ leads to the salvation of precious souls. We each have the tremendous responsibility and privilege of working alongside a Miracle-working God and being a channel for His miracles. He is interested in our participation and God wants to involve us in His miracles. People’s lives are changed; their health has been restored; and their purpose in life is being renewed.

Our Foot Soldiers have been witnesses to many miracles in the mission fields. It has been such an encouragement for us and we would like to share some with you. Ramesh and Suresh were both involved in robbery, drugs, and most of the crime in the area. These two young men were brought up poor and from an early age they learnt to fend for themselves. They had no family, and no one cared about them so they took care of each other. Most people in this area were so poor and there was nothing much to steal in this community. Also, people hated them because of what they did and would hurl abuses at them.

There came a time when they were destitute and did not know what to do. The young men planned to end their lives and were looking for a way to do it. As they were walking in the market square, they heard someone sharing the Gospel, that Christ is the only Hope who can give you a new life, as He has already paid the price for our sins. They moved closer to hear what was being said and saw Ps Maniraj. The message touched their hearts and impacted them and they felt Hope renewed. At the end of that sharing both men accepted Jesus and gave their lives to him. Ps Maniraj disciples them and they faithfully attend their Bible classes eager to know more.

Ramesh and Pooja were a young couple with two kids living in Chennai. Three years back a friend took them to Ps Paul’s church and when they heard the Gospel preached something stirred inside them and at the end of the service, they accepted Jesus into their hearts. They were so excited to share with their families and relatives but when their families heard about this, they were extremely angry and threatened them, forbidding them to go to church. Family members refused to talk to them and treated them badly but they never gave up and prayed secretly together for a breakthrough.

Strange things suddenly started to happen to family members who opposed them. Some fell sick, some lost their jobs and were struggling financially. This was a sudden downturn and they realized this started happening when they threatened Ramesh and Pooja about their faith in Christianity. The family members repented and Ramesh and Pooja were allowed to go to church and eventually were baptized. The family situation began to improve too and the family were amazed at the power of Ramesh and Pooja’s God. They are praying for their family members now to come to know Christ.

He demonstrates His miracle power to open hearts and change lives. George Muller, a Christian Evangelist once said, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.” With man it may be impossible. But with God nothing is impossible. God has a plan for us and is working a miracle amid our biggest challenge.

Hebrews 2:4 “God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”

 HE NEEDS WILLING HEARTS

No matter where we live or what we do for a living, God wants to use all of us to Reach, Touch and Transform lives if we are willing vessels. God is always looking out for willing hearts to serve Him. He does not look at your degrees, how much you have, or even how eloquently you speak. 

Every person in the world is a possible vessel for God to use, regardless of what his attitude to God may be. 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Each one of us was made to serve a different purpose. Some people may be like a beautiful vase – up on a mantle, where everyone can see. Others may have roles that seem insignificant which no one seems to notice. No matter what role we have, we still serve a meaningful place in the Lord’s kingdom. Every type of vessel has a vital role to fulfill and God places each of us here on earth at a particular time for a specific reason.

Every one of our Foot Soldiers has availed themselves for God’s purposes. Some of them received their calling early in life to serve God but others had aspirations of their own to be successful, rich and live a good life. But yet when God called them, there was never any doubt in their mind not to answer His call. Life in the mission fields is a challenge, yet they go, not knowing what to expect but going with the assurance that God goes with them and He will make a way even where there is no way. COVID-19 wreaked havoc but what the enemy meant for evil God turned it for Good. What we saw at the beginning of the pandemic was fear and uncertainty, but what we see now is strength and tenacity.

In Siliguri India for example, the Foot Soldiers had some great reports to share. Door-to-door evangelism gave them a great opportunity to minister, share the love of God and his salvation plan. They tell of dynamic worship happening in house churches and in 2022 more than 60 house churches were planted in the Himalayan region near Siliguri and the Bhutan border. One Foot Soldier in Naya Salley village decided to celebrate Father’s Day in the village. For the first time in their life they celebrated Father’s Day and the people loved it. They honored their fathers for the first time and restoration flowed between fathers and children. Through this act, they began to understand the love of the Heavenly Father and celebrated His love, compassion and grace for them.

