2019 3rd Quarter Newsletter

NEWS FROM ASAP MINISTRIESâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ADVOCATES FOR SOUTHEAST ASIANS AND THE PERSECUTED

THIRD QUARTER 2019

REACH THE

WORLD

ASAP

Mission Trip Reflections

FEATURE STORY

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Above: Pr. Stephen Po baptizes his sister in the Mae La refugee camp (left); Lampai Sihavong (right); On the cover: Mission trip participant Katherine Isensee bonds with a new friend.

Mission Trip Reflections AN INTERVIEW WITH LAMPAI SIHAVONG, BY JULIA O'CAREY

n a recent, cool summer evening, I sat down with Lampai Sihavong and ASAP Associate Director Pr. Saeng Saengthip (who helped translate) to reflect on our recent mission trip adventures in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Through laughter, tears, and a mixture of Thai, Laotian, and English (sometimes all in one sentence), stories and experiences unfolded. Even as the sun began setting, I sensed there was much more yet to share. May this shortened interview with Pi (Thai for "sister") Lampai inspire a deeper passion in your heart for serving others, as it did in mine.

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responsibilities, my elderly mother and my two special needs grandchildren I take care of, etc. Yesterday is gone, today is here with an opportunity, tomorrow is uncertain. I resolved to go.

J: What was it that motivated you to come with ASAP on the missionary training trip in March? L: I feel that ASAP is my organization. Mother Judy and MaryAnn McNeilus invited me to go with them every year to Asia. Unfortunately, I never could, because my daughters were having babies or something else always came up. When I went to Judy’s funeral this past December, my heart was deeply moved. When my husband died, I didn’t cry because I knew I would see him again. But when Judy died, I wept. I wept not because she passed away, but because I deeply regretted not taking the time to work alongside her when I had the opportunity to. I cried during the whole service but especially during the song, “Go Light Your World.” I held up my candle and promised the Lord at that moment I would go and I asked him to take care of all my

J: Did going to a refugee camp trigger any memories of when you were in a Thailand refugee camp in the 1980s? L: Yes, it brought back so many memories. When I saw the refugees in the Mae La camp, I felt so sorry for them. They can’t go back and can’t go forward. I wondered what I would do in that situation. The only thing to do is pray for God to come back soon. They live in fear that their little homes will burn down because of how they are made with bamboo and leaves and they are so close together. They don’t have good medical care or anything, but at least they have God. When I was in the refugee camp, I didn’t have money and had five kids to take care of, but that is where I found God so it makes it all worth it. I see how God is using the difficult situation now for these refugees to draw their hearts closer to Him.

J: Was this trip what you expected? L: It exceeded my expectations! Before I went I didn’t know what I would be able to do or how I could help. I thought maybe I could serve water to the team when they got thirsty. I stayed busy doing all sorts of things, cooking for the team, teaching exercises to the workers, and helping with the children’s programs.

I will never forget Chan Thavy and my students I taught in my three Bible classes in the camp. When I first met Chan, she was not my student yet but a friend of my student, Tdem Kham. Tdem asked me to pray for her. I had the opportunity to visit Chan and she opened up. She shared how her husband went back to Laos a year before and tragically died in a boat accident on the Mekong River. This left her a widow, trying to care for two young children alone. The food the UN gave to her was not enough so she went to the market to buy some fish to make fish paste for her children. After fifteen minutes of eating it, her children started to throw up. They rushed to the clinic and sadly did not make it in time and both children died. Her neighbor accusingly said, “How dare you feed your children poisonous puffer fish.” This plagued Chan with guilt and sadness. A dark hopelessness flooded over her as she planned how she, too, would end her life. She only had ten baht (about forty cents) to her name. She tucked it in her pocket, along with a long towel which she would use to hang herself on a big tree at the back of the camp. She bought her “last meal” of fried bananas and sat down alone to eat. The paper that wrapped the bananas was torn from a Bible and the words from John 15 jumped out at her. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” When she read those words, a whole new world seemed to open up to her. Before that she couldn’t see or hear anybody. She sensed she was surrounded by a warmth and light. She came back to her room instead of hanging herself. The next day she showed me the wrapping and asked me about the words. I told her this is God’s special words from the Bible. She said, “No wonder when I read it something touched my heart.” The next day was Sabbath, and she began attending Bible classes regularly. Even though it is so hard to be a refugee, this is how we can find God.

J: I discovered that even though there was a language barrier when you went to Myanmar, it did not hinder you from reaching the people. Because of the love you have for others, you were able to connect with their hearts. What was a highlight during your visit to Myanmar? L: I felt really sorry for the students in Myanmar. Some have broken families and some don’t know where their parents are. I spent time teaching them every day. During prayer request time, one boy prayed that his dad (who was paralyzed) could afford to get him a uniform. My heart was touched. I found that one uniform costs 18,000 kyats ($11). I gave him 50,000 kyats ($30) and he said that’s too much. He promptly gave me some back. I told him, ”Take the rest to help put food on the table.” The next day he broke down in tears when he said, “My dad told me to tell you thank you.” I will always remember the honesty, gratitude, and sincere faith in this young boy. J: You have been back to Laos a number of times. How was this trip different? L: This trip was different because I went purely for missions. With this mindset, I found I was interacting and sharing Jesus with so many more people. It moved my heart to help the poor with ASAP. I shared Jesus with everyone I met. Even the taxi drivers heard about Jesus from me. One of our van drivers asked, “Why do you have so many suitcases?” This opened up an opportunity to share about our missionary activities and to tell him about God. I shared how urgent I feel it is to be here to share with people who do not know Jesus because He is coming soon. He asked, “Who is Jesus?” I shared with him the redemption story and creation. The taxi driver said at the end of the trip, “I heard the Gospel before but I didn’t understand it and I was too busy trying to make a living. But now I really understand.”

Above: Members of ASAP's March 2019 mission trip team (left); Pi Lampai helps with a children's program (right)

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FEATURE STORY

 SHARE THIS STORY

Above: Pr. Stephen Po baptizes his sister in the Mae La refugee camp (left); Lampai Sihavong (right); On the cover: Mission trip participant Katherine Isensee bonds with a new friend.

