“In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:17).
GOD PROMISES TO: Give us new hearts
Give us new minds
Make us a new creation
He is Doing a New Thing
Jeremiah 24:7
1 Corinthians 2:16 2 Corinthians 5:17
n BY JULIA O'CAREY
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV).
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SAP Church Planter Pen Thim prayed, “Lord, when I go out of my house today, please direct me to people who want to know about You.” He carefully placed his Bible, a blood pressure cuff, along with some “Way of Life” Bible studies in his backpack and whistled a “Jesus” tune as he headed out into the dusty Cambodian village. After walking a kilometer, he came across a group of men sitting under a stilt house. They were all deeply engrossed in a game. Pr. Pen ignored the fact that they were gambling and greeted them warmly. “Who is the owner of this fine home?” he asked. The owner, Samath, looked up with a smile, stopped the whole game and offered him a seat. Pr. Pen asked, “By the way, how is your health?” Samath looked down and said, “I often do not feel well.” Pr. Pen quickly pulled out his cuff and offered to check his blood pressure. “You can tell a lot about your health by what your blood pressure is. This is a free service I offer,” he assured him. Pr. Pen shook his head when he saw the results. “You can greatly improve your blood pressure if you follow my advice.” The man perked up. “What medicine do I need?” he asked, expecting that Pr. Pen was next planning to sell him something. But Pr. Pen replied enthusiastically, “The
medicine you need is natural. You need to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal!” Samath seemed surprised by Pr. Pen’s reply, but was willing to give it a try.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013
Reaching Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar & Beyond
Thoughts From: JUDY AITKEN ASAP DIRECTOR
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgments and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26, 27). It was a privilege to attend an exciting new event: the opening of the Lao Adventist Church and Evangelism Media Center in Holland, Michigan (the first of its kind in North America). Local church members, friends from the Holland SDA Church (the mother church), and friends from the community came to joyfully worship God and praise Him for His miraculous provision. Pr. Saengthong Saengthip, a Holy Spirit-filled, dedicated leader of this group, led the service. You can catch a glimpse of this momentous occasion (see asapministries.org). One of the highlights was seeing old friends from the Lao family of God, some of whom I had not seen since the days I served the Lord in the Lao Napho Refugee Camp years ago. I could tell these brothers and sisters have not only remained faithful to truth, but they are filled with the Holy Spirit, who impresses them to share Christ with their neighbors and family here in America and back in their homeland of Laos. This joyful reunion made me think of the one we will have in heaven soon. As you read about new projects and newness of life seen in those who accept Jesus and His Word in Southeast Asia, I invite you take time to ask the Lord to do a new work in your heart as well. He promises the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel 36:26 and 27 with the purpose of us being able to witness for Him.
Later, Pr. Pen came across Samath gambling at a friend’s house. He immediately stopped playing and came over to proudly report, “I followed your advice!” “Let me take your blood pressure again,” Pr. Pen suggested. His blood pressure showed improvement. Pr. Pen then told him, “I was praying for you and I know that God heard my prayer and is helping you.” Samath then asked Pr. Pen, “Can you pray for me to get my house and rice fields back? I lost them all because of gambling.” Pr. Pen had pity for this man and offered to study the Bible with him. Samath agreed and he began the journey to a new life in Jesus that very afternoon. He enjoyed the Way of Life Bible lessons so much that he asked his wife and five other friends to study also. Every new concept Pr. Pen introduced to them, they adopted right away. One by one, the bad habits started to drop off and new habits replaced them. For instance, instead of eating pork and fatty meat, he ate fruit and vegetables. Instead of smoking, he drank more water. Instead of gambling, he went to church and prayer meeting. His wife, children and some of his friends also found a new life in Christ. In May, eight of them publicly celebrated their new lives in baptism. PHOTO CAPTIONS (COVER): Church Planter Sim Thearith praying with Ratha. Samath & friends gambling. (L-R) Church Planter Pen Thim praying and studying the Bible with Samath. Sim Thearith, all smiles!
