4th Quarter 2014 Newsletter

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Enjoy Kong Vang's story of an amazing recovery Learn to use a business card to reach people of many languages Help produce Treasure Chest Stories for Southeast Asia

Disciples Love God More

BY SCOTT GRISWOLD

Jesus once turned to a huge crowd that was following Him and said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). Strong, startling words, wouldn’t you say? That was not the best way to keep a crowd hanging around.

What did Jesus mean? Surely the God who created the family for nurture and companionship had not come to destroy it.

At another time Jesus clarified His meaning, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). Jesus was not telling people to hate family, but to love Jesus more.

He also said, however, that he “did not come to bring peace but a sword … a man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:34-36). What about the values of family togetherness, loyalty, and unity? Why would Jesus take a sword to that?

In this magazine you will meet Mome from Myanmar and Kong Vang from Laos. Each was evicted from their homes for following Jesus. Did Jesus want this? He longs for every person in each home to know and love Him and nurture each other. Why must a person love Jesus so much that he or she is willing to be kicked out?

Let’s think about it through a story from northwest Cambodia. Saroeun’s husband did not pay much attention when his daughter was baptized in 2013 at the Seventh-day Adventist church. Perhaps he was glad she was learning something and staying out of trouble. Then Saroeun started to attend church. That bothered him.

Everyone in his family was Buddhist. His whole country is Buddhist. Why did his wife have to get interested in a foreign religion?

He told her to stop. She argued that everything she was learning was good. He forbade her from studying more. She went anyway.

For the next few months they argued frequently. The daughter, the lay pastor, and the church just kept praying. Saroeun wondered if it was worth the effort. Should she really cause such problems in her family? But she loved Jesus and did not want to turn away from Him. She wanted to be baptized.

FOURTH QUARTER 2014

Reaching Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar & Beyond

Thoughts From: JULIA O'CAREY ASAP DIRECTOR

Recently, while attending one of our ASAP trainings in Myanmar, I was challenged by one young man’s testimony. This man, who had been brought to the meetings by a frontline worker, shared how excited he was about discovering Jesus and the truth of the Bible. He feels like he’s finally found meaning in life and as a result, is joyfully preparing for baptism. But his decision is not without cost as he shared with us that he might not have a family when he returns home. His parents have been trying to stop him from becoming a Seventh-day Adventist. In fact, he had to sneak away from home to come to the meetings, and his family told him that if he gets baptized, he will no longer be their son. However, as a result of his love for Christ, he is willing to leave all. His commitment should challenge all of us to deeper heart searching. “Is Jesus so precious that we would leave ALL just to know Him?” Walking away from family is a hard choice to make. But Jesus also faced this same test.

One day he was preaching, and someone told him that his family wanted to speak to Him. Can you imagine the shocked expressions on the faces of the people when they heard Jesus ask, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” (See Matt 12:48). Many probably wondered, “How could he act in such a way?” Then he surprised them further as He stretched out His hands toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matt. 12:49,50) Though Jesus loved His mother Mary and His earthly family, here He made it evident that He loved His heavenly Father more, and that He would not be distracted from the work, even by those He loved. He is calling us to do the same.

As the holidays rapidly approach and we start making plans to celebrate with family, why not do some heart-searching, seeking God’s will in advance regarding how we will spend our time and money. Let’s pray for each other about this and seek to follow Christ’s example in making God’s agenda and priorities our own.

So again and again, she asked her husband for permission. Finally he agreed and on May 7, 2014, Chan Saroeun was baptized. All heaven rejoiced. This happened because Saroeun loved Jesus more than her husband. She was not content with mere harmony in her home; she wanted salvation too.

Because of that determination, she has Jesus. Because of that determination, the door is open for her husband to consider the salvation so important to his wife and his daughter. That door would have been closed if Saroeun had loved her husband more than Jesus.

That is why every disciple must love Jesus more—for his or her own salvation and to keep the door open for the rest of the family to follow.

Is there anything about this area of discipleship that is relevant to your life?

Perhaps you live in a divided home where you must prayerfully and determinedly put God’s commands before your family’s wishes. Jesus had to choose God’s way against the strong and misdirected opinions of his family (John 7). His faithful example appears to have eventually led His brothers to follow God (Acts 1:14) and perhaps write portions of the Bible (James and Jude). Take courage!

All of us need to ask, “Is my love for my family blocking me in any way?” Some do not lead their family into overseas mission service simply because one member is quite vocal against it. Others do not give much money to missions because a wife or a husband complains that it is needed at home. Parents compromise with their children’s poor choices because it feels easier than making them upset.

