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Greetings!
Hello from South Asia! We hope you are enjoying a beautiful spring season wherever you are. In this part of the world, spring is non-existent, moving directly into summer after a very warm winter. We are headed into the hottest part of the year, and where we are located is very humid. After all of this sweating, we should be thoroughly detoxed! |
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 Last week, we were blessed to have a short but much appreciated break from the heat and our labors. We traveled to another part of the country, along with Rufus, the director of ALMA, and his wife, Grace, for a vacation in a beautiful, mountainous area. We were surrounded by incredible tea plantations, breathtaking scenery, and cool air! Oh, what a joy to actually be cold! Our time was refreshing in every way. The Lord is so good to bring exactly what we need right when we need it. Apparently, we needed to spend a little time with an elephant! |
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God has been faithfully working here. We have seen His plan taking shape as we continue to yield to His leading. Somehow, however, we easily forget that we are included in God's development plan. No matter where we work, regardless of the needs we see around us, God is always faithful to continue to work on the needs within us. His refining fire seems to burn unusually hot any time we are taken out of our comfort zone. With every change of location, every change of culture, God has a new opportunity to expose attitudes and motives that are not beneficial for His kingdom or for our lives. And He never misses an opportunity to bless us by pruning us! This is only one great reason to join a short-term mission team! |
 As we continue to work with the tribal leaders, we are learning how to help without creating dependence on any aid we may offer. We have seen how, often, our good intentions have created long-term harm. We desire to be a blessing, and our first thought is often a financial gift. This type of giving is definitely necessary sometimes, but often the greatest need is for teaching. God's Word provides detailed instructions that, when obeyed, bring great blessing. God has also given wisdom and knowledge to mankind in every arena. Often, what is most needed is someone, not something. We have observed the great resourcefulness of the people with which we are currently working. However, as we all know, a handout is easier than hard work. But, the long term effects include a continuation of poverty mentality and less personal responsibility for whatever has been given. We all know that we value what we work for. Of course, there are often crisis situations that require immediate assistance, but what a blessing it is when the help comes out of relationship. |
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 One example of this type of assistance recently occurred in a local village. The pastor of the church had attended several of our trainings in the last few months and had learned about the responsibility we have as Christians to reach out to "the least of these". His church was ready for action when opportunity arose. A man in his village was in desperate need of medical help. This man's grandfather was the first Christian in the village. He had been raised in a Christian home, but, as he had attained a bit of wealth, he left Jesus behind and joined the majority in his village as an idol worshipper. Though he had been born with a heart defect, as a child, God had miraculously healed him. But, as an adult, he had again become sick with heart problems. He had also lost all of his money. With a small child at home and little income, he now faced death if he did not have immediate heart surgery.
The local pastor heard of his plight. He and his church, poor as they are, collected the money necessary to get him to the hospital. Church members went to the hospital with him and taught him again of God's love. Now, he is healthy physically and spiritually, never missing an opportunity to attend church. Because this church gave of themselves, this man has a love for God and a love for the people that helped him. |
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 The needs in South Asia are great. People are dying physically and spiritually all around us. It is often difficult to know exactly how the Lord would have us respond in situations. We do know, however, that our response must be love and obedience to God. He sees the big picture. Please continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord in love and obedience. God is not the author of poverty and sickness. We know God wants to bless these precious people and bring change to individuals, families, villages, and nations. We want to be a part of this change. Thank you for helping us to help them.
Going for Him,
Stephanie & Leslie | |
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