Ecuadorian Trek

Tim and I had an encouraging, enjoyable, and we believe productive

time in Ecuador.  Our travel via air and land were rather uneventful

with the exception of riding crowded buses on some very steep grades

and crooked roads which, as you may have guessed, provided just the

right conditions for car sickness to abound all around us!  So much

for the fresh air of the Andes!

As planned our brother Juan met us at the airport and escorted

us to a number of meetings with indigenous church leaders.  The

various locations fleshed out quite a diverse group of church leaders.

Our first meeting was with a group from long established churches in

the Quito area.  They were very transparent as they shared that

continuing in the western model simply wasn’t reaching their people.

They were weary of attempting to keep lifeless machinery running.  Oh,

but what an excitement was revealed when they realized that programs,

buildings, and even American missionaries were not the answer but

rather the revealed Word of God.  Nothing is needed but a Holy Spirit

empowered implementation of the truths found therein.

Our second meeting was as if we were seeing firsthand the Book of Acts

fleshed out.  Brother Juan has laid a Biblical foundation of what the

Church should be.  The believers have eagerly taken hold and are

actively learning how to become a God reliant reproducing church.

The various meetings in the Puyo area revealed similar conditions.

Weariness seemed to accompany those who were exposed to the

constraints of buildings and program oriented ministries. On the other

hand, there was a perceivable excitement in the places were buildings

and programs were not the focus.  All, however, were greatly refreshed

and encouraged as they were again reminded that God has provided

everything necessary to see the Great Commission to its conclusion.

Our responsibility is simply to embrace and obey His teachings.

Our families, ministries, and work required this trip to come to a

conclusion.  Our thanks to each of you who prayed for us, our

families, and most of all the glory of God in our absence.

Thankfully His,

Tommy

Long Overdue Trip Report On China

Below is an excerpt from the newsletter I sent out in June.  Sorry it has been so long in coming!  Some of the info below has been changed or removed to protect our brothers and sisters!

Niˇ Haˇo!  Hello!

We have wrapped up our time in Shanghai and we leave with joyful hearts.  Before we say anything else, Tim and Chris wondered after the first day or so (albeit for a millisecond), what in the world are we doing here?  Why has God brought us to a place where it seems for the most part, the body of Christ is just working…without the trappings of the West?  Why would they need us?

We arrived on separate days and Tim started teaching pretty much right away.  Chris came in a day later and was whisked from the airport right to the place where Tim was teaching.  It quickly became apparent as we approached the area that our host did not want us gringo’s to be seen much.  He walked into a charged room!  Tim was teaching, the students were interacting and within 5 minutes of being there, Chris broke a chair and came crashing to the floor!  Needless to say, that “broke” the ice for him very quickly!  In all seriousness, we  learned in a short amount of time we were working with some very bright twenty-somethings.  God is doing something powerful here with the young people.  We were constantly amazed at their rapid fire responses to biblical questions and their ability to work within scriptural context – something we do not often see with the older groups.  They love the Lord and despite the ever present tension and extreme carefulness in how they go about things, they do not hold back their desire to follow God.  During our break time at lunch, we were sequestered in a small room for a couple hours while the students ate their lunch or studied.

It struck home knowing that these believers really are persecuted for their faith.  Our hosts have put a GREAT deal on the line for the work that they do day in and day out for these students.  But you see the results and you see God’s protection and grace.  We realized why we were there.  Not only was it to strengthen and encourage these young people, but – as unselfish as I can put it – we were blessed and encouraged ourselves beyond what we could have imagined!

While this was an exploratory trip for us, it did not return void.  It has opened doors for us in the future and has given us a vision of who might be most reachable.  We may not have this same group of students to follow up with, but we know that God is at work here in a huge way and will direct us where we should go.

Pray that through our connection, many more doors will be opened throughout China.  Pray that we can reach a few strong, young believers who can then take the gospel to places we never could and reach thousands more as a results.  Remember, there are 140 million+ believers in China and that number is climbing!

