Celebration!

Every culture has its celebrations. In the spring, Buddhist celebrate Buddha’s birthday which was before the birth of Christ in 563 B.C.. Muslims celebrate the birth of Mohammed in 570 A.D. also in the spring. There are countless holidays among every civilization on earth. Even the Israelites had sanctioned many feast and festivals from the Sabbath to the Passover. We were created to celebrate. Solomon tells us there is a time to dance and a time to laugh. People celebrate many things. In the midst of finals, projects, papers and dissertations all due before the holidays, the international students of Thunderbird University take a break and enjoy Asian Regional night when students from many different cultures perform traditional dances and singing. They also cook many ethnic culinary dishes. The members of our Bible study group all participated and showed off their skills in traditional Chinese dancing, kung fu and in song.
Pictured here are Taiwanese students doing a traditional tribal dance that reminded us of our time in Taiwan. Our first cultural experience was watching a similar dance way back on our internship in 1986 when we served at the Home of God’s Love! It was obvious they were able to shed the stress of their semester finals and enjoy this time of intercultural celebration. We are blessed with students this semester who really are curious about God and how he works in our lives. I have been so impressed with their inquisitiveness and how they study on their own and come with sincere questions. To be in such a place in such a time to share with these particular students is a reason to celebrate. God is so obviously bringing them along to faith and we are excited to see their enthusiasm. As we celebrate our own traditional holidays during this time, remind yourself that our brothers and sisters on the mission field all over the world are participating and sharing the love of Jesus especially at this time. Thank you for giving us the ability to serve the students God has put in our path. May your time of celebration truly be joyous and full of thanksgiving for what God is doing in the world!

Life's Challenges

   Can you imagine going to a different country with another language and taking master degree level courses in a very different culture? That is what our Chinese and international friends are facing right now. And when you hear their stories, you know that even everyday life is very challenging for them. You know they are struggling when, though they are not even Christians yet, they ask you to pray for them.
    Many Americans are having their own difficulties now as well. From financial worries to personal issues, there are always challenges that we face on a daily basis. Yet, how often do we lift our concerns to the throne of God? I would venture to say quite often. So, how often do we pray for others like our Chinese friends? We are quick to say to others we are praying for them and just stop right there. I know I have done that time and again. The intention was there. The desire was there. But to actually take the time to be an intermediary doesn’t always take place. After all, we are busy. We have schedules. We get too tired. We wake up with so much on our minds. And really, there is a lot to pray for out of our own situations. We become self-focused. While praying for our own needs is important as we search out God’s will for our lives, if we don’t pray for others, who will?
   The names of some of those who attend our Bible studies are listed here. Will you take time and effort to pray for them? They have asked for it. They need it. Ask the Spirit to work on their behalf.
    Owen, a middle-aged man who’s family is still in China. Amber, from Taiwan who is a Christian however is too overwhelmed with school and is passive in evangelism. Chelsea from China, Amber’s friend who is not a believer but asks very probing questions during our Bible studies. Seiya from Japan who is has an incredible amount of pressure from his family to excel at school. Coco, also not a Christian yet often asks for prayer for herself and her friend who has medical issues. And Sandra, from China, who is full of questions. There are others. Others you know personally who need Christ in their lives. Romans 8:26. Please pray.

From Seeds to the Harvest

It’s hard to admit but with some we have to be satisfied with planting seeds then hope and pray the Spirit leads someone else in their lives to bring them to faith. Such seems to be the case with Hai Bing and Swei Jing. While the seed was planted numerous times, it appears there has been no germination. Getting busier with his degree program and then expecting their second child has caused them to draw away from Bible studies. We know there were people praying for them and we have mentioned them in previous newsletters. I have noticed that in the parable of the sower in Luke 8, only one kind of seed remained unbelieving at any point and that was the seed planted along the road. Unfortunately, I fear that is what has happened here. Will you join with us in praying for them from time to time? All in hope that one day their soil will become good and cause their faith to begin and grow. We have found some fertile soil with our two youngest children, Devin and Raena as they have for some time now been asking about baptism and wanting to serve God with their lives. We studied with each one separately and on Labor Day, they individually made their decision at the same time. We are very happy that all of our children are now believers. We didn’t realize how much we miss Ian now being in Joplin, MO at OCC. But he’s doing great and enjoying college life. We are still praying that God will open a door of effective service (I Cor. 16:9) for the future of our ministry and and ask for patience as we wait on the Lord to reveal what that may be.

