Field Updates

“…Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” JESUS answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of GOD should be revealed in him. I must work the works of HIM who sent ME while it is day…” (John 9:2-4)

The works of GOD reveals the purpose of GOD

It is a typical human response to ‘abnormal’ situations, i.e. to ask questions in order to avoid responsibility or place it elsewhere, and be comforted by one’s justification. The questioning sound theological and sometimes spiritual but misses the essence of Biblical truth personified in CHRIST JESUS. The dis-fortunate, disabled and dis-privileged are often considered in the pagan worldview as being punished for their sin or the sins of their ancestors, in fact, in some cultures they’re seen contagious, therefore, these folks are considered ‘untouchable’ and a stain on the society. But when this age-old question is posed to JESUS, HIS answer not only dismisses the folly of man’s worldview but challenges us to lay hold on the truth of GOD’s redeeming power that demonstrates HIS purpose in restoring lives in its totality. Every ‘abnormal’ situations or dis-fortunate people, which the wisdom of this world rejects and abhors, becomes the sacred ground awaiting for the works of GOD to be revealed. We must work HIS works untiringly.


MOKEN – Sea Gypsies of the Andaman Sea

• This despised, dis-fortunate and neglected people have lately shown that they’re the potential sacred ground awaiting for the works of GOD to be revealed in its redemptive power restoring lives;
• The Moken communities have witnessed the silent but deep work of the HOLY SPIRIT in turning their hearts and minds to the LORD through simple steps of obedience. Some of these brethren are expressing their explicit desire to reach out to fellow Mokens in the Andaman Sea, something very difficult to conceive given their inward looking perspective. Discipleship program is being conducted to prepare a core group of believers to be Moken Gospel messengers;
• Current quarterly focus of the Moken work emphasizes on building the capacity and capability of the community through the introduction of economic activities such as agriculture and marine-culture ventures. The community has shown distinct progress in adopting this new practice and adapting it into their simple lifestyle, along with Biblical principles and values that govern it. They are planting herbs and vegetables for their own consumption, breeding fresh water fish and other related agricultural activities;
• Our Moken staff and volunteers are actively involved along with other brethren in strengthening the effort to bring about community level transformation. The process is slow but sure and steady. The Moken communities are beginning to comprehend Scriptural truth and the importance of practical obedience to CHRIST that affects their spiritual and socio-economic life;

Prayer Spotlight:

1. For the works of God to be revealed in the Moken community, covering all aspects of communal and individual life;
2. The agriculture and marine culture projects currently underway to benefit the community, fulfill their daily needs and transform their economic lifestyle;
3. Core group of Moken Gospel messengers to be trained and ready by mid 2009 to reach out to other Moken communities in the Andaman Sea;
4. Our Moken staff and volunteers – Ajarn Sien, Ouu, Chanita, Mike and Dave - wisdom, grace, protection, provision and discernment;
5. Upcoming Transformation Camp for Moken children from 16 to 18 October 2008. May it be a life changing experience for these young ones;
6. The implementation of Moken Annual Plan which is divided into four quarters from July 2008 to June 2009. May it be fruitful and bring glory to the LORD.

Northern Country - LS

• Focusing on the central region of LS, our community-based holistic transformation project is progressing well. Setting up of plant demonstration plots and nurseries is helping the community to assimilate with new types of commercially viable plants. The community which comprise of mostly illiterate rice farmers are part of an un-reached people group who usually live in inaccessible areas;
• The youth and young adults are actively involved in this venture and recently we have just hired one of them to be a member of our workforce. He is one of the rare youth to be educated up to high school level. He has been under internship with us for over two years while completing his studies. He has shown strong commitment, keen interest and dedication in developing his community. He will be the contact point with the community and mobilize the young ones to accomplish specific objectives along with three of our other workers;
• Oil extraction project associated with biodiesel is also underway. This endeavor is helping poor farmers to plant jathropha which yields biodiesel oil potential. It’s easy to plant, low-cost in essence and allows poor farmers to earn additional income as they plant it along with other major crops. The middleman has been found to be the main culprit in keeping the poverty level status quo, a such, a new system of buying and selling has been introduced to diminish and eventually eliminate the role of the middleman and benefit poor communities directly;
• The above project is opening doors to rural and remote communities who are part of the least reached people groups. Translation of Scriptural materials is being done to reach these communities.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. For the communities to continue to be receptive and empowered to venture into this new concept of community development and alleviation from poverty. All the projects to be blessed by the LORD’s providence, wisdom, human resource, and above all, HIS favor;
2. This un-reached people group who are despised by the majority ethnic groups to witness the revealed works of GOD in their midst, and glorify HIS name;
3. Our four workers who are not believers to respond to the Gospel of CHRIST, esp. the young man from the village representing the un-reached people group;
4. The jathropa oil extraction project to take off fully and be blessed with the LORD’s favor in reaching out to remote and isolated poor communities;

