4th Quarter 2015 Newsletter

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Disciples Give Extravagantly

Watch a mustard see grow among refugees in Ohio Special update on Stephen and Rotha’s vocational training in Cambodia Hear about a secret training God protected Retirees with a mission

BY SCOTT GRISWOLD

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fashion designer who is also a youth evangelist in Vietnam found out about our secret gospel worker training two days before it was happening. She felt strongly impressed that she must attend this three-week intensive training that Pastor Isah Young leads. After prayer she decided to ask for vacation. It was denied. Still convinced God was leading, she decided to submit a request for termination of employment, despite the financial consequences.

She is a good worker and her boss called her into his office. He asked why she needs three weeks of time off so suddenly. She said it was for personal reasons. He pressed her. Hesitantly she admitted it was for a Bible worker training. He wanted to know which organization and what teacher. Should she share? It was better that he was from America, but would it put her in danger.

She felt led to tell him it was Pastor Isah with Peace and Happiness.

To her surprise, her boss had been listening regularly to Pastor Isah on TV. He let her attend and keep her job. Her story clearly illustrates the real conflict that often arises between the call of God and financial needs and temptations.

One of Jesus’ most radical statements about being His disciple is found in Luke 14:33.

He said, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Does Jesus really require His followers to live without possessions and money? We must know what Jesus really meant.

Our first response is to explain it away, to soften it. We should rather ask, “How did the people around Him understand His saying? The rich young ruler took Jesus literally and decided the cost of following Him was too great (Mark 10:17–22). On the other hand, Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You” (Mark 10:28). After Pentecost, the people of the early church “all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold” (Acts 4:34). These are the clearest explanations of what Jesus meant and we dare not take them lightly.

Our minds can hardly help questioning, “But Jesus doesn’t expect all of us to do that and certainly not with everything we have. He is just calling us just to be generous, right?” Jesus specifically used the strong word forsake that means to say goodbye, renounce, and abandon. He deliberately placed the word all so there would be no question.

What was Jesus so concerned about that He would treat possessions as a cancer to be cut off? Jesus knew that the desire in us for wealth and possessions is so powerful that “a greedy person is an idolater” (Colossians 3:5 NLT). Greed is never satisfied, never thankfully content, because there is always something missing. Greed cannot passionately love

FOURTH QUARTER 2015

Advocates for Southeast Asians and the Persecuted

Thoughts From: JULIA O'CAREY ASAP DIRECTOR

When we think of the focus of this newsletter, “Disciples Give Extravagantly,” who and what comes to mind? I think of the donor I talked to the other day who couldn’t wait to tell me, “Julia, I’m going to get a royalty check for the book I published at the end of the month and 100% will go to ASAP Ministries.”

I think of the missionary couple in Cambodia who has given their whole lives in service to God. They daily make great sacrifices in order to help their neighbors know Christ. They are giving every last Cambodian riel so their children can receive a Christian education. They do not even have enough to eat at times, but they never complain.

I think of Pastor Sam in Indianapolis and others like him who work day and night to relieve the burdens carried by their refugee friends. These acts of love show them Jesus in a tangible way and draw their hearts to their Savior.

I think of Missionary Paul who knows that any moment his life could end because of the secret missionary work he leads in a restricted country.

Each one of the disciples mentioned above share a commonality: they know how to tap into the unlimited abundance of God’s resources. By consistently accessing God’s bountiful love, they have more than enough to give. They must have learned this from Jesus, who stands as the best example of an extravagant Giver in how He gave of His whole life at the cross. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

In light of His amazing gift, may we find great joy in giving of our time, our means, our love, and our lives.

and follow Jesus because its mind is absorbed; its heart is captured. So Jesus said we must forsake this love of money if we are to be wed to Him. Jesus offered instead an intimate partnership with Him in active compassion to the poor. He calls us to a life of joyful simplicity, in which we are free from worry about food and clothing because we know we have a rich heavenly Father (Matthew 6:24–34).

Our practical minds quickly say, “We can’t all be traveling evangelists supported by others. Someone has to work. Isn’t Jesus’ point that we should have our hearts in the right place?” Perhaps. Jesus’ statement in the same passage (Luke 14:26) about hating family is properly balanced by the commandments to honor parents, to be faithful to spouses, and to train children lovingly. We must search the rest of scripture for a full picture of a Christian’s relationship with money and possessions (see 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19 for instance).

