THE STRUGGLE FOR CONNECTIONS

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it John 14:13,14

In Myanmar, as in any other country, having connections can be very useful. The leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist community faced a tough challenge when they sought authorization to build a larger school in Yangon. The current structures have been accommodating 650 children since 1975, but they are overcrowded, leading to difficult decisions to turn away enthusiastic students.

The leaders approached the Yangon city authorities for permission to construct a new building, but unfortunately, it proved to be a fruitless endeavor. Although personal connections within the city government were established, no results were achieved. However, the need for a larger facility caught the attention of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They approved a request from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to allocate funds from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the new school building.

Unfortunately, the bureaucratic quagmire persisted. Local church leaders collected funds but struggled to navigate city government approval. Unfortunately, three years passed without progress.

However, new church leadership was appointed during regular elections. Although they lacked connections within the city government, they remained hopeful and determined to achieve their goals.

The dream of a larger school building may have seemed unattainable, but the then president of Southern Asia-Pacific Division, Samuel Saw, a native of Myanmar, reminded them that they have a powerful ally in God. He encouraged them to ask God for help, even if they lacked worldly connections.

The solution is both simple and profound—prayer. Saw asked the membership to pray earnestly and file a new request for a city building permit.

The desire for a new school building in Yangon still persisted, even after many years.They were confident that it could be a reality by God’s power.

[story continues next week]

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your
faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Identify a pressing need in your local community, such as supporting a struggling school, providing meals for the homeless, or organizing a clean-up day in a public space. Come up with a plan as a family and local church community to address this need and take action together to make a positive impact.

FAITH BEYOND BORDERS

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Claudya, a 22-year-old graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, embarked on a remarkable journey of service. Prior to her mission assignment, Claudya had just completed her thesis and graduated from college, a feat she attributes to God's guidance and support. Grateful for the opportunity to share her research at an international conference, she reflects on her academic achievements as a blessing from above.

This young Indonesian lady boarded on an unforgettable experience. She left her home country to serve as a volunteer in a 10/40 window country. Surrounded by its beauty, she found her purpose as a missionary through AVS (Adventist Volunteer Service). There, she served immersed in the country's vibrant culture. What she didn’t expect was that things would change without warning.

Immigration issues arose both before and during her time in the host country, threatening to disrupt her mission. Despite the adversity, she persevered, driven by her desire to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. Her passport was confiscated by the local authorities and the dread and fear could be felt in the air.

While she was facing deportation, she reflected on the beautiful and profound experiences she had in those few months. Claudya met people of various faith during her time there. Moved by their openness and humility, she felt a deep connection to her spirituality and the presence of God. Gratitude and patience became invaluable lessons for Claudya, taught to her by her students.

Although she had to be deported from this 10/40 window country together with 12 other missionaries due to some issues, she did not complain. Reflecting on her journey, Claudya offers wisdom to her younger self and others beginning their volunteer endeavors, drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11 and emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's plan. She's now volunteering as an AVS in Timor-Leste, after God opened a window while they were waiting for some answers on where to serve next.

Claudya's journey reminds us that even in the face of uncertainty and fear, faith can lead us forward. In moments of doubt, she found solace in gospel songs and reaffirmed her belief in God's unwavering presence throughout her mission.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Pray for Claudya and other missionaries who are facing adversity, that they find strength. Explore volunteer options like AVS (Adventist Volunteer Service) and support missions worldwide by sponsoring some young people or going there yourself.

A KIDNEY STONE

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Let’s picture an imaginary scenario: your family doesn’t know about God at all. How would you feel? Singkham's parents were like that. They didn't know Jesus because they weren't Christians. They never went to church. But Singkham loved God a lot and wanted his parents to know Him too. What could a small teenager do?

Singkham started to pray. He asked people at church to pray with him, including the local Global Mission Pioneer. The pioneer then encouraged the young boy to pray every day, and he did. For a whole year, he prayed, "Please, help my parents know You."

One day, Singkham's dad got really sick. Something in his kidney was not right, the stone in it was so big that was giving him a lot of pain. The doctor said he needed an operation, but Singkham wasn't worried. He knew Jesus would help.

Singkham told his father about Jesus and prayed for him, and so, His dad realized Jesus was his only hope. After this episode, Singkham's parents started reading the Bible. The operation went well, the pain was gone, and Singkham's dad was grateful that his son’s
God saved him.

But then, his dad got sick again. His belly hurt, and this time, the doctor couldn't find the reason. Singkham prayed for Jesus to heal his father. The doctor wanted to do another operation because they couldn't figure out why Singkham’s father was sick.

