ASAP Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2009

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

tragedy to triumph

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ASAP is a registered 501(c3), non-profit organization and is fueled by faith in God and His provision through individuals’ financial support. Please note that 100% of your gifts go directly to the projects specified. All donations are tax-deductible.

ASAP publishes this newsletter quarterly. Please contact the office to receive your complementary subscription, or for additional copies to give to family and friends.

ASI MEMBER ASAP has been a member of ASI (Adventist-layman’s Services and Industries) since 1996 and is grateful to be an ASI grant recipient.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Judy AitkenEDITOR/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Julia O’Carey COPY EDITORS Linda Bauer and Jolene RoosenbergDESIGN/LAYOUT Sarah Lee | whyambient.comPHOTOGRAPHY Frank Spangler | worldviewimages.com

ASAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Bruce Bauer, Judy Aitken, Max & Linnea Torkelsen, Mary Ann McNeilus, Ralph & Beatrice Neall, Byron & Carol Reynolds, Robin Riches, Trudi Starlin, Kenneth Straw

CONTACT USAdventist Southeast Asia ProjectsPO Box 84Berrien Springs, MI 49103 TOLL FREE 1-866-365-3541PHONE 269-471-3026FAX 269-471-3034EMAIL [email protected] http://www.asapministries.org

second quarter 2009 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

ON THE COVER

One of God’s faithful servants expresses her joy in Jesus during a recent ASAP training for new medical missionaries and church planters for Myanmar.

IN EVERY ISSUE

3 DIRECTOR’S UPDATE BY JuDY aitkEN

8 THE INNER VIEW BY Julia O’CarEY

10 IN LOVING MEMORY & HONOR BY Sara DE la vEga

11 A GIVER’S HEART BY MartiN kiM

21 SNAPSHOT OF ASAP’S FINANCES BY karEN WaDE

22 ASAP FAMILY CONNECTIONS BY WaYNE laBiNS

23 P.S. WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

12 Beyond the Tragedy BY JuDY aitkEN

Meet Maung Kyaw

ChurCh plaNtEr

14 Our Eyes Have Been Opened BY phaMOr phOOpiChitprai

Meet Pranee Saereepat MEDiCal MiSSiONarY

IN THIS ISSUE

4 God Never Makes Mistakes BY iSah YOuNg

Meet Ly Van Khai laY paStOr

6 First Impressions BY DEaNE JaCkSON

Meet Nou Savun ChurCh plaNtEr

16 God Triumphs in My Country BY BOONpraNEE WaNNaDEE

Meet Sou Vandy ChurCh plaNtEr & MEDiCal MiSSiONarY

18 special feature: a StOrY tO SharE

The Triumphs of His Presence BY JErYONaN frOM thE COuNtrY Of laOS

Tragedy to Triumph in Southeast Asia

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

We picked the theme, “Tragedy to Triumph,” for this quarter’s newsletter because of the countless stories we receive of how believers triumph through tragic situations as they depend on Christ for their victory, strength and joy. Just as the people in Jesus’ day “sat in darkness,” people in Southeast Asia suffer in the darkness of despair, pain, loss and trials of every kind. And as the people in Palestine years ago “saw a great light” through the presence of Jesus Christ, Southeast Asians are receiving triumphant victory through that same power that is ever present today. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Our Workers, featured on pages 5, 7, 13, 15 & 17 give you glimpses of brilliant triumph when God was in the picture. In addition to this, I’m pleased to introduce you to a new feature, “A Story to Share”. Each quarter we will be including a special two to three page story that you can share with your family for worship or Sabbath School class. The first of these stories is on page 18.

As I took part in the candlelight ceremony during the last night of the campmeeting in Cambodia, I experienced a touching reminder of how tragedy indeed turned to triumph for many of my friends. Lim Pheng, secretary of the Cambodia Adventist Mission, asked me to join him in lighting the candles of district pastors. They in turn lit the candles of church planters who then lit the candles of their members. Voices joined together in singing “This little light of mine”. My eyes soaked in the beauty of more than 2,000 brightly flickering lights which represented the illuminating presence of Jesus Christ burning within the hearts of the Cambodian people. And to think that there is over three times that number of Cambodians on fire for Christ throughout the country. My mind flashed back to when I first stepped foot into Cambodia, a war-torn country, with one goal: to gather together the few “lights” who were struggling to stay lit amidst darkness and chaos. Few people in this world experienced greater tragedy and suffering than the Cambodian people during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Now, about thirty years later, a surge of joy and emotion filled my heart as I silently prayed, “Thank you, Lord!”

I sincerely thank each of you, our partners, who may be going through tragic financial loss as I write this, yet continue to faithfully give. Because of your support, the beautiful message of victory through Christ can continue to spread to not only Cambodians but also to Vietnamese, Laotians, Thais and Burmese.

Sincerely,

Judy Aitken, ASAP Director

EDITOR’S NOTE: ASAP would like to state an official apology for publishing in the Fourth Quarter 2008 newsletter an account relating to the recognized SDA Church in Vietnam. In the Inner View, page 5, a conversation between an ASAP lay pastor and one of the pastors from the Vietnam SDA Mission was written. Though this account is true, it did not shed a positive light on the Vietnam SDA Mission. For that we apologize.

4 second quarter 2009 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

God Never Makes MistakestragEDY tO triuMph iN viEtNaM—BY iSah YOuNg

When I reflect on the theme of this issue, Tragedy to Triumph, my mind immediately turns to my Bible hero, Joseph. Someone once said, “If Joseph had not been Egypt’s prisoner, he would have never been Egypt’s governor. The iron chains about his feet ushered in the golden chains about his neck.”

One day a lady here in America phoned me and said, “Pastor Isah, I heard wonderful things about your ministry to Vietnam. Would you pray for me over the phone?” I proceeded to ask her some questions about herself like where she was from and about her family. She matter-a-factly shared, “My husband was killed in the war. My first son was killed in a car accident. My second son died because of cancer several months ago. I am alone now.”

Being a pastor, I have had many opportunities to comfort those who lost their loved ones but hearing the tragic fact that her entire family was gone caught me off guard. Literally, I was stunned! I remember mumbling something like, “I am sorry to hear about how that happened to you.” Her answer amazed me! It was the most uplifting response to tragedy I have ever heard in my life. In a serene voice she replied, “Oh, don’t feel sorry for me. God is good. He never makes a mistake. He has always been good to me.” I humbly admitted to her, “You know, you don’t need me to pray for YOU. You need to pray for ME. I have never encountered a person so strong in faith. I preach often about faith, but you are a living example of what I preach about.”