However, at the very minimum, Jesus’ radical statement means completely abandoning your heart’s attachment to money and possessions! That is still very radical. Just what would it look like in our lives?

It helps me to see what it means by looking at followers of Jesus in Asia. For teachers in Myanmar, dedicated to helping their students stay in school and off of drugs, it means trying to survive on $40 a month instead of crossing the border into Thailand to make $120 a month in a factory. For national missionaries in Cambodia, it means giving away half of your last gunnysack of rice to your 25 church members because the rains have not fallen yet. For the seamstress in Laos, it means placing two of the twenty dollars she earned in two weeks into the offering plate as her tithe, trusting God to help her feed five children. For the Vietnamese fashion designer, it means being ready to say good-bye to a nice-paying job to serve Jesus.

How will it look in our lives? Each one must apply this radical knife to the cancer of our materialistic society. Am I so attached to the latest gadgets that I have to get the newest model when my present one works sufficiently well? Do I justify expensive toys for family recreation and neglect the joy of serving together? Does my desire for future security tie up money that could save the lives of those who just lost everything in a flood and have no rice for replanting, let alone any type of savings account?

How much can I justify spending on myself? Is that even really the question a disciple of Jesus should be asking?

Should we not instead be asking, “How can I joyfully abandon as much as possible of my possessions into the hands of the poor and unreached?” After all, if Jesus, the disciple’s Master, thought our salvation was valuable enough for Him to give up heaven, comfort, and even His existence, should not we too?

Missionaries often sacrifice in order to give to their neighbors in need.

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects PROJECT FOCUS: VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

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hat can we do that would keep these Vietnamese students in school?” Stephen Erich wondered. He knew that many of the families were very poor and even struggled to let their boys and girls attend the ASAPsponsored school instead of working at home.

“I can teach them powder coating,” suggested Rotha, Stephen’s friend and adopted son of the Griswold family.

Rotha has been working with a type of painting that blasts and bakes colored powder onto any metal surface, creating a longer-lasting, more durable finish than wet paint.

“We could have a month-long training program during their school break!” Stephen was excited now. “And we’ll include lessons on how to live your faith.”

“I’m sure my mother-in-law would be happy to cook for them. My wife can help too! We could even build bunk beds and house a few of them in our spare bedroom.” Rotha could picture it. He had been dreaming of this for years.

Soon eight Vietnamese boys were packed into that room and into a very tight schedule, rising at five in the morning for

personal devotions, exercise, and group worship. They worked hard to learn how to powder coat. They were engaged in the Bible lessons. Other missionaries came by to teach them how to develop a strong relationship with Jesus through Bible study.

On the weekends Stephen, Rotha and the students went on excursions. One Sabbath they visited the Caleb School run

by Koreans as a training center for young gospel workers.

On another weekend they put on the worship service for a nearby church.

The training ended with a serious testing of their skills. They all passed. The busy month was over and everybody was exhausted and happy. A few family members and friends attended a small celebration in which the students were given certificates.

Stephen, Rotha and family took a break, then went back to dreaming and planning. The next step? Develop business opportunities so the graduates and their families could earn enough money with their new skills to keep the students in school, learning to love and serve Jesus.

Notes from our ASAP Family Volunteers, Staff, National Missionaries, ASAP Ambassadors, Prayer Partners, Donors, Board Members and Gift Recipients Back in January, Pastor Scott Griswold invited many Canadians to Reach the World Next Door in hugely diverse Toronto. He asked them to share their stories. Eight months later this email came: “Sorry to take so long to reply as we were encouraged to pray for five neighbors, I was constantly doing that and thanks be to God—one took her stand for the Lord through baptism on August the 30th” Berneta This note just arrived from a lady who had a baby die and was troubled by spirits but now has freedom: “Hi. I wrote 4 months back about the evil spirit that was tormenting me and indeed by the article and prayers I have received from ASAP Ministries prove that nothing is impossible with God. Last week, Tuesday, I went to labor and delivered a healthy baby girl. I thank God and the team of ASAP ministries.” Magadze, South Africa

Advocates Supporting & Assisting the Persecuted n BY

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SCOTT GRISWOLD

pproximately 100 million people are being persecuted for their faith in 60 countries. In many places a person’s life may not be at stake, but he or she faces significant intimidation and harassment. Thanh’s life in Vietnam is like that.