Both Tim and Chris were able to preach on Sunday morning at different places.  Tim in a home church with the younger students, Chris travelled towards downtown and ended up in a one room place that appeared to be used as a workshop, but I’m not sure. Most were migrant workers in their mid to late 30’s.  What a powerful time we both had – kneeling next to other believers who were crying out to God with their tears falling to the dusty ground…we had never experienced anything like this.  Spending time with believers who truly know the cost of following Christ, it certainly makes the American church look so weak.  We take so much for granted, wallowing in our traditions and denominations.

Later on, we were able to visit a brother who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease.  It was special being able to encourage he and his wife, but what a difficult place to be.  It especially touched Tim as his father died of the same disease.

Probably one of the more touching times was the baptism we attended.  We drove in the evening out to an area that housed some of the students.  They took what looked like a tall kiddie pool and put it in the bathroom, then about 20 of us crammed into the hallway/bathroom area trying to see the baptisms.  We had to take turns watching, but what a powerful time to witness these young people going into the waters.

Shen zhu fu ni!

Chinese for “God Bless You”

TESTIMONIES OF GOD’S WORK

As the result of a recent trip to S. E. Asia, God unveiled what He is doing in this region of the world.  Part of this was through the testimonies of key indigenous leaders who have worked through the Church Planting Manual and put into practice the living principles directly from God’s Word.  We will let these testimonies speak for themselves.  (They are unedited). Truly, God is glorifying Himself through His Living Word which is “powerful and sharp” (Hebrews 4:12).

TESTIMONIES

I am Khapoi a workman of God living in Phamaitai Village. I have got a manual which helped me a lot to know God’s will and how to follow His command. “God’s Plan for Church Planting” is a useful book I have ever had. Since I have been through this manual, I found out that there are many principles that benefit me, my family and my ministry. The Bible shows me very clear God has a purpose and a plan for His children. I share lessons and things I learn and hear from God with my wife and my children. The Biblical role in the church family, personal, husband, wife, parents, and children are a perfect lesson we try to follow. I take lessons to teach members at the church and not so long I can see many changing.

My name is Khamsu, a workman of God from Akvana Church, the Hanber. Since year 2007, I have been learning how to serve the Lord effectively. I have participated in the training of God’s Plan for Church Planting many times. Through this training I have learn many useful and practical lessons which benefit the ministry of God. As I spent time went through the book, I learned technique of planting churches which are simple but effective and powerful according to the book of Acts. I can see many good example of Paul’s ministry he did and finished reaching Asia in 10 years. I also learned that he relied only on Holy Spirit and God’s Word. In order to be a successful church planter, I need to have a good personal relationship with Christ. Though I am very busy, I should never forget to give time in talking and listening to God. When I apply what I have learned into my life, not only me receive blessing from the Lord but also my wife, my family and the church family.

I am Thoanh from Phaitxai Church. Since year 2007, I have been learning on how to reach more people in my area and the whole country to Christ. God’s Plan for Church Planting is an effective manual I have got. Inside the book, there are many biblical lessons which are useful for me, my family and the family of God. One lesson I gain most is handling conflict. As a leader, I face many problems that happen among church member. Before, some problem couldn’t be solved because we did not deal in biblical way. Since I learn the steps of handling conflict then I use it carefully. I see those problems are solved properly.

I am Lavong from Tongon Village and district. I am thankful to God for opportunity to learn these wonderful lessons. I learned most from lesson “Personal.” While I was studying this lesson, I heard God’s voice that it’s never too long to spend time with Christ. The time Jesus gives to me is not limited but my time for God is limited. I realized that I have to give God what is right not what is left. I may be very busy of doing many things but I will not forget to have a quiet time with Christ. Let Jesus be the most important in life like Matthew 6:33. Both my wife and my children walk with Lord and serve Him. We protect our hearts and minds by the Word of God and we let God speak to us. For the church family are blessed through my life and my family. I take some lessons from God’s Plan for Church Planting and to teach to church members. They learn and apply to their lives. As a result, their lives are changed by the power of God’s Word. I can see that the church is getting stronger. Praise the Lord.