Mission Trip Reflections AN INTERVIEW WITH LAMPAI SIHAVONG, BY JULIA O'CAREY

n a recent, cool summer evening, I sat down with Lampai Sihavong and ASAP Associate Director Pr. Saeng Saengthip (who helped translate) to reflect on our recent mission trip adventures in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Through laughter, tears, and a mixture of Thai, Laotian, and English (sometimes all in one sentence), stories and experiences unfolded. Even as the sun began setting, I sensed there was much more yet to share. May this shortened interview with Pi (Thai for "sister") Lampai inspire a deeper passion in your heart for serving others, as it did in mine.

O

responsibilities, my elderly mother and my two special needs grandchildren I take care of, etc. Yesterday is gone, today is here with an opportunity, tomorrow is uncertain. I resolved to go.

J: What was it that motivated you to come with ASAP on the missionary training trip in March? L: I feel that ASAP is my organization. Mother Judy and MaryAnn McNeilus invited me to go with them every year to Asia. Unfortunately, I never could, because my daughters were having babies or something else always came up. When I went to Judy’s funeral this past December, my heart was deeply moved. When my husband died, I didn’t cry because I knew I would see him again. But when Judy died, I wept. I wept not because she passed away, but because I deeply regretted not taking the time to work alongside her when I had the opportunity to. I cried during the whole service but especially during the song, “Go Light Your World.” I held up my candle and promised the Lord at that moment I would go and I asked him to take care of all my

J: Did going to a refugee camp trigger any memories of when you were in a Thailand refugee camp in the 1980s? L: Yes, it brought back so many memories. When I saw the refugees in the Mae La camp, I felt so sorry for them. They can’t go back and can’t go forward. I wondered what I would do in that situation. The only thing to do is pray for God to come back soon. They live in fear that their little homes will burn down because of how they are made with bamboo and leaves and they are so close together. They don’t have good medical care or anything, but at least they have God. When I was in the refugee camp, I didn’t have money and had five kids to take care of, but that is where I found God so it makes it all worth it. I see how God is using the difficult situation now for these refugees to draw their hearts closer to Him.

J: Was this trip what you expected? L: It exceeded my expectations! Before I went I didn’t know what I would be able to do or how I could help. I thought maybe I could serve water to the team when they got thirsty. I stayed busy doing all sorts of things, cooking for the team, teaching exercises to the workers, and helping with the children’s programs.

I will never forget Chan Thavy and my students I taught in my three Bible classes in the camp. When I first met Chan, she was not my student yet but a friend of my student, Tdem Kham. Tdem asked me to pray for her. I had the opportunity to visit Chan and she opened up. She shared how her husband went back to Laos a year before and tragically died in a boat accident on the Mekong River. This left her a widow, trying to care for two young children alone. The food the UN gave to her was not enough so she went to the market to buy some fish to make fish paste for her children. After fifteen minutes of eating it, her children started to throw up. They rushed to the clinic and sadly did not make it in time and both children died. Her neighbor accusingly said, “How dare you feed your children poisonous puffer fish.” This plagued Chan with guilt and sadness. A dark hopelessness flooded over her as she planned how she, too, would end her life. She only had ten baht (about forty cents) to her name. She tucked it in her pocket, along with a long towel which she would use to hang herself on a big tree at the back of the camp. She bought her “last meal” of fried bananas and sat down alone to eat. The paper that wrapped the bananas was torn from a Bible and the words from John 15 jumped out at her. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” When she read those words, a whole new world seemed to open up to her. Before that she couldn’t see or hear anybody. She sensed she was surrounded by a warmth and light. She came back to her room instead of hanging herself. The next day she showed me the wrapping and asked me about the words. I told her this is God’s special words from the Bible. She said, “No wonder when I read it something touched my heart.” The next day was Sabbath, and she began attending Bible classes regularly. Even though it is so hard to be a refugee, this is how we can find God.

J: I discovered that even though there was a language barrier when you went to Myanmar, it did not hinder you from reaching the people. Because of the love you have for others, you were able to connect with their hearts. What was a highlight during your visit to Myanmar? L: I felt really sorry for the students in Myanmar. Some have broken families and some don’t know where their parents are. I spent time teaching them every day. During prayer request time, one boy prayed that his dad (who was paralyzed) could afford to get him a uniform. My heart was touched. I found that one uniform costs 18,000 kyats ($11). I gave him 50,000 kyats ($30) and he said that’s too much. He promptly gave me some back. I told him, ”Take the rest to help put food on the table.” The next day he broke down in tears when he said, “My dad told me to tell you thank you.” I will always remember the honesty, gratitude, and sincere faith in this young boy. J: You have been back to Laos a number of times. How was this trip different? L: This trip was different because I went purely for missions. With this mindset, I found I was interacting and sharing Jesus with so many more people. It moved my heart to help the poor with ASAP. I shared Jesus with everyone I met. Even the taxi drivers heard about Jesus from me. One of our van drivers asked, “Why do you have so many suitcases?” This opened up an opportunity to share about our missionary activities and to tell him about God. I shared how urgent I feel it is to be here to share with people who do not know Jesus because He is coming soon. He asked, “Who is Jesus?” I shared with him the redemption story and creation. The taxi driver said at the end of the trip, “I heard the Gospel before but I didn’t understand it and I was too busy trying to make a living. But now I really understand.”

Above: Members of ASAP's March 2019 mission trip team (left); Pi Lampai helps with a children's program (right)

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NEWS

A Beloved Church Planter Passes to His Rest

Traveling with Lisa Isensee and her children was so much fun because I saw Asia through new eyes. At our rest stops, they wanted to try different new fruit and snacks. It was a joy to introduce them to tastes, textures, and phrases so familiar to me but novel to them. I am so happy I learned united prayer from Martin and Liana Kim. I really love that way of praying. I feel I gained more of the Holy Spirit on this trip. J: You shared a lot of pictures and videos with your friends. How did this impact them? L: They loved every bit of it! My sister, brother, daughter, and friends all want to come with me next time. J: The advice you gave to our ASAP team at the end of the trip was very meaningful to me. Can you share it with our extended ASAP family? L: I shared how Mom Judy met a real need of mine during Christmas time many years ago in a refugee camp. She provided blankets for my children who were shivering at night. She also smiled sweetly at me and asked me, “Where is your home?” I pointed it out and after a long day of work, she showed up to pray with me. That personal touch impacted me greatly and I want us to remember to do the same. Also I observed how hard she worked with limited resources. Now we have a talented mission team serving together. She was the first tsunami wave and now we are the second. She was the first one in the relay race. We now need to run in place and then grab the baton. Jesus will use us, too, to finish the work before He comes.