Was it the prayers of his family and members around the world that made it easier this time? The apostle Paul frequently asked people to pray for his release or his ability to speak the gospel effectively even in chains.

Thanh is surrounded by his orchard where he grows coconuts, oranges, and jackfruit. His wife and two children help him plant, water, and harvest so he can head out daily to one of the five house churches that he helped start and now oversees. He tries to visit each group twice in a week. There are members to encourage and new interests to teach.

You too can make a difference for people like Thanh through your prayers and financial support. Visit our new website at asapministries.org to learn more under Explore/The Persecuted. You will find some excellent promises to help you pray under the section Take Action/Pray/Prayers for the Persecuted. May God also make us brave when we find it difficult to witness.

Thanh said that persecution in Vietnam is less than it used to be. However, just recently, while he and another pastor were handing out sermon DVDs, the police took them to their station where 20 police officers surrounded them.

These workers for God refused to sign the citation stating he would no longer distribute sermon DVDs. They forced him to write a confession, but he wrote the words at the top: FORCED CONFESSION. Thanh insisted that the DVDs helped people be better citizens and live in peace.

“May we please pray, right here and now?” he asked.

“Such silliness is for outside this building,” they retorted.

Then to Thanh’s surprise, they suddenly agreed and went outside. When they came back they started yelling at him again. God gave him the words and the spirit that made the police calm down. Soon they released them without charging them a fine.

ASAP Ministries is excited to announce our new website!

Fresh Look, Easy ways to donate Many special stories!

Share the joy of partnering with us through new social media links.

Our website is our best place to share what ASAP Ministries is about and to partner with you. That is why we have worked hard to improve and update it. We are sure you will like it, but please let us know your suggestions. Pass on the news. There is a world to love and reach!

www.asapministries.org

Always Say A Prayer SUDDEN SILENCE IN A SECRET TRAINING “Everyone stop singing!” Pastor Isah Young stated. Hands immediately ceased clapping and voices hushed. You could have heard a pin drop. All eyes remained on Pastor Isah. Calmly and quietly he said, “Return to your rooms, two by two.” He motioned for a small group to stay back to pray. Everyone quietly responded. They knew not to question.

Two hours later, Pastor Isah received a knock on his door. The hotel owner came in and shut the door behind him. “There were ten police officers here. They asked me lots of questions about your group. It’s a good thing you were all so quiet when they were on the premises. Do not worry. They were satisfied with what I told them. I do not think they will be back.”

How did Pastor Isah know to quiet the group at just the right time? He received a clear impression from the Holy Spirit. We know how risky it is to train the workers from communist countries. We also are committed to bathing these trainings in prayer, knowing that our prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God is true to His word when He says, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) Each successful, safe training has been a testimony for His glory.

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JULIA O’CAREY

In another country... our church has a good relationship with the government. However, a new chief in a village suddenly banned our church members from worshipping. He heard from villagers and the traditional healer in particular that the many sicknesses in the village were because of the Christians. In answer to prayers and the polite visits of the mission leadership, permission to worship has been returned! Thank you for your prayers.

Intercede for Asia

BY MARTIN KIM ASAP PRAYER AMBASSADOR

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his is the special work now before us. All our praying and abstinence from food will avail nothing unless we resolutely lay hold of this work” (Welfare Ministry 30). We must pray and fast, but we must do more than pray and fast if we want to see the power of God that will enable us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

We must resolutely lay hold of the work represented in the 58th chapter of Isaiah.

The Lord opened my eyes and helped me to see the importance of this work during a recent visit to leper colonies in Asia where I saw a team of compassionate volunteers who were ministering to abandoned lepers, and satisfying their deep hunger for love.

I was surprised to discover how much the pen of inspiration had to say about Isaiah 58. Here is just one of the more than 150 statements written by Ellen White. “I cannot too strongly urge all our church members, all who are true missionaries, all who believe the third angel's message, all who turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to consider the message of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The work of beneficence enjoined in this chapter is the work that God requires His people to do at this time. It is a work of His own appointment.” (Testimonies, Volume 6, 265) Our prayer is that you would join us in praying and fasting, and in doing the work of God’s own appointment in these last days of earth’s history.