Northern Country - YNN

• This region is filled with least reached people group who are in need of community level people group movement. Approach in this region has been adjusted over a period of time due to changes on the ground at political and economic level, causing concern of uncertainties;
• Currently, talks are underway with relevant people to target a group of least reached people group located in a remote area. There are 400 farming families who are earmarked to be involved in a poverty alleviation project of planting apple, walnuts and breeding pigs commercially. This endeavor not only gives us the access into this otherwise remote rural community but allows us to be actively involved with the community on a long term basis;
• Two man and woman of peace has been graciously provided by the LORD to ensure the initiating and momentum building of this endeavor. They are, and obviously connected to the authorities and people of influence.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. In last update, we highlighted the school in TN. We’ve been informed that this school will be demolished to make way for an apartment project. Pls. remember this dis-fortunate children and teachers alike;
2. Appropriate laborers—professionals, experts, investors etc – to be thrust to the field by the LORD of the Harvest, esp. in YN.
3. Grace, wisdom and favor in all our dealings with the authorities in the region.
4. For the 400 farming families and the person of peace who are helping us to get the project off the ground.
5. The works of GOD to be revealed among the many least reached people groups here.

Prayer Requests (Summary)

A. OCTOBER:
1. Jathropha oil extraction endeavor spin-off in LS;
2. Transformation Camp for Moken children – 16-18 Oct.;
3. Mission team visit to Moken islands – 27 Oct onwards for one week;
4. Scripture material translation completion for LS work;

B. NOVEMBER:
1. Mission team visit to LS and Moken outreach works;
2. Brazil Tour of Hope Football matches to help out Typhoon Nargis surviving communities in Myanmar;
3. Outreach trip to Similan Islands to reach out to Moken in the Andaman Sea;
4. Trip to YNN to finalize and jumpstart rural farming community project;

C. DECEMBER:
1. Moken Community Christmas on Dec. 06;
2. Mission team visits to LS and Moken outreach works;
3. LS human resource development program for poor youths and young adults;

IMPORTANT:
Please remember to pray for all our workers in the region – 4 Moken workers and 4 LS workers; also kindly lift up all our men and women of peace in the region who have been such great help to us. May the LORD grant them HIS salvation and tender mercies. May their household come to know HIM in a very special encounter with HIM through HIS people.

- Adapted from the GMS QUARTERLY FIELD REPORT of the third quarter, 2008

Field Updates

“And GOD is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).”

GOD’s economy is beyond sufficiency...

How true! We’ve been working hard to help the people in the GMS region, especially our brethren to strive for sufficiency-based economy in order to alleviate them from deep poverty. But, right when we thought we’ve already arrived at a solution, GOD challenges our paradigm. HIS definition of sufficiency is beyond self sustaining measures, it overflows into having abundance for every good work. It is the grace of receiving and giving, i.e. the Macedonian Brethren Principle (2 Cor. 8), who out of their deep poverty abounded in the liberality of their giving, all because they received the riches of HIS grace. HE has challenged us to believe HIM as the Supplier, Multiplier and Increaser of all seeds sown, for when we don’t have abundance for every good work then we are truly poor. Please stand with us in prayer for this region!


Update #1: Moken - Sea Gypsies of the Andaman Sea

Resettlement program has been completed and currently there are three islands - Ko Rhao, Ko Chang & Ko Payam- where the Moken communities are located; a new church building has been completed since December ’07 in Ko Chang where the first ever community Christmas celebration was held. Praise GOD!Biblical worldview transformation phase has begun slowly but steadily, beginning with the children and youth; a Transformation Camp was organized for three days and the children has shown remarkable comprehension of and response to basic Biblical worldview; community level holistic transformation is in the process currently at spiritual, economic and socio-cultural level.Moken Transformation Center (MTC) is currently being constructed and would be completed by early April ’08; this Center will focus on building the livelihood ability of the community, equipping them with appropriate skills and empowering them to be agents of transformation. Its emphasis is on contextualized discipleship/mentorship program. Two Moken brethren are working full time as part of Moken transformation endeavor; they are undergoing intense mentorship program and will become catalysts for transformation in their respective communities. About 200 Mokens have finally been given permanent residency by the Thai govt., this would give them access to basic rights and facilities. Praise GOD!