BY JOHN PRESS

Lessons Learned BY KATHERINE ISENSEE, AGE 16

This was my third mission trip with ASAP, and on each trip I’ve learned so many different things. One of my favorite lessons this year was seeing how willing others are to help. This trip we decided not to ask for donations for our trip expenses. However, we did ask for donations of supplies for the crafts and also gifts we would bring for the schools and teachers. A couple weeks before leaving, two of my friends who were really excited about my upcoming trip told me they’d love to help. Gratefully, I texted them a long list of supplies inviting them to choose a few. Immediately my friend Olivia messaged back and said, “Okay, great! I don’t know what type of cardstock paper you need but we can get everything else on the list.” I was a little in shock at their generosity. Not until later did I find out Olivia and her twin sister, Julia, had told their parents they wanted to help buy supplies instead of receiving presents for their eighteenth birthdays. I found people are so willing to make a difference. If they can’t go on the trip, maybe they can supply a bunch of the craft materials and snacks. If they can’t provide materials, maybe they can provide prayer and support. Many from our church family graciously donated too. For instance, a ten-year-old girl donated a huge Ziploc bag containing smaller bags of colorsorted crayons from her personal collection. Those crayons worked perfectly for a craft I ended up doing on creation. Many people truly want to make a difference. Working together we can make a far bigger impact than alone.  Scan here to read the full version of Katherine's "Lessons Learned" online.

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eloved ASAP church planter Pastor Sadua Lee (also known by his pseudonym, Pr. Stephen Thid), passed away March 7, 2019, after a challenging battle with cancer. Adventists throughout the closed country where he served mourned the loss of this spiritual giant, who did so much to advance the work there. Pastor Peter Oudon* of the local Adventist mission remembered him as “… the only pastor in the world … who would give a marathon Bible study all day and all night…. the only pastor I know of who cast out demons by phone. He is the only pastor in the whole mission who was jailed four times for his faith, for a total of five years, and yet he never once said ‘No’ to a call to go to where others dreaded to go.” His fellow ASAP missionaries, many of whom he brought to the Lord, also recalled Pr. Sadua Lee’s influence on their lives. Church planter Barnabas Lee, formerly a shaman, remembered how Pr. Sadua Lee’s prayers helped him escape the practice of witchcraft. Another church planter, Joshua Yang,* shared how Pr. Sadua Lee taught him about the Sabbath. Yang in turn, led four families to the Sabbath truth,

and he is currently giving Bible studies to the pastor of his former Sunday church. ASAP church planter Benjamin Lee* also recounted how Pr. Sadua Lee’s prayers resulted in the miraculous healing and conversion of his entire family. At the time, they were animists. His oldest son had just died suddenly of a mysterious illness when Lee and his three surviving children also became sick. Neither the doctors nor the shamans could cure them. Lee’s uncle, a Christian man who knew and respected Pr. Sadua Lee, asked him to go and pray for the family. “Although he was extremely busy traveling and giving Bible studies, he came to my house,” recalled Lee. “We were thinking that we would all die soon, but he prayed for us in the name of Jesus. Afterward we began to get better! I didn’t know who Jesus was at that time, but I wanted to know Him more. I wanted to believe in Him.” These are just a few of the numerous testimonies from Adventists in this closed country whose spiritual heritage traces back to an encounter with God through the prayers and labors of Pr. Sadua Lee. But he also leaves behind a wife and six children. “On his death bed, he was so worried about how they would survive,” reports Pr. Oudon. “I assured him that God would surely keep His promise to bless the children of those who love and serve Him faithfully.” Though we are saddened by Pr. Sadua Lee’s passing, we praise God for his life and influence. Please join us in praying for his family and all the believers in this closed country who are grieving. Ask God to comfort them, provide for their needs, and raise up more laborers to carry forward the work to which Pr. Sadua Lee dedicated his life. Pr. Sadua Lee's three youngest children (left to right), Phetsila, Xia, and Obedience, hold a photo of their father at his funeral.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on... that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Revelation 14:13 5

NEWS

A Beloved Church Planter Passes to His Rest

Traveling with Lisa Isensee and her children was so much fun because I saw Asia through new eyes. At our rest stops, they wanted to try different new fruit and snacks. It was a joy to introduce them to tastes, textures, and phrases so familiar to me but novel to them. I am so happy I learned united prayer from Martin and Liana Kim. I really love that way of praying. I feel I gained more of the Holy Spirit on this trip. J: You shared a lot of pictures and videos with your friends. How did this impact them? L: They loved every bit of it! My sister, brother, daughter, and friends all want to come with me next time. J: The advice you gave to our ASAP team at the end of the trip was very meaningful to me. Can you share it with our extended ASAP family? L: I shared how Mom Judy met a real need of mine during Christmas time many years ago in a refugee camp. She provided blankets for my children who were shivering at night. She also smiled sweetly at me and asked me, “Where is your home?” I pointed it out and after a long day of work, she showed up to pray with me. That personal touch impacted me greatly and I want us to remember to do the same. Also I observed how hard she worked with limited resources. Now we have a talented mission team serving together. She was the first tsunami wave and now we are the second. She was the first one in the relay race. We now need to run in place and then grab the baton. Jesus will use us, too, to finish the work before He comes.