*Name changed for the safety of God’s servant.

That short conversation helped put into perspective all the trials the underground workers in Vietnam and I endure. Although the loss many lay pastors in Vietnam experience can compare to this lady’s experience, nothing can compare with what Christ endured for us on the cross. I should rejoice in the Lord and be thankful for everything that is happening in my life and in the Seventh-day Adventist underground movement in Vietnam. God never makes mistakes. We are safe in His hands. A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted. Just like fine gold must go through intense fire, our faith must pass through fiery trials to be strong.

Another way to look at tragedy to triumph is to picture the big transformation that takes place in many tragic, sin-filled lives when they surrender to God. Each redeemed soul is a triumph for the kingdom of heaven. Take for example, Quan*, a maimed yet highly trained bomber from the Vietnam War who lost all faith in the government. He became a dangerous gang leader in his area. The local police could not handle him because of his military training and high rank in the Communist party.

In October 2008, he invited himself to a celebration at the Catholic Church. He went with the goal to cause trouble and look for girls. One of the undercover ASAP lay pastors in the crowd quietly handed him three DVDs. After watching those DVDs a mighty miracle happened. He stopped smoking, drinking, and hurting others. He was born again. He was so excited about the victories in his life, he set up four large speakers around his house to broadcast the DVDs to his neighbors all day long. Nobody dared stop him because they all had a fearful respect for this man. Recently, he made contact with the ASAP lay pastors and told them he has three Bible study groups who need more DVDs and some help in understanding the Bible more. Quan is now in the Lord’s battle. In 2 Samuel 22:34,35 there is a promise which says, “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; My arms can bend a bow of bronze.” God is training us for eternity. He knows what is best for us. Remember, the cross must come before the crown.

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pastor and Mrs. isah Young, dedicated to reaching vietnam for Christ

5Christ is Coming ASAP … Reach Asia Now!

workers Vietnam

Meet Ly Van Khai*

“I made a commitment to serve God with 100% of my being.”

position Lay Pastorlocation Vietnamwhat you can pray for Pray that the Lord strengthens lay pastor Ly Van Khai and his wife through the power of the Holy Spirit so they can steadfastly continue to follow up the 400 requests for Bible studies they received after passing out 500 sermons on DVD.

TURNING POINT When I was a seventeen-year-old Buddhist, I remember turning the dials of the radio and stopping when I heard the urgent voice of Pastor Isah Young. The message of salvation in Jesus Christ caught my attention. Though my heart was converted through the truth from the Peace & Happiness radio messages, it was more convenient to attend a Sunday church near my home. The big turning point in my life came from one phone call. After I returned from a camp meeting held by the Sunday church, I felt very disappointed that the pastors did not genuinely care for the people, but were focused on serving themselves instead. I dialed one of my friends from church to get comfort, but heard an unfamiliar voice on the other line instead. This ASAP lay pastor told me bluntly, yet respectfully, that I was not keeping the fourth commandment. Then he proceeded to invite me to worship with him in a housechurch. I see now that dialing the wrong number brought me the right connection. I am now a Seventh-day Adventist and oversee three growing worship groups.

TRIUMPH THROUGH GOD’S POWER Many times, God showed me that He is all powerful. One of my daughter’s was struck with a serious illness. The other ASAP lay pastors and I prayed for her and she miraculously recovered. God also did something very profound for my wife. For many years she lived with a deep, shameful secret. She did not know how to read, even though she attempted to learn many times. We prayed that she would learn how to read so she could learn more about God through the Bible. Praise God! She now can read at a fourth grade reading level and studies the Bible every day.

Dialing the wrong number brought me the right connection.”

*Name has been changed and picture blurred for the safety of the individual.

JOY AMID THE TRIALS My father and the pastor from my former church put much pressure on me to come back to the Sunday church. Most of our friends do not want anything to do with me or my family after we joined the underground church. When I visited an underground church in another city, four police arrested me and accused me of working without a license. They questioned me, pushed me to the ground and hit me on my back. Nevertheless, nothing could fill my life with more joy than knowing that I am doing God’s will and worshiping Him in truth. I made a commitment to serve God with 100 percent of my being.

‘ ‘


A chorus of warm and friendly greetings showered us as we stepped through customs at Pochentong International Airport and came face to face with our Cambodia Adventist Mission leaders and staff, who immediately made us feel at home among this small but enthusiastic group of our wonderful, worldwide Adventist family.

Since then, our first few weeks in Cambodia have whizzed by, filled with a cacophony of different sights, sounds, smells and experiences. We wake up each morning to the sounds of dogs barking, roosters crowing and the smell of cooking fires as Phnom Penh’s 2 million residents begin a new day. In navigating the busy, dusty, noisy roads and exploring the back alleys we’ve learned that the footpath is not always for walking on. People sleep and eat there, squatting on the pavement as they prepare their meals over a small charcoal fire. Cafes and huge variety of small businesses spill out into the streets, vehicles park wherever there is a space and street vendors with their carts hawk their wares ranging from phone cards, trinkets, sugar cane juice, fresh pineapples, and a wide variety of meat and vegetable dishes. We’ve even seen a platter of fried spiders! Traffic here in Phnom Penh is chaotic with motos (small motorbikes), cars and tuk-tuks going every which way, often missing the other vehicles by centimeters or less. But what has really impacted us is the tremendous need of the people and the wonderful work that so many of our church workers are doing.

Phnom Penh is reputed to have some of the worst slums in the world and the few glimpses that we have had have certainly been confronting. Making our way down a narrow, muddy alleyway and over piles of garbage, we glimpsed families living in unimaginable conditions. One woman’s home, if that is the right word to use for it, was not much more than a few boards and a sheet of rusty corrugated iron. Yet, thanks to ASAP and

the passion of our pastors and church planters, this member’s children were able to attend school and learn of the love of Jesus, not only in words but through their incredible example and sacrifice. One church planter, who is struggling to support his own four children, has taken three more street children into his home to care

for at great personal expense. Such is the passion of those who have come to know Jesus to share this joyous news with others. Such stories could be multiplied a hundredfold.