Prayer Spotlight:

1. For this new challenge of GOD’s Word to be a reality in the life of the Moken brethren, i.e. beyond sufficiency towards abundance for every good work.
2. Transformation phase at community level will progress on and affect the children, youth and adults radically, i.e. a community for the glory of Christ.
3. MTC-Moken Transformation Center- construction, finances, manpower and operation to be fully in the favor of GOD (Mid Feb-end of March).
4. Two of our Moken brethren to be the catalysts for transformation in their respective communities.
5. Upcoming discipleship program: 27-29 Feb, Biblical Worldview at community level by Steve and Beth; 1-5 March on Sexual Purity by Pete and Dorothy; mid March on Livelihood skills by brethren from the Field.
6. Grace, wisdom, and strength for all those involved in the discipleship of the Moken brethren.

Update #2: Northern Country - LS

• Communities of un-reached and least reached people groups who are being reached are currently undergoing strategic outreach program through community-based economic development program, which affects every part of community life, i.e. spiritual, socio-cultural, economic, and household livelihood;
• Our land (which has been given to us) is being utilized currently to help the communities in the surrounding region who are not only poor but are in the lowest strata of the society. They’re illiterate and do not have access to economic opportunities, basically they’re jungle harvesters and plant rice for their own consumption;
• The land is being developed for agricultural ventures which include multipurpose planting for high-yield crops, an agricultural learning center, and pilot research projects for new crops;
• We have planted new crops that promises better yield and returns;
• We have set up of an agriculture learning center;
• We have provided basic education to youths, both male and female;
• We have helped the community find alternative fuel since gasoline price has doubled to RM4.50 per liter. We’re mooting the idea of planting bio-diesel producing plants like jathropha aka ‘jarak pagar’ in Malay. Jathropha’s oil can also be used as fuel for cooking and other household needs.
• We have gone into cottage industries that might help reduce the burden of the community in the medium term.
• The authority has also given us the mandate to set up a Human Resource Center of Excellence which will be a model for the state and the whole nation.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. For the communities to be receptive and empowered to venture into this new concept of community development and alleviation from poverty;
2. All the projects to be blessed by the LORD’s providence, wisdom, human resource, and above all HIS favor;
3. This un-reached people group to experience the power of the Gospel of CHRIST through the witness of HIS people through the relationship forged;
4. HIS continued grace, wisdom & favor in dealing with the authorities;
5. For all teams, experts and supporters (all brethren) who will be coming for the next three months to bless these communities.

Update #3: Northern Country - LS

• Our recent trip to this place had brought us into contact with a private school which was formerly run by a Christian mission body. This school is located right in the midst of a very needy community especially in terms of basic education and facilities;
• We will continue our work with this school and the surrounding communities in three areas, i.e. education resources, health/medical assistance and specific economic needs;
• Opportunities have also opened for us in three different regions which are known for having many un-reached and least reached people groups, i.e. Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. These regions are inaccessible and/or no-entry zones for outsiders without proper permission.
• Our approach in YN will focus on working with local influential figures esp. in the implementation of community-based endeavors.
• A lot of prayer support is needed for this region due to its current tense political situation.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. For this new school and community known as TN to be the channel for HIS workings to be demonstrated.
2. Appropriate laborers—professionals, experts, investors etc– to be thrust to the field by the LORD of the Harvest, esp. in YN.
3. Grace, wisdom and favor in all our dealings with the authorities in the region.
4. Native workers who can be part of our team in every community that we work in.

Prayer Requests (Summary)

February
i. Biblical Worldview and Sexual Purity Training for the Mokens;
ii. Construction of Moken Transformation Center;
iii. Moken community economic transformation program commencement;
iv. LS – youth development program- basic education and skills;

March
i. LS – Agriculture project for poverty alleviation;
ii. Teams – from Malaysia & Australia visiting the Mokens and LS;
iii. Special youth outreach program in the capital of LS;

April
i. Full operation of Moken Transformation Center;
ii. Partial operation of LS A-Community Agriculture Center;
iii. Team visits from M’sia to the Mokens;

May
i. Trip to YN with partners from M’sia and Australia;
ii. M’sian Team visit to the Mokens – 30-member entourage;
iii. HRD Center setup in LS.

IMPORTANT:
Please remember to pray for all our workers in the region – 3 Moken workers and 3 LS workers; also kindly lift up all our men and women of peace in the region who have been such great help to us. May the LORD grant them HIS salvation and tender mercies. May their household come to know HIM in a very special encounter with HIM through HIS people.

"IF THE AXE IS DULL, AND ONE DOES NOT SHARPERN THE EDGE.
THEN HE MUST USE MORE STRENGTH;
BUT WISDOM BRINGS SUCCESS."
Ecclesiastes 10:10

- Adapted from the GMS QUARTERLY FIELD REPORT dated Feb 2008

Field Updates

“Who is like the LORD our GOD, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? HE raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the dunghill.” (Psalms 113: 5-7)

“YOUR way was in the sea” — The Moken Sea Gypsies

The transformation of the Moken community is slow but steady, persistent and deep. A worldview transformation is currently underway and the community is responding constructively to Biblical values and mindset. The gracious inner workings of the HOLY SPIRIT is evident, accompanied by the labor of love of the Body of CHRIST. The Mokens have always been downtrodden, despised, discriminated, and dumped in the dunghill of socio-economic deprivation. Their perception and self identity is one which closely resembles the slavish mentality of the children of Israel freed from Egypt. Currently, they’re in the wilderness of worldview transformation. Your prayer support for the Moken community on this pressing issue is gratefully appreciated.