BY JOHN PRESS

Lessons Learned BY KATHERINE ISENSEE, AGE 16

This was my third mission trip with ASAP, and on each trip I’ve learned so many different things. One of my favorite lessons this year was seeing how willing others are to help. This trip we decided not to ask for donations for our trip expenses. However, we did ask for donations of supplies for the crafts and also gifts we would bring for the schools and teachers. A couple weeks before leaving, two of my friends who were really excited about my upcoming trip told me they’d love to help. Gratefully, I texted them a long list of supplies inviting them to choose a few. Immediately my friend Olivia messaged back and said, “Okay, great! I don’t know what type of cardstock paper you need but we can get everything else on the list.” I was a little in shock at their generosity. Not until later did I find out Olivia and her twin sister, Julia, had told their parents they wanted to help buy supplies instead of receiving presents for their eighteenth birthdays. I found people are so willing to make a difference. If they can’t go on the trip, maybe they can supply a bunch of the craft materials and snacks. If they can’t provide materials, maybe they can provide prayer and support. Many from our church family graciously donated too. For instance, a ten-year-old girl donated a huge Ziploc bag containing smaller bags of colorsorted crayons from her personal collection. Those crayons worked perfectly for a craft I ended up doing on creation. Many people truly want to make a difference. Working together we can make a far bigger impact than alone.  Scan here to read the full version of Katherine's "Lessons Learned" online.

4

B

eloved ASAP church planter Pastor Sadua Lee (also known by his pseudonym, Pr. Stephen Thid), passed away March 7, 2019, after a challenging battle with cancer. Adventists throughout the closed country where he served mourned the loss of this spiritual giant, who did so much to advance the work there. Pastor Peter Oudon* of the local Adventist mission remembered him as “… the only pastor in the world … who would give a marathon Bible study all day and all night…. the only pastor I know of who cast out demons by phone. He is the only pastor in the whole mission who was jailed four times for his faith, for a total of five years, and yet he never once said ‘No’ to a call to go to where others dreaded to go.” His fellow ASAP missionaries, many of whom he brought to the Lord, also recalled Pr. Sadua Lee’s influence on their lives. Church planter Barnabas Lee, formerly a shaman, remembered how Pr. Sadua Lee’s prayers helped him escape the practice of witchcraft. Another church planter, Joshua Yang,* shared how Pr. Sadua Lee taught him about the Sabbath. Yang in turn, led four families to the Sabbath truth,

and he is currently giving Bible studies to the pastor of his former Sunday church. ASAP church planter Benjamin Lee* also recounted how Pr. Sadua Lee’s prayers resulted in the miraculous healing and conversion of his entire family. At the time, they were animists. His oldest son had just died suddenly of a mysterious illness when Lee and his three surviving children also became sick. Neither the doctors nor the shamans could cure them. Lee’s uncle, a Christian man who knew and respected Pr. Sadua Lee, asked him to go and pray for the family. “Although he was extremely busy traveling and giving Bible studies, he came to my house,” recalled Lee. “We were thinking that we would all die soon, but he prayed for us in the name of Jesus. Afterward we began to get better! I didn’t know who Jesus was at that time, but I wanted to know Him more. I wanted to believe in Him.” These are just a few of the numerous testimonies from Adventists in this closed country whose spiritual heritage traces back to an encounter with God through the prayers and labors of Pr. Sadua Lee. But he also leaves behind a wife and six children. “On his death bed, he was so worried about how they would survive,” reports Pr. Oudon. “I assured him that God would surely keep His promise to bless the children of those who love and serve Him faithfully.” Though we are saddened by Pr. Sadua Lee’s passing, we praise God for his life and influence. Please join us in praying for his family and all the believers in this closed country who are grieving. Ask God to comfort them, provide for their needs, and raise up more laborers to carry forward the work to which Pr. Sadua Lee dedicated his life. Pr. Sadua Lee's three youngest children (left to right), Phetsila, Xia, and Obedience, hold a photo of their father at his funeral.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on... that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Revelation 14:13 5

REACH THE WORLD NEXT DOOR

Rise High BY JOELLA MEYER

S

eeing lives changed for the good is the greatest privilege to witness at each Rise High children’s program in the Houston refugee apartment complexes where Reach the World Next Door (RWND) serves families from around the globe. Rise High reinforces character qualities important to the cultures of the people with whom we work. At the beginning of each program, we ask the children what they remember and have applied from previous lessons. Hands shoot up as children list what they remember and how they practiced honesty, generosity, and responsibility. They recount stories and object lessons, like how a drop of dish soap in a solution of water and black pepper demonstrates forgiveness, how making pipe cleaner bees as pencil toppers reminds them to be industrious, or how the no-bake date cookies we made together for Mother’s Day reinforced the importance of hospitality. At the most recent program, we introduced the concept of compassion. One little boy listened intently as we shared several illustrations of compassion and why it is so important. We discussed examples such as helping people who are hurt rather than laughing at them and making friends with classmates who are bullied. Then the little boy piped up to ask, “When I help my little brothers at home, I am being compassionate, right?” He was so excited to understand this character trait, and to realize that he was already applying it. As I told a story about how zebras protect the young and weak at the center of their dazzle when threatened by lions, another child raised her hand and said, “I remember another

HELPING HANDS

story you told us about the hurt man who was helped by another man and his donkey. The man with the donkey helped to care for the hurt man. That’s compassion.” Another time, we took pots, dirt, and strawberry plants to the refugee apartment complex to teach a lesson about responsibility. The children had so much fun as they worked and learned about how to take responsibility for the care of the plants. Many of the families we work with come from countries where agriculture is important and gardening is valued. Living in apartments surrounded by parking lots, the parents and grandparents miss growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. Each week since this activity, the children update us on how their plants are growing and producing fruit. The parents are happy to see their children developing good character qualities. Whenever we go to the apartment complexes, there is never enough time to visit all the families that invite us to come in and talk over tea. After one recent program, I sat with some mothers while their children were still finishing up their craft and playing. They opened up about what a blessing Rise High programs are for their children. They also expressed their gratitude for our friendship and shared that they notice something different about us, a quality they want in their own lives. We praise God that they see Him through us, and we pray that He will do even more amazing things as our relationships grow. Are you interested in cross-cultural mission training? Would you like to train for missions while working among refugees and immigrants? Apply now at ReachtheWorldNextDoor.com, and join us in Houston!

