Monday, March 25, 2013

NATION CHANGERS! Part Two

Where ever there is darkness God will send light!  Where ever there are lies, God will bring truth!

In Part 1 we shared about journeying into nations where the government is hostile to the spreading of the Gospel of  Jesus Christ.

The second Access Restricted Nation we ministered in has been experiencing new freedom economically.  More importantly, we are eye witnesses to the new freedom coming to the nation spiritually.

Bibles and other evangelistic material are not readily available to the people of that nation. Receiving a supply of Bibles and other printed material that we brought in gave great joy to the Pastor and evangelists we met with. It was a privilege to minister the Word of God to them, and then pray for and encourage them in their service to the Lord.

What joy there was when we were taken to see a church that is under construction.  The government is allowing the church to be built because one of the local evangelists prayed for a paralyzed man that God miraculously healed!  Because of this miracle - the whole village is open to the message of Jesus Christ and a church was started.   Truth will prevail and darkness will leave!
Delivering The Good News

Thank You for being a vital part in bringing the Light and Truth of the Gospel to S.E. Asia!

Catch You Soon - Gary and Pat


Church Being Built

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

NATION CHANGERS! Part One

During the first week of March, Pat and I were part of a team that journeyed into two Southeast Asian nations which have been categorized as Access Restricted.   This means that the government is hostile to the spreading of the Gospel.

We are not able to mention the names of the countries, nor show the faces of the leaders that we met with because of  safety issues concerning their identity. However, the days we meet with them were empowering.

In the first country, we conducted a C.E.P. (Church Empowerment Program). Over 100  young men and women came to be instructed, activated, and receive impartation to do the work of the ministry.  Our being there brought them great joy and as Pat and I  ministered the Word of God we could see the impact the Word was having.

The program ended the last day by commissioning everyone to the work of the Lord and providing them with evangelistic Gospel materials in their language.

 At the end, one young man came running up to me sobbing and held on to me for the longest time. It was his way of thanking us for coming.  Pat and I want to thank you for helping us go - your prayers and your support have had an impact on so many that will help bring the Gospel to this Nation and change it forever!

Blessings - Gary

 


Sunday, March 10, 2013

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

View into Myanmar
The Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia is an area of beauty, history, violence, suffering and hope.  Warm hospitable people of various tribes populate the hill country, even as many migrate to cities desperate to escape the cycle of poverty and isolation.  False hope is offered through the illegal trade of opium.  The Hall of Opium  was a heart breaking education on the tragic history of the opium wars, and the illicit opium trade that has destroyed lives for centuries. In spite of Government eradication programs, illegal activity continues to grow, and will only slow when the demand lessens, and people are given other options to adequately support their families.

As we traveled in the nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, hope was evident in the faces of many who have received the love of Jesus.  Our team brought encouragement as we taught young adults and children; visited orphanages and homes; sharing the love of Jesus and a connection to 'the outside world.'  We saw first hand the daily struggles and challenges and heard their hearts' request to continually remember them in prayer.
MeKong River
Confluence of MeKong & Ruak