NEWS FROM ASAP MINISTRIES—ADVOCATES FOR SOUTHEAST ASIANS AND THE PERSECUTED
FIRST QUARTER 2020
REACH THE
WORLD
ASAP
The Path of Life
A YOUNG BUDDHIST'S JOURNEY TO JESUS
FEATURE STORY
Htwe Lay and told her he was ready to get baptized. Later that week, when Pr. Puia gave an altar call, Sher Htet Naing Min and another young Buddhist man came forward to request baptism. The Ayeyarwady Mission granted Pr. Puia permission to conduct the baptisms at the end of the week, but as the day approached, questions crept into Sher Htet Naing Min’s mind. Why now? After this long struggle, why does the decision to follow Christ suddenly seem so easy? That’s when he remembered his dream. Now, he realized that God had sent him that dream. And He had also sent the three people from the dream – the pastor on YouTube, Dr. Htwe Lay, and Pr. Puia – to lead Sher Htet Naing Min along a far different path than he had anticipated, one that led to true spiritual enlightenment through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Left to right: Pr. Puia Fanai (far left) and ASAP field supervisor Dr. Htwe Lay Thein (second from left) with Sher Htet Naing Min (third from left) following his baptism; Sher Htet Naing Min decided to follow Christ while attending Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary
The Path of Life
Sher Htet Naing Min currently serves as a volunteer fifthand eighth-grade teacher at the Southeast Adventist Seminary in Myanmar’s Kayin State. His testimony reminds us that God still works in miraculous ways to reveal Himself to earnest seekers of truth in every culture and religion of the world today.
BY JOHN PRESS
W
hat could it mean? Sher Htet Naing Min awoke pondering his strange dream from the previous night. Who were the three holy people in white robes? He had not seen their faces, but somehow the young man knew that this was no ordinary dream. Finally, he decided that the three people dressed in white must be those who would help him navigate the “Noble Eightfold Path,” believed by Buddhists to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering. However, Sher Htet Naing Min was about to encounter a new and unexpected path. Growing up in Myanmar, Sher Htet Naing Min had attended an Adventist school in his village, but only in order to learn English. As a lifelong Buddhist, he had never considered leaving the religion of his family and his culture to convert to Christianity. However, this changed during his high school years when he came across sermons by a wellknown Burmese evangelical pastor on YouTube. By the time he started studying business at Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary (MUAS) in Myaungmya, a great spiritual battle was raging in Sher Htet Naing Min’s heart.
2
ASAP field supervisor Dr. Htwe Lay Thein immediately recognized the young man as a seeker of truth and offered him Bible studies. Sher Htet Naing Min accepted. They studied together for more than a year, but although he believed the teachings of Scripture, he remained hesitant to abandon the teachings of Buddhism. He wanted to be both Adventist and Buddhist. About this time, Pr. Puia Fanai (a current ASAP volunteer) arrived on campus to hold week of prayer meetings at MUAS. Though Pr. Puia’s family immigrated from Myanmar to the United States when he was young, he had long dreamed of returning to minister to the Mizo people. Finally, while completing a Master of Divinity at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, the opportunity arose for him to accomplish his field evangelism practicum in Myanmar. On the opening night of the week of prayer, the Holy Spirit impressed Pr. Puia to share a sermon about why he believes in the existence of God. It was exactly the message that Sher Htet Naing Min needed to hear. Suddenly, his reluctance to fully commit his life to Christ disappeared. He sought out Dr.
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV).
MYANMAR AT A GLANCE 53,962,000 Population of Myanmar, home to more than 45 million unreached people and 53 unreached people groups (The Joshua Project, 2020
78.1%
Percentage of Myanmar's population that practices Buddhism (The Joshua Project, 2020)
1,651:1 Ratio of general population per Adventist church member in Myanmar (based on statistics from the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, 2020) 3
FEATURE STORY
Htwe Lay and told her he was ready to get baptized. Later that week, when Pr. Puia gave an altar call, Sher Htet Naing Min and another young Buddhist man came forward to request baptism. The Ayeyarwady Mission granted Pr. Puia permission to conduct the baptisms at the end of the week, but as the day approached, questions crept into Sher Htet Naing Min’s mind. Why now? After this long struggle, why does the decision to follow Christ suddenly seem so easy? That’s when he remembered his dream. Now, he realized that God had sent him that dream. And He had also sent the three people from the dream – the pastor on YouTube, Dr. Htwe Lay, and Pr. Puia – to lead Sher Htet Naing Min along a far different path than he had anticipated, one that led to true spiritual enlightenment through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Left to right: Pr. Puia Fanai (far left) and ASAP field supervisor Dr. Htwe Lay Thein (second from left) with Sher Htet Naing Min (third from left) following his baptism; Sher Htet Naing Min decided to follow Christ while attending Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary
The Path of Life
Sher Htet Naing Min currently serves as a volunteer fifthand eighth-grade teacher at the Southeast Adventist Seminary in Myanmar’s Kayin State. His testimony reminds us that God still works in miraculous ways to reveal Himself to earnest seekers of truth in every culture and religion of the world today.
BY JOHN PRESS
W
hat could it mean? Sher Htet Naing Min awoke pondering his strange dream from the previous night. Who were the three holy people in white robes? He had not seen their faces, but somehow the young man knew that this was no ordinary dream. Finally, he decided that the three people dressed in white must be those who would help him navigate the “Noble Eightfold Path,” believed by Buddhists to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering. However, Sher Htet Naing Min was about to encounter a new and unexpected path. Growing up in Myanmar, Sher Htet Naing Min had attended an Adventist school in his village, but only in order to learn English. As a lifelong Buddhist, he had never considered leaving the religion of his family and his culture to convert to Christianity. However, this changed during his high school years when he came across sermons by a wellknown Burmese evangelical pastor on YouTube. By the time he started studying business at Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary (MUAS) in Myaungmya, a great spiritual battle was raging in Sher Htet Naing Min’s heart.
