Hi,
TRAINING NATIONALS TO NATIONALS FOR INTEGRITY AND SKILLS (Ps. 78:72)
Through Asia Seminary for Ministry, A Seminary without Borders
I. TRAINING IN TANZANIA , 23 April to 3 May
I had the privilege and joy to have walked where Dr. David Livingstone had walked and ministered in the 1850s. Because of his commitment and sacrifice, many in the East African nations came to the Lord Jesus and today, there are evidences of the legacy left behind by one man. His body was buried in Westminster Abbey, reserved for the renowned, but his heart was buried in his beloved Africa. On speaking of his sacrifice, he said at Cambridge University:
“Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the souls to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never make a sacrifice!”
Yes, we have never sacrificed anything for God. God, as our Heavenly Father, has done and is doing great things for us. Above all, there is the great sacrifice in Jesus Christ, His life, death, burial and resurrection and all the blessings we have in Jesus Christ. All that we are and have belongs to Him and we are giving back that which belongs to Him. (2Co 5:14,15) “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.”
We make the mistake of thinking of our relationship with God as a service contract. If and when we do this and that for God, then we should receive this and that. Also our focus is on what we have to give up and fail to realize how much more we would get back. (1Pe 4:13) “ But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (Rom 8:18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Now, we may experience some “temporary” loss, but we are getting back more than we give up, here and in eternity. Since we are getting back more than we have given up, we have not really sacrificed anything at all. The great regret we would have is that we do not, be more for God and do more for Him and for eternity. Let us then desire as another missionary had advocated: Attempt great things for God! Expect great things from Him!
Thank you for praying for my times in Tanzania. I had great times with children, youth and young adults, Bible college students and pastors. I spoke at an Easter Convention of some 200+ campers. The two-year old Bible college has 17 students and plans are afoot for building a permanent training centre. Some 30 pastors walked for 2-3 hours each way to the meeting place. Then we had a good time with Ps. Elibiriki and his good people in Sunday worship. There were good decisions for salvation and dedication. God is good. We are praying and planning for a camp time for pastors and leaders, June or July, 2013.
II. CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP IN NEPAL
Rev. Dil, our co-ordinator in Nepal runs three residential schools for the purpose of training grassroot leaders to reach the 72 over districts. One of them is in East Nepal. There is a piece of land for building a centre. The need is to buy the land first and then pray and trust the good Lord, for building the centre proper. They are putting more than half of the amount and we are praying to partner with US$6,000 or Sing$7,800. Here is the letter of appeal:
“I am now pleased to inform you that the local leaders of Dhankuta have found a plot of land for the training center. The area of the land they have found is 6,845 Sq. feet for NRS. 1,100,000. As I shared with you, we have NRS. 700,000 from our savings and now need to pray for 400,000 which is about USD 6,000. With this amount, all the registration expenses also will be taken care of. We have confirmed our deal with the landlord and will have to pay off all the amount within 35 days. By faith, we are proceeding further. I understand this is not a small amount, but worth buying, as finding houses on rent is impossible in a small town like Dhankuta. As I shared with you, our male students sleep on the balcony of the church in Dhankuta. It has been a heart-rending experience to see them sleeping on the balcony of the church. Owning property has never been our priority, but this burning need compels us to request you to find the partners to partner with us in this endeavor.”
We have been privileged to be training his co-laborers. Now we would love to extend our hands to help in building a centre so that they can train their own. Let us pray and learn to share and to grow the Lord’s business. Please let me know what the good Lord has put into your heart to pray and give.
III. TRAINING AHEAD!
A. BUNDUNG, INDONESIA (23-27 May)
A team of 4 will head for Bundung, our new foray into Indonesia with some 35 pastors and leaders. We are praying for God’s leading and blessing into the future.
B. MEDAN, INDONESIA
1. June 27 – July 1 (A team of 3 will be training some 60+ pastors and leaders.)
2. September 12-16 (We do need a team of at least two trainers.)
3. November 21-25 (We do need a team of at least two trainers.)
C. NEPAL
1. September 18-22 (in Kathmandu)
First Graduation Service on September 23. Please come and celebrate with us!
2. September 25-29 (in East Nepal)
D. MYANMAR
November 1-9 - We are praying for a good team to visit three places.
E. CAMBODIA – a call has come to help in training pastors. We are praying for His leading.
If we can be of any help to you, please let us know. The good Lord bless you and all yours!
Your servant in Jesus Christ,
Rev. Goh Seng Fong (John 12:24)
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