GOD’S WORD SPREADS IN HILLS OF ASIA – Part 2

(See December 4, 2008 for First Article)

“The purpose of this trip was to conduct a “Preach the Word” Conference based on 2 Tim. 4:2.  The goal and motive was to encourage people to have confidence in the authority, power and sufficiency of the Scripture for our lives and churches today.”  Sixteen devoted young servants delivered the message of God’s Word to ten villages over four weeks.  Travel was mostly by foot or boat where possible.  “We were preparing and praying for this trip for almost a year because the requirements for such a trip were beyond our capacity.  However, 6 days prior to the dates of departure we received an answer to our prayers from the Lord.  Words cannot explain our thankfulness to God.”

In each village the Gospel message was proclaimed plus cloths and blankets of the elderly were washed and they were also helped in practical ways.  They followed Paul’s model in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well.”  In one village 14 adults who made profession of faith were baptized in a nearby river.   In another village “the people from the nearby village also came to joining the service.  After the service, we showed them the Jesus’ Film according to John’s Gospel.  The message was well received and we served the older people in such a way that it made them see the love of God.”

“Preach the Word” Conference: There were 32 church leaders who attended the training.  We learned from the life of Moses, Joseph, Paul and Jesus about the difficulties, challenges and temptations a leader faces today.  We also looked at the Scriptures about the importance and relevance of preaching for today’s ministry.  We have proclaimed the salvation message of the Lord Jesus Christ and the importance of preaching in these last days of spiritual deception.”  A new church was planted, 53 older people were served and about 60 children were given cloths.  We give great praise to our God for the work He is doing through indigenous servants of Christ.

“AMAZING GRACE” IN VIETNAM

Words cannot express my gratitude for those who prayed and encouraged us along this “journey of amazing grace.” Four of us experienced a powerful work of the Sword of the Spirit to expand and establish His Church for His Glory in Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia and Vietnam.  I believe the seed fell on fertile ground.Please pray that the Lord of the harvest would raise up many godly workers like Paul, who will allow Christ to live through them. It would only take one person with a philosophy of ministry like Paul to reach all of Vietnam and the rest of Asia.

Two of us departed Phnom Penh, Cambodia for Vietnam to launch the newly revised edition of the Vietnamese government approved CPM. While we felt freedom to boldly use the CPM in North Vietnam, we still had to stay under the radar during our travels. Outside of the tourist areas, we had to travel and minister separately and stay in different locations each night. This was not so much for our safety as it was for the safety of the dear local saints.

The two conferences lasted about three days each. The first morning we introduced the CPM, then made assignments in Acts. In the afternoon they shared their findings.Afterwards, we made assignments for the different roles in the family and the family of families; the church. The second morning, we introduced how Paul strengthened and established the newly founded churches and how he would go back to place these churches in Biblical order. In the afternoon, they taught lessons pertaining to the different family and church roles, having completed their study the night before. This would take most of the afternoon and maybe half of the next day. Their hunger for God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s teaching was a great inspiration to us and to the other saints. This was the result of much fervent prayer. One local lady shared with us that she had been up every morning at 4:00 a.m. praying for us.

The testimonies were similar to what we so often heard throughout this work of grace. Many greatly appreciated the emphasis on the sufficiency of Scripture and the simplicity of focusing on the “one thing” that is necessary: walking in intimacy with Christ. We need to be like Mary and not get distracted, like Martha, by all the “good things”. The second testimony was their understanding of the importance of marriage and the roles of husband and wife in the context of ministry and leadership.Many were challenged by Paul’s passion to complete the task of preaching the gospel throughout Asia Minor in just ten years. Many were wondering why it is taking so long today. So, we were all faced with the reality that the ‘same old, same old’ is not going to reach all people groups with the gospel. I could go on but the bottom line is this; I am fervently thankful for prayers for this mission trip and trust that as we push forward to KNOW Christ and make Him known among all the nations, we will see the day when all nations will worship our Savior – “then the end will come.”

