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Greetings!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Love Through Me update, South Asian style. Things here are definitely different from Romania, but we are already having a great time and seeing God do amazing things. You will notice a lack of specifics concerning location in this and upcoming newsletters. This is necessary due to the newsletter being available on the web. We want to protect both the ministry with which we are working and ourselves from any unnecessary problems. Most of you know where we are serving now, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have. |
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 Our first few weeks here have been action packed, to say the least!We began with a big anniversary celebration for the ministry with which we are working. This was attended by hundreds of tribal evangelists and new believers, and culminated with the baptism of around 200 new Christians. Soon thereafter, our dear friend, Kaytie Fiedler, arrived to begin preparations for the arrival of a short-term team from Open Arms International. We were blessed to join with this team in ministering to people both physically and spiritually. In the picture above, Leslie is sharing with this congregation about the importance of hand washing before eating. This is really important since they eat with their hands. Though it seems hard for us to imagine that this could be new information, for people who know nothing about germs it is a brand new idea and can actually change the quality of their lives.
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 One of the first team activities was a training conference for tribal people from rural villages who have been chosen to serve as health advocates for their villages. These simple people have no formal health training, but they desire to see their families, friends, and neighbors become healthier. Lessons on diabetes, alcoholism, smoking, leprosy, and heart disease provided valuable information for many who have known mostly superstition and fear about health issues. This young tribal girl is writing health information to share with the rest of the group. This conference was attended by about 120 people, and everyone was excited to learn so that they could share their new knowledge with others at home. |
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Another means of ministering to physical needs has been through medical camps held in rural areas. These free medical services provide an opportunity to share the love of God with hundreds of people who would never come into a Christian church. Doctors and nurses, pray-ers, huggers, fingernail painters, and game players, all work together to be Jesus to those who have never heard of Him. Many people come who have no money for medicine and have even less hope for the future. This widow, pictured above, shared with us that all of her children and her husband have died. She was given medical treatment for a high fever and stomach pain, and we prayed with her for healing of her body and spirit. Though her circumstances seem hopeless to the world, we know that God is ready to be her provider in every way needed. |
 Thank you for your continued prayers as we serve in South Asia among "the least of these". Our prayer is that God will send a spirit of wisdom to these tribal people who have been controlled by superstition and fear. We know that he loves these people and desires to see all come to repentance. Please pray with us for a mighty move of God to open spiritually blind eyes. Also, pray for wisdom for us as we seek to minister in the most effective ways possible.
Going for Him,
Stephanie and Leslie | |
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