Initial visits to several Read & Feed Schools supported by ASAP and out into the countryside to visit pastors, church planters, literacy teachers and health workers have been inspiring. To witness firsthand the thrilling influence for good that has been made possible through donor funding and to meet many people, particularly young people whose lives have been transformed by the gospel in

Cambodia and who are now devoted to helping others, is truly awesome. By God’s grace, it is our aim to nurture and build this work through prayer, discipleship training, evangelism and pastoral leadership so that, together with you, we can see a wonderful increase in the population of heaven from among the peoples of Cambodia when our Lord returns.

——————————————————————about the author ——————————————————————

Pastor Deane and Mrs. Ruth Jackson have devoted their life and energies over the past 30 years to ministry and evangelism. This is their commitment and passion. Pastor Deane is the new President of the Cambodia Mission. He has been a church pastor, evangelist, ministerial association secretary and, for the past eight years, has served

as president of the Northern Australian Conference. The Jacksons have three sons, all of whom are married and one three-year-old granddaughter.

First lmpressionsPtragEDY tO triuMph iN CaMBODia—BY DEaNE JaCkSON


Meet Nou Savun

“I believe if I have complete faith in God, nothing is impossible.”

position Church Planterlocation Phnom Penh, Cambodiamain goal To shepherd the Adventist Church group in Touul Sambo Village, which consists of 30 members (21 already baptized). how you can help

Your church family could become a sister-church to Church Planter Nou Savun’s group. You could support him and his members with your prayers and financial support.

CHANGE OF WAY, CHANGE OF HEART I believe that if I have complete faith in God, nothing is impossible. After I was shown the right way to walk with Jesus, everything in my life fell in place. I used to be hot tempered and would beat my wife and children. My in-laws hated me. Now I can see that I am a new man because God planted a seed of love in my heart for my family. I treat them all with kindness and respect. I even have love for my neighbors who are very poor and do not know God. I often remind myself, “I used to be right in their situation of hopelessness and despair. God can change them like He changed me!”

DIFFICULTIES MET WITH PRAYER I know that every faithful worker of God will face difficult times. Sometimes when I go out to share the gospel people curse me or mock and make fun of me. Sometimes I feel discouraged, but when I remember what Jesus went through, I pray asking for strength to go on. I never cease to pray whenever these situations occur and true to God’s promise, He always answers my prayers.

workers cambodia

God can change them like He changed me!”‘ ‘

A GOD-GIVEN IDEA I took pity on ten of the ladies in my church group who, day after day, could not find enough recyclables in the garbage dump. I prayed, “God, show me a way to help these ladies earn enough money to feed themselves and their children.” Praise God! He impressed my mother-in-law from the country to loan me money to buy a Tuk Tuk (small van in Asia). I go out of the city and purchase cement sacs then take them back to the ladies to sew up and sell to a middle man. This simple project really helps these ladies earn enough to make a living. I am teaching them to give back to God the tithe that is His. I show them in the Bible how God will bless them even more. It is hard for them to give tithe because they are so poor, but I pray their faith will grow little by little.

Visit www.asapministries.org to read more about church planter Nou Savun and see some pictures from this area!

second quarter 2009 Adventist Southeast Asia Projects8

As I stepped into the back of a humble classroom in one of the ASAP Feed & Read schools, I saw a sweet, gentle teacher who managed to hold each of her twenty students captivated, as she shared one of their favorite Bible stories…Noah and the Ark. I waited patiently until I had a chance to sit down, one on one, to get to know a little more about Prom Sorya, her joys and her struggles.

JO: Prom, what keeps you coming back to teach every day?

RM: (A big smile broke out over her face before she replied) I come to work every day, so happy because I love serving God through teaching the children. It is a little, but I want to give what I can back to God. God told me in John 3:16 that He loves me and each of my students. My main job is to pray for my students every day and show them God’s love. So that they also believe that He is their only Savior.

JO: Do you know about how many of the students in this school attend church now?

PS: Among the eighty students in this school, about seventy come to church regularly. The parents trust and respect me and the other teachers so that makes it easier for the children to get permission to come. I pray that more of the parents of the students will start coming too.

JO: How about your own parents? Are they believers?

PS: No, but I pray for them every day too. When I first became an Adventist, they were very upset. They made a special trip from my home in the country to my small room in Phnom Penh and told me that I no longer could study at the university if I was going to be a Christian. When I refused to give up my faith, they packed my bag, escorted me home, and locked me in a room for a week. My Father strictly told me, “If you stay stubborn and continue to worship the foreigner’s God, we will not let you go any where and not give you one riel [currency in Cambodia]!” I prayed the whole time I was in that room.

JO: We know that you remained faithful to God, because you are here teaching today.

PS: Yes, in order to come back to Phnom Penh and continue my studies, I told my parents I would not go to church but I could not stay away. Jesus kept drawing me back. Ever since the first time I went to church and heard Pastor Hang Dara preach about casting all my cares on Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, because He cares for me, I tried it and I found peace and comfort in God. I discovered that prayer and being a Christian really works! I will never turn back.

BY Julia O’CarEY

P Feed & Read Teacher: Prom Sorya

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web: www.asapministries.org | phone: 1-866-365-3541 9

phOtO CaptiONS tOp: (left to right) One of the Feed & Read students smiles shyly. The teachers at one Feed & Read school with Principal Chouen Choun and district Pastor Hang Dara. Hun Phana, Feed & Read student. Students in the Feed & Read school give the ASAP staff a traditional Khmer greeting. Teacher Prom Sorya helps dish up some rice and vegetables for the students.

Feed & Read Teacher: Prom Sorya

JO: Your ASAP family in America will pray for your parents. What are some other things we can pray for?

PS: Please pray for each of my students. Pray that this school can continue to stay open for many years so that we can keep sharing God with these children and their parents. This school is these students only hope! Pray that the parents will find some way to break out of their poverty situations.

JO: Can you tell us about one of your students that has special needs?

PS: (She pauses and hesitantly says) They ALL have special needs, but let me tell you about Hun Phana, my student who dreams of becoming a doctor some day. His father died by stepping on a land mine when he was still in his mother’s womb. His mother collects garbage in the dumps to recycle. She is now a Christian. Please pray that they have enough food to eat. Pray also that we can find transportation to get him to school because it takes him one and a half hours each day to walk to school.

