First Understand?

We all have voice recordings that just seem to play over and over in our minds. As I grew up I often heard my father say, “Seek first to understand, and then be understood.” When moving to a new location or a new culture of any kind, it is always good to do some study, make some observations and seek to understand this new place where we now live. It really is amazing how amazing it is in helping us to connect with people.

This is a very interesting site that you might want to watch in order to get some better understanding about Chinese culture, AND how some people use their mental map or filter to view Christianity. No matter what you think about the video, you will be very touched to hear the testimonies of lives changed toward the end. I hope none of us stop learning, and this is just one more opportunity to understand a little bit more.

Who are the Chinese?

Planting Seeds

Most of us are very aware of the Great Commission where Jesus commands us as believers to GO!. It is always beautiful to see how God uses all of us in different ways around the world to share His love with people. TK and YS are some of our precious partners living in SE Asia. They are gifted in so many areas as they move throughout their community, work place and even travel to other areas as well. Recently YS’s cousin, SN, passed away. We are glad that SN was a believer. TK and YS were asked to sing at the funeral. Many of the family relatives are not yet believers, but they had an opportunity to hear about Christ’s love through the message and music. However, this is just a beginning as many of these people may have heard about Jesus for the first time. Pray for additional opportunities for TK and YS to connect with those who attended. Funerals during a Covid pandemic are even more challenging as we do our best to social distance, wear masks and stay in small groups. This makes things even more difficult for the family. Everything that we as believers do in our lives is about Planting Seeds — sharing bits and pieces of God’s love with those around us.

We also pray for comfort for the family following SN’s death. In addition we pray that TK, YS and other believers will be led by God’s Spirit as they reach out to console and love this family through these challenging days.

A Heart Touch!

Recently TAK was led to Christ by his daughter. He was very ill, and later passed away. For the sake of their mother, the daughters asked for a Hokkien funeral. Our partners, JA and co-workers began to prepare for the funeral service. TAK’s widow, LGK, was there as the team practiced the songs before the service began. When LGK heard the team singing the music, she was so touched by this “old” Hokkien song with fresh Christian words that she ran to the front. They continued to sing, and also explained the words to her. She too wanted to give her heart to Jesus. This song and its lyrics really touched her heart. I don’t know about you, but for me, music really speaks to my soul in ways that words fail to accomplish. I love this song too.

Lyrics:

The Lord gives us peace, not like the peace that comes from people, for we must trust in the Lord. Your heart shouldn’t worry or be afraid because the Lord gives us peace, the Lord gives us peace.

Please pray for God to give comfort and peace to this family as they grieve the loss of this husband and father. Pray too that God will help LGK to grow in her faith and understanding of Jesus. Without a doubt I know that her children and these wonderful Christian believers will continue to love on her in this new found family.

In the middle of this Covid pandemic these are tough times. Pray for our partners in East and SE Asia as they continue to find ways to meet needs during this most critical time.

Click HERE or view below to join them in this precious moment: