Midland-based Group Reports Progress for Chinese 'House Church'

Issued by ChinaAid, October 1, 2008

BEIJING, CHINA — On September 28, 2008 Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan and his wife celebrated their first peaceful Sunday in more than three months after officials restored their electricity and water service and permitted their house church to gather.

Pastor Bike and his wife returned to Beijing on September 21 after being kidnapped and detained by Chinese police during the Olympics. They rented an apartment, but on September 22, the couple’s water and electricity were cut off by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) office of Chaoyang District of Beijing. Officials told Pastor Bike he was not welcome in the city. Pastor Bike’s landlord was also threatened and told to stop renting to the couple.

Pastor Bike tried to sue the PSB, but the local court and prosecutor office refused to take up his case because of a "lack of eyewitness." On the morning of September 26, Pastor Bike went to the PSB office of Chaoyang district, Beijing to file a complaint against the PSB branch office in Qibahe township. The three officers on Pastor Bike's complaint were: Qibahe Township PSB Office Director Mr. Yuan Hongwei, PSB officers Mr. Peng Cheng and Mr. Yang Bin.

An officer in charge of Religious Affairs from Domestic Security Protection Squad named Bai Tao called several officers from the Religious Affairs Bureau and the city government. The officials came to Bike and told him he is now allowed to operate his house church in his living area. They told him his rental apartment will not be disturbed again. Pastor Bike thanked them and invited them to attend the third anniversary of the founding of the Chinese House Church Alliance scheduled for October 20. Pastor Bike wishes to thank all who have been praying for him and his family.

This unique victory for Zhang's house church is a welcomed and encouraging sign for our brothers and sisters in China. China Aid Association would like to personally thank those who have contributed to Pastor Bike's victory through their prayers, support and faithfulness to walk with those who are persecuted.

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "Fight in the Power of God"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"To fight in the 'name of the Lord Almighty' is to fight in his presence and power, with his strength and Spirit," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Photo Album: "Believe"

Partners' US Office Moves to California

The Partners-US staff has moved from New Mexico to Redlands, California. As you may already know, Spencer Kerrigan is the new National Director of Partners in the United States. In order to more effectively manage the resources he is responsible for, Partners has moved their office to California where he and his wife reside.

Please take a second to update your address book and records with Partners' contact details ...

Partners Relief & Development
PO Box 2066
Redlands, CA 92373
Telephone: (909) 748-5810

Their web and email addresses remain the same. If you have any questions, please contact them. This move is yet another step towards Partnera' long term mission of demonstrating God's love to victims of conflict and oppression in Burma. They greatly value your support.

God Issues Today: "Remembering Your Future"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"When you're up against Goliath, you can fight in your strength and lose. Or you can fight in God's strength and win," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group: Detained Chinese Church Leader in Deteriorating Health

BEIJING, CHINA - The China Aid Association has learned that Christian bookstore owner and house church leader, Mr. Shi Weihan, was transferred to the Beijing Haidian District Detention Center. Shi’s case has been transferred from the Public Security Bureau to the Beijing Procurator. According to personal acquaintances who have visited Mr. Shi, his health has degenerated to the point that he is hardly recognizable to his closest friends. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "Consumers don't make good disciples"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Alan Wolfe's The Transformation of American Religion warns that many of us are consumers more than we are disciples, self-reliant rather than God-sufficient," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Youth Mission: Clothing Project

Not all mission work takes you to the far side of the world for an extended period. Some can happen right here at home, for a part of the day.

The Youth Programs at First Presbyterian Church hold regular mission projects. The latest was a Saturday morning spent sorting and folding donated clothing for the Tall City's Burmese refugee community, and for Helping Hands of Midland.

God Issues Today: "When Goliath finds you"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"In times like these most of us feel more like David than Goliath. As we'll learn this week, that's not a bad place to be," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Partnering-up in Midland

We were pleased to welcome a pair of very special guests - and friends - to the Tall City, a couple weeks back. The occasion provided us a chance to hear first-hand accounts of efforts to relieve persecuted peoples in southeast Asia.

Oddney Gumaer (at right) is co-founder of Partners Relief and Development. She is also the author of Displaced Persons, which has been described as "a humble outpouring from the heart and mind of a woman who strives to speak of what is right and live what is true."

Also visiting Midland was Spencer Kerrigan (at left), who was recently named National Director for Partners-USA. Along with his administrative duties, Spencer is responsible for interacting with churches, businesses, civic groups, and media outlets who are involved in Partners' work with the people of Burma.