2
ASAP field supervisor Dr. Htwe Lay Thein immediately recognized the young man as a seeker of truth and offered him Bible studies. Sher Htet Naing Min accepted. They studied together for more than a year, but although he believed the teachings of Scripture, he remained hesitant to abandon the teachings of Buddhism. He wanted to be both Adventist and Buddhist. About this time, Pr. Puia Fanai (a current ASAP volunteer) arrived on campus to hold week of prayer meetings at MUAS. Though Pr. Puia’s family immigrated from Myanmar to the United States when he was young, he had long dreamed of returning to minister to the Mizo people. Finally, while completing a Master of Divinity at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, the opportunity arose for him to accomplish his field evangelism practicum in Myanmar. On the opening night of the week of prayer, the Holy Spirit impressed Pr. Puia to share a sermon about why he believes in the existence of God. It was exactly the message that Sher Htet Naing Min needed to hear. Suddenly, his reluctance to fully commit his life to Christ disappeared. He sought out Dr.
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV).
MYANMAR AT A GLANCE 53,962,000 Population of Myanmar, home to more than 45 million unreached people and 53 unreached people groups (The Joshua Project, 2020
78.1%
Percentage of Myanmar's population that practices Buddhism (The Joshua Project, 2020)
1,651:1 Ratio of general population per Adventist church member in Myanmar (based on statistics from the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, 2020) 3
SHARE THIS STORY
PROJECT UPDATE
For the Love of Chai
Why Can’t He Live With Us?
BY LIANA KIM
BY JULIA O’CAREY
“M
y mom died at the age of 96. She had a hard life here in Laos, especially after my older brother, Chai, now 62 years old, was born. My parents rejoiced to have a son but soon realized that something was not right with him. He had a mental problem. Mom’s life wasn’t the same after that. Because Chai couldn’t walk by himself, she had to carry him everywhere until he was 10 years old. Often she worried about how he would survive after she died. Since her death, it’s my turn to take care of my brother.” ASAP church planter Miriam Salualee* speaks lovingly of the emaciated figure in her care. “Sadly, my neighbor doesn’t like him because he sometimes makes messes and does strange things. But whatever people say about Chai, he is my beloved older brother,” she continues.
ASAP church planter Miriam Salualee's care for her disabled brother is a witness to her unbelieving relatives and neighbors.
Sammy, his father and mother, his younger sister, and little brother fled for their lives to Thailand, only to find more danger and challenges. “One day in 2015, my father went to the corner store to buy milk for my baby brother. An immigration policeman tapped him on his shoulder and asked for his ID. When he could not produce it, they handcuffed him and sent him to the Immigration Detention Center (IDC). We really miss him,” Sammy explained with sad eyes. “I took my little brother to visit him once. When we came home, he asked, ‘Why does Dad have to live in that bad place? Why can’t he live with us?’ We could not explain it to him.”
“A few months ago when I woke up one morning, my brother was gone. I thought he had gone for a walk, so we waited for him to return. It wasn’t until the afternoon, though, that we finally saw him, and he was bleeding! Of course, no one knew what had happened to him. And he couldn’t explain it. People were making fun of him. “Our family is poor and there wasn’t enough money to take him to a hospital. What should I do? All I could do was go to God and ask Him to stop the bleeding. My relatives were suspicious as to whether the God that I believe in could heal him. ‘Do you think prayer really works? We don’t think so!’ they taunted as I prayed. ‘God, I believe that there is only one true God on this earth and it is You. Please stop his bleeding because we don’t know how we can help him, but You know. Please heal him! In Jesus’ name, Amen.’ “After I prayed for him, the bleeding stopped! Only God can do such a miracle. We didn’t need to take him to a hospital because God is the Great Physician. I was very thankful to Him. But sadly, my relatives who had witnessed God’s amazing healing power didn’t choose to believe in Him. But I’m not discouraged because I believe that nothing is impossible with God. Now, Chai prays with me whenever I pray. He asks God to help him. This is a true miracle also. “No matter what other people say about Chai, no matter what my relatives say about my prayers to God, and no matter what the world says of my faith in Him, I know He lives. I want everyone on this earth to have this wonderful Jesus in their heart. This is my prayer.” 4
H
ow much trauma can one thirteen-year-old boy endure? I asked myself after Sammy* shared the horrific experiences his family has endured the past five-anda-half years. Their living nightmare started when a Muslim neighbor in their home country turned on them. “I think he was jealous because my father’s motorcycle and computer repair business became successful,” Sammy shared matter-offactly. The neighbor rallied a mob that burst into the family’s business with guns and knives, attempting to kill Sammy’s father.
Sammy has become the man of the house over the past three years. He takes great pride in caring for his siblings and mother. However, when he shared about the new Adventist school that he attends, thanks to ASAP donors, a grin covered his face. His eyes shone as he told how he looked through a microscope for the first time. And he showed me the A grades he is getting in his classes. What strength, faith, and amazing resiliency I witnessed in this young man! When ASAP in faith approved for Sammy to attend the school, there remained one problem. The family lived in an apartment two hours away in an unsafe area where frequent police raids occurred. After our refugee coordinator prayed and looked for a new home for them, God provided an apartment just around the corner from the school. Sammy and his family are so grateful for this amazing miracle. Please keep this refugee family and others like them in prayer. ASAP is currently helping six mothers and their children recently released from the IDC to get settled, providing food and other necessities for them. Through you, God is working on behalf of refugee families every day. Thank you!
SUPPORT THE BRAP PROJECT! In its first year of operation, the Bangkok Refugee and Poor (BRAP) project, a joint initiative between ASAP, ADRA Thailand, and local Adventist churches, provided basic necessities and other forms of assistance to hundreds of refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups.
"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (James 5:15a, NKJV). 5
SHARE THIS STORY
PROJECT UPDATE
For the Love of Chai
Why Can’t He Live With Us?
BY LIANA KIM
BY JULIA O’CAREY
“M
y mom died at the age of 96. She had a hard life here in Laos, especially after my older brother, Chai, now 62 years old, was born. My parents rejoiced to have a son but soon realized that something was not right with him. He had a mental problem. Mom’s life wasn’t the same after that. Because Chai couldn’t walk by himself, she had to carry him everywhere until he was 10 years old. Often she worried about how he would survive after she died. Since her death, it’s my turn to take care of my brother.” ASAP church planter Miriam Salualee* speaks lovingly of the emaciated figure in her care. “Sadly, my neighbor doesn’t like him because he sometimes makes messes and does strange things. But whatever people say about Chai, he is my beloved older brother,” she continues.
ASAP church planter Miriam Salualee's care for her disabled brother is a witness to her unbelieving relatives and neighbors.