In another province of Cambodia, Ratha has a similar story. He grew up in a troubled home and resorted to drinking his sorrows away. He had an incurable disease and lay hopelessly on his mat day after day. When Church Planter Sim Thearith met him he said, “I know someone who has the power to heal you. His name is Jesus Christ. He healed many people when he was on this earth and He still has the same power today! He can give you a new life of hope. Do you believe me?” Ratha looked skeptical but he was willing for Pr. Sim to administer natural remedies, hydrotherapy and offer prayers on his behalf. Pr. Sim faithfully returned to his hut every day for one week and cheerfully shared promises from God’s Word with him as he gave the treatments. Ratha and his wife were willing to study the Bible so Pr. Sim began the Way of Life studies with them. After one week, God worked a miracle and completely healed Ratha of his disease and took away his cravings for alcohol. He said, “No longer am I going to waste my life away. No longer will I pour my money down the drain by buying alcohol.” The family no longer suffers in poverty for Ratha has started a motorcycle taxi business and is doing well. The best part of the story is that now Ratha and his family have new hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The things they formally loved, now they hate, and the things that they formally hated, now they love.
Advocates Spiritually Assisting the Persecuted n JUDY
NEAR TO HIS HEART
AITKEN
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had one of those special unforgettable moments during an ASAP training for the Vietnamese lay-pastors and youth evangelists. Earlier that day, I had the words of the song “Near to the Heart of God” translated and had spoken on the intimacy of communing with God in the secret place. I knew how crucial it was for these workers to tap into God’s power through prayer because they endure much hardship through interrogations, fines, threats, dangers and toils. As I returned to the training room early to prepare for the next segment, I stopped in my tracks when I heard a single voice singing, “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God. O Jesus blest redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us who wait before you, near to the heart of God.” Tanen*, a twenty-seven-year-old lay pastor, stopped playing the guitar and looked up at me with tears in his eyes. At that moment I could tell he intimately knew Jesus. Later, in an interview, Tanen confided that prior to the training the police held a community meeting and it was voted to excommunicate him from his home village because of the evangelism work he was doing. Pr. Young, Tanen, and I banded together in prayer for this issue. Our loving Savior heard and answered this prayer. One month after the training, the authorities allowed Tanen to return home. Now, twelve years later, I marvel at the many ways God has used Tanen to bring life to new villages. He did not stay in his home village, but God used him to start work in thirteen locations where now 1,700 believers faithfully worship in Spirit and in Truth. Last year, he was assigned the duty of translating Pr. Young’s DVDs on prophecy and end-time events and other evangelistic materials into the Halang, Jai Rai, E-dai, and Da-na languages. He is praying that the material will be translated in the Sedong language as well. Though God has gifted Tanen greatly, I believe it is the consistent connection he has with God in the secret place that enables him to accomplish great new endeavors. May you and I learn that God can do a new work in each of our hearts, too, as we linger in that place daily. That is what will enable us to do new and mighty things for Him in return.