Family and friends soak up our time, our mental focus, and concern. Do we really love God more—in concrete ways spending more time, money, and energy loving Him more than being with them? We must learn to ask, “What does Jesus want me to do?” rather than what does my family want? We can trust that through this our family and friends will be blessed.

I have a Laotian friend whose mother was so angry at him for becoming a Christian and a pastor that she tried to commit suicide. He found her and rushed her to the hospital. He stayed constantly at her side at the hospital. In witnessing his devotion to her she saw his true love for her and accepted his decision. Through this she came to know Jesus for herself and today is a faithful follower of Christ.

By God’s grace let us join His workers in Southeast Asia, choosing to be true disciples, loving Jesus more. Then the world will know there is no greater treasure.

PHOTO: (Inside) A national missionary remains faithful despite family conflict.

(Cover Saroeun's joy overflows at her baptism.

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects FEATURED PROJECT: TREASURE CHEST STORIES

n NEEDED: $2,000

W

e have just met with the ASAP-sponsored national missionaries in three countries of Southeast Asia. We are so excited to share some of their new stories with you. We have also thoroughly enjoyed sharing God’s word with them in the training programs.

We believe they were solidly encouraged to press forward, trusting God in their very challenging mission fields.

We need your help to print the picture books. They are beautifully illustrated.

The national missionaries and members will enjoy using them.

We want to provide two picture books and their corresponding lessons to each sponsored worker. The first is for their use. The second is for the first member they teach. This will send the message of multiplying disciples just as Jesus taught.

Our main training focus has used We need $2000 for the first One of the stories from the new picture book. two new sets of lessons called edition of the lessons. You can Disciples of Jesus and Cross of give $5 to provide two picture Christ in an overall series called Treasure Chest Stories. These books and two lesson books. That will take the wonderful were written by Pastor Scott Griswold. Each lesson is based story of Jesus far! Please pray that God will help the national on one Bible story that shows how Jesus loved and led the missionaries as they return to their villages and towns to share disciples. They are designed to help church members be the story of Jesus with mighty power! thoroughly converted and fully committed to Jesus. Then members can use them to disciple the next baptized members.

www.asapministries.org

Visit our website to see more special projects.

Notes from our ASAP Family Volunteers, Staff, National Missionaries, ASAP Ambassadors, Prayer Partners, Donors, Board Members and Gift Recipients

I am a student at Andrews University. Last summer I started looking for an internship.

I looked for a whole year without finding anything. It was challenging and I felt discouraged. I prayed and God kept me going.

It is funny how sometimes things move along very slowly until God is ready to make a way and then everything happens so quickly. In February I applied to ASAP Ministries and by May I was working in an internship with them. I was so grateful that my prayers had been answered!

Then I had to get familiar with the ASAP Ministries staff, their work schedule, their mode of operation, their target populations and regions, etc. Within the first two weeks of my internship I went from feeling grateful, to feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and just plain exhausted. I needed more prayer!

Fortunately, ASAP Ministries has united prayer twice a day. It seems somebody is always saying a prayer for me. They are just what I needed. Isn’t God amazing?

- Michelle Mbugua

Always Say A Prayer SAVING KONG VANG

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ne day in Laos a young boy named Kong Vang made a very important decision. He would follow Jesus even if everyone else in the village followed the spirits. His father was not happy at all. In fact, he was even more angry when Kong Vang’s younger brother determinedly joined him. He expelled them both from his clan and his home.

They had nowhere to go.

A pastor, who helps with the work in Laos, sent out appeals for help. Caring church members around the world sent up many prayers and gave money to help pay the hospital bill.

Kong Vang in the ICU.

A Seventh-day Adventist lay pastor took them in and raised them as his own. Later they moved to Vientiane and slept on mats on the floor at the church just so they could study in a good high school. After graduating and before Kong Vang was about to go to the Philippines to study for the ministry, a vicious brain infection called Japanese Encephalitis attacked him. He went completely unconscious and had to be admitted to ICU. It looked like Kong Vang would not make it. The treatment and care was terribly expensive at $100 a day—nothing by American standards—but way beyond what the friends and church members could do.

Kong Vang is now sitting up.

Now he can tell his legs to move forward and walk with some support and can now smile naturally. The doctors want to know why he is making such a speedy recovery. His pastor says, “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” made possible by a daily battle won by prayer.