I Was Blind but Now I See BY ANGY PLATA

Oon Jai Foundation has worked in a closed Southeast Asian country for several years to alleviate poverty and empower local people through health, education, and farming. This past March, an exciting opportunity opened up for Oon Jai, ASAP Ministries, and ADRA Thailand to partner in providing much needed vision care and distributing free glasses. The trip began in Bangkok, which is home to thousands of Pakistani refugees and refugees from other countries who are fleeing persecution and violence, while yet living in fear of immigration raids. We served close to 400 refugees, listened to their heart-wrenching stories, cried with them, and prayed with them. From Thailand, we traveled to a neighboring closed country where we offered services to over 1,200 people! There we provided vision care at several sites, including the only recognized Seventh-day Adventist church in the country. We were prayerfully cautious about conducting the vision clinic in the church. Although we had permission from the local authorities, we knew that serving in a communist country meant we could be shut down for no reason. During the clinic, a high-ranking police officer entered the church. Nervously, one of the pastors went to greet him and asked if everything was okay. “No, it’s not. I heard about free vision care and people told me it was at the Saturday church, but I had no idea where that was. I drove up and down the road until I finally found your church. You need to make your cross bigger so everyone can find you!” the officer said. After receiving a pair of glasses, he left happily. The next day, he brought the rest of his police officers so that they, too, could receive free vision care!

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The pastor could not believe the number of people who had come and the opportunities it had created to connect with the community. Later that day, as we strolled through the night market we heard a woman’s voice calling after us. “Hi! Don’t you recognize me? You helped me today. I have not been able to see for many years, making it difficult for me to work, but today you helped me see!” She invited us over to her stall where we talked and made plans to keep in touch. We visited her home the next Sabbath, and she began to share her story. Her husband had a serious motorbike accident months ago and has been unresponsive ever since. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she shared that the burden was almost too much to handle, but that being a Christian (of another denomination), she knew that God could help. With gratitude, she held our hands and thanked us for visiting and praying, explaining that we were the first people to show her such love. “When my husband gets better,” she told us, “we will go to your church and become Sabbath keepers, too.” It is our prayer that we can host additional vision clinics next year and continue to not only provide people with glasses, but also open their eyes to the True Light.

"He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" Luke 4:18 7

REACH THE WORLD NEXT DOOR

Rise High BY JOELLA MEYER

S

eeing lives changed for the good is the greatest privilege to witness at each Rise High children’s program in the Houston refugee apartment complexes where Reach the World Next Door (RWND) serves families from around the globe. Rise High reinforces character qualities important to the cultures of the people with whom we work. At the beginning of each program, we ask the children what they remember and have applied from previous lessons. Hands shoot up as children list what they remember and how they practiced honesty, generosity, and responsibility. They recount stories and object lessons, like how a drop of dish soap in a solution of water and black pepper demonstrates forgiveness, how making pipe cleaner bees as pencil toppers reminds them to be industrious, or how the no-bake date cookies we made together for Mother’s Day reinforced the importance of hospitality. At the most recent program, we introduced the concept of compassion. One little boy listened intently as we shared several illustrations of compassion and why it is so important. We discussed examples such as helping people who are hurt rather than laughing at them and making friends with classmates who are bullied. Then the little boy piped up to ask, “When I help my little brothers at home, I am being compassionate, right?” He was so excited to understand this character trait, and to realize that he was already applying it. As I told a story about how zebras protect the young and weak at the center of their dazzle when threatened by lions, another child raised her hand and said, “I remember another

HELPING HANDS

story you told us about the hurt man who was helped by another man and his donkey. The man with the donkey helped to care for the hurt man. That’s compassion.” Another time, we took pots, dirt, and strawberry plants to the refugee apartment complex to teach a lesson about responsibility. The children had so much fun as they worked and learned about how to take responsibility for the care of the plants. Many of the families we work with come from countries where agriculture is important and gardening is valued. Living in apartments surrounded by parking lots, the parents and grandparents miss growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. Each week since this activity, the children update us on how their plants are growing and producing fruit. The parents are happy to see their children developing good character qualities. Whenever we go to the apartment complexes, there is never enough time to visit all the families that invite us to come in and talk over tea. After one recent program, I sat with some mothers while their children were still finishing up their craft and playing. They opened up about what a blessing Rise High programs are for their children. They also expressed their gratitude for our friendship and shared that they notice something different about us, a quality they want in their own lives. We praise God that they see Him through us, and we pray that He will do even more amazing things as our relationships grow. Are you interested in cross-cultural mission training? Would you like to train for missions while working among refugees and immigrants? Apply now at ReachtheWorldNextDoor.com, and join us in Houston!

I Was Blind but Now I See BY ANGY PLATA

Oon Jai Foundation has worked in a closed Southeast Asian country for several years to alleviate poverty and empower local people through health, education, and farming. This past March, an exciting opportunity opened up for Oon Jai, ASAP Ministries, and ADRA Thailand to partner in providing much needed vision care and distributing free glasses. The trip began in Bangkok, which is home to thousands of Pakistani refugees and refugees from other countries who are fleeing persecution and violence, while yet living in fear of immigration raids. We served close to 400 refugees, listened to their heart-wrenching stories, cried with them, and prayed with them. From Thailand, we traveled to a neighboring closed country where we offered services to over 1,200 people! There we provided vision care at several sites, including the only recognized Seventh-day Adventist church in the country. We were prayerfully cautious about conducting the vision clinic in the church. Although we had permission from the local authorities, we knew that serving in a communist country meant we could be shut down for no reason. During the clinic, a high-ranking police officer entered the church. Nervously, one of the pastors went to greet him and asked if everything was okay. “No, it’s not. I heard about free vision care and people told me it was at the Saturday church, but I had no idea where that was. I drove up and down the road until I finally found your church. You need to make your cross bigger so everyone can find you!” the officer said. After receiving a pair of glasses, he left happily. The next day, he brought the rest of his police officers so that they, too, could receive free vision care!

