2021 2nd Quarter Newsletter by ASAP Ministries

NEWS FROM ASAP MINISTRIES—ADVOCATES FOR SOUTHEAST ASIANS AND THE PERSECUTED

SECOND QUARTER 2021

REACH THE

WORLD

ASAP

A Very Big Church Family

A Very Big Church Family BY PR. SCOTT GRISWOLD

hen Lynetta joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church last January, I don’t think she realized how big her new family was. As a child, she fled the Cambodian genocide, just barely

avoiding soldiers and landmines.

Coming to America, she discovered Jesus’ love while pushing through the difficulties of raising five children mostly on her own. She was struggling to keep her water spinach business going when Lucio and Anna, volunteers with Reach the World Next Door, met her in Rosharon, Texas.

G Left to right: Members of the Conroe Seventh-day Adventist Church pulled together to help the Rosharon church plant; Lynetta smiles as doors are installed on the new bathrooms.

Lynetta’s challenging life became richly blessed as she learned and followed new truths that Lucio and Anna taught her. Her health radically transformed as she followed the health principles. Her finances improved as she enjoyed the Sabbath rest. She became excited about the soon coming of Jesus. Lynetta opened up her home for others to join a small group Bible study. In time, she and Phaly, a Laotian neighbor, were preparing for baptism. Soon we realized that the nearest English-speaking churches were a bit too far away, and the English probably too

complicated, to effectively impact this community. Instead, we wanted to start worshipping together on Sabbaths in Rosharon. But where could we meet? Lynetta’s house was a mess because of Hurricane Harvey. Three years after the flood, an organization was about to level it and build her a new home. She built a large workshop and had planned to move everything into it while they builtE her house. Instead, she offered the workshop for our little church group to use. It worked perfectly. Every Sabbath the group came together and a message was preached in either English or Spanish, with translation into other languages, including Laotian. Those who came shared their praises and prayer requests. Lynetta was realizing that she had a family—a church family. Sometimes they even helped fix her greenhouse.

However, the little church had a small problem—there was no bathroom readily available. One visiting Cambodian Buddhist said after Sabbath school, “I have to go to the bathroom.” I whispered, “Sorry, we don’t have one yet.” He whispered back, “I guess I’ll need to go home.” That’s when I knew we really needed to do something to find some sort of a solution to keep our visitors there. My wife, Julie, and I live two hours away, and our church membership is at the Conroe Seventh-day Adventist Church. One day Julie was sharing about this situation with a friend named Maria. Maria became really excited. “We have to build them a bathroom!” she exclaimed. “Let’s plan a fundraiser, a whole weekend event!” Did Lynetta know her new church family also lived in Conroe and were now interested in her? She was about to find out. Soon Maria gathered a group of friends from the church and they began to plan menus, a special seminar, and advertisements for a weekend they would call “Growing Families Stronger through Crisis.” Many families signed up, paying for cabins, tent spaces, and meals. The group was concerned that this event might not raise enough funds, so they added plans for an International Food Fair on the Sunday of that same weekend. Friends from other churches promised to make food from Africa, China, Laos, Mexico, and Vietnam. Just how big was Lynetta’s new church family? The weekend was a success, with over $6,000 raised. Now we just needed qualified people to build the bathroom—at no expense! Two new families showed up to worship at the Rosharon church plant. They were contractors. Quickly, lay-leader Jose Rivera got them involved. They laid plans and prepared the plumbing and had the concrete poured. God knew exactly what He was doing. Meanwhile Pastor Saeng Saengthip and Pastor Ko Saelee arrived from Michigan. They had been wanting

to come on a mission trip to help Rosharon for a long time. This was the perfect opportunity. These trained pastors are originally from Laos and Thailand. They have often made their own living through various businesses, including construction, so they knew just what to do. As Lynetta watched them dig in to help, she began to truly understand that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a worldwide fellowship committed to helping its brothers and sisters.

E Left to right: A weekend seminar and international food fair raised more than $6,000 for the building project; the Griswolds and Pr. Saengthip enjoy Sabbath afternoon fellowship with Phaly and his family.