Please pray for Kong Vang’s full recovery and the ability to study and serve God. Pray for his father, his village, and the country of Laos where millions live under the fear of spirits and without a knowledge of the loving, compassionate Healer.

Intercede for Asia

BY MARTIN KIM ASAP PRAYER AMBASSADOR

Mother Teresa said, “Give, but give until it hurts.” Have you ever given until it hurt? Is that what Jesus expects?

Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). Jesus gave until it hurt and His command is that we do the same.

Mark 10:17-22 tells a story about a man who decided that he didn’t want to give until it hurt. He left Christ. In Mark 12:41-44 is the story of the widow with two mites who Jesus commended for giving until it hurt.

Christ esteemed her gift more valuable than the large offerings of the most wealthy. They gave of their abundance. They would not feel the least privation because of their offerings. But the widow had deprived herself of even the necessaries of life to make her little offering. She could not see how her future wants were to be supplied. She had no husband to support her in want. She trusted God for the morrow. The value of the gift is not estimated so much by the amount that is given as by the proportion and by the motive which prompts the gift. When Christ shall come, whose reward is with Him, He will give every man according as his work shall be (White, 1948, 2T 666).

To give until it hurts requires faith in a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God. Let us pray that the Lord would help us all to exercise more faith and give sacrificially while we still have an opportunity to do so.

"Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession" (Psalm 2:8)

Advocates Spiritually & Assisting the Persecuted CHALLENGES ARE OPPORTUNITIES IN VIETNAM

n JUDY

AITKEN

I learned later that the police from his village had held a community meeting and voted to expel him from the village because of his evangelistic work. Tanen informed Pastor Isah Young and together we prayed for God to overturn this decision.

Within a month the police allowed Tanen to return home.

He pressed forward with a bold and loving witness. Once when Tanen visited another village a police officer named B-lu harassed him and when he went the second time B-lu fined him.

In spite of the treatment he received Tanen prayed a lot for B-lu.

By the third visit there was a drastic change as B-lu welcomed him and introduced him to various people in the village.

D

uring our training for the Vietnamese national missionaries in July I experienced an unforgettable moment. I spoke on the intimacy of communing with God in the secret place because of understanding how crucial it is to tap into God’s power through prayer, especially for these workers who endure interrogations, threats, fines, and other dangers.

Later, I returned to the room to find a young man playing guitar and singing the song I had taught him from earlier. “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 relayed to us that “it was the work of the Lord. Who could change his heart like that?” Now the policeman has even become a church member. Tanen believes Jesus used the word of God on DVDs and the testimonies of members who were interrogated.

Our lay worker has been witnessing for twelve years. I marvel at the many ways God has used him to bring life to new villages.

He has started work in thirteen different locations with 1,700 believers faithfully worshipping in Spirit and in truth. Last year he translated Pastor Isah Young’s DVDs on end-time events into the Halang, Jai Rai, E-dai and Da-na languages. Though he is gifted, I believe his success is due to his consistent connection with God in the secret place.

May you and I learn that God can do a special work in us as we linger daily in that secret place. Then we will do new and mighty things for Him in return.

It was Tanen, a 27-year-old lay pastor. He stopped playing the guitar and looked at me with tears in his eyes. In that look I could tell he intimately knew Jesus.

Emergency Medical Care Needed National missionaries occasionally need emergency medical care.

They do not have insurance. At ASAP we try our best to help when needed. For example, ASAP has been able to help a worker in Laos have eye surgery and provide blood transfusions for twins with Thalassemia in Myanmar (Burma).

Will you throw a lifeline for someone in an emergency?

You can contribute by giving to Gift #106.

www.as

apminis tries.or g

Reaching the World Next Door—A.S.A.P.!

MY LANGUAGE MY LIFE

n SCOTT

GRISWOLD

O

ne in five Americans speaks another language besides English fluently. One in ten told the US census that he or she cannot communicate well in English. How can we share the good news with them in their various languages?

One good way is encouraged in the book Christian Service on page 151. “Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction. Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. Sell what you can, and lend or give them away as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.”

Can we do this when we are surrounded by so many different languages? Start small. Look at your community to see which languages are spoken by quite a few people (learn more how to find them at ReachTheWorldNextDoor.com). Then buy something for those languages. For example, you might order a few Spanish and Chinese tracts from GLOW.org. Then keep them handy and watch for opportunities to make friends and share pieces of truth.

What should you do when you don’t have something in their language? I remember a young man, who said, “I just came back from witnessing. I met a lady who said, ‘No speak English. Vietnam!’ I didn’t know what to do!” He was obviously disappointed that he could not help her.