After the operation, the doctor said, "Sorry, we can't help your dad. He's very sick." The doctor didn't even want to close up his dad's belly. Singkham knew who to run to. He kept praying. Two weeks later, the pain disappeared! His dad's belly didn't hurt anymore. No one in the hospital could explain how he was healed, but the truth was that over time, he became strong and healthy. The doctor couldn't believe it when he saw Singkham's dad again. It was like a miracle!

Singkham's dad and mom knew it was a miracle too. They gave their hearts to Jesus. When the rest of Singkham's family saw what happened, they also gave their hearts to Jesus. Singkham was so happy that even after a year his prayers were answered.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Take turns sharing stories of how God has answered prayers or worked miracles in your lives. Reflect on these experiences and discuss how they have strengthened your faith and trust in God's power.

HEY, THAT’S MY ISLAND!

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

The campus of Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Tennessee, United States, echoed with a cheerful voice one autumn day. A man pointed excitedly at the student missionary recruitment banner, exclaiming, "Hey, that's my island!" Gracelyn Lloyd, staffing the Guam-Micronesia Mission recruitment booth, observed the interaction from afar. The man, Edwin, hailed from Yap, as indicated by the image of a triangular thatched-roof hut on the poster.

During lunch, Gracelyn caught up with Edwin to learn more about his story. Edwin, a graduate of the Guam Micronesia Mission (GMM) high school on Yap, was now studying construction management at SAU. His testimony mirrored the purpose of their recruitment efforts: to send students back to the islands to make a difference.

Edwin shared how the Seventh-day Adventist school in Yap and the student missionaries who taught there had profoundly impacted his life. Despite humble beginnings and challenging circumstances, Edwin's parents sought the best education for him. They discovered that the Seventh-day Adventist school offered quality education with English-speaking teachers.

Starting school with minimal English proficiency, Edwin initially struggled and even faced suspension in second grade. However, he was drawn to the school's environment and found solace in playing with other children during recess. Upon his return, Edwin's experience at the school began to change for the better. Teachers and principals became mentors, guiding him through academic and spiritual growth.

Despite facing personal challenges and struggles with bullying, Edwin's faith journey blossomed through the influence of the Adventist school. He graduated as valedictorian, and his relationship with Jesus deepened, leading him to baptism after moving to the United States.

Edwin's transformative experience exemplifies the impact of GMM schools. Volunteers who teach in the missionary play a crucial role in shaping lives academically and spiritually across the islands. The education department of GMM is its most active ministry, spreading the gospel daily through its schools. The majority of students are non-Adventist, drawn to the dedicated and mission-hearted teachers. Many alumni have gone on to become influential leaders in various fields, but more importantly, they have been led into a closer relationship with Jesus.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Make a commitment as a family to pray regularly for missionaries, students, and schools in Micronesia this coming week. Set the alarm to remind you about it.

PERSECUTED FOR FAITH

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14

Kina*, a 14-year-old girl, faced unimaginable challenges after choosing to be baptized and join the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a remote village in Laos. Although her parents turned hostile and subjected her to beatings and abuse in an attempt to force her back into their traditional religion, Kina displayed remarkable courage and stood firm in her newfound faith.

Kina joined the Adventist church, where she found many friends who were also struggling to be faithful. Her new friends helped her stay strong, and also, encouraged her to have a deeper connection with Jesus each day, which she felt was a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, Kina was in a difficult situation. She had been beaten, was scared, and was facing a tough decision because she couldn't go back home and didn't have any family to turn to for help. The village chief, who was a relative, kindly insisted that Kina obey her parents in all matters. Moreover, Kina did not receive any help from her family.

She instead found temporary shelter at the local pastor’s family house, but the threat of her parents finding her scared her a lot. The pastor, who’s also a Global Mission Pioneer in that region, recognized the danger and kindly relocated her to a trusted relative's home. During the last confrontation, Kina's father unfortunately resorted to firing a gun over her head, escalating the severity of her situation.

Kina was physically abused and emotionally scarred. She remained in hiding, unable to return home due to the relentless abuse. Kina is still in hiding in a safe place where she can be faithful to God. Let's pray that church members will find a way for this girl to escape. Perhaps she will be able to obtain a passport and study at an Adventist boarding school outside the country.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

*Names changed to protect identity.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Gather together as a family and pray for Kina's safety and protection. Ask God to guide her path and provide a way for her to escape from her dangerous situation.

FROM ARGENTINA TO THE PHILIPPINES

“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

Diego Fuentes, an Argentinian, always dreamed of becoming a missionary. He felt a strong calling to help others after being inspired by exciting stories and testimonies he heard at church camps. After much prayer, he received an invitation to volunteer in the Philippines, working with digital evangelism.