God’s Word Spreads in Hills of Asia

This is a report from those who have studied Acts and God’s plan for evangelizing and church planting in recent months.  (some names and places changed for protection)

“The Lord has provided funds for us to make a third trip to J’s Area in December with 15 or 14 students.  We will depart on December 10 and will stay up to January.  Our purpose is to conduct a “PREACH THE WORD” CONFERENCE which is a teaching ministry that my wife and I have been led to do. The goal of this conference is to defend and to proclaim the sufficiency of the Scripture and to urge people to have more confidence in the power of the word of God.

Another purpose is to serve elderly people. We have bought clothes and medicines as well to help the elderly people who are above 50 years old. We are also willing to wash their clothes and help them do the work while we are there. We ask that you will pray for us and pray so that the word of God will continue to make such a difference in the lives of the people just as the Lord did in the past.  Our expectation is that the Lord will continue to plant more churches in this area as we obey His commission which is to go and make disciples of all nations.

The people in this area are not even more than 100,000 in number. God has equipped us by giving us such a passion for the lost and for preaching the word of God. He has opened the door for us to work with indigenous key leaders that He has raised up. We are at the hour of the time of reaping the harvest He prepared for us.  We will be able to cover more than 10 villages and proclaim the redeeming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Cambodia Update 2

Below is another excellent report by Paul. Just click on the below web site. The “indigenous conference” starts tomorrow (11/17) with representation from all the people groups in Cambodia uniting their efforts in reaching their country for our Savior. 

In Christ, Tim, Paul, Walt and Sherman

Here’s the latest from SE Asia, with this report emphasizing my return visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the executioner’s dramatic change in his life:

http://godmoved.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/redeemed-executioner/

Thanks for your prayers! The ministry work has started anew with a pastors conference here in Phnom Penh.

- Paul

Checking In From Phnom Penh

We have now arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia after a VERY fruitful ministry among church planters and key leaders in Myanmar. All the major people groups were represented at one of the two meetings. We presented the question, if the apostle Paul could reach all of Asia Minor in ten years, then, why has Burma not been reached in two hundred years. The Holy Spirit gave many insights and started a process of rethinking and change. Many positive testimonies were shared as the Lord used His Powerful Word in restoring His Bride back to a biblical model. 

Below are three reports from SE Asia that Paul posted. Thanks Paul!  Love, Tim, Sherman, Paul and Walt

———————————-

I’ve posted three reports from SE Asia. I’m in Bangkok now and trying to get out as much as I can before I leave for Phnom Penh tomorrow. These posts are deliberately vague for reasons which should be obvious to everyone. Please use discretion in sharing with others and if linking or forwarding, make sure the degree of identification is kept at the level posted on this blog.

Here is the link to the main blog:

http://godmoved.wordpress.com/

Posts in chronological order:

http://godmoved.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/bangkok-arrival/
http://godmoved.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/on-to-myanmar/
http://godmoved.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/time-to-work/

- Paul

Vietnam Update from November 3rd

Brother “name removed to protect” has attached a picture of the newly revised Vietnamese Church Planting Manual now available with government approval. We will have the opportunity to introduce this new tool in North Vietnam in November. North Vietnam, technically all Vietnam, is a dry and thristy land with fields ripe for harvest. I wish it was possible for all of you to see firsthand the mighty movement of God in this strategic land. I was there off the coast of Vietnam in the sixties and now given the privilege to be a part of our Lord building His Church. Thanks for your prayers and trust as we travel on this exciting and unique journey with our Savior. 

Some have asked what is new and revised in the CPM. There are quite a few changes and additions. A couple of the most important additions are an emphasis on having a dynamic and intimate relationship with Christ, and building our lives and families on the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word. We have also added supplements on the what and the why of people groups.

Thanks again for your prayers for Sherman and Rosemary, Walt and Susan, Paul and Cheryl and Edith and myself as we start pulling out today for Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam.