That motivated me to put together a new website. Now I carry in my pocket business cards like the one on this page.

Print or order this card to reach many of different languages!

This website is a portal to all the Seventh-day Adventist websites in various languages that we could find. Just click on the content and select the language. Then read Bible lessons, listen to AWR radio programs, or watch the Jesus movie. Now I share the cards wherever I can.

I handed a card to the Thai man I got acquainted with at a store in California, hoping he would read some Bible studies online. A half hour later I came across a Mien man in a strawberry patch. After chatting about Mien villages in Northern Thailand I gave him a card. I knew he would find at the website a fascinating video about Mien villagers, spirits, and Jesus.

Another time I boarded a plane from Chicago to Istanbul. A young Chinese lady sat down beside me. She told me she had studied engineering in the USA for three years. She was excited to be going home for summer break to stay with her family in China. We had a nice long talk about life in America and the differences between American and Chinese cultures. We spoke briefly about Christianity. A couple of her Chinese friends had become Christians. Before we went our separate ways, I handed her the card MyLanguageMyLife.com. I pray that her summer was filled with more than good food and good times.

Just recently a group of us were in a market in a Southeast Asian city where the government keeps tight control of evangelism. I suddenly felt impressed to leave my wife to her souvenir shopping and step out into an alley. Immediately a young man gave me a very friendly greeting in English. His name was Nani. I had no literature in his language. I was out of MyLanguageMyLife.com cards. I said, “I know a great website that has both English and materials in your language.” He pulled out his smart phone and typed in MyLanguageMyLife.com. I pray that Nani will come to know Jesus as his best friend and Savior.

So will you try it? I hope so! There are now people scattered all over North America from unreached people groups that have never had a chance to hear the gospel. You can meet Somalis, Afghanis, Maldivians and Mongolians! You can be a missionary right next door!

At ASAP Ministries we would be happy to send you some of these cards. Just call or write us! Or you can have them printed yourself with you or your church’s contact information on the back (find it under “Share Multi-Language Resources” at ReachTheWorldNextDoor. com). Remember, if you run out, you can even write the web address on a napkin!

Your Gifts at Work There is no better gift one can give than the Word of God. Thank you, ASAP family, for generously giving Bibles, My Bible First lessons, and megavoice players to seekers in Southeast Asia! This young boy, Nu Lis, from a mountainous village in Laos, is not yet a baptized Seventh-day Adventist, but he treks over a dusty mountain path each Sabbath to get to church so he can read the Word of God and sing songs about Jesus.

God’s Word is transforming his life and we undoubtedly believe that it will not be long before he is ready to be baptized and to begin the exciting journey of becoming a disciple of Christ.

In Loving Memory & Honor

Over the past several years, we have been very interested in producing Christian media.

We have enjoyed cinematography and photography immensely, and have produced a DVD showcasing the beauties of God's creation.

When Pastor Griswold asked us to work with him to produce the weekly podcast, we were excited about the new challenge. As we embarked on the project, we have had many learning curves along the way, but through it all, we have been richly blessed by producing the weekly podcast for ASAP. We are happy to have a small part in spreading the gospel and hastening the soon return of Jesus.

Visit www.asapministries.org for more exciting details!

ANDREW & DANIEL HOSFORD KIDS WITH A MISSION!

IN MEMORY OF: ANNABELLE MISTY SKELLENGER by Hannah M. Skellenger • BOB WARD by Evelyn P. Ward • DICK E. DALE, MY HUSBAND

by Glenda Dale • DR. & MRS. FORREST L. FULLER by Robert & Sue Fuller • E. JENICKE & J. KRAVIG by Sandy Monette • EDNA HARRIS by James & Carolyn McHan • ELDER RONALD R. NEALL by Judy Aitken • HAZEL ALKIRE, RON SQUIER, & JERRY AITKEN by Carol Squier • IVAN HAMMOND, MY HUSBAND by Alice Hammond • KEN ORDELHEIDE by James C. & Judith A. Culpepper • MARIAYYEE by Judy Aitken • MARIE PRUSIA by Carol Squier & Stan Smith • PAUL W. ESSIG by Karen Bowen • PEARL MARTIN & CAROL DUNN by Rae Anna Brown • ROBERTA SYFERT by James & Carolyn McHan • RON & JOAN NEALL, CAROL'S PARENTS by Byron & Carol Reynolds • RONALD R. NEALL by Robert & Christine Neall • VIC & ISABEL SAUNDERS by Raewyn P. Diggerman • WILLIAM BARLOW, MY HUSBAND by Violet Barlow IN HONOR & THANKFULNESS OF: GOD, JESUS & THE HOLY SPIRIT by Phyllis Geiman • ANGELA BECKERS by Samuel D. Godfrey • BYRON & CAROL REYNOLDS

