SOUTH ASIA by Rev. Shyam M.
This year we completed the 30th Batch of Church Planters’ Training with 28 new church planters. 6 students from East Asia School of Theology (Singapore) came and spent 10 days with them. It was a time of deep, mutual learning. Everyone experienced reciprocal impact in their lives and ministry.
From this year’s batch of graduates, 8 new churches are planted in different regions with many more to come soon. 13 Pastors also completed their Diploma in Theology this year.
A few hundred new believers are added into the Church and a few hundred received water baptism. Thus far we have planted 270 churches all over this country. We are still offering the diploma course, regular training and short-term courses for pastors and church leaders: both on-site and on-line.
In May, a team of doctors and nurses from Chile came and conducted dental camp in 3 government schools for 6 days, 2 churches for 2 days and 1 elderly home for a day. About 300 children and 50 adults not only benefited physically, they also heard the Gospel in and through the Church.
When the right time comes we will reap a harvest. If only we do not give up now, through weariness.
In September, Thomas Chang and his team (4 members) from Touching Young Lives International (Singapore) visited us. The team got an opportunity to serve in different local churches. They were also involved in Pastors’ Upgrade Training (PUT) in the Mid-West, about 50 pastors benefited from their teaching. Topic for the conference was: Starting Right, Finishing Well. The training provided an opportunity of fellowship with one another and encouraging them to be faithful in their calling.
Pastor Dong and his team of 6 from Living Sanctuary Brethren Church (Singapore) visited us in October. The team served with local youth leaders to conduct a 3-day Vacation Bible School for 130 children. They also equipped 20 children ministry workers to be more effective in their ministries. Both the children and youth leaders benefitted from their coming.
As Apostle Paul said in Galatians, let us never lose heart and give up doing what is good. When it seems like there is no fruit from all our labor and hard work, let us look up to the Lord and live up to His calling. Whenever we get an opportunity, let us work to advance God’s kingdom through church planting, teaching-training and different social works.
