|
MYANMAR
If we were under the impression that China was a “difficult” country to work in for the cause of Christ, this was quickly dispelled once we went into Myanmar (formerly known as ‘Burma’). This reclusive, military-dominated nation in Indochina, proved more challenging a place to minister in than many places we have been to.
The country is impoverished, even though the ruling elites are known to ‘live it up’, the citizens “enjoy” one of the lowest standards of living in Asia; political and social freedom is unheard of, religious freedom not tolerated.
For a number of years, FrontierWorks had conducted closed-door pastors’ conferences, and teachings at bible schools until 2 years ago when access to the country proved too tricky. The political and social climate is oppressive, government clampdowns on churches and bible schools are common, pastors and Christian workers have been arrested and detained without trials.
Frontierworks gets around this problem by creative solutions and operating just outside the sensitive zones. Our brave ambassadors for Christ work in harsh environment, risking lives and limbs, to perpetuate the teachings and strengthen our brethrens.
On 3 May 2008, Myanmar experienced its worst natural disaster when Cyclone Nargis devastated the country with winds of up to 215 km/h (135 mph). Most parts of the rice-farming delta of the Irrawaddy division were destroyed. Reports estimated that more than 200,000 people were dead or missing. The United Nations projects that as many as 1 million were left homeless. Yet in the critical days following the disaster, Myanmar’s military junta rejected large-scale international relief efforts. Ground reports also pointed to government confiscation of what little aid that flowed through.
FrontierWorks played our little part. Through our established network of churches in the Irrawaddy region, rice and medical supplies were brought in which were life-saving for many people. Rebuilding efforts are still under way and much more needs to be done. We will continue to depend on God’s grace and provisions to do what is our portion to do.
1 Cor 12:24-26
…God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
HOLLAND
For the past number of years, FrontierWorks has conducted a spring Leaders' Retreat cum Gospel Encounter conference in Holland annually. Like much of Europe, the believers and marginal Christians here are trapped in centuries-deep religious traditions – traditions that are full of form but are devoid of a true, loving relationship with God, and His power therein.
It is grieving also to see the younger generations of Europeans given over to a lifestyle of sin, decadence, sexual perversions, and the pursuit of “feel good” effects through drugs and alcohol. Many are also heavily steeped in occult activities and the New Age movement.
But there is hope. We believe that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus. In such a setting, FrontierWorks is privileged to bring to Europe the victorious message of God's love and the finished work of the cross. Whatever hold the enemy may have over this continent, we know our Lord Jesus Christ is its true possessor! Do agree with us that the influence that has been accorded us here will spring forth in many directions to touch the further reaches of Europe.
OTHERS
John also ministers extensively in various churches, youth & church camps and revival meetings across East and West Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Cambodia, Russia, India and the U.S.A.
We are excited that one by one, we are seeing the nations open to us! Regardless of whether they are advanced nations or undeveloped economies, in the first-world or the third-world, urban or rural, east or west, they all have one common need – that is a true encounter with Jesus!
|