6

The pastor could not believe the number of people who had come and the opportunities it had created to connect with the community. Later that day, as we strolled through the night market we heard a woman’s voice calling after us. “Hi! Don’t you recognize me? You helped me today. I have not been able to see for many years, making it difficult for me to work, but today you helped me see!” She invited us over to her stall where we talked and made plans to keep in touch. We visited her home the next Sabbath, and she began to share her story. Her husband had a serious motorbike accident months ago and has been unresponsive ever since. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she shared that the burden was almost too much to handle, but that being a Christian (of another denomination), she knew that God could help. With gratitude, she held our hands and thanked us for visiting and praying, explaining that we were the first people to show her such love. “When my husband gets better,” she told us, “we will go to your church and become Sabbath keepers, too.” It is our prayer that we can host additional vision clinics next year and continue to not only provide people with glasses, but also open their eyes to the True Light.

"He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" Luke 4:18 7

MEET OUR WORKERS

EXCITING EVANGELISM

Meeting Jesus in Samraong BY JULIA O’CAREY

starting time, nearly every seat was filled and the meetings officially began. Pastor Nhean Thon Sovan, the health superintendent for Cambodian Adventist Mission, shared health messages that were relevant to those attending, including many whom he counseled that very day in a mini health clinic. Church members led Khmer praise songs and children from the school sang special music. Pastor Scott Griswold, who served with his family in Cambodia for six years, preached the sermons. “It was such a privilege to be the speaker,” he said. “I loved watching God use simple Bible stories and testimonies of Cambodians experiencing God’s power, to touch lives.” Each night Pastor Scott invited the people to come forward with prayer requests. Almost everyone came. Meanwhile teachers and mission trip team members busily worked with 150 children. Julie Griswold organized a program using the same Bible stories as the adult meetings, with lots of activities to keep the children occupied. With the adult meetings running long, this was challenging! Still, the children did not want to leave when the program ended. The adults, however, were exhausted since earlier in the day they had led a three-hour vacation Bible school for the children. But the positive response from the open hearts of the children was a rich reward.

R

ecently, a small committed team from America and Canada partnered with the ASAP-sponsored Samraong Adventist School to represent Jesus to a Buddhist community. They chose to hold public evangelistic meetings, something many think does not work among Buddhists. The teachers at the school were thrilled by the response. Mission trip participants joined local church members to invite people in the city and countryside. On the first night they watched eagerly to see who would come. More than 150 children quickly showed up, but the adults trickled in slowly. ASAP board member Curtis Letniak had run all over with the local pastor, trying to find enough chairs. Some thought they had gotten way too many, but one hour after the stated

8

Four large groups of children rotated through stations where Julie Griswold and Julie Letniak worked with others to share Bible teachings, play games, help them make crafts, and teach basic health principles. The children loved the fact that the Griswold’s and Letniak’s children, Josiah, Jonathan, and Kaitlyn, were very involved too. When the meetings ended, the teachers were most excited by the fact that many of the students’ Buddhists parents and neighbors had attended. In these meetings, they had clearly seen that God cares about their whole lives, their family problems, their financial challenges, their health, and their eternal life. The love shown before the meetings had drawn many to attend. True compassion and helpfulness carried the message during the meetings. It will take ongoing love to secure these new interests in a solid relationship with God. Each part is important, and love is what made the difference.

Single-hearted for Souls in the South BY BRENDA KIŠ

“W

hen we went there the church was run down. No water. The toilet and roof were unusable. Windows broken. Graffiti on the church walls. Uncared for. Looking from the outside, people thought the church was abandoned.” These words from Sone Faraimo, ASAP’s field supervisor in Thailand, describe his experience with an assignment to rescue a church in the south of the country. From a congregation of 60 members, attendees had dwindled to a mere 6 people who were crying out for a pastor to shepherd them. They had been worshipping alone for a year, faithful but not actively taking responsibility. At first they didn’t respond to the new couple who had come to care for them. They had become negative and bitter and their trust level had also dwindled. They were reluctant to go visiting, and Pr. Sone and his wife, Suwadee, had to encourage them to pray, read their Bible, teach how to lead song service, and how to give their testimony. After a year they warmed up to the Faraimos and began to take ownership of their church. Together they repaired the building and began welcoming people in a friendly manner and participating in every aspect of the ministry. Now they hold an evangelistic campaign every year! They reached out to former members who had drifted away into Sunday congregations. After that first year, four new members joined their church, and the Faraimos began the process of cultivating leadership from within. In this location, the Faraimo’s couldn’t make inroads into the hospitals, and work among the schools is just opening up, with the potential of teaching English classes. However, the adult education schools opened their doors, and Suwadee began teaching English to massage therapists. Prison ministry is also part of the work of the Faraimos and their church family. Once a month the Faraimos and some church members go into the prison and minister to men and women who have been responding positively.

After that first year, four new members joined their church, and the Faraimos began the process of cultivating leadership from within. After their Christmas program the officials asked for more, recognizing them as part of the team of prison workers. So far they have been able to teach both English and Bible to 80 men and 100 women. Next they will enter a Muslim area to present a health program. There’s been some bombing so not too many workers are eager to go there. Please pray for the Faraimos as they build up discouraged members, restore broken prisoners, and teach those of different faiths. 9

MEET OUR WORKERS

EXCITING EVANGELISM

Meeting Jesus in Samraong BY JULIA O’CAREY

starting time, nearly every seat was filled and the meetings officially began. Pastor Nhean Thon Sovan, the health superintendent for Cambodian Adventist Mission, shared health messages that were relevant to those attending, including many whom he counseled that very day in a mini health clinic. Church members led Khmer praise songs and children from the school sang special music. Pastor Scott Griswold, who served with his family in Cambodia for six years, preached the sermons. “It was such a privilege to be the speaker,” he said. “I loved watching God use simple Bible stories and testimonies of Cambodians experiencing God’s power, to touch lives.” Each night Pastor Scott invited the people to come forward with prayer requests. Almost everyone came. Meanwhile teachers and mission trip team members busily worked with 150 children. Julie Griswold organized a program using the same Bible stories as the adult meetings, with lots of activities to keep the children occupied. With the adult meetings running long, this was challenging! Still, the children did not want to leave when the program ended. The adults, however, were exhausted since earlier in the day they had led a three-hour vacation Bible school for the children. But the positive response from the open hearts of the children was a rich reward.