Retreat

We never seem to be able to predict what may lead someone to faith. For some, it is a personal testimony from another how Christ has changed their lives. For others, it may be a rational discussion filled with evidences for the existence of God and the inerrancy of the scriptures. Still for others, it may be seeing the sites of nature and being instilled with awe of what God has created for our enjoyment. What is common to all is the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts to open themselves up to the truth and bring conviction. Spending time with the students allow for many opportunities to get to know where they are on their journey. We were able to take a retreat up in the ridge country near Payson, Arizona. International students from Thunderbird University and Arizona State University were able to attend and it was so good to get out of the 105-115 heat we are experiencing down in the Phoenix valley. We had a cookout and then hiked along a river in the Tonto national forest. Almost all of the students have just arrived from their perspective countries to work on their degrees. We met a few who were Christians already and we are glad we have some contact points through them as we try to plan for fellowships and Bible studies this fall. We are getting Ian ready to go to Ozark Christian College in August. It will definitely be a bitter sweet time for us. He’s getting really excited and we are happy with his decision, yet we just wish it wasn’t so far away. We are already dreading next year as Talon is a senior and will be off to college too. Pray for our family’s adjustment. As always we thank you for being our partners in this ministry and for your prayers and faithful giving. We hope you will join with us as we pray that God will open a door for effective service. (I Cor. 16:9)

Graduates and Visitors

We enjoyed having a visit from Max and Charles from Forum Christian Church and were glad they could experience the fellowship with our Chinese friends and worship with us. They were a source of great encouragement which we appreciate very much. Our oldest son, Ian, graduated from High School and is planning on attending Ozark Christian College in the fall. It has been surreal for Dezi and I to have a child preparing to leave home yet we are happy with him as he desires to train for missions. He is not the only graduate in our family as I have finally completed my masters degree in Global Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. May has had its moments of sadness too as we say goodbye to our Chinese friends who are graduating and on their way back to Taiwan and China. We are with them such a short time as they come two years or less to obtain their MBA. We know we have planted seeds and hope the Lord will continue to work in their lives and for them to keep on searching the scriptures for truth. Please pray with us for Sarah, Karen, Rachel and Roger that they will encounter other people of peace to help lead them into greater faith.

Powerfully Passionate!

Last month we asked you to pray for one of our students named Hai Bing. He continues to come to our English Bible studies along with his wife and young daughter while expecting another child in a few months. We recently viewed the film “The Passion of the Christ” and many of the students were very moved by the pain and suffering Jesus endured at the hand of the Jews and found it difficult to watch. While Hai Bing’s wife shows much interest, he is skeptical. However, seeing the unjust treatment Jesus went through, had Hai Bing asking why did Jesus allow it if he was truly God. We never know how the Word of God moves in peoples hearts. One will be changed almost immediately while another takes time trying to reason it out and must have answers to all the difficult questions. Hai Bing thought it quite ridiculous for Jesus to have to go through the crucifixion if he had the power to stop it. His understanding does not yet comprehend the sacrifice the Messiah had to make on his behalf. In Romans 8:34, Paul writes, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” We must not give up on those who tarry in their decision to become a believer. Like Christ, we must intercede before the throne for these precious souls who have been exposed to faith. Please continue to pray for our students and especially for Hai Bing and his wife. Thank you for the opportunity to share our faith with these students. You are making a difference.

Is the devil eternal?
What is a Pharisee?
Is Satan equal with God?
When were the angels created?
Why is Jesus called “the light”?
How does the truth set you free?
Why do the Jews want to kill Jesus?
What does it mean to be “born again”?
Are ghosts really the souls of our ancestors?
If God is all powerful, why can’t he make everyone believe?
What about the souls of those who have died without knowing Christ?