What is Being Done?

• To promote Scripture-based transformation, a holistic approach to discipleship through the setting up of Moken Transformation Center (MTC);
• To counter illiteracy we’ve hired teachers to educate their children and young people in a structured and systematic way, with long term emphasis;
• To address socio-economic deprivation and discrimination, entrepreneurship skills and opportunities are introduced, and the community is empowered and equipped thorough reconstruction and relocation programs – both for men and women;
• To develop health and sanitation system, a community wide approach has been adopted.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. Partnership of the Body of CHRIST to be strengthened in all matters— human resource, prayer, finance etc.
2. Moken self and community identity in CHRIST and in HIS Body to be realized.
3. Breaking of demonic strongholds and bondage in the daily life of the community through personal-communal encounter with the LORD.
4. HIS blessings on projects & endeavors highlighted.

“A People for HIS Name”— The Northern Country - LS

The community development work in LS (a communist country) is progressing well, especially the youth development program. There are about 130 young people from two un-reached and least reached people groups who are involved in this program and we’ve been helping them to read and write their own language and English as well. They have shown strong enthusiasm and commitment towards learning, as a community of four villages comprising of about 600 people. The youths will also undergo sports and entrepreneurship development program in the coming months.

Being illiterate has made this community target for all sorts of discriminative practices. They’re subdued and are never able to be assertive, but the resilience of the people becomes a testimony of the quiet and gracious work of the LORD among them. There are no known believers among them, yet we’ve been given the full right to work with the community at all levels, especially with the children and young people, developing their economic opportunities and promoting holistic community transformation.

Prayer Spotlight:

1. Partnership of the Body of CHRIST to be strengthened in all matters — human resource, prayer, finance etc.
2. We’ve been given a large plot of land for development among the community and near the city center. Please pray its full realization and implementation of projects.
3. The LORD to open the door of their hearts to the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, which brings about true transformation of lives.
4. HIS grace, wisdom & favor in dealing with the authorities.

“The mountains melt like wax at HIS Presence” — Northern Country - YN

A demonstration of GOD’s working in this region is evident through ample opportunities that have opened up to us of recent months. But truly the appropriate workers are few! Professionals and experts in their relevant fields are needed to ensure that thousands of un-reached and least reached people groups do not continue to be isolated in their remote communities. The doors of faith are opened wide and all we need to do is to enter in!

The opportunities in this region consist of ventures in agriculture development, community-based economic development, and investment in various agri-based industries. Currently, we’re working on various aspects of preliminary community-based economic endeavors with the authorities. Many human resource development programs are being looked into, especially, that which concerns young people and children development in entrepreneurship, sports, health and personal development.

“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they’re for harvest!”

Prayer Spotlight:

• Partnership of the Body of CHRIST to be strengthened in all matters — human resource, prayer, finance etc.
• Appropriate laborers — professionals, experts, investors etc — to be thrust to the field by the LORD of the Harvest, esp. in YN.
• Grace, wisdom and favor in all our dealings with the authorities in the region.
• Native workers who can be part of our team in every community that we work in.

An African Proverbs goes like this:
"If you want to go fast go alone,
But if you want to go far go together!"

- Adapted from the GMS QUARTERLY FIELD REPORT dated Sept 2007.

Missions Network Blog

Dear friends,

First of all, we would like to wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas!

It's our first blog post here and we would like to just mention a couple of things:-

Missions Network Blog's Purpose

• The blog's purpose is to connect, inform and educate bloggers on the opportunities and availability of serving the LORD and participating in the mission field, esp. in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) area.
• The focus is to keep the network active and well-connected - proactively communicating and supporting one another through mission endeavors that are tied into the skills, giftings, talents and desires of fellow bloggers.
• The blog will also function as a platform for information dissemination, clarification and exchange.
  

We would like to also have an 'inventory' of people who are interested in missions and the various skills which they can contribute towards the missions field. This will be very resourceful for missions, as we would also know how exactly to address the needs there are in the missions field. We will then provide updates on the missions field and the needs in the field for your response.

The emphasis here would also be just simply availing yourselves towards missions - it has always been after God's heart.

Please join us in kick-starting this effort by downloading our Missions Talent Survey, filling it up and then emailing it back to us at missions.nwork@gmail.com.

The Missions Talent Survey can be easily downloaded here:-
MS Word format
PDF format

Thanks!