In Vietnam, a brother opened up his place for weekly gatherings but then started to receive visits by the authorities telling him it is illegal to organize such gatherings. This brother told the authorities he wanted to be a law-abiding citizen. Would they please write down the laws preventing him having the gathering at his house? The authorities were unable or unwilling to write down the "laws" and left him and the group gathering at his place alone.
In Laos, Mr. K was arrested and then “disappeared”. There has been no word from him and his location and condition are unknown. Why was this man of integrity, joy, and conviction taken? Could it be because he has been very vocal about his faith and many people have come to Jesus?
Kham Tibetan
Although the surface has only been scratched and much remains to do, the fact remains that there has never been a point in history when so many Tibetans, in many places, have the opportunity to hear of Jesus!
A young man has had a renewal of his desire to follow Christ and share the good news. As a result several young men from Kham and other Tibetan areas have come to faith! They are all evidencing signs of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives such as conviction of sin, the need to make restitution, boldness in sharing and a hunger for God's Word. Furthermore they are doing their best to avoid dependence on foreigners which is such a trap in mission work including work with Tibetans.
Radio programs have been developed this year including a new "church on the air". This is a model house church meeting, very simple and reproducible, designed to help seekers and believers worship, pray and interact with God's Word, as the models they have in Buddhism are so different and impersonal.
Give thanks and praise for the new Kham believers. Also for the increased number of Chinese believers who have a burden to reach out to the Khambas and have moved to Kham areas. Pray that their needs for training, finance and a legitimate work or residency platform would be met.
Tai Dam
A few months back Mr. K (mentioned above) was talking about the Lao communist system where everyone is supposed to be equal. If one person sticks his head above the rest, either through financial or physical means, he gets "his head cut off!" Was his disappearance due to some people being jealous of Mr. K’s hard work and good reputation?
- Pray Mr. K will have enough warm clothes and blankets to make it through this cold season, and that he would be graciously given enough food.
- Pray the believers would be given boldness and joy to live for the Glory of Christ.
- Pray that the intentions of the evil one will be defeated. Pray the Tai Dam Christians will have victory over discouragement, disruption of plans for evangelism, and the loss of focus or vision toward the lost Tai Dam of Laos and Vietnam.
- Praise God for one new worker preparing to work with the Tai Dam. Please pray in all they need – faithful prayer supporters and finances to live and work among the Tai Dam. There has not been had any new workers join the Mekong Tai Dam team for 5 years.