Notes from our ASAP Family Volunteers, Staff, National Missionaries, ASAP Ambassadors, Prayer Partners, Donors, Board Members and Gift Recipients Here is a “shout out” to all our ASAP Ambassadors who represented ASAP Ministries at camp meetings and conferences this summer! Each one was an answer to prayer and a true blessing. Joe Badgley (pictured here) willingly filled in at MI camp meeting at the last moment and did a terrific job! Also, we thank Tom and Mara Evans and their children, the Griswold’s, Carol and Byron Reynolds, Steve Chang, Martin and Liana Kim, Anna Duong, Jonathan Van Ornam, Harlin and Shirley Carey, Kaila O’Carey, Kennedy Edwards, Sehee Park, Thorn Hean, Coral Parrish, Keri Kirk, Ruth and Ken Willes, Susan, Al, Minh and Lien Turley, Latrice Matthews, Sam Ngala, Trudi Starlin, the Roosenbergs, Mai Moua and Sai Vang (please forgive us if we inadvertently forgot to mention anyone). We praise God for all our heaven-sent ambassadors! n WAYNE LABINS, ASAP OFFICE MANAGER
I love what you are doing and thank God there are folks like you who care for others. Sorry I can’t send much. I am a pensioner over eighty and I love my Lord. n THELMA FROM AUSTRALIA
Always Say A Prayer A NEW IDEA
n
JULIA O’CAREY
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ay Pastor Tem Lamduan* from Laos and Mr. Hong became close friends after his wedding day. Mr. Hong learned of God when he was younger, but started yearning for God to do a new thing in his life after he married. He started studying the Bible together with Lay Pastor Tem. What a joyful day it must have been when Mr. Hong made a complete surrender of his old heart and allowed Jesus to give him a new heart! Mr. Hong and his new bride struggled to survive in life. He had a small banana tree farm but, because he was crippled from a childhood accident, farming on a steep hill was difficult for him. One day Mr. Hong came to Lay Pastor Tem with a twinkle in his eyes. “I have a new idea,” he shared. “What is it?” Tem asked. “I would like to open a small grocery store. Do you think I should do this new work?” “I do not know, Mr. Hong. Why don’t we pray about it and seek God’s will from reading His Word?” That is exactly what they did until God gave them peace, knowing that it was His will. God blessed the little shop and Mr. Hong and his wife have been beacons of light to all their customers as they share Jesus with them. Mr. Hong said, “When we share Jesus, some agree and some disagree, but even those who are not interested in Jesus still keep coming back to buy things from our shop!” Mr. Hong thanks God for the new work He has done in his life.
Intercede for Asia BY MARTIN KIM
Pray for New Projects
ASAP PRAYER COORDINATOR
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hroughout the Old and New Testaments we see God’s desire to do a “new thing.” Here are just a few of the many texts: Psalm 33:3 says: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Ezekiel 11:19a says: I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them.” Concerning Christ’s ministry, Mark 1:27 says: “The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” The important question is this: Are you wanting God to do a “new thing” in your life and in your church? Do you want God to touch your heart anew, and give you new fervor and compassion, new light and life? Join us in praying for revival, which is our greatest need. When we ask God to revive us, we are asking God to give us new life. Let’s pray: “Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6. (All texts from the New International Version)
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he Lord says in Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) that God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We see each new project below as reaching beyond our hopes and aspirations. We ask for continued prayers that God will bless every aspect of these projects and every person involved in them for His glory!
PLEASE PRAY FOR: The Stoplight Project Reach the World Next Door Project Micro-loan Projects for Laos and Cambodia Newly Hired National Missionaries Possible New Work for the Mizo People in India New Work in Closed Countries (GWIDOP)
Become a Prayer Partner! Join ASAP’s Prayer Team and lift up specific requests on a daily basis (we send them once a month). Sign up online! www.asapministries.org/pray/join
Adventist Southeast Asia Projects RESCUE. RECONCILE. RESTORE.
n WWW.THESTOPLIGHTPROJECT.ORG
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ambodia has long struggled with coerced and child prostitution. Over the last decade the country has taken strides to combat trafficking, from training police officers to conducting rescue missions and prosecuting perpetrators. Some have tasted long-awaited relief, yet the problem still exists. Daily, innocent women and children continue to be sold into oppressive slavery. The country still lacks a welcoming and safe environment in which past victims can receive healing, be reconciled to God and to their families, and be restored to their appropriate roles in society. In May of this year, with guidance from one of her professors, a graduate from the Theological Seminary at Andrews University began prayerfully pulling together a team to initiate the first Adventist safe-house for trafficked women and children in Cambodia. Over the summer, intense praying and brainstorming turned into focused praying and planning, and the efforts have budded into a new ASAP initiative called The Stoplight Project. To understand the three main goals of this rescue mission, think of a stoplight.
We need your prayers as we assess the needs, explore possibilities, and carry out the plans. In addition, the team will be touring throughout North America this fall, raising support and mobilizing a wave of prayer-warriors, volunteers, and staff to move this project forward. Please keep these efforts in your prayers and share this encouragement from Isaiah 43:19a (ESV), “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth.” The people of Cambodia, along with all of us, need this new thing—and God has promised that He is doing it.