Both were busy during their visit to the Tall City. They spoke at worship services and Sunday School classes, attended gatherings over meals, and there were countless one-on-one encounters with those who wanted to learn more about them and their mission.

God Issues Today: "A Sling and a Prayer"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Do you ever feel like a young boy with no training, no background, no credentials, sent to fight a warrior who stands over nine feet tall? Ever feel like David against Goliath," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Monitors Trial of Jailed Chinese Pastor

Issued by ChinaAid, September 24, 2008

SHANDONG, CHINA — A closed-door trial willl be held for Pastor Zhang Zhongxin at 9 a.m. on September 26 at the labor camp in Shandong province where he is serving a two-year sentence of reeducation-through-labor. The ruling will determine whether this sentence, imposed upon Zhang on July 6 of this year, was an appropriate punishment.

Pastor Zhang’s attorneys and relatives have been banned from meeting with him or reviewing his files, because authorities claim Pastor Zhang is suspected of endangering state security. If the court finds Zhang innocent of the crimes against him, the reeducation sentence will be repealed. However, if the court rules in favor of the sentencing, Zhang will remain in labor camp until 2010.

Christian defense attorneys Li Fangping and Zhang Jianfeng continue to try to meet with Pastor Zhang. ChinaAid will continue to monitor the trial.

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Seeds Planted by 'Midland 35' Grow in Thailand

Great news from Chiang Mai, Thailand, where seeds planted by a coalition of Midland churches, have taken root and are already bearing fruit.

"Our Children's Drop in Center is open," Mark Crawford, of Garden of Hope, writes. "Our center has been full of kids and women seeking a new life and a new hope! We have been trying to keep up with them (read 'English Explosion,' below to see what we mean!) We thank you so much for your prayers and financial support that make all of this possible. Your partnership with us is touching many lives!"


"In the past 5 years, The Garden of Hope (TGOH) has built relationships with over 100 of these children. As representatives of TGOH have secured their trust, the children have come to us with their problems, including teenage pregnancy, troubles at school, physical abuse, and being approached by strangers for sex. In April 2008, TGOH opened the CDIC, to respond to the needs of the children for a safe place to rest, study, eat, learn, and grow. On an average night we have between 30 - 50 children who come to the CDIC for a safe and fun place to be a kid. The Garden of Hope is also working with parents to raise awareness about child labor, with the goal that the children can be kids and not have to work. Since the opening of the center, many of the children are no longer selling flowers in the red-light district. "

THANKS TO YOU!

"In response to the need to help these children, 35 churches in Midland, Texas, came together last year to raise funds to open the CDIC. In a period of 35 days, The Midland 35 raised $35,000. After a long and often frustrated search for the right place, God led us to the right building: a 4 story structure housing the CDIC, Classrooms for English lessons, a Women's Resource Center and TGOH's offices. The CDIC was opened in mid-April. Thank you, Midland 35!"

"We are also thankful for the mission teams that have cared for the children before the opening of the CDIC and staffed the CDIC since its opening and all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide care for the children, healthy meals, English classes and so much more."

ENGLISH EXPLOSION
by Brittany Quinn
"The growth of our ministry has been one of the most amazing things to witness. The Drop In Center has been open for over three months now. When we first opened we served dinner to 15-20 children a night. Last week we hit 72. All of our children's and teen's programs have outgrown their rooms and we are constantly on the hunt for more chairs, more space, and more volunteers. Recently, we started a weekly children's church service and it has been so crazy and beautiful to see the ways that God has been inserting opportunities to have His Truth shared in Love. The Garden of Hope has hosted 5 missions teams from the States. Hawaiians, Californians, Wisconsinites, Texans, and alas, some Oregonians have all made it out to Chiang Mai to partner with us as we continue to try and provide a place of safety, love, and community for the children, women, and families affected by the commercial sex industry here in the red-light district."

ENGLISH TEACHERS NEEDED

"We have immediate openings for 2 ESL Teachers and 1 opening for an ESL Coordinator (leading our English programs including curriculum design and implementation). If interested, please contact info@TheGardenofHope.org. All international (i.e. non-Thai) volunteers and staff raise our own support as we live and work here. Do you know someone who would want to join us?"
View ESL Coordinator Job Description
View English Teacher Job Description

SHORT-TERM TEAMS

"The Garden of Hope welcomes short-term teams to join us in reaching out to at-risk women and children and to learn more about trafficking and prostitution in the Mekong sub-region."
Download our Short-Term Team application form.

