Conclusion of Training in Asia, Sept 2012

We just concluded our training time with ReachGlobal and national leaders. We had been worried how we would do with such a large group; around 50 participants with many different languages represented. However, we were delighted with the results, which were beyond our expectations. There were many blessings along the way. Some of the RG staff and most of the nationals have no bible or theological training. For all of them it was an exciting way to learn how to study the bible, and a fun and effective method for learning how to teach others. We foresee our materials and methods being used in many parts of Asia as the year progresses. Already the first workshop is translated into Mandarin, Hindi and Burmese, with work starting on Lahu and Thai. We had many requests for us to come and train pastors in new countries, Bhutan, Nepal, Japan, Mongolia, etc.  

On Thursday night we met with the leaders of the Lahu group we trained last week. It was such an incredible blessing to see how our training was already influencing their thinking and planning. We had asked for prayer that we would be culturally sensitive as we trained. They affirmed that we had come across humbly and lovingly. Thank you for praying with us. The Lahu have a growing vision to train pastors all over SE Asia with what they have learned. They also are thinking about how they need to change the way they teach in the bible school, learning to teach from the bible itself instead of just from books. I was overwhelmed again with the idea that God would choose to use me in such a strategic way to help so many others learn to study, apply and teach the bible. I continue to be amazed at His grace.

I leave for home tonight greatly thankful to the Lord. I am anxious to see grandchild #14 who was born last night: Levi Nathan at 9lb 12oz.

Al

Rainy Days in Thailand

It is another new day with rain, and clouds hanging low around the hills. This part of the training is over and we are having a fun day today. Yesterday we said our good-byes and were very encouraged with the feedback we received. Having the language barrier gave Linda and I (Edie) a huge challenge in communication. The Lahu don’t show physical affection and are quite shy and reserved. It took 3 days of slowly and carefully trying to say we love you and care about you, but in the end they really appreciated our teaching from the bible. Our translator, who was wonderful and skilled, said keeping it simple like we did was different but so effective. She also said teaching the women to read and study the bible on their own was a new concept for them and really needed. When we come back to do another training, Linda and I hope to have our own group of trainers, who will then go on to train other women.

The training with the men went well, although it had its challenges. The men were having a good time and all seemed free to talk and laugh among themselves during discussions. With about 50 in the room it was a little chaotic. Many have not had training in studying the bible. One of the projects we did was a case study of conflict in the church. They tried to solve it from culture and tradition instead of going to the text to find answers. We hope as we teach them how to study they will have a new resource for finding the answers to life’s questions. They also resisted a bit the teaching on marriage, not liking the idea of a husband sacrificing to serve his wife. But I think they finally got the idea that we were not trying to impose our views on them but just looking at what the bible said. How they apply it in their culture may differ from how we do. 

The group seemed very enthusiastic about starting a training network here early next year. We are excited to come and help them make good progress in seeing all their pastors equipped to teach and preach the word effectively. 

The days were quite warm and very humid as this is their rainy season. It seems we are literally watching the rice grow before our eyes. Standing water is everywhere and people are always fishing in the water canals. Today 2 of us are going to a Thai cooking class. I am really looking forward to it. The rest of the group are going to see some tigers. Tomorrow I (Edie) head home. Al will stay for a conference on church planting next week and then have a chance to take about 60 leaders through the first Pathways workshop. It will be a great opportunity for him to initiate training across Asia. 

Though we have really wondered if we were making any progress, as usual God was producing the fruit. We are so pleased with the prayers God has answered. 

Edie  

Thailand, Sept 2012

We arrived safely late Friday night into Bangkok and then on into Chiang Mai on Saturday morning. It was a long and brutal trip and I have lots of aches and pains to show for it. Our aging bodies don't handle these long flights quite like they used to. Our room is nice; clean and comfortable although the bed is the usual Thai bed: hard as a rock. It is only a short ten minute walk to the training center.

It is fairly hot here and very humid since this is the wettest month of the year and it rains almost every day.  But it is beautiful and green and we have enjoyed a couple of adjustment days before we had to start the conference, which begins today. There was a meal and worship service last night and we really enjoyed it. At the meal the Lahu were mostly shy and afraid to come up to us. One young woman that we sat near slowly moved away and finally got up and went to another place. They are timid because they cannot speak English and do not know what to do with us, something I can identify with myself. As the week goes on, I am sure this will improve. At the the worship service the singing was fantastic, rich with great harmony. The Lahu are excellent singers. We were given a song sheet, mostly hymns, and sang along although we had no idea what we were singing. We had about half the preaching translated so got the just of the message and afterward we had a chance to greet people. It seemed to break the ice somewhat.  