Sammy, his father and mother, his younger sister, and little brother fled for their lives to Thailand, only to find more danger and challenges. “One day in 2015, my father went to the corner store to buy milk for my baby brother. An immigration policeman tapped him on his shoulder and asked for his ID. When he could not produce it, they handcuffed him and sent him to the Immigration Detention Center (IDC). We really miss him,” Sammy explained with sad eyes. “I took my little brother to visit him once. When we came home, he asked, ‘Why does Dad have to live in that bad place? Why can’t he live with us?’ We could not explain it to him.”
“A few months ago when I woke up one morning, my brother was gone. I thought he had gone for a walk, so we waited for him to return. It wasn’t until the afternoon, though, that we finally saw him, and he was bleeding! Of course, no one knew what had happened to him. And he couldn’t explain it. People were making fun of him. “Our family is poor and there wasn’t enough money to take him to a hospital. What should I do? All I could do was go to God and ask Him to stop the bleeding. My relatives were suspicious as to whether the God that I believe in could heal him. ‘Do you think prayer really works? We don’t think so!’ they taunted as I prayed. ‘God, I believe that there is only one true God on this earth and it is You. Please stop his bleeding because we don’t know how we can help him, but You know. Please heal him! In Jesus’ name, Amen.’ “After I prayed for him, the bleeding stopped! Only God can do such a miracle. We didn’t need to take him to a hospital because God is the Great Physician. I was very thankful to Him. But sadly, my relatives who had witnessed God’s amazing healing power didn’t choose to believe in Him. But I’m not discouraged because I believe that nothing is impossible with God. Now, Chai prays with me whenever I pray. He asks God to help him. This is a true miracle also. “No matter what other people say about Chai, no matter what my relatives say about my prayers to God, and no matter what the world says of my faith in Him, I know He lives. I want everyone on this earth to have this wonderful Jesus in their heart. This is my prayer.” 4
H
ow much trauma can one thirteen-year-old boy endure? I asked myself after Sammy* shared the horrific experiences his family has endured the past five-anda-half years. Their living nightmare started when a Muslim neighbor in their home country turned on them. “I think he was jealous because my father’s motorcycle and computer repair business became successful,” Sammy shared matter-offactly. The neighbor rallied a mob that burst into the family’s business with guns and knives, attempting to kill Sammy’s father.
Sammy has become the man of the house over the past three years. He takes great pride in caring for his siblings and mother. However, when he shared about the new Adventist school that he attends, thanks to ASAP donors, a grin covered his face. His eyes shone as he told how he looked through a microscope for the first time. And he showed me the A grades he is getting in his classes. What strength, faith, and amazing resiliency I witnessed in this young man! When ASAP in faith approved for Sammy to attend the school, there remained one problem. The family lived in an apartment two hours away in an unsafe area where frequent police raids occurred. After our refugee coordinator prayed and looked for a new home for them, God provided an apartment just around the corner from the school. Sammy and his family are so grateful for this amazing miracle. Please keep this refugee family and others like them in prayer. ASAP is currently helping six mothers and their children recently released from the IDC to get settled, providing food and other necessities for them. Through you, God is working on behalf of refugee families every day. Thank you!
SUPPORT THE BRAP PROJECT! In its first year of operation, the Bangkok Refugee and Poor (BRAP) project, a joint initiative between ASAP, ADRA Thailand, and local Adventist churches, provided basic necessities and other forms of assistance to hundreds of refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups.
"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (James 5:15a, NKJV). 5
REACH THE WORLD NEXT DOOR
EXCITING EVANGELISM
A New Kind of Prison Ministry
SEEDS Unplanted
BY ELLAINNA HART
BY PR. SCOTT GRISWOLD
t began as a normal day for David* and his wife Mary.* Together, they collected 1,000 sermon DVDs and fliers to share in the closed country where they live. Mary entered the markets, where most vendors are women and David went to the bus stations where most drivers are men. This witnessing strategy had worked for David and Mary before. But today there was trouble.
he North American Division has seen a huge revitalization of church planting in a large part because of SEEDS conferences. At such events, lay members and pastors commit to plant churches; however, those churches have been planted primarily among English- and Spanish-speaking groups.
ASAP director Julia O’Carey’s group was bubbling over after the outreach. “We had so much fun in the grocery store parking lot. In just 45 minutes we met people from eight different countries.”
As Mary was handing a DVD to one interested woman, the woman’s husband, a police officer, showed up. He arrested Mary on the spot. Someone alerted David.
On November 15-16, 2019, in Houston, Texas, a new kind of SEEDS conference was held. SEEDS Unplanted brought together speakers like Dr. Tony Anobile, Terri Saelee, and Elder Dan Serns who have significant experience in ministry among immigrants and refugees. They gave a clarion call to reach unreached people groups living in America who have come from countries like Afghanistan and Somalia with no Seventhday Adventist churches and from India and Pakistan where over 2,000 unreached people groups await the gospel.
“We got to meet someone from Japan,” her little brother added. “That’s special because before we left, we prayed for the Japanese!”
I
T
At the police station, Mary was taken into an interrogation room. At first, the police tried to intimidate David and Mary by yelling and pounding the table. But David protested, “I am a citizen. Government officials need to respect the people. This is not right.” After David’s protest, the first officers were replaced with others. David was no longer allowed into the interrogation room, but they opened a window so he could hear what was happening.
Dr. Anthony Wagener-Smith and Laurence Burn brought significant insights into church planting movements that lead to rapid multiplication. Pastors Sam Ngala, Jimmy Shwe, and math teacher Fabian Reid shared fascinating stories of animists, Buddhists, and Hindus coming to Christ.
Mary was accused of carrying materials that were not approved by the government. Therefore, she was distributing contraband. Mary replied, “No. Even though the materials aren’t registered yet, I am only giving them to people who want them. We are not causing any trouble. We are not inciting people against the government.” The policemen interrogating her did not know how to respond. They replied, “What you are doing is very new. We have never seen this before,” and they left to check with their supervisors.
ASAP missionaries like David and Mary risk arrest and imprisonment to publicly share their faith in closed countries.
David soon noticed that more and more police officers, including the police chief, were joining him to listen to the interrogation. The officer in charge took all of Mary’s remaining DVDs to inspect them, dividing them into five parts and giving a stack to each department in the station to watch. David stood amazed as 50 police officers crowded around five computers to watch sermons on the health message and why people should believe in God. Afterwards, the officers discussed the matter. As they deliberated, David spoke up again and said, “I own these materials. I think they are a good thing to share and this is not a crime.” He then asked if their case could be transferred to the religious department and the officer in charge agreed.