His Servant,

Tim

Ecuador Divine Intervention

(Dustin has described below a powerful example of what it means to join “God at Work.” He tried to make it shorter but couldn’t. I often try to communicate what this means. Dustin and I have experienced it firsthand. It is almost like we are a spectator observing our mighty God at work through His Word and His indigenous servants. Now, like Asia, we are seeing an explosion of the Holy Spirit like Acts. Maybe the USA will be next! (I want to thank our God for Miriam, Juan and Catherine for their tireless labor of love, faith and friendship over the years of sowing the Word.)

 

Let us start from Friday. Friday we were supposed to arrive at the church for the first part of the conference for the church in Quito. Due to the massive storms in the area, Juan and Guillermo were not able to pick us up until around 7:45 P.M. We got to the church after 8:00. By then the majority of the people were leaving even though they knew that we had arrived. Around eight to ten people remained after the pastor had invited us into the church. The manual was introduced once more and the lessons on our Personal Relationship with Christ and the authority of Scripture were taught. We arrived Saturday at the church before 9:00AM with only three other people besides the pastor showing up. At about 9:45 the pastor told us to move the chairs into a circle because the group was so small. We were not able to go through the lessons because so few showed up. 

During our stay here in Ecuador, in both Quito and Puyo we have been praying for key men to present themselves and help with the purpose of returning “The Church” back to God’s Word. The conference turned quickly into a small meeting lead by the Pastor. The Pastor asked Juan to help Him to teach the manual! After this Juan began to take over and go through the goal and key points of the manual. We watched as Juan assumed his role of leadership and with much passion he went through the key points and the ultimate goal of the manual. The pastor inserted his comments in complete accordance with what Juan was saying. (Keep in mind that the church in Acts acted in one accord, with one mind and one Spirit). Juan and the pastor began discussing on how to work together in unity and with the help of the manual to train up key leaders within the church to reach “The Church” in Ecuador. This was a huge answer to prayer and a great foundation that had been laid on that day. We sat back and watched the Holy Spirit at work in both of these men. If it had not been for the rain (God’s intervention)  making us late to the meeting and thus shifting the whole outset of the conference, this most valuable meeting would not have taken place. 

Today (Sunday morning), the pastor asked Tim to speak for the service and to teach a section specifically from the manual on our relationship with Christ, our marriage and family, and the church. He even printed out the diagram from the manual as well. The Holy Spirit was at work here as well. The pastor wanted his church to be revitalized by a message specifically from the Word and not from himself but from a fellow brother from the United States. After the message, we enjoyed great fellowship with the people there at  the church .  

At this point we thought that our mission was through here in Ecuador and we went to eat lunch with our translator Catherine and her mother at Burger King. Afterwards Catherine’s mother left and we went to the mall to enjoy some coffee. During this time Catherine mentioned to us that we were to meet Juan, the pastor and another contact at 3:00 p.m. At three we met and had coffee with these men and this is the finale (as far as I know) of our trip.  The meeting begins with the pastor. Fervently he declares that the churches are dying and falling off of the map. He begins to explain the purpose of the manual and though we could understand very little, with great confidence we knew that the Spirit was at work. We weren’t quite sure of the role of their contact except that he was the president of some alliance. We found out that their contact is the president of the alliance of all the independent (meaning non-denominational, non-affiliated) churches(+2000) in all of Ecuador. 

Juan now takes over and begins to passionately go through the manual with the president going through page by page summarizing all of the key points. Almost immediately this brother is on board. In the end he agreed to meet with Juan and the pastor and several other key men to complete the manuals. After they complete the manual they are going to lead meetings of their own to train more leaders and so on. The goal being to spread through out all of Ecuador. They established a date to meet to develop long range plan and vision.

Two last key points. 1. Their contact has contacts in several other countries in South America that he wants to share the manual with as well. 2. He has agreed to sponsor whatever funds necessary for more Spanish manuals to be produced for “The Church” here in Ecuador! To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen. The Lord is at work and His Gospel will not cease to spread  throughout the world!!!!!!! We ended the meeting in prayer and afterwards stood in awe as we had the entire meeting. What a wonderful God we serve! Thanks for prayers! Dustin and Tim