Trafficking needs to be stopped and victims need rescuing. Every time you stop at a red light will you pray for this to become a reality? The victims need to be reconciled to God, themselves, and others. This is the rehabilitative/biblical counseling aspect of the project guided by the Holy Spirit. God is into restoring these women and children and this will be done through Christian education, vocational training, and empowering them to work for Him.
The Movement is growing. Join the Stoplight Team.
ed here, being Can you imagine girls, like the one pictur munity where rescued and placed in a loving, safe com Then can you she can heal, worship, learn, and work? impact her picture her grown up and empowered to God can! community in healthy and positive ways? k today! Like The Stoplight Project on Faceboo
Reaching the World Next Door A HINDU GOD AT CHURCH?
n SCOTT
GRISWOLD
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was visiting my parents’ church in Ukiah, California. I leaned over to meet the Caucasian lady sitting next to me in the pew. “My name is Vishnu,” she whispered. I was so surprised to hear the name of a Hindu god! I knew I would have to hear her story after the sermon. Vishnu told me that her mother had raised the whole family in the Hindu religion. For ceremonies, she would drive them to the only nearby temple two hours away in San Francisco. A kind young man became her friend. He shared stories about Jesus with her. She gave her heart to God and was baptized. Their friendship blossomed into marriage. Meeting Vishnu reminded me that not just people, but world religions have moved into our neighborhoods. They are preparing to build a mosque right next to the church where I was a pastor in Hayward, California. Your mission field is next door. Are you ready? One good step is to know which of your beliefs are held in common with Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and others.
Match each specific Biblical belief to a world religion.
Recently an SDA friend mentioned his visit on an airplane with a Muslim. As he explained that he didn’t drink alcohol, smoke, or eat pig, his seat mate said, “That’s amazing! Are you sure you’re not a Muslim?”
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
May many more lost people find this joy as you and I share truth with them!
Answers:
I remember the beauty of a Buddhist man weeping with joy as he learned that his sins (which were many and serious) were completely forgiven through Jesus’ death.
A) Islam B) Buddhism C) Judaism D) Hinduism E) Sikhism 3) B or D 4) A 5) C or E
But what about the differences between biblical beliefs and other world religions? It is important to know those, too. Have you reflected on what you uniquely believe long enough until you just cannot wait to share those special truths?
1) C 2) A or B
There is a real joy in coming close to people of other religions in areas of commonality.
Seventh-day Sabbath Abstinence from alcohol Reap what you sow The return of Christ Tithing
You too can share the gospel with the world next door. For more training visit www.ReachtheWorldNextDoor.org. For now try the following soon: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Watch for people of another religion and pray for them. Ask them to share something with you that is meaningful to them about their religion. Find a good value in what they say and add, “I like that! It is important to me, too!” Share stories of what God has done for you to help them know the unique things you have to offer. Watch for an opportunity to pray with them.
His Gifts at Work “Is this not the fast that I have chosen; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out? When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you…” (Isaiah 58:6-8).
Blessings (one-time gifts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Received! • For national missionaries to help with last qtrs. stipends
$45,000
• For Gifts #311 and #301 from the online Priceless Gift Catalog $2,500 • Lay pastors for Thailand and Cambodia
$2,626
Giving Opportunities . . . . . . . to Pray for and Support • Medical assistance for lay pastors in Vietnam
$10,000
• Literacy/Bible workers’ stipends in Cambodia
$40,000
• Repair of flood damage in the Paxse SDA Church in Laos
$5,000
www.asapministries.org
Visit our website to view many more giving opportunities!
Hi! We are the 2013 ASAP Myanmar Mission Trip Team! In our group there were five dentists, a doctor, two nurses, a medical missionary, a youth evangelist, a young entomologist, and a 6'2" Bible teacher the locals called the “Long Man.” Conditions at the Central Myanmar Adventist Seminary were hot and humid, but there were no complaints as the team ministered to students, staff, and locals. Visit asapministries.org to find out how many pounds of Karen Bibles the team was able to bring back for refugees in the United States and more amazing blessings.