Phaly and his wife, Kak, soaked up the Christian love, too. The pastors stayed at their home, eating, working, and worshipping with them in their common Laotian language. It had a huge impact on this family, since their faith is young and they have had little opportunity to know other Laotian members. With the help of many volunteers, the walls and roof went up quickly. Pastor Ko stayed an extra six days to help with electricity and plumbing. Lynetta could feel the blessings overflowing. She invited her Cambodian friend, Huang, to join them for the evening Bible study to share the joy. It’s pretty clear to Lynetta that her huge new family is not just for her; it is a family created by her Heavenly Father that is big enough to receive anyone who will come. And now there is a bathroom so that any visitor can stay from Sabbath school through church and all afternoon if they want. When we came to Houston, Texas, four years ago, we had no plans to minister to the Rosharon Cambodian/ Laotian community; it was too far away. Nevertheless, they were on God’s heart, and He opened the doors. He moved on the hearts of many people to reach out and care. He knew they needed to be part of His family. Where is He moving today that is near, or far, from you? How does He want to use you, His child, to reach out to someone who will one day also call God his or her Father? Be prayerful. Be watchful. Be ready, because soon Jesus will return. And Heaven will be much more fun with a very big family!

A Very Big Church Family BY PR. SCOTT GRISWOLD

hen Lynetta joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church last January, I don’t think she realized how big her new family was. As a child, she fled the Cambodian genocide, just barely

avoiding soldiers and landmines.

G Left to right: Members of the Conroe Seventh-day Adventist Church pulled together to help the Rosharon church plant; Lynetta smiles as doors are installed on the new bathrooms.

Farewell to Playdell

BY LAURA HOKANSON

OP! Pop, pop, pop! The sound of gunfire rang through the peaceful demonstration in

Yangon, Myanmar, as police opened fire on the unarmed crowd.

During the ensuing chaos, a Seventh-day Adventist church member was shot. A friend was trying to stop the bleeding when police arrested the wounded man and dragged him away. Sadly these incidents are increasingly common in this region. People who have been unjustly arrested are killed in many instances rather than being released. Knowing of his injuries and arrest, his family held a memorial service and grieved his passing. But back in the United States, a different battle was raging. Pastor Sam Ngala oversees the church planting efforts amongst Burmese and other ethnic groups from Myanmar in North America. His primary focus is to train and equip church members to reach their refugee and immigrant communities. Together with like-minded friends, he has organized a task force team called “Friends of Refugees” whose purpose is to plan evangelistic outreach to refugees in North America by addressing their physical and practical needs. He actively pastors two Burmese congregations, one in Indianapolis and the other in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During the COVID-19 quarantine, his ministry focused its efforts on media evangelism. His wife, Eh Paw, and his friends led in producing many sermon series broadcast online. Non-Adventist Christians heard the programs and began asking their pastors, “Will you please invite Pastor Ngala and Eh Paw to speak at our church?” These requests have resulted in invitations for Pastor Ngala to share the three angels’ messages with these congregations. Pastor Ngala and his wife host two small Bible study groups in their home each week. These studies nurtured five souls to baptism last year, with more candidates studying for their upcoming 4

baptism this summer. Pastor Ngala credits these baptisms to countless hours he and his wife have spent in prayer over these families. In fact, prayer is a central focus of his ministry. He has established a prayer initiative in his churches, which includes setting aside one Sabbath per month for fasting and prayer. It was just such prayer, battling “against spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Eph. 6:12), that rescued their brother back in Yangon. Upon hearing of the shooting incident, Pastor Sam’s congregations and believers around the world began fasting and praying, especially during the Pray for Myanmar prayer sessions.* Even after the memorial service was held by the family, Pastor Sam’s church members here in America kept praying for the release of their brother in Myanmar. Several weeks later, the police released a number of detainees. One of them was this prayed-for brother. Not only was he released, but his wound had healed while he was in prison. Your gifts to ASAP’s Greatest Needs fund help provide salaries for leaders like Pastor Sam Ngala. Their work is changing the lives of people around the world now and for eternity. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry. Prayer matters! *A nightly intercessory prayer meeting for the people and country of Myanmar that took place every evening via Zoom. It started the same evening that the military seized control of Myanmar’s government.

BY VICKI WILEY

ow does a woman from the Bahamas end up working in Michigan at ASAP Ministries? It all starts with an international romance and volunteering.