He was very confident and excited about this opportunity. Although he was eager to start his services in Adventist World Radio – Center for Digital Evangelism (CDE), he realized that the adjustment wouldn’t be a bed of roses. The Philippines, where he chose to work, is a tropical country, with a climate totally different from what he was used to. Diego found out that 30% of the typhoons that hit the country were in the northern part, and, to his surprise, it was where he was working.

The first experiences he had with the strong windy nights, dangerous typhoons, and even earthquakes, made him think twice about why he chose to cross the oceans and continents to live in a place with such adverse weather conditions. But, despite this challenge, he knew that, if God had called him to be a powerful influence through the digital area, he wouldn’t mind facing weather conditions.

Diego persevered and started realizing that was the place God wanted him to be! But a second challenge was just in front of him. Although he was called primarily as a digital evangelist, all CDE volunteers should always go to outreach programs in the local communities and, across the country. He wanted to communicate with the local people to connect with them even deeper. Although the Filipino language shares similarities with Spanish (his mother language), he found it challenging to grasp at first. After many hours of dedication, using each opportunity to speak in Tagalog, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, Diego started to be able to communicate with Filipinos.

The time of the outreach program arrived and it was pleasant because he was able to witness the kindness and hospitality of the Filipino people towards foreigners. Despite the local difficulties such as poor hygiene, and lack of proper alimentation, that community showed Diego the resilience of the Filipino people. Besides enjoying his opportunity to serve the church in proclaiming the gospel through the internet under Adventist World Radio, he was also grateful because he was able to mingle with people while showing many a Gracious God. Despite the obstacles he has faced, his journey as a missionary has been filled with joy and gratitude.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Adventist World Radio's Center for Digital Evangelism engages volunteers worldwide to share Jesus online through prayer, Bible studies, and other strategies. Let's take a moment to pray for these young digital missionaries.

TAKING THE MEDICAL BOARD EXAMS
IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

From a young age, Walter felt a stirring deep within him, a calling that whispered of faroff lands and the spread of God's word. It was the stories of missionaries in his parents' books that ignited this passion within him. Even as he pursued his studies to become a doctor, the pull of mission work remained strong.

Taking a leap of faith, Walter became a student missionary for a year during college. This experience solidified his conviction that serving as a missionary was his life's calling, and the place chosen to be the target of his mission territory was Thailand. Although he was proficient in his mother language, he knew nothing about Thai, and before he could embark on his mission in Thailand, he faced a daunting challenge: the medical board exams, all in Thai, a language he didn't speak.

Determined, Walter dedicated himself to learning Thai for 18 months, pouring over books and practicing tirelessly. Learning another language is itself challenging, but learning another language, that has a different alphabet with sounds that are not familiar to your mother tongue – this escalates the challenge to another level! Take as an example the following word: ตรวจา งกาย – this means to perform a medical examination. Can you imagine his anxiety on the day of the board exam? The day of the test brought nerves and anticipation, but also a steadfast belief that this was part of God's plan for him. Accompanied by his wife and two sons, Walter awaited the results with bated breath.

Amidst the anxiety, seeing his name on the passing list felt like a divine affirmation, a sign that he was on the right path. In Thailand, where over 90% of the population practices Buddhism, sharing the gospel can be challenging due to cultural differences. Yet, Walter approaches each encounter in the hospital with unwavering faith. Every conversation with his patients leaves him feeling blessed and closer to God as if he was giving Bible studies to these people.

Despite the obstacles, Walter continues his mission with joy and determination, bringing light and hope to the people of Thailand through the medical ministry. His journey is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of answering a calling greater than oneself.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Did you know that there are 19 hospitals under the Adventist Health Care of Southern Asia-Pacific Division? This healthcare ministry is vital, especially in non-Christian areas. Let's pray for these facilities and their staff to shine the light of Jesus through healing.

SPIRITUAL SIGHT

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:1-3

A member of the local church in the city of Manado, Indonesia, decided to make a difference by doing a few acts of kindness to people with visual impairments. He loves to try new things and, after a busy day at work, he felt very tired and decided he needed a massage. Near to his place was a rehabilitation center for people with visual impairments and in this place they had just completed a massage training course and one of the students kindly offered to practice his new skills on Mundari.

During the massage, they started to talk about work, church, and general stuff. Mundari was able to share a little bit about his church and the Bible. The initial conversation became deeper and at the end of the session, the student was very interested in the truths he learned while he was doing a simple massage. It was the beginning of a friendship not only with this specific student but also with other people who live at the rehabilitation center. It didn't take long for them to change and they started the ministry at the center.

Mundari says: “We are very happy with the opportunity to reach out to our visually impaired friends here, especially Adventists. They need acceptance and care from society. The institution should not be solely responsible for their rehabilitation, this group of people also needs compassion and support from the community so that they can live normally and be accepted by society. Our goal is to teach them how to live independently after they are trained in this institution.”