PRAYER PARTNERS
"The Garden of Hope seeks to raise 1,000 prayer partners throughout the world. We hope you will join us in asking God for His will to be done in our ministries."

God Issues Today: "To Debate or Not to Debate"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"With many decisions and perspectives, where you get in is where you get out. Unfortunately, many people think the same is true of religion," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

We Hear from Susie in Austin

Susie Foy, a member of our 2008 Thailand Mission Team, writes from her home in Austin, where she has been working with a Burmese refugee community. During the summer, the Austin American-Statesman reported on the refugees as they settle into their new home, and the efforts of those - such as Susie - to assist that transition.

Burmese refugees find safety in Austin

"Refugee Services of Texas is doing a great job here and this is the group I have been working with," Susie writes. "Thought you might want to see it! Blessings!"

Thang Yawm Nan tries to feed his daughter, Mary Nan, 11 months, as he helps his wife, Esther Choiki, with her English homework and son Yuan Nan Thang, 4, watches. Yawm Nan first fled to Thailand, then India and then Malaysia before settling his family in Austin. (American-Statesman Photo by Kelly West)

God Issues Today: "$6 billion and light bills"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The good news is that our Father knows what we need better than we do," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Delivers Petition to Chinese Embassy; Seeks Pastor's Release

Washington, D.C. - The China Aid Association delivered a package to the Embassy of China in Washington, DC, containing a letter to Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, with approximately 57,000 names on 619 pages of a petition to free Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan and his wife. The letter urged the Chinese government to look beyond the physical needs, and to consider the deeper, fundamental need for personal freedom in decisions of faith and belief - when this need is fully acknowledged by authorities, the resulting freedom strengthens the people and the country for honorable prosperity. Pastor Bike and his wife were released from authoritative supervision on August 29, but are prohibited from returning to Beijing until the end of the Paralympics in September. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "I'm Cloudy About Computing"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Words don't hold still for long. I have a dictionary my parents gave me in the sixth grade; the word 'computer' does not appear therein," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Got Five Minutes?

Lucinda Windsor, a member of our 2008 Thailand Mission Team, recommends "HISTORIA DE UN LETRERO (The Story of a Sign)" by Mexican filmmaker Alonso Alvarez Barreda.

"This is a wonderfully fascinating film," Lucinda writes. "Enjoy."

A lot of people agree with her. This 2007 short flim (running time just under five minutes) was the winner at the NFB Online Short Film Competition - Cannes Special, 2008.

God Issues Today: "The Ghosts Will Move Across the Street"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The sobering news is that the One who built the stadium where I play ball sees me as I really was, really am, and really will be," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God's Glory Evident in the Improbable

The following letter comes to us from Annie Dieselberg at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign. Thanks to Chris Laufer at the Midland, Texas-based Faces of Children for sharing exciting news from one of our Friends in Mission .....

September 12, 2008
Bangkok, Thailand

Dear Chris,

We have exciting news to share that is a miraculous answer to prayer and a picture of God's heart for those affected by the sex industry.

An Exciting Opportunity
It has been an urgent need to expand our workspace and have room to employ more women.

It has been our dream to have a building in the very heart of the redlight district from which we could have an outreach center.

Amazingly, God is making both of those possible at the same time and we want to include you in this exciting venture.

Two Buildings for $1.3-million
For $1.3-million we will be purchasing two buildings. We had estimated this to be the price for one building but God has made two strategic buildings available at the same time for this price. We are so grateful and blessed to have already received a donation for the downpayments to secure the buildings and get us started.

Now we want to invite you to be part of this by donating and inviting your networks to contribute.

Prepared in Advance
The buildings are strategically located. One of them is next door to our present facility. This building will enable us to expand work space and open a store to sell the jewelry.

The second building is on the main street of the red light district and strategic to our vision for an outreach center offering assistance to women and children in the area. It is right in the path of the internationally trafficked women, the Thai streetwalkers, bar girls, and children who are at high risk and also those who travel to partake and exploit in this area.

This building will also fulfill the vision for a coffee house expanding opportunities for ministry and transformation in the red light district. Three years ago the Christian owner contacted me because she sensed God wanted us to use her building.The timing wasn't right for either one of us so we left it to God. Now in God's perfect timing they are selling and we are able to buy.