We love telling these stories.

We’re sure you love reading them.

We also love saving God’s money by not sending the printed newsletter to those who would rather read it electronically.

To unsubscribe from this print version and only receive the e-Newsletter, send us a note right now to:

office@asapministries.org or call 269-471-3026

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

A MUSTARD SEED GROWS IN OHIO

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esus compared His kingdom to a mustard seed that grows from tiny beginnings to a place of refuge (Matthew 13:3132). Do you long to do something great for God but feel limited? May Heidi Starling’s story inspire you.

Heidi grew up in Japan and Guam with her missionary parents Bruce and Linda Bauer. The missionary spirit implanted in her helped her take notice of the two Karen young ladies sitting quietly, attending the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Akron, Ohio. Heidi befriended Hsathablay and Pree Pree.

They had come from the refugee camps between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). They were working at a non-profit resettlement agency. Heidi realized a whole community of refugees had moved to Akron just waiting for the church to take action.

Shortly, Heidi and others organized a New Year’s party just for the Karen. The church members brought clothing and household items to give to the refugees to help them get started in their new life. The church was brimming with refugees and immigrants thoroughly enjoying the fellowship.

Heidi, her husband Eric, and their son Luke began to visit the homes of refugees. They saw the elderly were discouraged with trying to learn English. They found church members who helped teach English and built relationships with the Karen. Young Luke jumped in to make friends with the many children. Soon Heidi was involved in giving Bible studies while Luke shared with the children some Bible stories and crafts.

The pastor of the church, Jerry Chase, was thrilled to see what was happening. He was quick to discern that this was part of God’s strategy to finish the work by sending people from all over the world to America where they can more easily hear the gospel and share it back to their own countries.

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second grade, but those had been in a Seventh-day Adventist school in the refugee camps.

Seeds of truth were planted then.

Now in America, with three children, she wanted the same kind of education for them.

Hsathablay and Pree Pree connected her to their church school principal who helped her access the government funding which pays for private education where the public school is deficient.

They love school and the Pathfinder program too.

For ten months, Heidi, Hsathablay, Pree Pree studied the Bible with Htee Ku Paw in her home. Heidi said, “It was like there was a revolving door with people coming in and out the entire time.”

Htee Ku Paw wanted to be baptized. She planned for June but rough family times hit. Through the encouragement of her friends, she got back on her feet. On August 29, Htee Ku Paw entered the baptismal tank to give her life entirely to Jesus.

Pastor Jerry Chase was thrilled. “This is what pastors live for,” he said.

Heidi is so excited. “This is what can happen if church members will just look around and see who is visiting their church.

Refugees and immigrants will likely be shy and not say, ‘There is a whole group of us out here to be reached.’ But if we will befriend them we will find many opportunities to be missionaries.”

The community service room so overflowed with donated goods that they decided to take everything and lay it out on the sidewalks where many refugees and immigrants live. It was a giant sale where everything was for free.

Heidi went on to add, “There is also a growing group of Bhutanese refugees in our city. I hope they can be next, but for now there is much more to do with our growing Karen group.” That definitely sounds like a mustard seed growing into a tree!

Another zchurch member, Mark Sarokas, got involved with the Karen people, becoming like a father to Hsathablay when her father passed away. Mark and Heidi began teaching a Sabbath School class translated into the Karen language.

To hear Heidi and Luke’s interview visit the Reach the World—ASAP podcast at asapministries.org

Two small groups gathered at the Akron First SDA Church for the cross-cultural mission training program called Reach the World Next Door that ASAP Ministries created in partnership with the NAD.

A Buddhist Karen lady named Htee Ku Paw saw all this kindness.

In her whole life she had only been able to attend first and

SCOTT GRISWOLD

Your Gifts at Work Current Greatest Need—Sponsorship of National Missionaries Great Auntie Sokoeun was baptized, but later got discouraged and left the church.

An ASAP-sponsored medical missionary we will call Vanny visited her many times, encouraging her to come back. Every time Sokoeun said, “No!” Sokoeun even started going back to the Buddhist pagoda to join some ceremonies. One day when Vanny stopped by, she saw Sokoeun lying on the mat, really sick. They talked and then Vanny prayed.