Playdell Reid was born in Barbados, but grew up in the Bahamas. While attending college in Jamaica, she met and dated Garford Reid for two years. Unfortunately, Garford moved to Andrews University to study for a master’s degree, while Playdell transferred to Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) to obtain her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Garford got married, and he and Playdell lost touch with each other for many years. After Playdell graduated from Oakwood, she worked in banking in the Bahamas for 10 years. Later, she moved to London, England, to work for the Bahamian government.

her strength, and she eventually became accustomed to talking with donors. Because she had never done public speaking, it was also very hard for her to give worship talks, even though ASAP had only five employees at the time. But this is the thing she feels she learned most at ASAP: confidence in public speaking.

In 2005, Playdell came to the U.S. to attend the General Conference session. From a mutual friend, Playdell learned that Garford’s wife had passed away in 2003. Through that same friend, Garford and Playdell eventually reconnected. He visited Playdell in London; in time, Playdell came to Berrien Springs, and they were married in November of 2008.

After serving as the Data Entry Manager at ASAP Ministries for almost 10 years, Playdell retired in March 2021. When asked about her plans for retirement, she said she doesn’t make plans as such; instead, she waits for the Lord to open or close doors to show her what to do. She and Garford are considering a move to Florida to be closer to his family.

One day, Playdell saw a program about ASAP on 3ABN. She wanted to support the work of ASAP, so in December 2011 she took a donation to the ASAP office. Playdell learned of the need for volunteers, and since she wasn’t working at the time, she began volunteering, helping with donations and mailing the ASAP newsletter. In September 2012, Judy Aitken asked Playdell to start officially working for ASAP, helping with the bookkeeping. At first, Playdell said she didn’t want to answer the phone, because she’s shy; her previous work had not required talking to customers. But the Lord gave

Playdell has met many wonderful people as they came in and out of ASAP. Many donors have developed a connection with her through the years as she assisted them with their donations. Perhaps you have been touched by her quiet faith.

The highlight of Playdell’s many years at ASAP was the 20th anniversary weekend celebration in 2015. That was also the 100th anniversary of Eric B. Hare and his wife going as missionaries to Burma. Playdell especially enjoyed the participation of all the Asian groups, the fabulous Asian food, and the many stories and interviews.

How do we say farewell to such a lovely, quiet soldier of God? We continue to give as the Lord supplies our needs, we pray, and we reach out for the Lord. Then we can meet in Heaven where there will be no more need for donations, because the blood of Jesus has paid it all. 5

Farewell to Playdell

BY LAURA HOKANSON

OP! Pop, pop, pop! The sound of gunfire rang through the peaceful demonstration in

Yangon, Myanmar, as police opened fire on the unarmed crowd.

BY VICKI WILEY

ow does a woman from the Bahamas end up working in Michigan at ASAP Ministries? It all starts with an international romance and volunteering.

Standing Tall for Jesus BY JULIA O’CAREY (WRITTEN IN FIRST PERSON BASED ON A ZOOM INTERVIEW WITH AN ASAP CHURCH PLANTER COUPLE IN A CLOSED COUNTRY)

y eyes spotted her amidst the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Her back hunched over and her eyes looked down at the dirty ground. I weaved in and out of the crowds until I got right

up to her, tapped her lightly on the shoulder, and politely said, “Grandma, would you like a DVD?” Slowly the woman lifted her head and her pained eyes met mine. The deep wrinkles in her face alluded to stories from a life of suffering. “Yes,” she replied simply with a little smile as she took the DVD, along with the tract I laid on top of it. After we exchanged a few pleasantries, I was surprised at the words that came out of my mouth next. “Grandma, I would love to come visit you in your home. Would you like that?” Her eyes twinkled a little now and she said, “That would be so

nice, young man.” With that short exchange, a special friendship began with Grandma Bao.* My wife and I went to her little humble home that same week, and we had a friendly chat with her. For the first two visits, our conversation stayed superficial. We talked about COVID-19, things on the news, our families, food, and life in general. On the third visit, I gathered the courage to tell her the story of Jesus. After starting, I noticed she shifted uncomfortably. She remained