God's Glory Evident in the Improbable
$307,060 is the amount we need to raise by September 25, 2008 for the first building. We will move into that one October 2nd. November 2008 is our goal for the remaining $637,000 for the second building. Seem improbable? It would be except that this is so clearly an act of God that we are confident it will be done.

Economically this is a difficult time globally. We are aware of that but we also know that God uses such times for His glory to really be evident. This is another opportunity to show God's heart and passion to bring hope and transformation to people trapped in the sex industry.

How You Can Participate
If you want to contribute financially checks can be made out to "NightLight" and sent to our LA office at:

NightLight USA
PO Box 74850
Los Angeles, CA 90004

You can also donate through PayPal online. Please designate it to the "Building fund.

If you are not able to contribute financially we invite and ask you to join us in prayer and in sharing this news. We are all in this together and we are eager to discover all that God will do through these buildings.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It is the result of many prayers and generous support. We are amazed and grateful for God's provision.

Sincerely,
Annie Dieselberg
NightLight

On a Related Note: Want to keep up on more developments for NightLight and their ministry? Check out "Annie's Journal."

God Issues Today: "Living Current"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"All of God there is, is in this moment. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If your Lord was ever worthy of your worship and trust, he is so today. He has not changed. He never will," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Partners Blogcast: "Saw Keh Leh's Story: 311 Out of 400 Dead"

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. This blog is meant to be a more personal stream of conversation than newsletters allow for. The opinions expressed here may not be those of Partners Relief & Development.

"Saw Keh Leh looked strong and handsome. His eyes radiated something that I did not have the words to describe. A look that would have compelled me to trust and follow, had he been my leader," Oddny Gumaer writes in this latest post at Partners Blogcast. "During our talk I realized that he was indeed a leader, a leader whom the world should watch and learn from."

If you have questions or wish to contact Partners, you can send an email to info@partnersworld.org and let them know what you think.

God Issues Today: "Fortitude Wins the Day"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"It's human nature to fear what everyone fears, and it may or may not be wise business practice as well. But such groupthink is disastrous for our souls," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

New Partners at Partners

Spencer Kerrigan has been named National Director for Partners USA. Spencer lives with his wife Lyssa, his son Pierce, and his daughter Madison in Redlands, California. Steve Gumaer at Partners tells us Spencer and Lyssa bring a vitality and passion to Partners Relief & Development that has already inspired and blessed the rest of the Partners family.

Partners was a significant contact and, yes, partner for our mission team while we were in Thailand, earlier this year. Our bond has been strengthened by that experience, and by contacts in the months that followed, including a visit to Midland by Partners' founder, Steve Gumaer. Partners' mission is to demonstrate God's love to victims of conflict and oppression.

Along with his administrative duties, Spencer will be responsible for interacting with churches, businesses, civic groups, and media outlets who are involved in our work with the people of Burma. Lyssa will interact with churches, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations. Spencer and Lyssa are articulate speakers and represent the people of Burma passionately. If you would like to welcome them into our community or invite them to share with your organization, church or group, please email Spencer at spencer@partnersworld.org or Lyssa at lyssa@partnersworld.org

God Issues Today: "The Bentley Yugo"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"...we don't need to comprehend galaxies to live in ours; we don't have to fathom God to experience him," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group: Crackdown Against Church Leaders Prepared in China

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The China Aid Association has learned that an important secret directive issued by the Political and Legal Committee of the Central Committee of the CPC has been communicated to all the law enforcement agents including the court, PSB and prosecution agencies within China. Reliable Sources within the high level Chinese Government security sectors informed CAA recently that an unprecedented nation-wide campaign is being designed to crackdown on four specific “unstable social elements” within China. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "Tell God on Them"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If you want your frustration and anxiety to make a difference this morning, give it to God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Fleeing the Storm"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Before I get too judgmental with these people, however, I need to remember all the times I've made the same decision. All the times I ignored the warnings from the Authority of the universe and chose to stay when a spiritual hurricane was coming my way," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Annie's Journal: "A Choice of Desperation"

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign.

"A Central Asian woman was rescued from forced prostitution a couple months ago and needed assistance in returning home," Dieselberg writes in this latest post at Annie's Journal. "The response from supporters was generous and as a result we were able to start a fund to assist trafficked women in returning home. God's timing is amazing and the following story is another example of God's grace at work made possible through your support and prayers."