Yesterday, Sunday, we attended a local church. I thought what I could catch of the translation of the sermon was very good. After the service we went to a man made lake next to a new subdivision that is under construction to have a baptism. The water was chalky brown, but they were not deterred. I think the people were happy that we were there to celebrate with them.  

Our host missionaries, the Callahans, have been super in caring for us. This is a special couple. They are rather ordinary Minnesotans, he was a technician for a phone company and she was a secretary, and in their early fifties felt God calling them to missions. But we are so inspired by their deep love for God and the Lahu people. They have taken on huge responsibilities and have flourished not because they were well trained or gifted, but because they have great dependence upon God. They are a great example of what God can do with anyone who is willing to depend upon Him and follow His leading. We have grown to admire them so much. I love to be around people like this! What an encouragement.

Please pray for us as we begin the conference. Edie and her partner Linda will be working with the women in the afternoons while Mike, Mark and I will teach the whole group in the mornings and the men in the afternoons. Our goal is to introduce them to what we do in our training workshops and to excite them about learning to study the bible well. The Lahu are a gentle and humble people and we want to teach in a way that fits with their culture. We have a lot to learn about how to communicate well with them not only in words and ideas but also in manner and character. Thanks for standing with us.

  

Al

Southern India July 2012

I am finally home.  I had no internet for the last week so I was unable to write.  The meetings in the south of India went very well.  Most of our students were leaders of various ministries and church organizations.  It was a blessing to be able to teach in English.  I was not sure what the situation was going to be there as there had not been much communication.  But the students responded well to the course and want to start a training network there.  They all agreed to teach 10 to 12 others, one of our conditions for doing the network.  I was especially encouraged by one man who asked if I would be willing to do a course in Sri Lanka.  I said I would but it would be better if he did it.  That seemed to open the door of understanding of what we are trying to do with training trainers.  We will be coordinating the training in Ahmadabad with the training in the south as we go forward.  Thanks for your prayers for me as I went.  I really sensed the Lord going before me.

Al

India, June 2012

Hot work in India

I apologize for not writing sooner but it has been difficult to find time.  We get home just in time to eat and hit the sack.  It has been a great week, but a taxing one.  I have battled various ailments, upset stomach issues from the food, hay fever, jet lag, etc.  It is quite hot, around 104 each day and humid.  We have no air conditioning but plenty of ceiling fans at the training center.  I am spent by the end of each day.  But the Lord has sustained me and given me strength for what I am here to do.  In some ways it is tough work to train here, but I love the people so much that it makes it worthwhile.  The students have performed better than expected so we are delighted.  They are all engaged and eager to participate and catch on quickly.  It has been a great start for the training network.  

I have worked with the leaders on challenges they face in organizing the effort and planning all the logistics for 4 training levels across 14 states.  It really is an amazing effort and will take the Lord's provision to succeed.  I think we got some issues ironed out today that have had them confused.  We have a good plan, but it is dependent on so many people to accomplish that we know the Lord must work in each one to get it done.  There are still financial challenges ahead as well that must be met soon for the project to keep going.  If you would like to sponsor a trainer, a state network or just help with some of the cost we would welcome any help you can give.  Just contact me at my email.

I am attaching a few photos of the trainers and the surrounding area.  We finish training tomorrow and head south to Trichy early on Monday morning.  They are not as well organized down there so we are not sure what we will face.  But the Lord knows.

Al

Darkness in India

I am sitting in my hotel room overlooking a major street and intersection in Ahmedabad India.  I estimate that 10,000 people pass by here every 5 minutes or so.  I know that almost all of them are lost in darkness.  I am thankful to be working with a group of Christians who are aggressively doing something about that.  I was talking today with the leader and he was telling me of some of the problems in the church in India. 

Unfortunately many have moved away from the real gospel to either self satisfaction or to a health and wealth perspective.  I was reminded of the problems in Corinth where even spiritual gifts given by God became a stumbling block to the church.  Here many "come to Christ" through healing.  Someone prays for the sick and they get well and say they believe in Jesus.  But for many they never hear more of the gospel than "Jesus helps us".  Because they have never been told of the need for forgiveness of sins and the provision in Christ, their salvation is incomplete.  Many of these when they later become sick again and are not healed, return to Hinduism.  As in the time of the gospels where Jesus healed many who were never born again, even today many are being healed by God and yet apart from the gospel they are still lost.  The group I am working with wants to keep the real gospel central in the church.  Paul said in Romans that it is the gospel that is the power of God for salvation.  I fear that in the US we have the same tendency to make the gospel more what Jesus does to help us have a better life, than the true message that he came to save us from the wrath of God by taking the punishment for our sins.  

Tomorrow we start the training network that we hope will result in thousands of pastors being trained in the Word.  We are excited abut what God will do through His Word as it is preached in thousands of churches across India.  I will keep you posted about the progress of the week.

Al