J&C, South Asia
In January, the rebels resumed their offensive activities after a 4-month unilateral ceasefire. The rebel leaders have declared that they are bringing the conflict into the capital city. On January 15, one day before I returned, the rebels sprang a surprise attack on a major security check post guarding the main entry point to the capital. During the attack, twelve security personnel were killed and several others suffered serious injuries.
The present government is pushing for elections in February. The political leaders of the opposition parties are making repeated calls to boycott the polls. Everyday, they are holding mass demonstrations in the central city. Hundreds of students from each political wing joining in the daily protests would clash with the riot police. They often end up being beaten and arrested. Upon release the next day, these protesters would take to the streets again.
We had barely returned for two weeks and there were already two strike days (one in each week) that caused the entire city to shut down. There are rumors that there will be major strikes in February to prevent the elections from taking place. Looks like turbulent days are ahead for the nation that needs our prayers. We press on in God’s Kingdom work.
Hope Trust Orphanage
A new 5-year old girl, Marianne, joined us in January. This brings a total of twenty children (6 girls and 14 boys) in our home. While Marianne was still in her mother’s womb, her father left the family. Mother then married another man and left Marianne to be taken cared of by her uncle. She has a brother who was given to another orphanage.
Pray for Daniel, our oldest boy. We are now working on his travel documents to allow him to go to Singapore to seek treatment for his eyes. Pray that this trip will take place sometime in April.
Operation Hope Foundation (Singapore) is still looking at buying land and building a permanent facility for the orphanage. Pray that the Lord would direct us and make this happen this year. Ask the Lord also to send good workers to help C care for the children and run the home.
A NEAT BUNCH OF 20
We now have 6 girls and 14 boys
Church-Planting & Training
Yes, according to our prayers and plan, we have commenced our 8th church-planting course with the desired intake of 16 trainees. This batch consists of 2 couples, 3 ladies and 9 men from villages across the country. Pray for both the trainers and trainees. Ask the Lord to raise workers from this batch to start new works in the villages that need the witness of the Gospel.
8TH BATCH OF TRAINEES
16 students are presently undergoing CP training at our Leadership Harvest Centre
We are in the process of acquiring land for the fast growing Nectar church. Sunflower church will soon be constructing its own building. We praise the Lord for the funds raised for these properties!
SUNFLOWER CHURCH
I found out to my pleasant surprise that the church has already bought this 20,000 sqft land a few years back at a very cheap price. Now the members are constructing the building
NECTAR CHURCH
A 5,476 sqft of land was purchased recently and the members will be starting to build the church soon!
Remember our Centre’s 200/20 Vision: To establish 200 vibrant churches in 20 years in the Himalayan regions where there is no church. Pray that the Lord will enable us to start 10 new works each year for this vision to come to pass.
“If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down, and I will plant you and not uproot you;”
In spite of the uncertain times, we believe God is saying to us to remain in the land. When we obey, He will not only build up our current work but He will also enable our ministry to take root in the land. As there is still much spiritual work to do, we continue to count on your support and prayers.