JO: Sorya, God knows each need these precious children have. Thank you for loving them, teaching them and just being an inspirational role model to them every day. Thank you for opening up to me. Your ASAP family will be praying for you.

ASAP can keep the 180 literacy/Bible teachers on the front lines and even hire more teachers to spread the gospel and bring hope. It takes only $40 per month to support one literacy teacher.

HOW MANY CAN YOU OR YOUR GROUP SUPPORT?

pPpPpP WITH YOUR HELP…


“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

IN MEMORY OF:Ramnarine Ramharacksingh, by Roger and Margaret Dudley, Judy Aitken, and Berrien Springs/Eau Claire RotaryMy friend, Steve Norton, by Wayne CherrierCindy Bierly, by Richard and Cheri DelaneyMy mother, Jean Grams, by Dave GramsLita Davis, by Gary and Carolyn HullquistMark Hall, by Rosemary IlesArnie and Virginia Nedberg, by Don and Joan EnglishDavid Niece, by Don and Joan EnglishJames Jetton Sr., by Marge JettonEdgar W. Kendall, by Ross and Dianne KendallMy husband, Milton Kesler and my brother, Wesley Steele, by Yvonne KeslerLloyd Penrod, by Sigrid LeavittWendell Horning, by Helen W. LeeMy father, Eldon Jenicke, by Sandy MonetteElma Myres, by Donald and Helen MyresRobert F. Palmer, by D. Yvonne PalmerJustina Peshka, by David PeshkaMy father, George Renton, by Suzanne RentonVera Ritter, by Thomas and Bonnie RitterBob Isaacs, by Berwin and Barbara RogersKenneth R. Lutz Sr., by Viola SchneiderLawrence and Roberta Sharley, by Harry SharleyVivian Sheldon, by Robert SheldonRoselie Price, by Beverly WalkesDr. Sam Bacchiocchi, by Douglas and Rosemary WaterhouseOur aunt, Edna Samarza by Jane Berry, Judy Aitken and Jon Olson

IN HONOR OF:Jack and Pauline Danforth, by Todd and Julia DanforthDr. and Mrs. Wendell Row, by JoAnn DavisDaniel Orellana’s 4th birthday, by Gilbert & Susan Cornett, Carolyn Hartman, Kevin & Lynn Reasor, and Judy OxleyMason Cowan’s 6th birthday, and Stephen White’s 4th birthday, by Carolyn HartmanSteve and Maryella Haun, by Mark HaunJoanna Justin, by Raymund JustinCalvin Kim’s birthday, by Martin and Liana KimJohanna Wolfe, by David LyonsDale and Nancy Wolcott’s anniversary, by JK and Esther MartinezAndy and Louise Wolcott, by JK and Esther MartinezMy daughter-in-law’s father, who lives in Thailand, by Deb RichardsonGabriel, Amanda and Maddox Martin, by David and Sara de la VegaJames and Gregory Vo, by Ralph and Beatrice NeallJohn and Karin McLarty, by Dianne MyersArt Minagawa, by Jim and Elaine McGeeFuqin Liu, by Sarah Ross

ln Loving Memory & HonorBY Sara DE la vEga


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In 2 Corinthians 5:7 it says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” If there was ever a time in earth’s history that God’s people needed to walk by faith, it would be now. What is faith? I recently listened to a powerful testimony by Herb Larsen Jr., a Canadian businessman, where he shared a very radical definition of faith. He says faith is much more than believing or trusting in God. “Faith is doing God’s will to the point of doing that which is humanly stupid.” I have come to believe that this radical definition is biblical. There are a number of stories that support this definition.

One of my favorite faith-testifying stories in the Bible is found in Luke 5. In verse 4 Jesus said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Jesus asks Simon to do something which appears to be humanly stupid. No fishermen with an ounce of common sense would go out in daylight and throw out nets on Lake Gennesaret where the water is clear. Any experienced fishermen knows that the only favorable time for fishing with nets is at nighttime when it is dark and the fish can’t see the nets. I like Simon’s response in verse 5. He says, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Simon is saying that he and his partners have worked all night and caught nothing. There is no way they will catch anything now in the daylight, “nevertheless AT YOUR WORD, I will let down the net.” This is faith! Faith is doing God’s will even if it seems humanly stupid. I am so glad that Simon

stepped out in faith and acted on God’s Word. Verse 6 says that “when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” Simon and his partners would have missed out on the greatest catch of their fishing career if they would have leaned on their own understanding and failed to step out in faith.

I can’t help but wonder how often I’ve missed out on what God has wanted to do for me and through me, because of my failure to step out in faith. During this down, depressing, demoralizing, dank, dismal, and downright disappointing time, where headlines remind us daily that the economy is tanking, we need to walk by faith. We need to live “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” and live by God’s economy which is vastly different from the world’s economy. Speaking of God’s economy, Charles Spurgeon says: “To be stingy and selfish is the world’s way to prosperity, but it is not God’s way. In His economy, giving is gaining.” Yes, over and over again, the Bible tells us that giving is gaining.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 11:25, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” It does sound humanly stupid. It doesn’t make any sense logically or mathematically. Faith is needed to obey and also to receive the promise. Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you.” In 2 Corinthians 9:6 it says, “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” David said, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble” (Ps 41:1).

The only way we will survive the economic crisis, put food on our table and pay our bills, is by giving. It is my prayer that you will take the step of faith required to make the switch over to God’s economy.

BY MartiN kiM

I CAN’T HELP BUT WONDER HOW OFTEN I’VE MISSED OUT ON WHAT GOD HAS WANTED TO DO FOR ME AND THROUGH ME, BECAUSE OF MY FAILURE TO STEP OUT IN FAITH.

How to Survive the Economic Crisis

A G

IVER

’S H

EART


It is hard to imagine how any good thing could result from the devastating tragedy of Cyclone Nargis which struck the country of Myanmar (Burma) in May 2008. Yet Pastor Gavin Johns, communication director of the Myanmar Union Mission (MUM) reports, “Many cyclone victims are now seeking for God. Though faced with a big challenge, God blessed the church with donors, such as from ASAP, who were willing to assist the members and those hit in their villages during difficult times. The needy saw the love of God through the help they received. Many are now inquiring about life after this and are more concerned about their religious beliefs. There are now many nonbelievers attending the regular worship services. Backsliders have returned to church as well. With ASAP’s help, the church conducted a series of evangelistic meetings in the affected areas and other interested territories within the Union.”