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n the highlands of Vietnam church members rejoiced when told that God provided muchneeded funds to dig a new well and build a new church! They joined their meager offerings with the ASAP offerings and got to work immediately. God answered their persistent prayers and this brought new hope to their hearts. We would like to thank the donors who God impressed to give to wells and church buildings. Pictured above are children playing hide n’ seek in the cement rings before they dug the well and members worshiping in the new church even before it was completed! If you would like to supply more wells and churches, donate to gifts #401 and #304.
In Loving Memory & Honor “He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.” —Isaiah 25:8a IN MEMORY OF: WILLIAM BARLOW, MY HUSBAND by Violet Barlow • DONALD BEDNEY, MD by Cheryll Bedney-Moore • CLEMENTINE TAYLOR by Aphzal and Vashti Mohammed • PAUL ESSIG by Karen Bowen • E. JENICKE AND J. KRAVIG by Sandy Monette • RAY PAUL FREDERICKSON by Lorraine and Wallace Fuller • JERRY AITKEN by Paul and Ruth Watson
IN HONOR & THANKFULNESS OF: JESUS by Rogério Filipe, Robert and Debra Mastera, and Aily Kraulins • MARY ROSS, 90TH BIRTHDAY by Judy Aitken
2013 MISSION TRIP TEAM
WORKERS WITH A MISSION!
Meet Kongsri Phatee STRENGTH FOR THE WORK I have discovered that I cannot do anything in my own power. Many times I feel weak and I pray and ask God for strength. He answers! I know it is important for me to train the younger generation how to be disciple makers. My son and niece are both active in helping me with the work. I praise the Lord for their help!
POSITION Church Planter LOCATION Thailand PASSION To serve others as a means to win them to Christ GROUPS OVERSEEING Three PRAYER REQUESTS Land & funds to build a church, a partner in ministry, my family, and for those I witness to
ASAP Ministries is fueled by mission-minded, faith-filled individuals whom God impresses. Be assured that 100% of your gift will go directly to the projects 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 most needed to help spread the gospel and ease suffering in the countries ASAP operates. Because ASAP is a §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donations are tax-deductible. ASI MEMBER ASAP Ministries has been a member of ASI (Adventist-layman’s Services and Industries) since 1996 and is grateful to be an ASI grant recipient.
THE IMPACT OF ONE I met a young lady named Chanyapa while volunteering at the local elementary school. She was interested in learning more about the Bible so we started studying together. I saw much potential in her, yet she knew so little and had a hard time understanding all the concepts. I felt impressed that what she needed was to attend Chiangmai Adventist Academy. She came from a Buddhist family so they were not in favor of this but miraculously they allowed her to go. She made excellent grades and when she came back home, she was like a new person. Her parents immediately noticed her helpful, cheerful attitude. Her friends noticed a change in her and asked questions about her school. Now seven more young people are studying weekly with me because of her witness and some of her friends also now attend Chiangmai Adventist Academy. FREEDOM FOR THE HOME-BOUND When I go to the homes of the elderly sick people, they are not interested in Bible study at first. They often say, “Every religion is good.” But if I go and serve them, help bathe them, feed them, give them massage therapy and listen to them, they then become open. Now I have become an adviser for the sick in my community and they trust me. EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Judy Aitken EDITOR/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITOR Linda Bauer, Wayne Labins DESIGN/LAYOUT Sarah Lee www.ambientlightstudios.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Bruce Bauer, Judy Aitken, Peter Van Bemmelen, Christopher Carmen, Steve Chang, Chan Sun and Esther Hwang, Denzil McNeilus, Mary Ann McNeilus, Byron and Carol Reynolds, Tom Evans, and Trudi Starlin.
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TOLL FREE 1-866-365-3541 PHONE 269-471-3026 FAX 269-471-3034 EMAIL office@asapministries.org WEB www.asapministries.org 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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