Lewis John-Miller shared his own journey as a refugee fleeing Africa. Brittany Sorbet, a volunteer with Reach the World Next Door, shared her joy at being involved with the Rise High biweekly outreach to Muslim refugee children. A mission immersion event took place Sabbath afternoon. Through the research tool, Bless Every Home, the leadership gathered addresses of Chinese, Vietnamese, and other nationalities within three miles of the church. These were placed in the hands of the more than 50 individuals who came to join the outreach. Two carloads decided to go to Asian markets, expecting to meet people from non-Christian backgrounds.
“I’m so excited!” an 11-year old girl shared. “This is my first time ever witnessing and I loved it.”
An elderly man slowly stood and with a huge smile said, “I’ve never gone door-to-door in my life. This was amazing. It certainly will not be my last time.” After an appeal, 21 people said they want to be part of a church plant, 24 said they want to be trained as Reach the World Next Door missionaries to their neighborhoods, and seven made a commitment to be baptized. How about you? What will you do for the unplanted corners of the field in America and beyond? Which of the 100+ unreached people groups in the United States live near you? Find out at reachtheworldnextdoor.com under the section Discover the Unreached Near You.
For further inspiration, watch the programs from SEEDS Unplanted at www.adventistlearningcommunity.com. Left to right: SEEDS Unplanted presenters and support staff (from left) Fabian Reid, Elder Dan Serns, Bill Wells, Laurence Burn, Pr. Jimmy Shwe, Pr. Scott Griswold, Julie Griswold, Julia O'Carey, Terri Saelee, and Dr. Anthony Wagener-Smith; ASAP Executive Director Julia O'Carey and fellow group members prepare for the Sabbath afternoon outreach program.
The religious officers could only agree on one thing and asked David to sign a citation, but he refused to sign away his right to do missionary work. Finally, the officers released David and Mary. This courageous couple remains undaunted in the face of persecution. “God saved me and I am compelled to work for Him,” says David. “I plan to continue witnessing until Jesus comes!” 6
7
REACH THE WORLD NEXT DOOR
EXCITING EVANGELISM
A New Kind of Prison Ministry
SEEDS Unplanted
BY ELLAINNA HART
BY PR. SCOTT GRISWOLD
t began as a normal day for David* and his wife Mary.* Together, they collected 1,000 sermon DVDs and fliers to share in the closed country where they live. Mary entered the markets, where most vendors are women and David went to the bus stations where most drivers are men. This witnessing strategy had worked for David and Mary before. But today there was trouble.
he North American Division has seen a huge revitalization of church planting in a large part because of SEEDS conferences. At such events, lay members and pastors commit to plant churches; however, those churches have been planted primarily among English- and Spanish-speaking groups.
ASAP director Julia O’Carey’s group was bubbling over after the outreach. “We had so much fun in the grocery store parking lot. In just 45 minutes we met people from eight different countries.”
As Mary was handing a DVD to one interested woman, the woman’s husband, a police officer, showed up. He arrested Mary on the spot. Someone alerted David.
On November 15-16, 2019, in Houston, Texas, a new kind of SEEDS conference was held. SEEDS Unplanted brought together speakers like Dr. Tony Anobile, Terri Saelee, and Elder Dan Serns who have significant experience in ministry among immigrants and refugees. They gave a clarion call to reach unreached people groups living in America who have come from countries like Afghanistan and Somalia with no Seventhday Adventist churches and from India and Pakistan where over 2,000 unreached people groups await the gospel.
“We got to meet someone from Japan,” her little brother added. “That’s special because before we left, we prayed for the Japanese!”
I
T
At the police station, Mary was taken into an interrogation room. At first, the police tried to intimidate David and Mary by yelling and pounding the table. But David protested, “I am a citizen. Government officials need to respect the people. This is not right.” After David’s protest, the first officers were replaced with others. David was no longer allowed into the interrogation room, but they opened a window so he could hear what was happening.
Dr. Anthony Wagener-Smith and Laurence Burn brought significant insights into church planting movements that lead to rapid multiplication. Pastors Sam Ngala, Jimmy Shwe, and math teacher Fabian Reid shared fascinating stories of animists, Buddhists, and Hindus coming to Christ.
Mary was accused of carrying materials that were not approved by the government. Therefore, she was distributing contraband. Mary replied, “No. Even though the materials aren’t registered yet, I am only giving them to people who want them. We are not causing any trouble. We are not inciting people against the government.” The policemen interrogating her did not know how to respond. They replied, “What you are doing is very new. We have never seen this before,” and they left to check with their supervisors.
ASAP missionaries like David and Mary risk arrest and imprisonment to publicly share their faith in closed countries.
David soon noticed that more and more police officers, including the police chief, were joining him to listen to the interrogation. The officer in charge took all of Mary’s remaining DVDs to inspect them, dividing them into five parts and giving a stack to each department in the station to watch. David stood amazed as 50 police officers crowded around five computers to watch sermons on the health message and why people should believe in God. Afterwards, the officers discussed the matter. As they deliberated, David spoke up again and said, “I own these materials. I think they are a good thing to share and this is not a crime.” He then asked if their case could be transferred to the religious department and the officer in charge agreed.
Lewis John-Miller shared his own journey as a refugee fleeing Africa. Brittany Sorbet, a volunteer with Reach the World Next Door, shared her joy at being involved with the Rise High biweekly outreach to Muslim refugee children. A mission immersion event took place Sabbath afternoon. Through the research tool, Bless Every Home, the leadership gathered addresses of Chinese, Vietnamese, and other nationalities within three miles of the church. These were placed in the hands of the more than 50 individuals who came to join the outreach. Two carloads decided to go to Asian markets, expecting to meet people from non-Christian backgrounds.
“I’m so excited!” an 11-year old girl shared. “This is my first time ever witnessing and I loved it.”
An elderly man slowly stood and with a huge smile said, “I’ve never gone door-to-door in my life. This was amazing. It certainly will not be my last time.” After an appeal, 21 people said they want to be part of a church plant, 24 said they want to be trained as Reach the World Next Door missionaries to their neighborhoods, and seven made a commitment to be baptized. How about you? What will you do for the unplanted corners of the field in America and beyond? Which of the 100+ unreached people groups in the United States live near you? Find out at reachtheworldnextdoor.com under the section Discover the Unreached Near You.