After responding to the Nargis Cyclone, the ASAP board of directors prayed, “Lord, you called ASAP to Myanmar. What next?” With positive relations and good communication established between ASAP and the Myanmar Union Mission, ASAP just completed the first training of Adventist Myanmar missionaries, who are ready to launch into church planting projects for ethnic people groups of the East Shan State. Thirty pastors, church planters and medical missionaries spent five intense days with the ASAP team, seeking the Holy Spirit, praying, studying the Word of God, planning, and learning how to use natural remedies to win people to Christ.

The highlight of our time with these dedicated men and women was hearing the inspiring testimonies shared of how the Lord has already been working through them to spread the gospel. For some have already launched out in faith, volunteering their whole lives to service, trusting that God will provide for them. Wel Ham told me, “I have been working as a volunteer Bible worker during the past year. It is a blessing for me to work for God! In the village I work in, about ninety percent smoke opium. As I educate them about the harmful affects that drugs have on their bodies, they listen to me. I am seeing many changes in their lives. It is God’s power to help them to be set free from Opium. I pray earnestly for them.”

We solicit your prayers for ten dedicated national missionaries, supported by ASAP who, with hearts burning with love for God, are sacrificing their lives to share the gospel to unreached tribes of Myanmar. We also ask you to pray for the six medical missionaries who are also sharing Christ through the use of natural ways of healing.

EDITOR’S NOTE: After analyzing the situation in person, ASAP discovered that $60 per month as requested and stated in the ASAP Priceless Gift Catalog is not adequate to support one church planter. ASAP plans to provide $90 per month as God provides the funds. In addition to this, $5,167 is needed for evangelism materials and $150 per month for stipend and travel expense for one medical missionary in Myanmar.

Beyond the TragedytragEDY tO triuMph iN MYaNMar—BY JuDY aitkEN

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the aSap team poses with church planters and medical missionaries at a recent training

two church planters earnestly studying god’s Word


workers myanmar

Meet Maung Kyaw*

“I am a Christian because I love the teachings of Christ.”

position Church Planterlocation East Shan Statemain goal Leading God’s children to Christhow you can help

Pray for millions in Myanmar that need Christ. Consider supporting church planter Maung Kyaw and nine other dedicated missionaries who are planting churches among unreached people. You may also provide mopeds for eleven pastors, as well as eleven generators to light up evangelistic meetings at night.

ENDURING FOR CHRIST For eleven years, I worked as a teacher transforming the lives of children and youth with the message of hope from Christ in a vibrant yet challenging world. Two years ago, I took the challenge and call to serve as a church planter in East Shan State. The state is plagued by poverty, opium and drug addiction, drug trafficking, high illiteracy, high mortality rates, and rising unemployment. I live among people who are constantly in fear of spirits and their lives are trapped in superstitions and poverty. I have to walk with God daily for survival of my family and church members and for the growth of God’s work.

PRAYER IS THE ANSWER In 1998, I was giving Bible studies in a village in East Shan State so as to prepare ground work for an evangelistic meeting that was going to take place in the village. I prayed with other Adventist believers during the evangelistic meeting. By the end of the meeting, the village chief and his family accepted Jesus. Almost the whole village has become Seventh-day Adventist. I still visit the villagers every week to encourage them.

The whole village has become Seventh-day Adventist.”‘ ‘

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH PRAYER I did not know Christ while growing up with my father who is Burmese and a Buddhist, and my mother who is an animist from the Akha tribe. I did not have money to go to school but God provided assistance so that I could attend an Adventist school. God provided help even before I knew Him. When I was nineteen years old, I began winning souls for God through prayers. I then witnessed God’s answers.

TRUE GOD OF MERCY When I was young, I had no religion. When I was seventeen-years-old, I got in touch with an Adventist pastor. From that moment on, Christ has always been my Savior. I became a Christian because I like the teaching of Christ. I know Christ, and I have experienced His amazing love. As the pastor shared with me the blessings and good news of Christ when I was a young man, I want to do the same thing to others so that all might be saved. God’s mercy was extended to me even before I knew Him.

*Name changed for the safety of God’s faithful servant.


In Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Though I am a third-generation Adventist and have worked for the Thailand Adventist Mission (TAM) for forty years, I have to admit that Hosea’s statement above described my family and me in regards to our years of ignorance to God’s health message.

The Lord first impressed me of the importance of the health reform message when I attended a seminar held by Dr. Mary Ann McNeilus and Judy Aitken in 1985. Yet, it was not until the tragedy of my son becoming blind from an auto-immune disease that I began to take it seriously. Can you imagine how drastically your life would change if you or one of your family members suddenly became blind? My son was attending college at the time, full of a love for life. We were devastated when he came down with this condition. In addition to being blind, he had suffered daily from severe pain in his eyes and head. I would have rather experienced this pain than have him endure it.

Of course a father wants to do everything possible to help his son. This is why I poured my time and energy into learning more about the vegetarian diet, hydrotherapy, charcoal, massage, etc. My family began to strictly follow the eight laws of health and sought natural ways to improve my son’s condition. With this knowledge combined with much prayer, God blessed in a beautiful way.

After a year and a half of following God’s healing way, the pain he experienced completely left. A year after that, he was able to go back

to school and, by God’s grace, finish a degree in education. In addition to this, we saved thousands of dollars in hospital bills. I feel very grateful to God for the way He intervened for my son and my family’s health. After receiving these blessings, I could not keep the great gift of the health message to myself. I now thank God for the tragedy that came to our family because

much good has come from it. For the past eight years, I have been committed to do all I can through God’s power to train others.

Through God’s grace and in partnership with ASAP, I have conducted three-month trainings for medical missionaries from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar and shorter health seminars in the churches throughout Thailand. These trainings, along with the building of the health center, thanks to Dan Smith, have been such a blessing. Many, many people have benefited from them. Even in these difficult times, I will continue to have faith and to trust that God will take care of His work and continue to provide in every way, as I keep sharing this important end-time health message.