polite, but guarded. She did not want to hear about Jesus. I quickly changed the subject. But each time we visited, I shared a little more about Jesus’ story and other stories and truths found in the Bible. Just as flowing water eventually erodes rocks, the love and truth of Jesus eroded the hardness in Grandma Bao’s heart. I’ll never forget the day she said, “I want to let Jesus into my heart. I want to give my life to him.” We rejoiced together and I told her, “Grandma, Jesus loves you so much and wants to talk to you and listen to you. Just as we’ve been praying for you, you can pray to Jesus on your own.” We taught her to give Jesus her cares and concerns and told her there was nothing too hard for Him. She bluntly asked, “Can I ask him to heal my back?” It didn’t matter that her back had been hunched as long as she could remember. She took my words that there was nothing too hard for Jesus literally and personally. I responded, “Yes, Grandma, you can pray for healing for your back, and we will join you.” After the first time Grandma Bao prayed for her back, she tried to stand up straight but a searing pain ripped through her. She kept praying, though, and we kept visiting her regularly. About two months after I met Grandma Bao at the market, I got a special call from her. I could hear the excitement in her voice. “Come to my house quickly and bring anyone from the church that is available.” When ten of us arrived, we saw a lady burst from her home

with a huge smile on her face. It was Grandma Bao, not walking with a cane, but running, with a straight back and head held high. “God completely healed me! He did it!” she shouted, laughed and cried all at the same time. We had no doubt this day would come, but when I witnessed God’s miracle firsthand, I was so moved. It was not just the fact that a 75-year-old lady’s humped back was restored, it was the healing that took place in her heart, in her spirit. Grandma Bao truly experienced a transformation, inside and out! Just like the paralytic who was healed and couldn’t keep the news to himself, Grandma Bao shared her miracle healing with her family and friends! On the special day of healing, God opened an opportunity for me to testify to the power of God, the One we can thank for the healing. After witnessing the miracle, Grandma Bao’s sister, whom she lives with, along with one of her nephews, were convicted by the Holy Spirit. They decided to also give their lives to the Lord, along with their families. They dismantled and burned the large altars in their homes where they gave offerings to their deceased relatives. To this day, they continue to faithfully serve God even though other relatives actively ridicule them for forsaking their former religion. Please join Grandma Bao in thanking God for being a healer God and pray that many more people in this area will accept Jesus as their Savior.

Standing Tall for Jesus BY JULIA O’CAREY (WRITTEN IN FIRST PERSON BASED ON A ZOOM INTERVIEW WITH AN ASAP CHURCH PLANTER COUPLE IN A CLOSED COUNTRY)

y eyes spotted her amidst the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Her back hunched over and her eyes looked down at the dirty ground. I weaved in and out of the crowds until I got right

Troubles and Blessings BY CLARISSA FIEDLER

inah* and her husband, Thomas,* had been working with about 120 young people in 6 groups in their city, studying, having worship services and organizing the young people for outreach.

Then COVID-19 hit the closed country where they serve as ASAP church planters. No, their group didn’t die out, and their activities didn’t cease. Instead, God gave them ideas, and attendance actually increased; now there are about 200 people altogether, with 30 studying for baptism. But troubles are always sure to come where the devil sees God’s Spirit making inroads into his kingdom. Last June, when Dinah and Thomas were holding monthly spiritual retreats and quarterly picnics/worship services for both church members and visitors, the police came to one of their gatherings, arrested them, and threatened the attendees. The couple took full responsibility for the meeting and convinced the police to let the other church members and their neighbors go. They took Dinah and Thomas to the police station, where they pressured them to sign a paper saying that they would never meet like this again, but they refused to sign. Then the police wrote up the incident report and wanted them to sign that. Since it was only a partial report and didn’t include how rudely the police had acted, they did not sign that paper either, though the policemen shouted and pounded on the desk to intimidate them into doing it. They were put on a blacklist and were threatened with deportation from the area. Finally, after three hours, they were released. However, the police pressured the person renting the meeting house to them to refuse to let them keep renting that house. They also threatened the group with a heavy fine if they should do any more evangelism.

With that home unavailable, and the police not permitting their gatherings, they had to break into smaller groups to meet. The young leaders were struggling and conflicts arose. Dinah, still shaken from the police incident, was almost overwhelmed with the pandemic situation, a local diphtheria outbreak, flooding followed by drought, and now ministry problems. She didn’t know where to turn and could hardly think. Then God impressed her to listen to a certain sermon, which gave her ideas and fresh courage in the Lord. She called the members to a Zoom meeting where God gave her the wisdom to calm the waters and encourage each person to be patient and loving with each others’ imperfections. The Word of God helped them understand their situation, and they resolved the conflicts between them. Then God sent them extra blessings through members from other parts of the country who sent clothing and much-needed food for those who were suffering. Let us not forget to pray for our fellow church members who are working for God under very stressful conditions. These times are coming to us, too. Let us pray and work also that we may be found faithful.