For the next three months, Sokoeun lay there eating only a little rice porridge.

Determinedly Vanny kept coming back and helped her eat. She even went to the doctor and found out what to do for Sokoeun’s malaria. She used some money from ASAP to buy the medicine and some nutritious fruit. Great Auntie Sokoeun is now up and walking, healthy and strong. And where does she walk on Sabbath? Right back to church! Praise the Lord for all the medical missionaries who show God’s love and for the people who sacrifice to sponsor them.

Sponsorship of national missionaries is one of ASAP’s greatest needs and opportunities at this time. You can personally select an individual at our new website that you would like to support with finances and prayers.

In Loving Memory & Honor Dr. Shirley Freed has a passion to make a difference in the lives of women and children. Upon her retirement, she readily accepted ASAP’s invitation to help train Cambodian literacy teachers on a mission trip to Southeast Asia. Since then she has become an ASAP Ministries board member. She is also using her skills to help develop a curriculum to keep children safe from abuse and trafficking. No doubt this fun-loving lady will not neglect her three grandsons during retirement, but they also are likely to catch her vision, because she’s involved in changing the world!

IN MEMORY OF: PAUL ESSIG by Karen Bowen • JANE SMITH MOTHER by David and Dianne Bremmer • ALLYCE MIYAGI by James and Judith Culpepper • BUDDY ANN PRETORIUS by Antonie De Bruin • IVAN HAMMOND HUSBAND by Alice Hammond • JAMES MCHAN MD

by Betty Hunsaker • EDWARD AND GRACE KOEPPEN by Edward S and Rebecca Koeppen • JACK PENNER by Laurie Meservia • E JENICKE AND J KRAVIG by Sandy Monette • PASTOR BILL AMBLER by Marlene Ringer • DORSETT FEYEN by Lenore and Dell Wagner • BERNICE TOPAKYAN by Douglas and Melody Wheeler • RONALD NEALL by Ralph and Beatrice Neall

IN HONOR & THANKFULNESS OF:

You can watch this week’s Reach the World—ASAP video podcast at www.asapministries.org RETIREES WITH A MISSION

ELLEN AMADOR 60TH BIRTHDAY AND 39TH ANNIVERSARY; J GENE ZIMMERMAN FATHER by Donald and Ellen Amador • ALL THE MISSIONARIES by Phyllis Geiman • WAYNE CHERRIER 90TH BIRTHDAY by Doris Wareham • TRUDIE LOO AND ZACH LEE by Catherine Wong • GOD by Recarder Luciana Chaudry Rosa Miller Ryan Patty and Christopher • MY CHILDREN by Recarder Luciana Chaudry • JACK GRISWOLD by Shelley and Geoff Hayton • CAROL BRADFIELD by Jerome and Marilyn Justesen • ISABEL NEWBOLD by Gayle Osborne • THE WASHINGTON PENNSYLVANIA SDA CHURCH MEMBERS MR. AND MRS. BRYAN CALE by Kenneth and Marilyn Owen

Meet Van La Na* EXPLOSION OF INTEREST Just four years ago Van La Na learned about Jesus’ soon return and the importance of honoring the Creator God through keeping the Sabbath holy. For the last year he has eagerly been sharing these truths from village to village. By March of 2015 he helped 11 individuals be baptized. By May he had 27 more studying the Bible and then by August he had another 11 families studying in a completely different area.

CHALLENGE OF TRIBAL ILLITERACY In one area Van La Na must teach with great creativity and simplicity. The H’Roi tribe do not have any Bibles or publications in their own language. Few can read and write Vietnamese.

He uses Bible stories and simple analogies to make his points. One man became very interested and pleaded with God to help him read. He felt like God touched his tongue and now he is praising God through hymns and reading his Bible! He is eager to make up for lost time in telling others of his tribe about God.

POSITION Church Planter LOCATION Vietnam

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 Melissa Ish 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

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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.

PRAYERS FOR COURAGE AND WISDOM Since his groups are not registered with the government, Van La Na is sometimes harassed by the police. He believes registration would restrict his freedom to do evangelism. Some who are studying the Bible with him are fearful. Pray for the word of God to run freely and for each person to have courage to follow the truth.

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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