——————————————————————about the author——————————————————————

Phamor Phoopichitprai is a retired pastor of the Thailand Adventist Mission, yet he continues to dedicate his entire life to God’s work. In addition to the health evangelism work he coordinates for Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, his life is devoted to service to the Karen refugees in the Thailand camps and in No Man’s Land.

Our Eyes Have Been OpenedtragEDY tO triuMph iN thailaND—BY phaMOr phOOpiChitprai

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pr. phamor phoopichitprai preaches the health message at a recent aSap training.

the aSap team and pastor phamor pose with some of the thai and Burmese medical missionaries.


Meet Pranee Saereepat

“I teach them to trust in the Lord.”

position Medical Missionarylocation Loei Province, Thailandmain goal To share Jesus via prayer and health evangelismhow you can help Giving $150 per month supplies a stipend for one Thai medical missionary. These missionaries can reach people that a pastor or teacher would never have the opportunities to. Please help them seize these opportunities! please pray Pray that twenty people will come for the seven day workshop at the health education center and start to believe in God.

THE SAD SITUATION I find that many people in Thailand today are suffering. They have all kinds of health problems, but the most common illnesses that I see are high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and stroke.

POWERFUL INFLUENCE Since I became a medical missionary and learned about health principles from God’s Word, my family’s lifestyle has changed dramatically. Those we know witness these changes and it is a good testimony to the power of simple natural remedies.

workers thailand

My family’s lifestyle has changed dramatically.” ‘ ‘

HOPE When I educate people on changing their diet, exercising, what the benefits of the eight laws of health are, many times they listen because they have no other alternative. Modern medicine has not helped them. These simple truths put into action make big changes in their lives. I teach them to trust in the Lord and that gives them hope.

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH FOR MR. PRADEEP* When Mr. Pradeep first met me, I could tell he did not like me at all. Later I found out he did not like Christians and he knew I was one of them. After three days of suffering from a tragic mouth infection, he called me. He said humbly, “Mrs. Pranee, would you please come and help me? I have not been able to eat anything for three days. I went to the hospital, but they did not help me.” I visited him and prayed for him. God worked a miracle for Mr. Pradeep. His mouth was healed. He could eat again! The best thing is that now he is listening to what I teach. He is trying to change his lifestyle. He exercises regularly now. This problem opened up the doors for me to minister to him.

*Name changed for his privacy.


First, I would like to thank God for calling His people to serve Him in the country of Laos. Working for God in my country is not easy, yet it is the greatest privilege I know because we are working for the King of Kings. As I travel throughout the country of Laos to encourage and train God’s workers and their church members, I can see that the workers often face obstacles. Poverty is one of the biggest challenges. Hindrance from the communist-run government is another. (Lay pastors have been arrested and even persecuted for their faith.) Rejection from family members when one becomes Christian is very common. As the leader of the Lao Adventist Field, I always tell the believers that we cannot accomplish God’s purposes by our own strength, but through Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I encourage them to stay faithful in worshiping God and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to every tribe and ethnic group in Laos.

I thank God for His blessings that are seen in the growth that has taken place in the Lao Adventist Field. In 1992 there were 29 Adventist believers. Today the membership has increased to nearly 2,000 baptized members and many more who attend church and are learning about God through Bible study. There are four organized churches located in Vientiane, Bokeo, and Xiangkhuang and there are 43 housegroups meeting each Sabbath. Each of these churches has regular vespers on Friday evening, Sabbath School and a worship service every week. Not only has the church membership grown, but there has also been spiritual growth in the lives of lay pastors and members. God is leading us today!

The Lord has really blessed the work in Laos through ASAP’s support. There are many projects that have been started which greatly enhance the effectiveness of the church’s outreach. These include four church buildings that are now in the process of being built in the villages of Nampad, Nagnen, Namyon, and Vernkham. Two more will be built after these four are completed. Through ASAP support, land has been purchased at Vernkham Village. Also, a vehicle purchased by ASAP makes it possible for Vientiane church members to travel to and from church and be involved in many outreach activities. ASAP faithfully supports 45 lay pastors each month and youth evangelism training has been implemented. I am grateful to the ASAP donors who gave the mission work in Laos their support in the past and we pray that ASAP will continue to support this work in the future for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

——————————————————————about the author——————————————————————As president of the Lao Adventist Field, Pastor Boonpranee Wannadee is passionate about training and nurturing the faith of the believers in Laos. He is father to a new baby girl and six-year-old Matah. His wife, Khounmy is very supportive of the work.

God Triumphs in My Country tragEDY tO triuMph iN laOS—BY BOONpraNEE WaNNaDEE

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phOtO CaptiONS: (top) Boonpranee Wannadee tests the water aSap donors provided. (bottom) praise god for the new hmong SDa Church in vernkham village!


Meet Sou Vandy

“He has blessed me, not only with a new home but with new life in Him.”

position Church Planter & Medical Missionarylocation Naphang Village, Laosmain goal To establish a church in Naphang Villagehow you can help Pray for the people of Naphang Village to come to Christ. You can support a Church Planter like Sou Vandy for $70 per month.

NEW LIFE IN HIM Before I knew Jesus, I was a very bad person. I did not take care of myself or my family very well. After I met Jesus, my life changed dramatically. Now, there is warmth and love in our family. My wife, Warapan, my two children and I live better than before. An example of this was when my house was falling apart. I prayed for a decent place to live and God blessed my family and me with a beautiful home. I thank God for how He has blessed me, not only with a new home but with new life in Him.

AN OPEN DOOR I felt like God was sending me away to study natural ways of healing. So I left the village and learned all I could. I brought this education back home and attended to the sick of my village at no charge. I asked God earnestly to heal my “patients.” After God healed their sickness, the authorities and my friends were amazed. I continued to help all kinds of people and now those people understand more about Christianity. I told them that the meaning of the Christian life is to help others. I conduct a Bible study with twelve non-believers attending. God has blessed and where before we closed our doors so we could worship, now we open our doors without fear.

workers laos

I am happy to work for God.” ‘ ‘OPPOSITION TO THE FAITH Many of my friends believe that Christians are bad people compared to Buddhists. So when I became Christian, my friends turned against me. I tried to visit them, but they would not talk to me. I went back home and prayed for them. I prayed every day and continued to visit them. The village authorities did not approve of my new faith and shunned me. Every Sabbath my family worshiped at our home, but when we were discovered we were taken to the security station.