For further inspiration, watch the programs from SEEDS Unplanted at www.adventistlearningcommunity.com. Left to right: SEEDS Unplanted presenters and support staff (from left) Fabian Reid, Elder Dan Serns, Bill Wells, Laurence Burn, Pr. Jimmy Shwe, Pr. Scott Griswold, Julie Griswold, Julia O'Carey, Terri Saelee, and Dr. Anthony Wagener-Smith; ASAP Executive Director Julia O'Carey and fellow group members prepare for the Sabbath afternoon outreach program.
The religious officers could only agree on one thing and asked David to sign a citation, but he refused to sign away his right to do missionary work. Finally, the officers released David and Mary. This courageous couple remains undaunted in the face of persecution. “God saved me and I am compelled to work for Him,” says David. “I plan to continue witnessing until Jesus comes!” 6
7
MEET OUR WORKERS
HELPING HANDS
God’s Soldier BY JOHN PRESS
S
B Ngaih Cin was a teenager when an elderly man from his village in Chin State, Myanmar, approached, looked him squarely in the eyes, and made a prediction about his future. “You will become a high-ranking officer if you join the military.” The man spoke with such conviction that SB decided to enroll in the military academy when he came of age.
Left to right: Through a prominently placed offering box, the congregation serves the needs of refugees still displaced in Thailand, Myanmar, and elsewhere; Pr. See Nay and family; members of the Women's Ministries leadership team
A Handful of Gifts and a Heart Full of Prayer BY PR. LISA ISENSEE
E
very time I minister to our refugee brothers and sisters, whether in the States or overseas, I am blessed. In October, I spoke for the Friday evening vespers at the St. Paul (MN) Karen Church. The church is large and located in an attractive residential area. Pastor See Nay proudly showed me around the building. God had wonderfully provided the 300-plus members with their own church! The sanctuary was spacious and pleasant, the front filled with orchids and fresh-cut flowers lovingly arranged. That night we had a special vespers together. It was touching because as I showed them pictures of people I had met during an ASAP mission trip to a refugee camp, someone would sometimes say, “I know him,” or “I remember them.” As I waited for my words to be translated, I watched the vibrant faces of the Karen people as they took the Bible texts and stories to heart. Once vespers was over I went to the back of the church where I greeted adults and handed out butterfly pins to the children. It was then that an unexpected thing happened. I was standing there when an elderly man walked towards me, a white envelope clasped in both his hands. In Asian culture, giving something with two hands is typically used to show honor to someone older or respected, or to show that what you give is of value. I knew that I was not older, and while the Karen
8
people are very gracious and respectful, I wondered what this meant. Then it struck me what was in his hands: he was giving money for ASAP’s ministry to refugees. A woman came next, again, both hands holding onto an envelope. From all around the church, from teenagers to grandparents, people began pressing envelopes into my hands. I have had many people share gifts after I’ve spoken, but never SO many. Thirty-two people gave generously that night. It wasn’t just a dollar or two in each envelope; that evening, those envelopes included anywhere from four dollars to a hundred dollars, an offering totaling $769. The Karen are hard-working people, but having just come to the States, only a small percentage are able to work in high-paying jobs. Yet they gave amazingly –sacrificially – that evening. They knew firsthand the refugees’ needs and were doing whatever they could to bring them safety and peace and a knowledge of Jesus. As I stood there at the back of the church with all those envelopes in my hands, tears pooling in my eyes, I prayed inwardly, “Oh, Jesus, if all your people gave like these Christians have given, you would be able to come very, very soon, wouldn’t You?” Thank you for hastening Jesus’ coming with your gifts for refugees.
As the time approached, however, SB’s health began to deteriorate and he was admitted to the hospital. While there he received a letter from a family friend, a highranking military officer, who invited him to enlist in the military. But SB’s condition prevented him from accepting the invitation. His future remained in doubt until an Adventist evangelist held meetings in his town. Though raised in a Baptist home, SB attended every meeting and was baptized. Instead of enrolling in the military academy, he attended Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary and later Spicer Memorial College (now Spicer Adventist University) in India. Today, Pr. SB Ngaih Cin rejoices at God’s providence. “My health problem switched the way for me to become God’s soldier for His kingdom!” he says. In 2008, as Pr. Ngaih Cin and his family served in the Upper Myanmar Mission, racial and religious discrimination, forced labor, and other forms of persecution against the Chin people drove them to flee their homeland. After four difficult years as refugees in Malaysia, where Pr. Ngaih Cin pastored a Zomi Adventist group, they finally resettled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Members of the Wyoming (MI) Seventh-day Adventist Church and three recently resettled families from the Zomi group in Malaysia helped ease their transition. Pr. Ngaih Cin found work as an assembler at a local manufacturing plant and immediately began ministering to local refugees from Myanmar. “Most of us did not understand English,” he explains, “so we were spiritually hungry and thirsty. We were eager to worship in our heart language.” In 2014, Pr. Ngaih Cin started Sabbath worship services in the Tedim language in Grand Rapids. The next year, he began ministering to a Zomi Adventist group in Battle
Contact us or visit our website to learn how you can support refugee and immigrant church planters in North America. Top to bottom: Pr. SB Ngaih Cin with young baptismal candidates from the Battle Creek Zomi congregation; with support from ASAP, Pr. Ngaih Cin was hired full-time by the Michigan Conference
Creek. With support from ASAP and others, both groups grew. In 2016, the Grand Rapids Myanmar Seventh-day Adventist Company was formed, and God blessed them with their own place of worship. Then, in 2018, with ASAP supplying a portion of his salary, the Michigan Conference hired Pr. Ngaih Cin. Many more refugee church planters like Pr. Ngaih Cin serve throughout North America. But their struggles and even their very presence are often unknown to local Englishspeaking Adventist churches. ASAP provides financial and spiritual support and connects them with local congregations and conference leaders to nurture them and assist their efforts to reach their unreached countrymen. Thank you for your prayers, sacrificial gifts, and personal efforts, which are so vital to this special work right here in America! 9
MEET OUR WORKERS
HELPING HANDS
God’s Soldier BY JOHN PRESS
S
B Ngaih Cin was a teenager when an elderly man from his village in Chin State, Myanmar, approached, looked him squarely in the eyes, and made a prediction about his future. “You will become a high-ranking officer if you join the military.” The man spoke with such conviction that SB decided to enroll in the military academy when he came of age.