God Issues Today: "Waiting For the Storm"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"God made us to love him and each other, knowing that love always requires a choice. He therefore created us with the capacity for free will," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "A Hole In the Horizon"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"When do we need to go to God with our temptations and struggles? Now," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Bringing a Knife To a Nuclear War"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Yesterday we learned to admit his reality and expect his attack. Now we are ready to fight back in the power of God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Glitches of the Soul"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Yesterday we began a short discussion of our spiritual enemy, observing that the devil is very real and very malicious. As we learned, he is the father of lies (John 8:44), and comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Things That Go Bump in the Night"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"...denying his existence doesn't make the devil any less real," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Annie's Journal: "Church Messy, But Real"

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign.

"A miracle happened at church. It may have been missed
behind all the pain and tears, but I saw a miracle," Dieselberg writes in this latest post at Annie's Journal.

God Issues Today: "A Hindered Hippocampus"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The most important things you have done for heaven are likely things you don't know you did," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Going Home"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"'Home' is one of the most powerful and magnetic emotions in life," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Mark Your Calendars

A very special guest is scheduled to visit the Tall City on Sunday, August 31st. If you would like to find out more about efforts to relieve persecuted peoples in southeast Asia, then here is your chance to hear a first-hand account.

Oddney Gumaer, co-founder of Partners Relief and Development, is coming to Midland August 31st. She is the author of Displaced Persons, which has been described as "a humble outpouring from the heart and mind of a woman who strives to speak of what is right and live what is true."

"Open this book," we are told, "and meet the peoples of Burma. They are beaten, displaced and victimized by their own government. Yet they are beautiful, full of grit and humor, and deeply rooted in a rich history of faith. In this book, photos and reflections do more than tell stories. They open a door for us to live in the shoes of people who define what it means to demonstrate grace under pressure."

Final details for Oddny's visit are still in the works. At this time, she is expected to speak at both the 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. worship services of First Presbyterian Church-Midland on Sunday morning, August 31st. She may also participate in Sunday school that that morning.

Banding Together for the Olympics

"As the more than 7,000 athletes march through the Olympics opening ceremonies today preparing to vie for the top spot in their perspective competitions, a group based out of Midland is hoping thousands of others will be praying for another battle in China." Read the rest of the report by the MRT's Kathleeen Thurber. More about this group - by KWES-TV's Camaron Abundes - can also be found here and here.

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

One of the ways they are spreading the word about their mission is through wrist bands being distributed in conjunction with the 2008 Summer Olympics, now under way in Beijing, China.

"CAA is asking each of its friends to order a prayer band for China. Wear it during the Olympics and pray for your persecuted family. An equal number of prayer bands will also be distributed in China to house church Christians, and we have asked them to pray for us in America. The eyes of the world will soon be on the Olympics. But the eyes of God remain on His children and especially those who suffer for His cause."

To find out more about the wrist bands, and to get some for yourself and others, click here.

And look for more from China Aid Association here, in the pages of West Texas Missioner, in the months ahead.

Another Midlander in Mae La

Earlier this year, a group of Midlanders, joined by Christian friends from around Texas, had an opportunity to visit Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand, and worship with their community, mostly people of the Karen ethnic group who had fled persecution - a persecuted people and a persecuted church - in neighboring Burma (Mynamar). Now, another (former) Midlander has visited Mae La, and that visit is sure to get a lot of people talking ... not just around Texas, but around the world.

"MAE SOT, THAILAND (AFP) — US First Lady Laura Bush, a vocal critic of Myanmar's junta, toured a refugee camp on Thursday and called on the military regime to open dialogue with the pro-democracy opposition. Highlighting abuses in military-run Myanmar has been the chief cause of the first lady, and with her daughter Barbara she made her way through a muddy settlement which is home to tens of thousands who fled the junta's repression." Read the rest of the story In her own quiet way, from her own bully pulpit, Laura Bush has a way of spreading the word about these refugees, and bringing their plight to the attention of a worldwide audience. From our own experience in the camps and villages of western Thailand, one of the first requests we would receive - after 'pray for us' - was, 'tell others about us.' The First Lady of the United States can do that in a BIG way.

Spreading the Word in SE Asia, 2

Deadly cyclones and repressive governments notwithstanding, our friends in mission based in southeast Asia continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ, not only through their actions, but through the written Word of God. Following is an update we received from Mark and Astrid of the Christian Far East Ministry. We met with them both, learned from them and contributed to their efforts during our Thailand Mission, earlier this year. Their work extends beyond the borders of Thailand into other southeast Asian countries ... as the following post will tell you.

