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.”

 

 

HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH MALAYSIA / Peter U, Chairman

Two are better than one

We here in Asian Outreach thank you for your partnership with us that has enabled us to Connect, Equip and Empower our workers in the mission fields. Your partnership is so important to us as it is said in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.”  In calling you to himself, God has called you to reach out and be part of the Body of Christ. We learn from the beginning that we need each other and we liken this to our own bodies where every part of our body works to support each other. It is deeply satisfying to be used by God to help someone else.

It has always been our joy to share the work of the Foot Soldiers who are able to do the work they do because you have equipped them through your partnership. We have had some amazing reports from the mission fields and once such report is about Foot Soldier Ps Charles Edwin. Ps Charles had graduated from the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) School in 2005 and he was sent to the Theni Mission base to serve there. There he met his wife Poornima and were blessed with children. He then decided that a move to the city would provide better education for his children. So, he settled in the city of Coimbatore and started a ministry there.

However, city life was very expensive and his income was not enough for him to support his family. Then in 2019 COVID descended on India and things got worse. One day as he was praying the Lord spoke to him and showed him a mountainous area where he wanted Ps Charles to go and minister to His people there. A little apprehensive but wanting to obey he moved his family to a very poor, small rural mountain village called Kadambur which is where God had showed him.

Once he settled down and started his ministry the persecution started. The Inspector of police who was a strong supporter of the Pro Hindu party threatened him and gave him a stern warning about converting Hindus. Ps Charles remained calm but he was surprised that the local people and even the communist party there supported him. Things were still far from easy and sometimes on Sundays when Ps Charles was preparing for Church service the Hindu party would hold meetings and conference that same time and he was asked to shut down the service.

He persevered though and never gave up and today he has 40 members in his church. He has also started another church in Anthiyur village, 30 kilometers away with 30 members now. However, many of the members are from other small rural villages where public transportation is limited so some of them stay overnight in the church and Ps Charles provides them with simple meals. His income is not much but he has a big heart and he trusts in the Lord to provide their every need. He always feels that people he does not know support him in doing the work of the Lord, so how can he not give that same support where he can.

Though he faces persecution and hardships, he has never regretted the path he is on as he knows that people there need to hear the Gospel and be saved. His reward is seeing how their lives have been changed by the Gospel. He and his wife work hard to improve the lives of the people and he has started an adult education class as 90 percent of the villagers are illiterate. His wife, who has a diploma in tailoring has started a tailoring class and about 50 ladies have enrolled. She is praying for the provision of more sewing machines. She is also thinking of starting a cottage industry making shampoo, cleaning agents and detergents. Ps Charles and his family are such a blessing to their village and people there are coming to the Lord because of the love and care showed by this couple. They believed that He called them to this place and will see His plans to fruition.

God often stretches us beyond what we think is possible. He calls us to tasks that seem greater than our capabilities but God loves to stretch us beyond what we think possible. If God has clearly called us to the task, he will see that we carry it through. He will give us the grace, provision and the tools needed to accomplish the assignment. All he asks is our service and leave the outcome to him.

Pray Points

1. Pray for God’s provision for them to continue the tailoring classes and to start the cottage industry.  

2.  Pray for the safety of pastor, workers, volunteers and the believers.

3.  Pray for the Lord’s anointing and blessings over the life of Ps Charles and his family.

 

 

STEP OUT IN FAITH / Rev John Thoung, AO Coordinator, Myanmar

The world has been affected by the COVID pandemic for the last two and a half years but we here in Myanmar also had to contend with the political situation. The political situation affected us more than the pandemic as there was total chaos and unrest and we felt doubly burdened. Our hearts were filled with fear, insecurity and uncertainty for the future. We have been praying to God that He may lift our burden and give us peace and the courage to go forward sharing the Good News to our people. People are suffering because of loss of jobs and businesses.

One day while I was seeking the Lord for guidance on how to move forward with the ministry, the Lord inspired me to take a risk. I felt like the four men with leprosy as in 2 Kings 7:3 “Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die? If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So, let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.” When they went out from the city, God performed a miracle and their people were blessed through them.

Likewise, I decided to walk by faith and trust in the Lord and made arrangements for a Christmas outreach programme. With the help of Asian Outreach Malaysia, we were able to reach many people through the Gospel of Christ. We were aware that it was dangerous for us and a risk we were taking but we prayed and stepped out boldly in faith. Our church grew after the Christmas outreach programme and we had to bring in more chairs for almost every service. The Christmas celebrations was like bringing new Hope and Joy into people’s lives. People here were sick and tired of worrying and fearing for our future. One of the most valuable strengths in life is being hopeful.

We not only did our Christmas programme around our village but in the surrounding villages in the Chin state as well. Our first stop was the village of Toe Myaung in the Bago Division and there were no Christians in this village. They watched the nativity play by our Bible students and they wanted to know more. Many received salvation and repented.

Next we went to the Rakhine state to preach the Good News. Rakhine state is a war-torn zone and a tough region to evangelize. But God has opened the hearts of the Arakan Army (AA) and they allowed Christians to practise their faith freely. I was able to share the Gospel and minister to the Rakhine people and 6 people were baptized. People are hungry for the Word of God and we have sent two fresh graduates from our Bible school for ministry there, bringing the total to four.