These are a few of the questions we get asked during our Bible studies each week with students from
Taiwan, Japan and China. It is encouraging to have them ask so many as it is further evidence that the Lord is moving in their hearts to desire to know the truth. What a leap it is for them to go from not knowing about God at all, to studying through the Book of John and discover the answers to life most important questions like “what happens after we die?”. How many of us take for granted the Bible’s answers to our own questions knowing we have help that not all have access to.

While most of our students are involved and asking questions and participating, there is one student
in particular that we would ask you to pray for. It is a couple that we picked up from the airport and invited them to our Bible studies. The wife is like a sponge, just soaking everything up and learning quickly about our Lord and his will for our lives. However, the husband seems distant and is having trouble believing there is a God in heaven who loves him. His name is Hai Bing and we ask that you would specifically lift him up in your prayers and ask God to soften his heart and help him be more curious about godly things.

As always, we are so thankful for your prayers and financial support. God is using you to bless us
and our ministry.

The Year of the Dragon!

This month millions of Chinese travel back to their family homes to celebrate their lunar New Year holiday. the time is traditionally celebrated as a time of happy homecomings. It is estimated that over 3 billion trips will be made during this month. Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in dragon years are said to be innovative, brave, and passionate.
    Because of classes starting up for the semester, most of the Chinese students here can not travel back home for this festival. They still however take trips and during our first Bible study of the semester they shared where they went from anywhere to New York to Disney World exploring the United States.
    Our English Bible studies have started back up and we hope that more returning students will join as well as those we picked up from the airport over break. Please pray that hearts will be receptive and that the seeds planted will quickly grow. The Chinese bring their superstitions with them and we desire to help them see that every year is the year of our Lord and Savior and now is the time for salvation.
    We are so thankful that you who support our work are doing much more than simply financial support. You are committed to us and what God is doing through us. Your prayers for us are so very important and we always thank God for your encouragement and dedication towards our efforts.

A New Year And New Lives In Christ

We hope that you are enjoying the holidays with your family and friends! We are so thankful for your friendship with our family and your partnership in our ministry. As many of you are, we find ourselves running from one school event to another with our children during this time of year from band concerts to field trips. We get so busy that so many of us forget to breathe and take time to listen to the meaning of Christ coming into the world. It wasn’t to be born in a manger but to put his life up on a cross to die for the sins of the world and be raised in power to give us hope and peace with God. As we look forward to a new year, we can be confident in the new life that Jesus brings.
     Ian with his friend Dequan, immersed three of their friends into Christ this month during their weekly Bible study. We have quite the crowd invade our living room each Tuesday evening and we are so proud of him and his brothers who also participate. They each have  servant hearts who have courage to stand for their faith in their schools. The Lord is definitely blessing their efforts. Please pray for Chioke, Christian and Mario, three of your  new brothers in Christ!
    Our Chinese Bible studies are going well and are now on break until after the new year. Many of the students travel abroad during their winter break touring America or returning for quick visits home. Please continue to pray for them as we see their hearts not only being inquisitive but also softening to the fact that there is a God who loves them enough to send his Son to bring them peace.

Missionary Homecoming at Forum Christian Church

It is great to be a part of FCC’s Homecoming and be a part of such a wonderful church family. I grew up at Forum (what was then called Westside Christian Church) and consider myself a ‘Timothy’ of the congregation. Forum has been a supporting church now for over 20 years as we have gone from being missionaries in Taiwan for 14 years, to teaching missions at Central Christian College for 7 years, and now reaching out to the Chinese and Taiwanese students in Phoenix, AZ. Forum is also our sponsoring church being overseen and held accountable by the mission committee and elders.
This past January we joined Outreach International to help us facilitate our work among the Chinese on university campuses. Outreach International specializes in reaching college age students and have a number of missionaries doing this all over the world. It is based out of Bethel, Missouri. Al Hamilton is the founder and directed by his son-in-law Dale Hawkins along with his wife Sonja.   We just returned from a weekend retreat where we took 11 MBA students high up in the mountains to introduce the God who created the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Roger and Amy are expecting their first child and have many questions concerning Christians and why we believe. Getting them away helped us have intensive bible study where we were able to answer their questions and get them closer to believing. Please pray for the lost that live among us. And please reach out to the ones you meet every day. Foreign students usually never get invited into an American home.