Mark preached in a church in Vietnam, sharing how if we pray we will see God move in our lives. The church wanted to emphasize outreach, and Mark shared how prayer should come first. Afterwards, about a dozen people followed him to the pastor’s office. Six people wanted prayer for healing. He only saw one lady healed immediately. This lady had several injuries and much pain. After prayer she took wraps off of her shoulder, arm and back: totally healed.

But another lady had great pain and bleeding due to womb cancer. After prayer in Jesus name she said she felt a bit better, but not 100%. Mark told her, “Jesus is the healer and He has started the healing. Keep praying for the full healing as you go.” One week later this lady went to the big city hospital for a check up, and the doctors could not find any sign of the cancer. The lady had no pain and the bleeding had stopped. The doctors couldn’t understand it and they kept her in the hospital for one week to do tests. They again could not find any cancer. She was sent to a second and even a third hospital for tests. And each time there was no sign of cancer. Pray that this testimony will be a witness to the hospital workers of the reality of Jesus Christ, and to her home church about what God will do if we will pray.

In another service in Vietnam, Mark preached on the Lord’s prayer. But before the preaching, during the offering, a very poor man came in, walked to the front of the church, and placed note in the In another service in Vietnam, Mark preached on the Lord’s prayer. But before the preaching, during the offering, a very poor man came in, walked to the front of the church, and placed note in the offering bag. He then left the church. Afterwards the church was excited, and they showed Mark the paper, and it was the Lord’s prayer written in Vietnamese, and 200 VNDong bill, worth about one US cent. Mark was encouraged, since he was asking to be led more by God, and this confirmed that he had been lead to bring this message. Hallelujah!

In Cambodia, the church in Siem Reap is growing. Pastor Timothy doesn’t have to go out to villages to find the lost, the lost are now coming to him and studying the Bible in his church. Praise the Lord. All seven churches are running. There are some missionaries from Nagaland, India helping the work, but they have no support. So they teach all day for pay, and then work in the villages in the late afternoon sharing the word of God. But this month the school closed for good leaving them with no support. Pray that they can have full support so they can work full time for God.

In village in Cambodia where the miraculous outreach was last summer is still in need of prayer. The authorities still haven’t giving permission for the church to meet together. The pastor who was driving one hour on his motorbike to reach the village was not able to go for two months, because he had such pain in his wrists that he couldn’t drive the motor bike. Mark saw him in the capitol and they met in Mark’s hotel room. When parting, the pastor tried to open the hotel room door, but he couldn’t, because of the great pain in his wrists. Mark prayed with the pastor, and suddenly there was no more pain. The pastor easily opened the hotel room door and when on his way. Praise the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Pure religion that is undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

Astrid led a trip to a camp of Internally Displaced People (IDPs). These people are survivors of the Burmese Army attacks against innocent civilians. These people are not allowed to enter Thailand, so their camp is just over the border in Burma. The road to get there was treacherous, but when they finally arrived, they unloaded their supplies of food, clothing, blankets, Bibles and other items onto a boat to take them to the camp. But the Thai police said they could not go, due to the violence in that area. Sometimes the Burmese army shoots at people on the river. Two dead bodies were found just days before. But the Karen minister traveling with them pleaded to be allowed to go, since the people needed the food. The policemen finally relented and let the group go.
On arrival the children from the orphanage ran shouting, “Hallelujah.” No one had been allowed to visit the camp for some days, because of the violence. They had no food. The night before, they prayed and asked God to allow the supplies to come in. Astrid’s group was the only group that visited the camp that day.

Everyone in the camp has lost family members to the brutal Burmese Army’s attacks. The people all live in fear that they could be attacked again at any moment. The team showed the Jesus film, encouraged the people, saw 40 or 50 people saved and perhaps 300 people rededicate their lives to the Lord, and they handed out Bibles. Astrid visited a bamboo building that we built for the orphans. They were sleeping on the ground before this. Thank God that the building was completed just before the cyclone hit the area and the house remained standing. At least the orphans had a place to get out of the violent weather. Asian Athletic Institute, a ministry Astrid volunteers to serve, will support these orphans monthly for this year. Below are the testimonies of five Karen women.