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THE TRIUMPHS OF HIS PRESENCE

My story is a witness of God’s power to bring me from starvation to the joy of knowing

and believing in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I grew up in a family who worshiped

ancestors. Everyday we made sacrifices to the spirits in hope that this would bring good

luck in our lives. The traditional animist religion of my ancestors was the way I thought I

would believe my whole life. One day I happened to hear a Christian radio broadcast when

visiting a friend. The preacher spoke about the God who created the sky and all things on

our earth. I felt a longing in my heart to know more about this God. As the months and

years passed, every once in a while I would think about this God, but never seriously tried

to find out more, until tragedy struck my wife and me. We lost our first two sons. One died

as an infant and our other dear little boy died of dysentery when he was three years old.

Our hearts grieved for them. The pain was nearly unbearable for us. It was shortly after this

that my brother visited my family. He told us that he was a Christian and I learned that he

worshiped the same God that I had heard about on the radio. I was glad that he could share

more information with me. He told me the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. My brother

also talked about how God has the power to help me and my family with everything if

we believe and pray to Him. I prayed to God that same night. And when I was done, I felt

comfort and peace fill my heart. God became very real to me.

BY JErYONaN* frOM thE COuNtrY Of laOS

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It was about a year after I became a Christian that a terrible famine hit the province where I lived. Many people died of disease and starvation. It was a great sorrow to my wife and me when our third son died. Soon after this, my precious wife also passed away. Both my son and my wife died because we could not find enough food to eat. I wished I had died instead of them. I was also malnourished but for some reason I lived. Though my heart ached for my wife and son, I continued to pray and have faith that the Lord would be with me. Each day, after I prayed, I felt that my Father came close to me and He again and again gave me comfort and peace in Him. It was at this same time that the government in the province where I live forbade anyone to become a Christian. Because of the severe persecution by the authorities, as well as the famine that caused many to be sick and lose their lives, I decided to move to Xiengkhuang Province to live with my brother and his family. At the time I was very hungry and weak due to lack of rice and food. It took many days to walk to the new province because I only had energy to walk slowly, one small step at a time.

When I arrived at my new home village the first thing I did was to join the church of my brother and to surrender my heart 100 percent to God. This church was the Christian church that worshipped on the 7th day as the Sabbath. Some time later, I married a Christian lady. God has blessed us with five wonderful children. My heart often sings to God in thanksgiving for restoring my life. I remember the pain of my past, however I praise the Lord for how He has carried me through everything and has blessed me with much joy.

The government was afraid that Christian Hmong churches were against them so they asked my church to join the Lao Adventist Field (this is the SDA Mission in Laos). Up to that point, we had not been a part of any organized church. We simply followed the Bible and worshiped on the Sabbath like it says to do in God’s Word. It was then that a pastor came from the Lao Adventist Mission to give us Bible studies to help us understand clearly God’s truth. I thank God that the church members and I were able to become part of a larger Sabbath keeping family of God who cares about us. An example of love was when the members and my family were suffering without rice to eat, God sent help through a pastor of the Lao Adventist Mission.

In 2007 I received a dream in which I saw the members of my church appoint me to be their pastor. The very next day, the president from the Lao Adventist Field came to my village and together with the church leaders asked me to become the pastor of the church. This was another blessing and happiness in my life. Praise God that there are now 195 baptized members and more than 320 who attend church every Sabbath. It gives me happiness to preach, teach and spread the gospel. The Lord blessed during the past six months in helping us to begin a church group of ten people in another village.

EVERYDAY MY MEMBERS AND I FACE A SERIOUS STRUGGLE TO HAVE ENOUGH RICE AND FOOD TO FEED OUR WIVES AND CHILDREN.

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I spend most of my time ministering to my members and new believers. When I hear that someone has a problem I go to give him or her counsel. I visit the homes of members and also witness and seek to make friends with non-believers. I always pray for my members and those I witness to. There are many problems in this world. I believe that one day God will take all the burdens and difficulties from everyone’s life when we go to Heaven. My favorite Bible text is “Cast all your cares upon Him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Because I love God, I sacrifice my life for Him.

Everyday my members and I face a serious struggle to have enough rice and food to feed our wives and children. One reason for this is because they have to pay to rent land to plant rice. During about six months out of the year, from July to December, the time before the rice is harvested, the farmers in my village and district often go hungry. This year especially, the people of my province are facing a serious shortage of rice and food. I am happy that God has used ASAP to feed my church members with food from the Lord. His Word is the most important food we can ask for. ASAP’s support is a precious gift. I would ask at this time for another gift, and that is for all ASAP people to pray to help my people have a clean source of water from a well. We now get water from a stream that is a far distance from our homes.

I have experienced many trials in my life. Yet, I believe that through trials, my heart is humbled and strengthened through faith in my Savior. I now praise God for the triumphs of His presence that is always with me as I share the gospel with poor people. It is a triumph that many people in my area are interested in knowing the Lord. I solicit your prayers for me, my family and my church members, who are your family of God. In return, we pray for you as well and ask that God bless your work and your lives

*Name changed for the safety of God’s servant.

Imagine the relief you can bring to the people of Laos by your simple gifts and faith-filled prayers! Please consider these current needs and respond to them online at:www.asapministries.org/give

Six well/water projects at $200 each1. Rice to feed hungry church members in the North 2. East provinces of LaosTwo church buildings at $6,000 each 3.

pPpPpP WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

phOtO CaptiONS: (top) Sharing fruit with a child in a lao village brings on a look of surprise and delight. (bottom)lay pastor Jeryonan*, happy to receive a picture roll for use in his church.


PThis is an analysis of what ASAP’s greatest needs are at the half-way mark of the fiscal year. In addition to the giving opportunities below, please consider giving to the urgent need to feed starving families in Myanmar. ASAP continues to trust in God to provide for His work.