Left to right: Through a prominently placed offering box, the congregation serves the needs of refugees still displaced in Thailand, Myanmar, and elsewhere; Pr. See Nay and family; members of the Women's Ministries leadership team
A Handful of Gifts and a Heart Full of Prayer BY PR. LISA ISENSEE
E
very time I minister to our refugee brothers and sisters, whether in the States or overseas, I am blessed. In October, I spoke for the Friday evening vespers at the St. Paul (MN) Karen Church. The church is large and located in an attractive residential area. Pastor See Nay proudly showed me around the building. God had wonderfully provided the 300-plus members with their own church! The sanctuary was spacious and pleasant, the front filled with orchids and fresh-cut flowers lovingly arranged. That night we had a special vespers together. It was touching because as I showed them pictures of people I had met during an ASAP mission trip to a refugee camp, someone would sometimes say, “I know him,” or “I remember them.” As I waited for my words to be translated, I watched the vibrant faces of the Karen people as they took the Bible texts and stories to heart. Once vespers was over I went to the back of the church where I greeted adults and handed out butterfly pins to the children. It was then that an unexpected thing happened. I was standing there when an elderly man walked towards me, a white envelope clasped in both his hands. In Asian culture, giving something with two hands is typically used to show honor to someone older or respected, or to show that what you give is of value. I knew that I was not older, and while the Karen
8
people are very gracious and respectful, I wondered what this meant. Then it struck me what was in his hands: he was giving money for ASAP’s ministry to refugees. A woman came next, again, both hands holding onto an envelope. From all around the church, from teenagers to grandparents, people began pressing envelopes into my hands. I have had many people share gifts after I’ve spoken, but never SO many. Thirty-two people gave generously that night. It wasn’t just a dollar or two in each envelope; that evening, those envelopes included anywhere from four dollars to a hundred dollars, an offering totaling $769. The Karen are hard-working people, but having just come to the States, only a small percentage are able to work in high-paying jobs. Yet they gave amazingly –sacrificially – that evening. They knew firsthand the refugees’ needs and were doing whatever they could to bring them safety and peace and a knowledge of Jesus. As I stood there at the back of the church with all those envelopes in my hands, tears pooling in my eyes, I prayed inwardly, “Oh, Jesus, if all your people gave like these Christians have given, you would be able to come very, very soon, wouldn’t You?” Thank you for hastening Jesus’ coming with your gifts for refugees.
As the time approached, however, SB’s health began to deteriorate and he was admitted to the hospital. While there he received a letter from a family friend, a highranking military officer, who invited him to enlist in the military. But SB’s condition prevented him from accepting the invitation. His future remained in doubt until an Adventist evangelist held meetings in his town. Though raised in a Baptist home, SB attended every meeting and was baptized. Instead of enrolling in the military academy, he attended Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary and later Spicer Memorial College (now Spicer Adventist University) in India. Today, Pr. SB Ngaih Cin rejoices at God’s providence. “My health problem switched the way for me to become God’s soldier for His kingdom!” he says. In 2008, as Pr. Ngaih Cin and his family served in the Upper Myanmar Mission, racial and religious discrimination, forced labor, and other forms of persecution against the Chin people drove them to flee their homeland. After four difficult years as refugees in Malaysia, where Pr. Ngaih Cin pastored a Zomi Adventist group, they finally resettled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Members of the Wyoming (MI) Seventh-day Adventist Church and three recently resettled families from the Zomi group in Malaysia helped ease their transition. Pr. Ngaih Cin found work as an assembler at a local manufacturing plant and immediately began ministering to local refugees from Myanmar. “Most of us did not understand English,” he explains, “so we were spiritually hungry and thirsty. We were eager to worship in our heart language.” In 2014, Pr. Ngaih Cin started Sabbath worship services in the Tedim language in Grand Rapids. The next year, he began ministering to a Zomi Adventist group in Battle
Contact us or visit our website to learn how you can support refugee and immigrant church planters in North America. Top to bottom: Pr. SB Ngaih Cin with young baptismal candidates from the Battle Creek Zomi congregation; with support from ASAP, Pr. Ngaih Cin was hired full-time by the Michigan Conference
Creek. With support from ASAP and others, both groups grew. In 2016, the Grand Rapids Myanmar Seventh-day Adventist Company was formed, and God blessed them with their own place of worship. Then, in 2018, with ASAP supplying a portion of his salary, the Michigan Conference hired Pr. Ngaih Cin. Many more refugee church planters like Pr. Ngaih Cin serve throughout North America. But their struggles and even their very presence are often unknown to local Englishspeaking Adventist churches. ASAP provides financial and spiritual support and connects them with local congregations and conference leaders to nurture them and assist their efforts to reach their unreached countrymen. Thank you for your prayers, sacrificial gifts, and personal efforts, which are so vital to this special work right here in America! 9