R

ecently, a small committed team from America and Canada partnered with the ASAP-sponsored Samraong Adventist School to represent Jesus to a Buddhist community. They chose to hold public evangelistic meetings, something many think does not work among Buddhists. The teachers at the school were thrilled by the response. Mission trip participants joined local church members to invite people in the city and countryside. On the first night they watched eagerly to see who would come. More than 150 children quickly showed up, but the adults trickled in slowly. ASAP board member Curtis Letniak had run all over with the local pastor, trying to find enough chairs. Some thought they had gotten way too many, but one hour after the stated

8

Four large groups of children rotated through stations where Julie Griswold and Julie Letniak worked with others to share Bible teachings, play games, help them make crafts, and teach basic health principles. The children loved the fact that the Griswold’s and Letniak’s children, Josiah, Jonathan, and Kaitlyn, were very involved too. When the meetings ended, the teachers were most excited by the fact that many of the students’ Buddhists parents and neighbors had attended. In these meetings, they had clearly seen that God cares about their whole lives, their family problems, their financial challenges, their health, and their eternal life. The love shown before the meetings had drawn many to attend. True compassion and helpfulness carried the message during the meetings. It will take ongoing love to secure these new interests in a solid relationship with God. Each part is important, and love is what made the difference.

Single-hearted for Souls in the South BY BRENDA KIŠ

“W

hen we went there the church was run down. No water. The toilet and roof were unusable. Windows broken. Graffiti on the church walls. Uncared for. Looking from the outside, people thought the church was abandoned.” These words from Sone Faraimo, ASAP’s field supervisor in Thailand, describe his experience with an assignment to rescue a church in the south of the country. From a congregation of 60 members, attendees had dwindled to a mere 6 people who were crying out for a pastor to shepherd them. They had been worshipping alone for a year, faithful but not actively taking responsibility. At first they didn’t respond to the new couple who had come to care for them. They had become negative and bitter and their trust level had also dwindled. They were reluctant to go visiting, and Pr. Sone and his wife, Suwadee, had to encourage them to pray, read their Bible, teach how to lead song service, and how to give their testimony. After a year they warmed up to the Faraimos and began to take ownership of their church. Together they repaired the building and began welcoming people in a friendly manner and participating in every aspect of the ministry. Now they hold an evangelistic campaign every year! They reached out to former members who had drifted away into Sunday congregations. After that first year, four new members joined their church, and the Faraimos began the process of cultivating leadership from within. In this location, the Faraimo’s couldn’t make inroads into the hospitals, and work among the schools is just opening up, with the potential of teaching English classes. However, the adult education schools opened their doors, and Suwadee began teaching English to massage therapists. Prison ministry is also part of the work of the Faraimos and their church family. Once a month the Faraimos and some church members go into the prison and minister to men and women who have been responding positively.

After that first year, four new members joined their church, and the Faraimos began the process of cultivating leadership from within. After their Christmas program the officials asked for more, recognizing them as part of the team of prison workers. So far they have been able to teach both English and Bible to 80 men and 100 women. Next they will enter a Muslim area to present a health program. There’s been some bombing so not too many workers are eager to go there. Please pray for the Faraimos as they build up discouraged members, restore broken prisoners, and teach those of different faiths. 9

IN GRATITUDE IN HONOR OF ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ, by Juana Rodriguez • AURELIE HOSKIN, by Carlos and Wanda Antuna • BRENDA KIS’ BIRTHDAY, by Marguerite Ross CAROL AND BYRON REYNOLDS, by Johanna Rita Vital • DWAYNE WILSON, by Antonnette Thomas • JOHN 5:23, by Wyman Kingsley • THE WEST FAMILY, by Byron and Carol Reynolds

IN MEMORY OF DR. WILFRED STUQUESANT, by James and Judith Culpepper • E. JENICKE AND J. KRAVIG, by Sandy Monette • ESTHER ZIMMERMAN (ELLEN’S MOTHER) FOR MOTHER’S DAY, by Donald and Ellen Amador • HELEN SAMPSON, by Cynthia Miller • JUDY AITKEN, by Byron and Carol Reynolds, Chrysostomos Yianopoulos, David and Mirtes Schmeling, Delmar and Cheree Aitken, Jon and Kathy Dybdahl, Karen Yang, Marilyn Bauer, Randy and Kathy Neall • KENDRA MYA SHELDON, by Curtis and

Cathi Sheldon • LISA DEBOOY, by David and Ruth DeBooy • MICHAEL STROM, JR., by James and Judith Culpepper • MY FATHER-IN-LAW, RIM PHAN, by Michael Vuthy Sarunn

EQUIP A LITERACY CLASSROOM

BOOST 5 FARMING MINISTRIES

How can students learn if their teachers don’t have the most basic supplies? How can teachers help their students learn without any materials to work with? Teachers in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand do not need much, just a board, chalk, etc., and lots of patience.

We would like to send five ASAP Church Planters in Laos to an organic farming training course in order for them to improve their farming skills and use their knowledge to teach their fellow villagers. We plan for this to not only boost their farms but be a tool for witnessing.