God’s Amazing Timing BY HARLIN CAREY

e serve a God of order, patience, and multiplication. About 40 years ago, I bought a state duck stamp print for $125. In January of 2021, I placed it for sale on eBay. Surprisingly, it sold for $2,500. At that same exact time, the ASAP Priceless Gift Catalog arrived in our mailbox.

Surprisingly, it sold for $2,500. At that same exact time, the ASAP Priceless Gift Catalog arrived in our mailbox. Now, receiving a Christmas gift catalog in January might seem strange. But since I ship a lot of items that I sell on eBay, I know at this time a lot of the items can take up to 30 days to arrive, even with priority mail. (Delivery of the gift catalog was also delayed in many areas by postal service issues related to COVID-19 and the U.S. presidential elections.) When I browsed through the catalog, Gift #15, Pave the Way for the Gospel in Nakhai, caught my eye. It stated the need for a road to be built for the local farmers to get produce to market. This appealed to me because Jesus always ministered to the physical needs of people first. (A good example of this is His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.) Marvel of all! The road only cost $2,500. I knew that the sale of the duck print and the need that matched were no coincidence. God always points to things we can do to help bring people to the kingdom of Heaven. Our blessing is that we can be instruments in that goal. To God be all the glory!

In Tribute IN HONOR OF JACK MRACEK, by Valerie Crosier | JOHN 5:23, by Wyman Kingsley | PR. JACK PESTER, by Shirley Pester | RUTHIE FLYNN, by Silvia Ballesteros | TIM & PATSIE SEIDENSTRICKER, by Brian Boyle | TONY BROOKS, by Solomon & Andrea Preciado IN MEMORY OF ALFREDO & RACHEL ALAVANZA, by Bellie Hinkhouse | C.J. GORDE, by C. John | DELILAH MCGHEE, by Ken Finlayson | DIANNE ONDREJKA, by James Culpepper | DR. ETHEL NELSON, by Johanna Vital | DR. JACK GRISWOLD, by Eula Barber, Suzanne Boyer, Scott Griswold, Sandra Gross, Renee Story, and Michael Witzel | E. JENICKE AND J. KRAVIG, by Sandra Monette | JUDY AITKEN, by Marnelle McNeilus | KWAN B & ERTIEN LAUW, by Steven Lauw | KYAW SOE, by Zion Adams | LINDA FINLAYSON, by Ken Finlayson | LISA, by Richard & Di-

ana Bauer | LOOC ECH FEI, by Cyndi Gill | MARY HELEN DRISKELL, by Harley Hollis and Carol Reid | MR. FRANK GREENE, by Nathan Greene | MRS. MARY FRANCIS CLARK, by Barry Paton | MY MOTHER, by June Melville | NORA NEUROH, by Kyle & Sherri Neuroh | PR. GARY ROSTAD, by James Culpepper | RETTA SNIDER, by James Culpepper | STEPHANIE MARSH, by Don & Vickie Marsh IN THANKFULNESS FOR ANDREW AND OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, by Trelany Wilson | CHARLOTTE PARK, by Jake Park | DEANNA KLYPAS, by Scott Griswold | GOD, GOD’S BLESSINGS, GOD’S GOODNESS AND MERCY, by Patricia Barfield, Tan Ten Lee, Todd & Axa Martell, and Cherilyn Typaldos | JESUS, by Alvin Fisher and Sarah Hunter | MY BIRTHDAY, by Playdell Reid | MY MOTHER, FLORENCE LUND, by Luanne Stagg | THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, JACOB AND ISAAC, by Thomas Arcati | WESTWARD SQUARE APARTMENTS MUSLIM OUTREACH, by Tabita Stomberg 9

Troubles and Blessings BY CLARISSA FIEDLER

inah* and her husband, Thomas,* had been working with about 120 young people in 6 groups in their city, studying, having worship services and organizing the young people for outreach.