GREATEST NEEDS
IN GRATITUDE
One Spirit, Two Dreams BY LAURA HOKANSON
IN HONOR OF ALWAYS JESUS (JOHN 5:23), by Wyman Kingsley • AUNT OTABEA ANTWI, by Kofi Antwi-Sefa • BYRON & CAROL REYNOLDS, by Johanna Rita Vital • ELEANOR CROSS, by Tara Cross • ELSIE REISWIG, by Judith Tuttle • KING’S ADVENTIST MINISTRY INC., by Recarder Leon • MY GRANDCHILDREN, by Laura & Dan Fuller • SEGOVIA CABALUNA, by Ned Cabaluna • STACY REID, by Harley Hollis & Carol Reid • THE GRISWOLDS (JACK, BETHENE, SCOTT, JULIE, JOSIAH), by Lynne & Thomas Buske
IN MEMORY OF AVA DE PINA, by Manuel De Pina • BARBARA FERGUSON, by Jimmy Riddle • BILL BATTLE AND NORM PRUSIA, by James & Judith Culpepper • BRUCE CHRISTENSEN, by Marilyn Christensen • CLAYTON & IRENE JEPSON, by Marguerite Ross • DARLENE EWERT, by Kenneth & Sherry Christensen • DON REID, by Harley Hollis & Carol Reid • DR. LEWIS & KATHERINE GEORGE, by Victoria Berecz • JACK & HAZEL RIEDLING, by Donald Casebolt • JUDY AITKEN, by G. Maria George and Larry & Donna Henderson • LEO ST. CLAIR, by Cecelia St. Clair • LISA DEBOOY, by James & Carol Cruise and David & Ruth DeBooy • MABLE BINGHAM, by Sydonnie Doctor • MOLLY MYAING, by Randy & Terri Myaing • MOM’S 71ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AND MOTHER-IN-LAW’S BIRTHDAY (BOTH DECEASED), by Donald & Ellen Amador • MY FATHER-IN-LAW, RIM PHAN, by Michael Vuthy Sarunn • MY HUSBAND, HENRY E. OLSON,
by Janet Olson • THE AITKENS, by Ellen Mattison • WHITNEY WATSON, by Rahel Hartman • WILLARD D. SHOBE, by Ralph & Carol Kurti
IN THANKFULNESS FOR CALVIN, by Newton King Jr. • CAROL, JUSTIN, RANDI, RYAN, AND TERRY WHITE, TERESA STATEN, TREVOR STATEN, AND WHITE FAMILY MEMBERS, by Amy Bergman • DON & SOON CHOE, by Daniel Chung & Judy Choe • GOD AND HIS BLESSINGS, FAITHFULNESS, GOODNESS, AND GRACE AND MERCY IN JESUS CHRIST, by Caryn Chalmers, Kym Danier, Deoneter Diesto, Dessislava Gueorguieva, Cynthia Chienchiali Lu, John & Joyce Marter • GOD’S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE FROM MANY DEMONIC ASSAULTS AGAINST LIFE AND HEALTH AND PROPERTY, by Antonnette Thomas • GREAT FAMILY, by Kevin & Teresa Jepson • JESUS, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, JESUS’ GIFT TO ME, by Dave & Clarissa Fiedler, Kahn Ellmers, Valery & Johanna Loumber, and Kenneth Daisley • KHAMPHO OHNO, by Anna Ursales • MY DAUGHTER, JULIANNA, WHO HAS ALWAYS LOVED STUFFED ANIMALS AND WOULD LOVE TO SHARE SOME WITH OTHER CHILDREN, by Ernest & Shirley Buck • ROBERT MCCOY, by Ericka Quesada • SCOTT GRISWOLD, by Dillon Flannery-Valadez • SHELLY POWELL, by Kerry & Linda Neall • THOSE SUFFERING INTENSE PERSECUTION FOR THEIR FAITH, by G. Maria George • WILLIAM AND RACHEL, by Songxia Liu
PROJECT
10
In a recent dream, she saw an elderly person whom she did not know. The next day an individual came to her workplace and sighed, “Oh, I’m so tired! I want to take a break here.” Looking over at the man, Eve recognized him as the person in her dream. She began talking to him about the Bible. She left him with health literature, a copy of Steps to Christ and later a copy of The Desire of Ages. In time he studied with an ASAP home church pastor, was baptized, and now fellowships with his local home church family. Stories like this one, shared on 3ABN TV, inspired another kind of dream. Stephen Spencer grew up in a Christian home but got involved in what he calls the “wrong type of lifestyle.” For over 20 years he lived apart from the Lord. In a letter to ASAP he writes, “After listening to Christian songs on the radio, I felt the tugging of the Holy Spirit, and re-dedicated my heart back to the Lord. Recently I began to watch 3ABN on TV. The Lord has been revealing His truths to me. I haven’t converted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but
ASAP Data Entry Manager Playdell Reid (above) frequently prays with and ministers to donors like Stephen.
I have been drawn to support the work of this church. The [presentation] that was on the work of the Adventist (ASAP) home church programs touched my heart, and I would like to send my support for these home churches. May God bless the Adventist Church.” Impressed by his testimony, ASAP staff contacted Stephen to pray with him, encouraging his faith. ASAP’s Greatest Needs fund made Stephen’s story possible. Supporting Greatest Needs provides not only resources for workers risking their lives in difficult places, but also opportunities to impact searching believers like Stephen. The Holy Spirit gave Stephen the vision of supporting home churches in a closed country where the same Holy Spirit is giving dreams to seek and save the lost. You can be part of miracles like these when you support Greatest Needs. Please consider making your donation to Greatest Needs today. Another person with a dream needs your support.
Meet Laura Hokanson, our new part-time development director!
NEW SUPPORT ASAP ETHNIC STUDENT MISSIONARIES
H
ow do Bible workers know whom to approach in closed countries where they can be arrested for sharing the gospel? One ASAP Bible worker named Eve* has been given the gift of dreams to solve this dilemma.
Jasmine moved to the U.S. as a refugee when she was a teenager. Now she is returning to her people as ASAP’s first ethnic student missionary. Scan the QR code to watch her testimony.