CAMBODIA Church Planters & Training $89,000 Medical Missionaries $9,250 Churches (Bamboo/Thatch and Permanent) $87,100 Bibles, Bible lessons & Evangelistic Materials $12,000 Campmeeting Expenses $10,000 Sda Center (Aids Hospice) Operation $18,000 Literacy/Bible Teachers $65,000 Small Enterprise Development for Women $13,000 Shine Asia Shine–Cambodia $20,000 Healthland Chaplain and Training Project $26,000 Sda Center (Aids Hospice) Building/Church $160,000 LAOS ASAP Lao Missionaries & Training $30,000 Wells and Water Systems for Poor Villages $6,000 Weaving Project/Poor Women $3,000 Church Buildings $15,000 Residence for Lao Youth in Training $35,000 SDA Elementary School Building $70,000 Church and School in a Lao Village $12,800 THAILAND ASAP Thai Missionaries $9,000 Evangelism & Church Planting $18,500 Health Evangelism Training & Medical Missionaries $18,000

VIETNAM Pastors and Lay Leaders $98,000 DVDs, Bibles & Evangelistic Literature $80,000 Youth Evangelism Program $20,000 Churches (Repair & Building) $4,000 Radios & Radio/TV Ministry $50,500 MYANMAR Village Evangelists $9,800 Evangelistic meetings, etc. $6,500 Health Evangelism $6,375

OTHER Mopeds and Bicycles for Missionaries $25,600 Emergency Assistance for the Poor $20,000 Bible Workers for Karen Refugees in North America $32,000 Khmer & Lao Radio Ministries $20,000 ASAP Mortgage $69,000

BY karEN WaDE Cpa, aSap trEaSurEr

Pray For ASAP’s Greatest Needs!

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It is natural to come back from a vacation and feel a little sad about missing the people and places you experienced while away from home. However, the feelings are magnified when the time away was spent on a mission trip filled with spiritual highs! The 2009 ASAP Mission Trip to Cambodia was no relaxing vacation. Nearly every moment was spent working for God ministering to others or visiting places and projects that show the great needs of the people. That sense of being continually on God’s schedule was both exhausting and energizing. It was an experience unmatched in our lives so far—and we are missing it. We’ve got the Post Mission Trip Blues!

When my wife Sherri and I first arrived home, we began immersing ourselves in viewing the hundreds of photos and video clips from our trip, stopping only long enough to use the restroom (with a renewed appreciation for its flush toilet and running water). We are addicted to the spiritual high of our first mission trip and are reluctant to come down off the mountain. It helps to be able to communicate via email with some of our mission trip team members and new friends in Cambodia. The jet lag has finally worn off, but whenever I check the time, I can’t help but think of what time it is in Cambodia and recall what we were doing there at that moment. Whether we were praying with the mission group at six o’clock in the morning, rushing out the door in fire drill fashion, singing with the children, or witnessing the mass baptism, a deep sense of privilege and responsibility encompassed Sherri and me for having this amazing opportunity to serve God in Cambodia. Critical to the success of every aspect of our service, was the team of translators who worked just as hard as the

missionaries in hot and humid conditions. Indeed, the translators became some of our dearest new brothers and sisters in Christ and we deeply miss them. Instead of images on a mission story video, our family of God across the globe became real to us.

Working for the Lord means no time for worrying about the stock market or missing your favorite TV show. These are the things of the earth that grow strangely dim in the light of God’s glory and grace. When you work hard for the Lord, you also appreciate sleep like never before. Oh, but how wonderful is that sleep and we experienced first hand what Solomon meant in Ecclesiastes 5:12: “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.”

Fortunately God is merciful and the activities of normal life here in America require our attention. As we resume some of our regular activities, the sadness begins to fade to thankfulness. There is now a deep appreciation for the blessings of friends made and a hope that God will bring us together again someday. Our journey off the mountain and into the valley need not be sad because God is with us in both places. And we know He will take us back up the mountain again someday!

——————————————————————about the author——————————————————————Wayne Labins has three children and lives with his wife, Sherri, in Paso Robles, California. He serves God as Personal Ministries Leader at the Templeton Hills SDA Church. As a graduate of the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism, he enjoys conducting training classes in door-to-door outreach. He loves serving the LORD wherever and whenever he has a chance to.

BY WaYNE laBiNS

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WORkING FOR THE LORD MEANS NO TIME FOR WORRYING


The other day when my wife was driving our 1994 Geo Prism with 249,000 miles on it, another car went out of control on ice and slammed into her, totaling our car. We praise God she was not hurt. We drove that car 100,000 miles after we bought it used for $1,400. The car was valued at $2,200 when it was totaled, more than we expected. We had flawlessly maintained the car over the years, which had cost something, but we were quite surprised to receive more than the original price of the car in the insurance settlement. So I would like to give this special gift for the lay pastors in Vietnam. We cannot out give God!

laurENCE frOM MiChigaN

I saw on 3ABN the children digging in the trash to find things to sell so they can live. I just want to help these children. Please use this money to help them go to school in Cambodia.

WYNEtta frOM tExaS

I got a call from Mrs. Kamyong to come to her home to pray for her daughter’s marital problems. When I arrived, I found out Mrs. Kamyong was having marital problems as well. Her husband had walked out on her. I prayed for both marriages. Three weeks after that prayer, Mrs. Kamyong’s husband came back to her and had a change of heart. I thank God for this miracle!

aSap laY paStOr BOONSOM phuNaWaNapa frOM thailaND

I am a disabled American, living on a small, fixed income and relying on God’s abundant grace. This year I intend to send checks to two different organizations each month for twelve months. I try to be consistent because I believe that our church has a responsibility to reach out to our neighbors with a sound message anchored completely in Bible truth. With the financial crisis looming, I am stepping out in faith by giving, knowing that God is faithful. I wish the amount were more. Please use my gift as the Holy Spirit leads you to help others learn more about the love of our Father in Heaven and His Son.

WalkEr frOM NOrth CarOliNa

My name is Alonda and I am 14 (almost 15) years old. We found a starving dog by our house a few days ago. My heart broke in two as I saw the dog suffering. I thought that if I cared that much about a dog then I should care about starving children. This is just a little donation to go toward helping just that.

alONDa frOM tENNESSEE

The Three Angel’s church members donated all their used printer cartridges. I took them to Cartridge World in Sand Springs. They gave $15 for the used cartridges as World Company has a recycle program for fundraisers. Please use this money to support our church planter in Cambodia.

alfONSO frOM OklahOMa

LAOS

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

P.S. We Love Hearing from You!P

MYANMAR

You can read more inspiring stories of how God has influenced people’s lives by visiting our website:www.asapministries.org/about-testimonials

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ASAP Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2009

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Transcript of ASAP Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2009