God’s Amazing Timing BY HARLIN CAREY

Now, receiving a Christmas gift catalog in January might seem strange. But since I ship a lot of items that I sell on eBay, I know at this time a lot of the items can take up to 30 days to arrive, even with priority mail. (Delivery of the gift catalog was also delayed in many areas by postal service issues related to COVID-19 and the U.S. presidential elections.) When I browsed through the catalog, Gift #15, Pave the Way for the Gospel in Nakhai, caught my eye. It stated the need for a road to be built for the local farmers to get produce to market. This appealed to me because Jesus always ministered to the physical needs of people first. (A good example of this is His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.) Marvel of all! The road only cost $2,500. I knew that the sale of the duck print and the need that matched were no coincidence. God always points to things we can do to help bring people to the kingdom of Heaven. Our blessing is that we can be instruments in that goal. To God be all the glory!

Your Gifts in Action BY JOHN PRESS

Motorbikes for Missionaries in Southeast Asia ASAP missionary Matthew Thor (a pseudonym) nurtures two growing church plants in neighboring villages in a closed country. Despite the proximity of the two villages, during the rainy season the mountain road that connects them is nearly impassable on foot. Until recently, Matthew often had to borrow a motorbike just to conduct Bible studies or visit church members when they needed prayer. “Why doesn’t God help him buy a motorbike?” mocked one of the villagers. This year, through the generosity of ASAP donors, God did provide a motorbike for Matthew, along with several other ASAP missionaries, to hasten the advance of the gospel in Southeast Asia.

od has marvelously sustained and blessed His work through ASAP during the first half of 2021. Faithful prayer partners and

Training for ASAP Missionaries in a Closed Country

donors like you have made a tremendous difference in the lives

Though COVID-19 has prevented ASAP from holding our usual annual missionary training events in Southeast Asia, God has opened doors for our missionaries to gather in smaller groups. Earlier this year, ASAP field supervisors in one closed country held regional meetings for our church planters. These meetings provided opportunities for fellowship, evangelism training, and ministry planning. Afterward, participants expressed their excitement about the outcome of the meetings and shared how valuable their time together had been. Despite the challenges faced by church planters in this country, they left the meeting feeling spiritually refreshed and better equipped for ministry success. “Thank you for ASAP’s support to make this meeting happen!” wrote the field supervisor who organized the event.

of the unreached, the poor, the persecuted, and refugees these past six months. We hope you enjoy reading about the impact of your prayers and gifts on some of the projects that were recently featured in our print and online publications.

A Permanent Home for the Chamroeun Phal Adventist School in Cambodia Recently, our field supervisor in Cambodia sent a concerning report about the building rented by the Chamroeun Phal Adventist School (CPAS): “The school building is sinking.” The accompanying photos showed major cracks in the floor, walls, and support pillars. Something had to be done, but finding a suitable building or affordable land in Phnom Penh is nearly impossible. Then, in answer to our prayers, God worked a miracle! Both the Southeast Asia Union Mission and an ASAP donor pledged funds to build a new school on the grounds of the Prek Torl Seventhday Adventist Church. Construction has begun, and the CPAS staff and students look forward to moving into their new school soon.

Churches for Displaced People on the Thai-Myanmar Border Even before the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, political violence had displaced thousands of Karen people along the Thai border. Since the coup, thousands more have fled to the region. Adventist church members there had nowhere to hold Sabbath services and no means to support a building project. However, thanks to God’s blessing through ASAP donors, construction is underway on new church buildings for displaced Karen Adventists in three communities where ASAP also operates schools. These churches will give traumatized people a place to worship, while also serving as centers of influence from which church members can reach out and minister to their neighbors and new arrivals.

Your Gifts in Action BY JOHN PRESS

od has marvelously sustained and blessed His work through ASAP during the first half of 2021. Faithful prayer partners and

Training for ASAP Missionaries in a Closed Country

donors like you have made a tremendous difference in the lives

under the Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Ministries in the North American Division) on several projects ranging from youth ministry initiatives at camp meeting-like events to translating materials, preaching, and visitation. More recently, Pr. Shwe asked Daniel to assist with coordinating ministry for Karen young people in North America. Not only does he teach and preach on occasion, but he continues to lead out in small group Bible studies and music ministry.

E In May 2021, Daniel and Hnin Hnin Wei celebrated his graduation from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan. They now pastor a Karen Adventist congregation in Georgia.