$50 FOR CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

$7,055 NEEDED/INCOME-GENERATING PROJECT (ANY AMOUNT IS APPRECIATED)

IN THANKFULNESS FOR GOD, by Esther Norton Zare, Rosa Miller • GREAT FAMILY, by Kevin and Teresa Jepson • JADELYN RICE, by Joshua Rice • JESUS, by Wyman Kingsley, Cipriani Davis, and Zanele Malaba • KHAMPHO OHNO, by Anna Ursales • LIFE, by Ellen Rattu, Irene Hill Jacob • MATTHEW HOKANSON, by Joe and Laura Hokanson • ROBERT MCCOY, by Ericka Quesada • THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD, by Joseph and Ruthie Reeves • THE GOODNESS OF GOD, by John and Joyce Marter • THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND MY ANSWERED PRAYERS, by Daniel Boccardo WILLIAM AND RACHEL, by Songxia Liu

GO ONLINE TO VIEW MORE PROJECTS

COME SERVE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Visit asapministries.org to discover ASAP’S upcoming MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES. CAN’T SERVE? THEN SEND SOMEONE! If you physically cannot go, consider GIVING to make it possible for someone else to go. Your help will TRANSFORM the lives of those going to serve and "the least of these" whom they serve. 10

SEND A REFUGEE CHILD TO SCHOOL Do refugee children deserve to go to school? Of course they do, but many do not get that chance. ASAP would like to send five to ten Pakistani and other refugee children who are stuck in Bangkok to an Adventist school this year. Will you be one of their “angels” to make it possible?

$170/MONTH PER STUDENT ($2,040/YEAR, BUT ANY AMOUNT IS MUCH APPRECIATED)

HELP JASMINE BECOME A STUDENT MISSIONARY TO HER PEOPLE Jasmine Moo recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Hartland College. She feels God’s call to return to the refugee camps in Thailand to help educate young people to know and love their Savior. This is God’s strategic plan for bringing refugees to America. Please help this dream become a reality. $23,000 NEEDED (ANY AMOUNT WILL HELP!) 11

IN GRATITUDE IN HONOR OF ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ, by Juana Rodriguez • AURELIE HOSKIN, by Carlos and Wanda Antuna • BRENDA KIS’ BIRTHDAY, by Marguerite Ross CAROL AND BYRON REYNOLDS, by Johanna Rita Vital • DWAYNE WILSON, by Antonnette Thomas • JOHN 5:23, by Wyman Kingsley • THE WEST FAMILY, by Byron and Carol Reynolds

IN MEMORY OF DR. WILFRED STUQUESANT, by James and Judith Culpepper • E. JENICKE AND J. KRAVIG, by Sandy Monette • ESTHER ZIMMERMAN (ELLEN’S MOTHER) FOR MOTHER’S DAY, by Donald and Ellen Amador • HELEN SAMPSON, by Cynthia Miller • JUDY AITKEN, by Byron and Carol Reynolds, Chrysostomos Yianopoulos, David and Mirtes Schmeling, Delmar and Cheree Aitken, Jon and Kathy Dybdahl, Karen Yang, Marilyn Bauer, Randy and Kathy Neall • KENDRA MYA SHELDON, by Curtis and

Cathi Sheldon • LISA DEBOOY, by David and Ruth DeBooy • MICHAEL STROM, JR., by James and Judith Culpepper • MY FATHER-IN-LAW, RIM PHAN, by Michael Vuthy Sarunn

EQUIP A LITERACY CLASSROOM

BOOST 5 FARMING MINISTRIES

How can students learn if their teachers don’t have the most basic supplies? How can teachers help their students learn without any materials to work with? Teachers in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand do not need much, just a board, chalk, etc., and lots of patience.

We would like to send five ASAP Church Planters in Laos to an organic farming training course in order for them to improve their farming skills and use their knowledge to teach their fellow villagers. We plan for this to not only boost their farms but be a tool for witnessing.

$50 FOR CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

$7,055 NEEDED/INCOME-GENERATING PROJECT (ANY AMOUNT IS APPRECIATED)

IN THANKFULNESS FOR GOD, by Esther Norton Zare, Rosa Miller • GREAT FAMILY, by Kevin and Teresa Jepson • JADELYN RICE, by Joshua Rice • JESUS, by Wyman Kingsley, Cipriani Davis, and Zanele Malaba • KHAMPHO OHNO, by Anna Ursales • LIFE, by Ellen Rattu, Irene Hill Jacob • MATTHEW HOKANSON, by Joe and Laura Hokanson • ROBERT MCCOY, by Ericka Quesada • THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD, by Joseph and Ruthie Reeves • THE GOODNESS OF GOD, by John and Joyce Marter • THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND MY ANSWERED PRAYERS, by Daniel Boccardo WILLIAM AND RACHEL, by Songxia Liu

GO ONLINE TO VIEW MORE PROJECTS

COME SERVE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Visit asapministries.org to discover ASAP’S upcoming MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES. CAN’T SERVE? THEN SEND SOMEONE! If you physically cannot go, consider GIVING to make it possible for someone else to go. Your help will TRANSFORM the lives of those going to serve and "the least of these" whom they serve. 10

SEND A REFUGEE CHILD TO SCHOOL Do refugee children deserve to go to school? Of course they do, but many do not get that chance. ASAP would like to send five to ten Pakistani and other refugee children who are stuck in Bangkok to an Adventist school this year. Will you be one of their “angels” to make it possible?

$170/MONTH PER STUDENT ($2,040/YEAR, BUT ANY AMOUNT IS MUCH APPRECIATED)

HELP JASMINE BECOME A STUDENT MISSIONARY TO HER PEOPLE Jasmine Moo recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Hartland College. She feels God’s call to return to the refugee camps in Thailand to help educate young people to know and love their Savior. This is God’s strategic plan for bringing refugees to America. Please help this dream become a reality. $23,000 NEEDED (ANY AMOUNT WILL HELP!) 11

ASAP Ministries is fueled by mission-minded, faith-filled individuals whom God impresses. Be assured that 100% of your gift goes directly to the 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. 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/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR John Press ASSOCIATE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITOR Brenda Kiš DESIGN Robert Mason PHOTOS Josiah Griswold, Julie Griswold, Anthony Isensee, Oon Jai Foundation, Reach the World Next Door, Saeng Saengthip BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Dean Coridan, Christopher Carmen, Steve Chang, Shirley Freed, Darryl Hosford, Chan and Esther Hwang, Curtis Letniak, Denzil McNeilus, Mary Ann McNeilus, Carmelo Mercado, Amy Montevilla, Julia O’Carey, Byron and Carol Reynolds, Saeng Saengthip, Trudi Starlin

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PHONE 269-471-3026 FAX 269-471-3034 EMAIL office@asapministries.org WEB www.asapministries.org

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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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