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