Kep Moh is 35 years-old. "I came from a Christian village. Twelve years ago, the Burmese army came into my village, occupied my village and burned down the village and the fruit trees. They killed many people. They shot and killed my parents as we fled to the jungle, and they also shot me in my leg. For twelve years I have been on the run. My husband died in the jungle from disease as we were fleeing. We had no medication. I have three children. We arrived in this camp three months ago. The last time I read the Bible was when I was ten years old. This new Bible you gave me will encourage me!"

Senah is 35 years-old. "I came from a Christian village (evangelists came to my village), but my parents are animist. I have never owned a Bible, but borrowed one in the village. I love to read my Bible. This Bible you gave me is the first one I have ever owned! The Burmese army came and took over my village and we could not live there anymore. We in the village were all afraid and we fled through the jungle and slept in the jungle. It was very dangerous to come to this camp and it took elevin days through the jungle. As we were fleeing, the Burmese army shot at my father, but the bullet hit the basket he was carrying on his back, and he was okay."

Mrs. Pebiis is 48 years-old, and she appeared to be extremely fearful. "I came from a Christian village. The Burmese army came to our village and we had to flee to the jungle and sleep in the jungle for many years. The Burmese army took over our village and we cannot go back. It took ten days to walk to this camp and we were very much afraid. The Karen National Union (KNU) militia guided us. We became separated from our rela-tives. I did have a Bible in the village and received it from a Karen evangelist. Most people in our village had a Bible, but we lost those Bibles when we fled the village. Now I have my own Bible!”

Mny Sa Poh is 37 years-old. "When we were working in the field, the Burmese army came and shot at us. Then they burned down our village and it was gone. This is the first time for me to have a Bible. I am very happy to have this Bible! I will have my children read it to me. I have had many miscarriages and would like to have a baby girl."

Nam Kleh is 46 years-old. "The Burmese army came into our village and took control of it. We could not go to our own fields, but had to work as slaves for the Burmese army. My family and I wanted to escape and so we pretended to go to the fields to work, but then fled into the jungle. It took us fourteen days to walk through the jungle to get to this camp. I was very afraid. The KNU helped us. In our village we had a church, but the Burmese army stopped us from going to church. I also had a Bible in our village, but I had to leave it behind when we fled. The Bible is the Word of God and is very important. It encourages me."

Below are five stories from the orphans. Many of the orphans have been traumatized. Some won’t speak, but only stare.

Po Ta La Se is a 15 year-old girl. "Two years ago, my mother died of dysentery. Then the Burmese army came to our village. My father was sick inside the house when the Burmese army came and they burned down my house. My father was too sick to get out of the house in time and he burned to death. I followed my aunt into the jungle and it was very dangerous. I am still scared every day. I want to become a teacher."

La Si Thu is a 14 year-old girl. "I’ve been in the camp for one year. My father died of sickness and my mother got shot by the Burmese army when we were fleeing in the jungle. My one older brother is on the run now. I followed my cousin who brought me here. I am afraid every day. I want to become an evangelist."

So Da Thu is a 10-year-old boy. He appeared extremely traumatized, still in shock and daze. He witnessed the burning of his village. “I have no parents. My mother died by sickness in the house. My father got shot. I have no brothers or sisters. I came to the camp two years ago with my aunt. I want a mommy and daddy. I want a toy.”

Glory Thu is an 11 year-old boy. "I have no parents. My father was shot. My mother died in the house. I lived with my uncle. Five months ago my uncle died of sickness. A relative brought me here to the camp. I want to become a nurse."

Ma We Lai is an 8 year-old girl. "I am in grade 3. I am the youngest daughter and have two sisters. My father died in the jungle of disease, because he was fleeing in the rainy season. My mother died last year in the jungle while we were fleeing. I was with her. I had to bury her, but I couldn’t stay long since I saw the Burmese army coming. Once I was caught by the Burmese army and they put me with older women. The older women got raped, but I escaped. I want to become an evangelist."

God bless you!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Mark and Astrid

To support the work of CHRISTIAN FAR EAST MINISTRY IN AMERICA, tax deductible gifts may be made out to "His Servants – Asia or Faith Community Church" and mailed to:
Christian Far East Ministry
PO Box 1411
Glendora, CA 91740

Spreading the Word in SE Asia, 1

Deadly cyclones and repressive governments notwithstanding, our friends in mission based in southeast Asia continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ, not only through their actions, but through the written Word of God. Following is an update we received from Mark and Astrid of the Christian Far East Ministry. We met with them both, learned from them and contributed to their efforts during our Thailand Mission, earlier this year. Their work extends beyond the borders of Thailand into other southeast Asian countries ... as the following post will tell you.