Called to Serve BY BILL WELLS

would like to introduce you to a couple who has endeared themselves to the hearts of all of us at ASAP Ministries. Poblay (Daniel) Chit and his wife Hnin Hnin Wei have been volunteering and working

with ASAP since the two moved to the United States in 2017. That year was marked by two major events in their lives, as they were married and shortly after began studying at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Thanks to the help of Pr. Sam Ngala, and the grace of God, Daniel and his wife were able to make these life-changing transitions. Pr. Ngala also introduced Daniel to “Mother Judy” (Aitken) and ASAP Ministries. During the first few months of their stay in America, Daniel and Hnin Hnin Wei stayed in the ASAP guest room and became deeply acquainted with ASAP Ministries. “I was so amazed at how western organizations and people operate and serve in ministry,” Daniel recalled. And to his amazement, ASAP became a bridge in providing numerous ministry opportunities for him.

Daniel’s journey in ministry, however, did not begin at ASAP. He grew up along the border of Thailand and Burma, attending both government and Adventist schools. After finishing secondary school, Daniel spent a year and a half working closely with his father, who was a pastor. Through these years of music and youth ministry, he was inspired to study at Asia-Pacific International University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Religion. Daniel enjoyed filling his years of study with a focus on music ministry and seeker-oriented youth ministry. It is easy to see how Daniel’s life experiences have uniquely prepared him for ministry. While at the seminary, he has worked closely with ASAP, Pr. Ngala, and Pr. Jimmy Shwe (coordinator of the Karen Seventh-day Adventist Church outreach

While serving with ASAP Ministries, God gave Daniel the insight to create a unique strategy of ministry. Effectively titled “Servant Ministry,” this model aims to inspire, equip, and train young people to serve in ministry through developing Bible study groups where youth leaders are trained in small group leadership skills, music ministry, and media ministry. Daniel started with a pilot Bible study group of nine individuals, which in just the last year has multiplied into numerous groups with nearly 40 persons involved in weekly Bible studies! This year, 2021, marks another major transition for Daniel and his wife. In May, he graduated from the seminary with his Master of Divinity. His post-seminary plans include one primary purpose: to serve God through pastoral ministry. Daniel’s vision for ministry includes several key goals. First, he hopes by God’s grace to establish an international ministry. Second, to see the Karen churches on the Thai/Burma border grow and fully participate in ministry. Third, Daniel hopes to see a multitude of young people equipped to serve in ministry so that they can help reach the world. Fourth, to build a strong and organic commu-

E While attending the seminary, Daniel led a weeklong series of revival meetings for the Fort Wayne (IN) Karen Burmese Group.

nity of Karen young people who stay connected. Fifth, to see Servant Ministry grow as a catalyst for sending missionaries and developing musical talent in Karen church groups, as well as developing a professional media presence for Karen ministry.

It is easy to see how Daniel’s life experiences have uniquely prepared him for ministry.

Pr. Chit's Philosophy of Ministry: “As a servant of God, I believe that there is nothing more important than God’s work. God is working all the time and Jesus is also working for the sake of saving souls. It is my duty to join the Master in His work. The three primary focuses of my ministry include youth discipleship, media sharing though various platforms, and equipping church members and youth leaders for effective personal ministry.”

Called to Serve BY BILL WELLS

would like to introduce you to a couple who has endeared themselves to the hearts of all of us at ASAP Ministries. Poblay (Daniel) Chit and his wife Hnin Hnin Wei have been volunteering and working

E While attending the seminary, Daniel led a weeklong series of revival meetings for the Fort Wayne (IN) Karen Burmese Group.

It is easy to see how Daniel’s life experiences have uniquely prepared him for ministry.

The Lord Will Provide BY JOHN PRESS (BASED ON A TESTIMONY SHARED BY ANIYA BATWAL*)

nguished cries and angry shouts filled the streets of a city in South Asia, as tension between Muslims and Christians erupted in violence. Fueled by accusations that Christians in a certain part

of the city had desecrated the Quran, an enraged mob descended on a predominantly Christian neighborhood and began torching one house after another, killing eight people.

Watching the flames consume his family’s home, Yazan Batwal* felt fortunate to survive, but he knew this day would change his life forever. As an eyewitness who could testify against the perpetrators of the attack, Yazan posed a threat. He and his family would never be safe while they remained in their homeland. GWith the help of ASAP, the Batwal family was recently reunited after almost five years apart.

