“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

Humor From Ecuador

Dustin and I wanted to share with you a good laugh we experienced with some monkeys and a Coatimundi. Click on web site below. Enjoy!

Tim & Dustin

Brief Soknim Update

I received an email from Brother Vibol in Cambodia regarding his wife, Soknim.  We continue to pray for her as she recovers from her burns.

Dear Chris and family
Blessing to you all and thanks for all of you love and pray for me and my wife and family.
Now Soknim in Vietnam for her neck and eye sergery and ear will be later and minor sergery.
-Children now when to private school as well for their security
-For me fine by the grace of the Father in heaven
Blessing you my love brother.
Vibol and family

 

Please continue to keep them in your prayers!

Series of Explosions Kill at Least 8 in India as Militant Muslim Group Claims Responsibility

Click Here –> FoxNews Article

This is the park and business area where Kevin and I were last Sunday and met the two pastors from Orissa State. We notice that security was on high alert and now we know why. 

I do not always understand how God’s uses our prayers. For instance, the church was praying for the captivity of James and Peter in Acts 12, James was killed and Peter was miraculously released. Nevertheless, we pray and continue to pray. Thanks for your prayers and partnership in the Gospel. 

Safe and Secure in Christ, 

Tim

INDIA: Attacks and ‘Reconversions’ Continue in Orissa

From this article here: CompassDirect
The spate of anti-Christian violence that began following the killing of a Hindu
leader on 23 August in Orissa’s Kandhamal district continued yesterday, despite
a stream of meetings by Christian and rights groups with high government
officials.

According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), more than 20 houses
belonging to Christians from the Orissa Follow-Up ministry (OFU) in Khajuripada
village in Kandhamal were set on fire last night. The Rev. Dr. D.B. Hrudaya of
the OFU told EFI that the whereabouts of the 20 families whose houses were
destroyed were unknown and that he was “deeply concerned.”

Earlier in the day, around 70 families in four villages – Bogapada, Boriguda,
Kuttiguda and Danniguda – in Kandhamal were forcibly ‘reconverted’ to Hinduism
by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) extremists.

On Sunday (7 September), a mob of around 2,000 people attacked a church during
the morning worship service in Bhudainjal village in another district,
Kalahandi, reported EFI. While the church members were able to flee, the
attackers caught hold of two church workers and assaulted them.

“When the three-month pregnant wife of one of the men tried to rescue her
husband, one person in the mob kicked her in the stomach,” EFI reported. “She
was admitted to the Kathiguda Government Hospital.”

In the afternoon, the mob burned a day care centre in nearby Bamnichatra
village. The crowd also stole items worth around 10,000 rupees ($280 AUD) from
the centre before setting it on fire.

There were also reports of Hindu extremists poisoning the water at relief camps
in Kandhamal.

“An attempt to poison the drinking water source of the relief camp in Habaq High
School in G. Udayagiri village, Kandhamal was foiled by an alert security guard
at 9 pm on 2 September,” EFI said in a statement.

The water of another relief camp in Vijay High School in Raikia, Kandhamal was
reportedly poisoned last Wednesday (3 September). Six Christians fell ill from
the toxicity and were taken to hospitals, according to EFI.

The violence in Orissa began following the killing of a VHP leader, Laxmanananda
Saraswati, and four of his disciples on 23 August in his ashram (religious
centre) in the Jalespeta area of Kandhamal district. A Maoist group claimed
responsibility for the killings, but the VHP continues to blame Christians.

The Global Council of India Christians has recorded at least 56 deaths thus far,
and the rights group believes the toll could cross 100. Hundreds of houses and
churches have also been burned or destroyed in the violence, forcing thousands
to hide in jungles or take shelter in relief camps set up by the state
government.

Orissa is ruled by a coalition of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party
and the Biju Janata Dal party.

Christians make up 2.4 percent of Orissa’s population, or 897,861 of the total
36.7 million people.

Compass Direct

Please pray the Lord will intervene, may he bring peace.
Pray for those who have been forced to ‘reconvert’.
Pray those who are missing will be found.
Pray the Lord will frustrate the plans of the wicked.