We thank the Lord for all that He has done over the past months that prove that He is alive, that He is powerful and that He is love. We hope these reports encourage you and we share these stories all for the glory of God.

48,000 Burmese Bibles have been distributed to needy believers. One shipment was in a church in the area where the cyclone killed so many people and destroyed so many buildings. The church was destroyed, except for the room where the Bibles were stored. The Bibles were all safe. Praise God!

A lot of people are 'starving for the Word of God.' When we received these Holy Bibles we were trembling, and we thank God with our hearts and souls.

10,000 Karen Language Hymnals have been printed and delivered around the Thailand–Burma border region. It’s not nearly enough and people are calling for more. Entire churches are only getting 5 or 10 hymnals so that as many churches as possible can have some. The people say they have never before seen Karen hymnals made with such good quality. They are very grateful. The people feel closer to God when they worship.

20,000 Karen Bibles have arrived. This is the first large printing of this new common language Bible that is the first easy to understand version. When the truck arrived, it was too big to drive down the small street to the warehouse, and so it parked on the highway. The day the truck arrived it had been raining for two days. This was during the time of the cyclone in Burma. The moment the team started working the rain stopped. The team worked for three hours shuttling the Bibles to the ware-house. Ten minutes after they finished it rained again, and it didn't stop raining for three more days.

600 Jarai New Testaments were delivered to Cambodia. The Jarai people live in an area where the Vietnamese secret police rule the area. Recently, two Christian pastors were arrested. Muslims are moving into the area, and with money from overseas they are paying the police to arrest Christian pastors on false charges.
Please pray for these areas in Cambodia, that Jesus would be glorified!

About 1,300 Hmong Bibles and New Testaments have been sent to believers in North Western Laos. And the local route to bring materials to the Hmong in Northern Vietnam is working and several thousand NTs, Bibles, and hymnals are currently being delivered to persecuted Hmong Christians.

300 Vietnamese Bibles were recently confiscated from a courier team to Vietnam. The border was tighter than normal, and it may have been because the minorities in the Central Highlands had once again organized a peaceful demonstration to protest the lack of religious freedom and the theft of their ancestral lands by the Vietnamese Government. The Vietnamese Government sent soldiers to attack the protesters. Some were killed and many arrested.

50 Lahu Bibles and 1,350 Ahka New Testaments have been moved to Northern Burma. In one area of Burma we have been giving Bibles because they said if the people read the Bible they will be come Christians. And that’s just what has been happening."

Here are some testimonies.

"My name is Mitotaymoo. I was an Animist. I did not believe in God. I was not interested to believe in God. I heard the good news, but nothing touched my heart. When a Karen Evangelist came and opened a nursery school in my village I started to send my three-year-old daughter to attend. It was then that I started to hear the Bible verses through my daughter. When I heard it every evening my heart was opened and I started to believe. After one year I asked for a Bible. The first verse I read was John 3:16. When I read it, it changed my heart, so I received Jesus in my life."

"My name is PaDay Pa. I was a Buddhist. I was a drunk. All of my relatives are Buddhists. In my life I saw that the Christian people love the poor people. I got a Bible from an evangelist and I read it and I became a believer. I started to read the Bible in Romans 10:9-11,13. It changed my life. I started to know that when I have Jesus I will receive eternal life, but when I do not have him I will be destroyed. So I started to believe in Him, trust in Him, and live His words."

"My name is Aymyehaung. I am a Burmese and I was a Buddhist believer. I did not trust God, because I saw that the Christian life is like the Buddhist life. One day when there was an open air crusade with preaching I went to listen. The words heated my heart. The Christians gave me a Bible and I started to read it. I read Hebrews 9:22: I knew then that He can wash my sins away. So I believed."

"My name is Mo Gy. I was a Buddhist and worshiped idols. When I met with Mrs. Ehku, she was a school headmaster and I was a teacher in her school. She told me about Jesus. She told me to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John: the four Gospel books. I read them through four times and my heart changed. I felt so sorrowful that I was a false worshipper. I thank God that He changed my life and I am now a Christian."

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Mark and Astrid

To support the work of CHRISTIAN FAR EAST MINISTRY IN AMERICA, tax deductible gifts may be made out to "His Servants – Asia or Faith Community Church" and mailed to:
Christian Far East Ministry
PO Box 1411
Glendora, CA 91740