Yazan and his wife, Qudrah,* along with their two young children, Aniya* and Tawkeel,* fled to Southeast Asia and applied for refugee status with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, it turned out that escaping was the easy part. “Due to lack of money we were unable to renew our visas,” recalls Aniya, now a teenager. “My father got caught by the police and was put into the Immigration Detention Center (IDC), where he spent almost two years.”

from his homeland. Yazan began preaching morning and evening, sharing the gospel in his native tongue. He also started a prayer ministry. Yazan’s family persevered in prayer for him, too. Often they could not communicate with him for weeks at a time, and they grew increasingly concerned when his health began to deteriorate. “The situation was out of our hands,” says Aniya, “but not out of God’s hands.” While Yazan remained in the IDC, God miraculously provided for Qudrah and the children. First, they met a foreign missionary family that supported them for a time. When that family returned home, the Batwals connected with an ASAP project serving

refugees in the city where they live. Through the generous support of ASAP donors, project staff and volunteers assisted the family with basic needs. Then, in late 2020, nearly five years after Yazan entered the IDC for the second time, ASAP Project Coordinator Philip Charoensuk* succeeded in securing his release. “During this time, we experienced a lot of spiritual growth,” Aniya reports. “God used our friends from ASAP to encourage us and pray with us.” The family is thrilled to be reunited. “We definitely missed a lot of time together,” says Aniya, “but we praise God for taking care of us faithfully. He is perfect in all of His ways.”

Now is the time to tell them of Jesus! “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Enrollment at ASAP schools in Myanmar is surging! Following the recent military coup, students from government-run schools have fled to the Thailand border seeking safety and educational opportunities. Some ASAP schools have nearly doubled in size in just weeks! This crisis presents an unprecedented opportunity to share the gospel with children who may never hear it otherwise!

A humanitarian organization posted bail for Yazan. Unfortunately, less than a year later the UNHCR closed his family’s case and he had to turn himself in to the IDC again. This was a particularly challenging time for Qudrah, Aniya, and Tawkeel. “We lacked food, and paying rent for our one-room apartment became even more difficult,” Aniya explains. “I felt life was meaningless, but during our family prayer, my mother encouraged us that God would provide as He provided a ram for Abraham’s offering, because He is Jehovajireh” (Hebrew for “The Lord Will Provide,” from Gen. 22:14). Despite the heartbreak of being separated from his family again, Yazan also maintained his faith in God. The Holy Spirit convicted him to witness to his fellow detainees in the IDC, many of whom were 14

Sponsor an entire school for as little as $125/month ($1,500/year). Gifts of all amounts are appreciated. Contact us at (269) 471-3026 to learn more.

REACH THE

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ASAP

The Lord Will Provide BY JOHN PRESS (BASED ON A TESTIMONY SHARED BY ANIYA BATWAL*)

nguished cries and angry shouts filled the streets of a city in South Asia, as tension between Muslims and Christians erupted in violence. Fueled by accusations that Christians in a certain part

of the city had desecrated the Quran, an enraged mob descended on a predominantly Christian neighborhood and began torching one house after another, killing eight people.

Now is the time to tell them of Jesus! “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Sponsor an entire school for as little as $125/month ($1,500/year). Gifts of all amounts are appreciated. Contact us at (269) 471-3026 to learn more.

REACH THE

WORLD

ASAP

P.O. BOX 84, BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Kalamazoo, MI Permit No.185

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

You’re Invited! Join mission-minded friends at ASI for a special lunch to learn about exciting new opportunities to share Christ with the unreached. THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, AT 12:30 P.M.

Rosen Shingle Creek Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida RSVP at asapministries.org by August 1 A partnership event presented by

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/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR John Press ASSOCIATE EDITOR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITORS Ruth Burn, Sandra Stebenne GRAPHIC DESIGNER Robert Mason PHOTO CREDITS Philip Charoensuk, Pr. Scott Griswold, Pr. Abel Lao, Julia O'Carey, Pr. Saeng Saengthip, Pr. Jeremiah Thor, Chanvicheak Ung, Elijah Win 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, Amy Montevilla, Julia O’Carey, John Press, Byron and Carol Reynolds, Trudi Starlin

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.

NL2Q21

ASAP Ministries is fueled by mission-minded, faithfilled individuals whom God impresses. Be assured that 100% of your gift goes 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 where ASAP operates. Because ASAP is a §501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible in the USA.