As a former missionary to Southeast Asia with a background in development and a passion for missions and building relationships, Laura is an answer to our prayers. Check out her profile on the Meet the Staff page of our website to get to know her better. 11
GREATEST NEEDS
IN GRATITUDE
One Spirit, Two Dreams BY LAURA HOKANSON
IN HONOR OF ALWAYS JESUS (JOHN 5:23), by Wyman Kingsley • AUNT OTABEA ANTWI, by Kofi Antwi-Sefa • BYRON & CAROL REYNOLDS, by Johanna Rita Vital • ELEANOR CROSS, by Tara Cross • ELSIE REISWIG, by Judith Tuttle • KING’S ADVENTIST MINISTRY INC., by Recarder Leon • MY GRANDCHILDREN, by Laura & Dan Fuller • SEGOVIA CABALUNA, by Ned Cabaluna • STACY REID, by Harley Hollis & Carol Reid • THE GRISWOLDS (JACK, BETHENE, SCOTT, JULIE, JOSIAH), by Lynne & Thomas Buske
IN MEMORY OF AVA DE PINA, by Manuel De Pina • BARBARA FERGUSON, by Jimmy Riddle • BILL BATTLE AND NORM PRUSIA, by James & Judith Culpepper • BRUCE CHRISTENSEN, by Marilyn Christensen • CLAYTON & IRENE JEPSON, by Marguerite Ross • DARLENE EWERT, by Kenneth & Sherry Christensen • DON REID, by Harley Hollis & Carol Reid • DR. LEWIS & KATHERINE GEORGE, by Victoria Berecz • JACK & HAZEL RIEDLING, by Donald Casebolt • JUDY AITKEN, by G. Maria George and Larry & Donna Henderson • LEO ST. CLAIR, by Cecelia St. Clair • LISA DEBOOY, by James & Carol Cruise and David & Ruth DeBooy • MABLE BINGHAM, by Sydonnie Doctor • MOLLY MYAING, by Randy & Terri Myaing • MOM’S 71ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AND MOTHER-IN-LAW’S BIRTHDAY (BOTH DECEASED), by Donald & Ellen Amador • MY FATHER-IN-LAW, RIM PHAN, by Michael Vuthy Sarunn • MY HUSBAND, HENRY E. OLSON,
by Janet Olson • THE AITKENS, by Ellen Mattison • WHITNEY WATSON, by Rahel Hartman • WILLARD D. SHOBE, by Ralph & Carol Kurti
IN THANKFULNESS FOR CALVIN, by Newton King Jr. • CAROL, JUSTIN, RANDI, RYAN, AND TERRY WHITE, TERESA STATEN, TREVOR STATEN, AND WHITE FAMILY MEMBERS, by Amy Bergman • DON & SOON CHOE, by Daniel Chung & Judy Choe • GOD AND HIS BLESSINGS, FAITHFULNESS, GOODNESS, AND GRACE AND MERCY IN JESUS CHRIST, by Caryn Chalmers, Kym Danier, Deoneter Diesto, Dessislava Gueorguieva, Cynthia Chienchiali Lu, John & Joyce Marter • GOD’S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE FROM MANY DEMONIC ASSAULTS AGAINST LIFE AND HEALTH AND PROPERTY, by Antonnette Thomas • GREAT FAMILY, by Kevin & Teresa Jepson • JESUS, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, JESUS’ GIFT TO ME, by Dave & Clarissa Fiedler, Kahn Ellmers, Valery & Johanna Loumber, and Kenneth Daisley • KHAMPHO OHNO, by Anna Ursales • MY DAUGHTER, JULIANNA, WHO HAS ALWAYS LOVED STUFFED ANIMALS AND WOULD LOVE TO SHARE SOME WITH OTHER CHILDREN, by Ernest & Shirley Buck • ROBERT MCCOY, by Ericka Quesada • SCOTT GRISWOLD, by Dillon Flannery-Valadez • SHELLY POWELL, by Kerry & Linda Neall • THOSE SUFFERING INTENSE PERSECUTION FOR THEIR FAITH, by G. Maria George • WILLIAM AND RACHEL, by Songxia Liu
PROJECT
10
In a recent dream, she saw an elderly person whom she did not know. The next day an individual came to her workplace and sighed, “Oh, I’m so tired! I want to take a break here.” Looking over at the man, Eve recognized him as the person in her dream. She began talking to him about the Bible. She left him with health literature, a copy of Steps to Christ and later a copy of The Desire of Ages. In time he studied with an ASAP home church pastor, was baptized, and now fellowships with his local home church family. Stories like this one, shared on 3ABN TV, inspired another kind of dream. Stephen Spencer grew up in a Christian home but got involved in what he calls the “wrong type of lifestyle.” For over 20 years he lived apart from the Lord. In a letter to ASAP he writes, “After listening to Christian songs on the radio, I felt the tugging of the Holy Spirit, and re-dedicated my heart back to the Lord. Recently I began to watch 3ABN on TV. The Lord has been revealing His truths to me. I haven’t converted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but
ASAP Data Entry Manager Playdell Reid (above) frequently prays with and ministers to donors like Stephen.
I have been drawn to support the work of this church. The [presentation] that was on the work of the Adventist (ASAP) home church programs touched my heart, and I would like to send my support for these home churches. May God bless the Adventist Church.” Impressed by his testimony, ASAP staff contacted Stephen to pray with him, encouraging his faith. ASAP’s Greatest Needs fund made Stephen’s story possible. Supporting Greatest Needs provides not only resources for workers risking their lives in difficult places, but also opportunities to impact searching believers like Stephen. The Holy Spirit gave Stephen the vision of supporting home churches in a closed country where the same Holy Spirit is giving dreams to seek and save the lost. You can be part of miracles like these when you support Greatest Needs. Please consider making your donation to Greatest Needs today. Another person with a dream needs your support.
Meet Laura Hokanson, our new part-time development director!
NEW SUPPORT ASAP ETHNIC STUDENT MISSIONARIES
H
ow do Bible workers know whom to approach in closed countries where they can be arrested for sharing the gospel? One ASAP Bible worker named Eve* has been given the gift of dreams to solve this dilemma.
Jasmine moved to the U.S. as a refugee when she was a teenager. Now she is returning to her people as ASAP’s first ethnic student missionary. Scan the QR code to watch her testimony.
As a former missionary to Southeast Asia with a background in development and a passion for missions and building relationships, Laura is an answer to our prayers. Check out her profile on the Meet the Staff page of our website to get to know her better. 11
ASAP Ministries is fueled by mission-minded, faith-filled individuals whom God impresses. Be assured that 100% of your gift goes directly to the project(s) you specify. However, in the blessed event that the project you chose is fully funded, ASAP will use your gift for a similar project or where needed most to help spread the gospel and ease suffering where ASAP operates. Because ASAP is a §501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible in the USA. ASI MEMBER ASAP Ministries has been a member of ASI (Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries) since 1996 and is grateful to be an ASI grant recipient.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR John Press ASSOCIATE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITOR Brenda Kiš DESIGN Robert Mason PHOTOS Gem Castor, Khai Khai Cin, Puia Fanai, Daniel Hosford, Anthony Isensee, Lisa Isensee, See Nay, Julia O'Carey, Ted Pomicpic, Saeng Saengthip, Htwe Lay Thein BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Dean Coridan, Christopher Carmen, Steve Chang, Shirley Freed, Darryl Hosford, Chan and Esther Hwang, Curtis Letniak, Denzil McNeilus, Mary Ann McNeilus, Carmelo Mercado, Amy Montevilla, Julia O’Carey, Byron and Carol Reynolds, Saeng Saengthip, Trudi Starlin
P
PHONE 269-471-3026 FAX 269-471-3034 EMAIL office@asapministries.org WEB www.asapministries.org
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version® copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
ASAP serves people from the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Beyond! *At times, photos are blurred and names changed to protect the safety of God's workers.
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