This is not just happening here in Siliguri but all over Asia. 2022 was a very challenging year for Myanmar not just with the pandemic but also the instability of the country. Yet, the Foot Soldiers there are evangelizing and sharing the Gospel without fear. Churches are reporting an increase in numbers and in spite of the political situation being unstable, they were able to hold Youth Camps and Bible Camps with the permission of the authorities. That in itself was a miracle. In the Rakhine State in December during their outreach programs, six people were baptized. It is like the darkness had been lifted and they were renewed and empowered to go out without fear and declare boldly the Kingdom of God. They have seen such the favor and goodness of God and it has strengthened them.  

There seems to be a sense of urgency after the pandemic and God is raising up more workers for the harvest fields. We thank God for these men and women of God who are rising up and are taking the baton, willing to run the race for His Kingdom. We are all in this covenant relay race carrying the Word of God and bringing the reality of God to our world. We are so thankful for your support of our Foot Soldiers Ministry that has empowered them to go that extra mile. We pray for a supernatural endowment of hope, to keep them convinced that their labours in the Lord will never be in vain.   

1 Timothy 1:12 “I thank Him Who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service.” That is an attitude I strive to have in my own walk with God. I want to be a vessel, used by God for His glory, but I have to be willing to go wherever He calls me and do whatever He asks.”

 

UPDATES FROM MINDANAO / Ps Angel Majadas

 God wants us to feel passionate about our work because what we do reflects the person we are called to serve. As it is said in Romans 12:11: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” We started our partnership with Ps Angel Majadas in November 2021 and we have witnessed his passion for serving the Lord. Here is his update on his ministry a year later.

 We thank Asian Outreach Malaysia for their support for our ministry which has been invaluable in these challenging times when people are struggling here with poverty. We are now focusing and praying for God’s direction to the northern parts of Mindanao, especially the poor villages in the Zamboanga Peninsula. We are reaching out to the people, conducting bible study and distributing provisions and food to the poor families, especially lunch for the children. The people here are very poor and simple, struggling for their daily living. When we are distributing groceries, we also share the Word of God with them. Many are from a different Christian denomination but have never read the Bible. They have lived their lives without truly knowing God. The people know me and my financial status so are surprised how I can have funds to help. So, I share the love of Jesus that has touched hearts in Malaysia to help us here in the Philippines. They are amazed that strangers would help them. The world needs Jesus now more than ever.

 I am also starting an outreach in another part of San Pablo Municipality – in the small rural villages. Our goal is to form a relationship with the people and share the Gospel in these areas. If possible, we will provide them with some groceries too. We have actually started feeding programs in some villages and the children are the most excited because we bring them little snacks when we come. They love our Bible stories and are keen listeners. We do experience testing and trials but God is so faithful to us and He gives us strength and power to go on. He lifts us up when we are down and He never fails us. I am doing this ministry with my wife, Jocelyn, and our two children, Joel and Gelyn, and we work together as a family. I am so encouraged and blessed to see my two children so passionate in serving God. We shared the Gospel with families, focusing on the role of families.

 One of our faithful believers is Gloria, a fellow passenger in my tri-wheeler; she loves to share the Word with everyone she meets. She has been keen to share the Gospel with her relatives, Maria and Vicente Sumatra, a couple living in the Pantad village. So, Gloria shared with them what God was doing in her life and after seeing the change in her, they started a Bible Study group in their home. Maria was a Catholic church worker who conducted funeral services in the homes but had to stop when she fell ill. But regardless of her illness, she continued to attend our Bible Study in her home, and she and her husband both accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Shortly after this she went home to be with the Lord at the age of 72 years. Before she died, she reminded her husband to follow Christ and to serve the Lord always. Vicente had been involved in witchcraft and struggled for many years until he came to know the Lord and surrendered and repented. This couple has four daughters and two of them are facilitating Bible Study in their homes every Friday.

We also have Bible Study in our home, and every Saturday we are visiting other villages to conduct Bible studies. People are hungry for the Word of God. Many, though Christian, have not read the Bible and have no real relationship with the Lord. The Bible studies have awakened their desire to know Him better and once they begin to grow, there is such a great hunger in them to know Him even more. We are so grateful to Asian Outreach Malaysia for partnering with us to Reach and Transform the lives of the people here. We are seeing miracles and breakthroughs and peoples’ lives are changing. Before, people here lived mundane lives without much thought of who God really is in their lives, but now, it is a different story. It never fails to amaze me to see how their lives are transformed after the Word of God takes root in their hearts. There is such an excitement and joy that fills them. It is like they found their purpose in life and a new relationship with Jesus.

 Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”