The staff of the rehabilitation center is grateful for the activities of the local Adventist church. Mundari invited many of them to worship in their church on Saturday and many went. It was a wonderful experience to see them singing praises and hymns. Not being able to see is in itself a great challenge for anyone visually impaired, but being able to help this community gives these people a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Pray for church members who serve and pray for our visually impaired friends who have recently joined this group and have discovered love, truth, and fellowship through this ministry.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Blindfold someone in your family. It can be the children or the teenagers. After doing it, give them simple activities like walking while holding a glass of water without spilling it. As a family, talk about what it felt like to be "blind" for a few minutes. Pray for those who have this disability and also make plans to help anyone you know who is visually impaired.

THE SOWER AND THE SEWER

"Then he told them many things in parables, saying: 'A farmer went out to sow his seed'." Matthew 13:3

Carlo* and Marla*, newly arrived in a South Asian city, prayed fervently for guidance in sowing seeds of faith and establishing a church in their neighborhood. Their simple yet profound plea to the divine was clear: "Lord, lead us to make a positive impact in our community."

The transition to a new place comes with challenges, and their first hurdle emerged as an unexpected opportunity. Just outside their new home, an obstructed drainage ditch emitted a repulsive odor, yet no one dared to tackle the task of cleaning it. But as Carlo and Marla sought divine guidance, they realized they were called to clear the sewer.

Rising at dawn, they searched for the blockage, and after initial setbacks, Carlo discovered it on the opposite side the next day. Undeterred by skepticism, he began the arduous task of unclogging the drain, despite objections from a doubtful elder.

Persisting through criticism, Carlo cleared the sewer, transforming the surroundings and catching the attention of curious neighbors. Through these encounters, they understood that God had opened a path for them to minister to their community and sow seeds of faith.

Their acts of service evolved into spiritual outreach, inviting neighbors to evening prayer sessions and extending care to individuals like Jura*, a paralyzed man. Carlo’s prayers and massages led to Jura's miraculous recovery after three months of dedicated effort.

Word of Jura’s healing spread, attracting more who are seeking solace and support to Carlo and Marla's doorstep. What began as a simple act of service grew into an expanding ministry, with daily prayer meetings and Sabbath worship gatherings drawing a congregation of forty faithful attendees.

Carlo and Marla's unwavering commitment to their community nurtures spiritual growth through prayer groups and health initiatives. Their vision is to establish a flourishing house church to continue the mission. Their dedication exemplifies the transformative power of faith and service, guided by unwavering devotion and divine providence.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

*Names changed to protect identity.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Identify newcomers to your neighborhood or city and extend a warm welcome—maybe a warm pastry or a word of appreciation, offering to help them navigate their new surroundings and provide support as they settle in. Pray that this interaction may be an opportunity for friendship for the Lord.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY LOVING

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Karen would always dream of going to needy people to share love. In her mind, the ones who needed help the most were those in poor economic or social conditions. It was during her volunteer missionary work in Thailand that this belief was proven wrong.

She came across people in different situations. Some needed food, medication, or other kinds of assistance. As a music teacher in an international school, her job didn’t involve that kind of help. She dealt with the richest people in the city. The students had everything they needed, but many of them lacked what was most important: love. Some would come from a dysfunctional family and would have behavior disorders.This became very challenging for teachers.

As a Christian volunteer teacher, Karen was taught to represent Jesus to those kids. They may not remember her name someday, but for sure they will remember how she made them feel and the values they learned from her words and actions. In challenging situations, she realized that these children needed more care and kindness.

Karen remembers that Brian*, a boy in Grade 5, was struggling for a long time to socialize. His classmates would make jokes about him and reject his presence. He would have outbursts of rage and fight with them. His family was aware of his case and were seeking psychological treatment. Every time kids had a problem in her class, she would talk to each one to solve it. That boy specifically was humble to acknowledge his fault and had a teachable heart. Karen told him to count on her and come to talk every time he needed it. Since he was feeling more comfortable with her, he also felt more encouraged to approach other kids. It was beautiful to see his improvement.

After serving for three years, it was time to move forward, and in her last days at that school, Brian told Karen he would miss her a lot and would never forget her. This kid made all her efforts worth it! She left her home, crossed oceans and continents, and if her service in Thailand was to reach out and transform Jesus’ love to Brian, it was all
worth it! She’ll probably never see him or the other kids again, but who knows what surprises God is preparing for in Heaven?

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers.
Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

*Names changed to protect identity.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: If someone in your area struggles to express love positively, pray for them. Write their name down and ask for Jesus' love to reach them through you. Show kindness and compassion as you interact with them, letting your actions reflect Christ's love.