In April we held a youth camp for about 76 youths and as we spoke on salvation, many young people gave their lives to Jesus. 7 youths were baptized. During the Water Festival, young people like to enjoy the festival with merry-making, partying and drinking. The youths who attended our camp  testified how they were blessed and were glad they came. We were worried that the military would hassle us but our local authority gave us approval, happy that we were reaching out to the youths.

We really thank God for what he has done through us. We saw miracles and breakthroughs taking place and we saw God’s favour upon everything we planned to do. We spent time in prayer breaking every hindering spirit of the enemy and anointing the grounds on which we held our events. We are still following up with these young people and please pray with us to get more Bibles for distribution. Many people are asking us for Bibles but we do not have enough. When we take a step of faith , in circumstances beyond our control which are risky and laden with fear and we arm ourselves with trust in God, He will move mountains. We give the glory to God.

Matthew 17:20-21 “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

 

THE HEART OF ASIAN OUTREACH / Peter U, Chairman

The storms of life

Psalm 57:12

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”

 Everyone faces a storm but do not let the storm be in us. Many of us are facing enormous storms in our life right now and at times, we find our circumstances overwhelming. However, it is important we remember that God is bigger, much bigger than our circumstances. The Lord gives us comfort in His word in Joshua 1:9: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Even though we know this well, it can be especially difficult to hold on to when we are filled with anxiety or fear. Being anxious and fearful can make our problems appear so huge that it causes us to lose sight of the one thing that can pull us through – our faith in Jesus.

 There will be many storms in our life that we cannot control, like this pandemic, but God will give us strength when we are dealing with these storms. We need to acknowledge that there are things outside our control that we cannot change, so instead let us identify, celebrate and embrace what we can learn from the situation. Instead of dwelling on the “what ifs” and the negatives of a given situation, focus on things that God has placed in your heart and how we can fulfil those plans He has for us, even in the midst of the pandemic. When you let go of all that holds you down and creates fear in you, you begin to see the bigness of God and how He can use you, regardless of the circumstances.

In a little village in Andhra Pradesh, Ps Joshua has also been affected by COVID-19. His once thriving church is only half filled now. Many in his congregation contracted COVID and those who did not were too fearful to venture out. Ps Joshua and his whole family are involved in ministry and they decided that the work of the Kingdom had to continue, COVID or no COVID. They had to bring hope to those around them. So, they began visiting the members, praying, sharing the gospel and encouraging them. Many of the members were filled with fear, confusion, anxiety and helplessness as coronavirus cases and deaths surged around them. Ps Joshua visited those sick with the virus, standing outside their homes at a safe distance to pray with them and reminding family members to observe the health guidelines.

He never gave up even when he faced troubles and persecution. He was taken to the police station and accused of forcing people to convert, and his wife was falsely accused of running a brothel business with the girls coming to the church. He and his wife were taken to the police station and interrogated. The police did not treat them kindly but all the accusations proved to be false and the police had to let them go. Roman 8:36: “As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” He had started building a church when the COVID pandemic started, but due to the lockdown all work had stopped. He decided that it was now time to start the building again, doing most of the work by themselves. Many asked him why he bothered as people were still not coming to church, but he had faith and believed that his faith in God is what gives him hope in the midst of this pandemic.

He told his members he believed that one day they would return to regular services in church and he wanted to be ready for that day. Seeing his faith many members returned to attending service, but he was careful to urge them to follow all health guidelines and social distancing. In order to keep the numbers in church to a safe level, he started a second service in another location 5 km away for the time being. He and his family are the bearers of hope in the midst of pain and suffering.

Ps Munirathnam has been in the mission fields for the last 18 years in a place called Nagalapuram.  He has already planted two churches in this district, reaching out to the least of the least. The people here are daily labourers in the rice fields and sugar cane plantations. People here are very poor.                Ps Munirathnam has faced many financial, political and religious challenges over the years, but he has never given up working tirelessly for the glory of God. During the pandemic he continued his work for the Kingdom. Though things have been cancelled because of the coronavirus, love is not one of them. He keeps his heart open to all those in need, reaching out and helping the poor and the destitute. Churches were closed for almost a year due to COVID-19 and all activities came to a standstill, even agricultural activities ceased. People began to lose hope and started thinking thoughts like, “We are going to die, why must we work?”

Faced with this situation, Ps Munirathnam organized a 40- day fast and prayer for protection from COVID-19. He did not expect many people to turn up, but the church remained open 24 hours, and he stayed in the church the whole time, fasting and praying. Word spread in the village and slowly the Hindus started coming in groups asking him to pray for them; he did and shared the gospel with them. Many came to the church with fear but left free from the fear of death. It was a breakthrough to see the Hindu people enter the church, setting aside all religious barriers. What the devil meant for evil, God turned it around for good. COVID-19 has given Ps Munirathnam the opportunity to serve the people and share the love of Jesus with them.

He shared a testimony about a couple who had been trying for seven years to have a child. The husband blamed the wife and became a drunkard, but last year the wife came to Ps Munirathnam and he prayed for her and shared the gospel with her. She began to feel hopeful and started to fast and pray. After three months she conceived and gave birth to a baby boy recently. Her husband was overjoyed and stopped drinking. Both of them have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

This pandemic presents us with an opportunity to witness how the Spirit works no matter what may be falling apart around us. Our faith invites us to respond to this pandemic in creative and unique ways, born out of love, compassion and self-giving. Let us choose to expand our compassion and be bearers of hope in the midst of pain and suffering. Only this way will we change this story of pain and suffering into one of compassion, love and victory in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58: “But thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”