by Johanna Rita Vital • DON & ELLEN'S 38TH ANNIVERSARY, ESTHER ZIMMERMAN'S 88TH BIRTHDAY by Donald & Ellen M. Amador • ERIC ALLEN'S BIRTHDAY by Norman & Donna Sharp • GRACIE LEE DEPEW by Hubert & Louise Harden • ISAAC MAATTANEN by Veli - Pekka & Sarah Maattanen • JOE & RUTHIE REEVES' WEDDING by A.J. & Julia O'Carey, Bud & Nola Beaty, Burton A. & Vicki E. Hall, Emily A. Jorge, Gary P. Richardson, Jay & Panyia Lo, Jeanette Yeboah-Amoako, Jennifer Dietrich, Joseph & Susan M. Gibbs, Judy Aitken, Leona E. Johnson, Nick & Mary Ratcliff, Phil & Sherry Mills, Richard Lane, Star D. Stevens, Wayne & Sherri Labins • JUDY AITKEN, ASAP FOUNDER & FORMER DIRECTOR by Taingseng Bin • JULIA, JUDY & THE ASAP STAFF & FAMILIES by Carol Squier • NAW MOLLY MYAING'S 80TH BIRTHDAY by Alfred & Julia Dun, Benjamin & Carol Schoun, C. John & Esther E. Gorde, Chakarat & Kanchana Sukachevin, Daphne Thor, David R. & Jenet J. Scearce, Dr. Gilda Hwang & John Terlesky, Edward A. & Tlangchangliani Poey, Eugene & Alice Hsu, Gloria Laura, Harold S. & H. E. Johnson, Hayne & Yvonie Tait, James & Sonia Zackrison, John H. & Esther M. Schmidt, Kathleen A. & George E. Meyers, Kay Ashby, Kermit & Ronnalee Netteburg, Kyaw & Natash Shinn, Margaret Jean Harris, Melanie Harris, Melvin L. & Janet M. Hass, Neelambram & Elizabeth Tenali, Pamela J. Johnson, Pastor Rualchhina, Rhea Cooper, Rosita Hao Dee, Ruth Chit Hla • SANSANEE BOONTAVEEKUL • PEARSON & PEARL VAN METER, MY PARENTS by Betty Hunsaker • SABBATH KEEPERS by Aphzal & Vashti Mohammed • SCOTT GRISWOLD by Donald M. & Norma L. Winger

Meet Moe Thu* SERIOUS FAMILY TROUBLES Moe grew up in a Baptist family. When she decided to become a Seventh-day Adventist her father became very angry. He kicked her out of the house when he found out that she had shared the truth with her younger sister and her sister decided to be baptized too. Moe had to go live with an older sister. Her father’s extreme anger caused him to destroy all her belongings that were still in the house. Moe’s mother was so stressed that she got high blood pressure and was almost paralyzed. What should Moe do? She held fast to Jesus and taught her younger brothers when they visited her. When one of them was baptized, he was also kicked out of the house. Moe faithfully prayed for her father.

When an older brother passed away, Moe braved her father’s anger and returned home.

The Holy Spirit was softening his heart. He actually came to believe that he was wrong and his children were right. To her utter surprise, he even asked her to help him study the Bible! Imagine what would have been the outcome if she had caved in under the pressure.

POSITION Medical Missionary LOCATION Myanmar PRAYER REQUEST The conversion of Moe's father

JOIN THE ACTION Moe teaches people in Myanmar to live a healthy lifestyle by explaining and using natural ways of healing, prayer and God’s Word. In addition to health training, she is also planting a church in a rural village. Once a month, she holds an evangelism seminar at her church. You can support Moe so she can continue this healing ministry to the unreached and her family by giving $120 a month to sponsor her, or another medical missionary in Myanmar. You can donate monthly, or make a one-time gift of $1,440 for the whole year.

PRAYER REQUESTS Please pray for Moe’s father. He has now accepted her and her siblings, but her heart’s desire is for him to accept the truth for himself too.

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.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey EDITOR/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Scott Griswold COPY EDITOR Linda Bauer, Wayne Labins DESIGN/LAYOUT Hannah Smoot 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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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.

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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