AsiaStories

IMB missionaries Ken and Susan Quaid* use their home not only to love the children but to train nannies in a new work-release program. The couple wants to help young women break the cycle in Thailand that promotes many to go into prostitution to make a living.

Who knew foster orphans could change the lives of prostitutes and drug addicts? Hard life circumstances leave young women in a Detention Center, but faith and a second chance aim to break the cycle of prostitution and unwanted babies. Read May Messang’s* story of a life intercepted by IMB workers on AsiaStories.

From Music City, USA, musician and songwriter Jeff Bourque made his way to India to share the basics of songwriting for a congregation with Indian believers. The mission was to write songs that would speak to the uniquely diverse culture of India. Bourque’s fellow songwriters came up with four original songs. Hear these songs and read about their efforts learning to write.

I’m the sound guy … you know, the guy hidden in the balcony or some random spot in the auditorium surrounded by a bunch of buttons and levers … or at least I was “that guy” until my wife and I left to serve in South Asia. It’s amazing to think that God uses everyone’s gifts to serve him.

Claiming Christianity in India’s Orissa State means persecution and brutal beatings. Kanhar and Kata, in jail for proselytizing, have the scars to prove it. Kata remembers his own fervent prayer that started their journey together six years ago.

I ask, “How many of you have been persecuted for your faith?” No one raises a hand. This puzzles me since these evangelists live in a Southeast Asian Country were religious groups are required to get permission for reading their Bibles. I rephrase and ask, “How many of you have been imprisoned for sharing the Gospel?” EVERY hand in the room goes up.”

Lin Sung* had just completed evangelism training in East Asia. As students dispersed to surrounding villages to practice sharing the Gospel, Sung sent a text message, telling a friend where he would be. When government officials intercepted that message, his homework assignment changed from sharing Bible stories to a fight for survival.

Jesus weeps for the masses without hope, the persecuted, the helpless, the hungry, the exploited and the downtrodden. He sacrificed for them. Will you do the same? Give 10 Days of Sacrifice.

Tennessee church sacrifices for 10 days for South Asia. The exercise led the church to a group of South Asians living down the street from them. Who knew you could impact the nations from your own neighborhood?

Susie Rain takes a look at Yoko Dorsey’s uncanny ability to feel and understand each tsunami survivor’s individual grief, yet bring laughter. This trait endears her to Japanese tsunami survivors. As part of the Tokyo Baptist Church ministry, Dorsey even moved from the city to this disaster stricken neighborhood to radiate hope.

Southern Baptists reach out to survivors of Japan’s tsunami. See previously resistant area slowly open to the Gospel during past year.

As the Japan tsunami anniversary approaches, Shukuko Sasaki searches for comfort and peace. She folds origami cranes in the hopes of easing her survivor’s guilt.

Many men and women in rural areas in East Asia have few options for income. Ted Wong* is committed to using business and entrepreneurship to teach believers in rural areas how they can support themselves and their ministries. His vision is to provide rural farmers with a cash crop. This could provide an additional source of income as well as allow more time for ministry. Zhe Wang Hu* and Jia Liang* are two of the men Wong works with.

Jia Liang* shoulders a heavy load for a 29-year-old. Because he was the first to come to faith in his village, he is looked to as the leader of their house church. He balances leading this church with raising a family and farming the rice, soybeans, yams and coffee that sustain his extended family.

When David and Regan York heard music in their living room in the middle of the night, they discovered an instrument playing on its own. The couple used traditional instruments to connect with local Southeast Asian culture and create opportunities to share their faith, but they didn’t expect spirits to inhabit their means of ministry. Once they prayed over the instrument, it stopped playing, proving God’s power in the spirit world. The local villagers, however, didn’t see it that way.

As I spent days immersed in Chinese New Year symbolisms in Hong Kong, one stands out above the rest — food, or more specifically the dinner table. Sitting around the dinner table with family, for me, is a symbol of the importance of relationship — which is the point of this whole journey. Understanding my own culture has been the guide, but in the end, relationships are what matter the most.

The Chinese New Year countdown begins with the beating of a drum, followed by the crowd racing to the altar to receive the very first blessing of the year. T.Y. Po watched and thought about his own blessings that day — sharing Christ with his extended family. Find out more at AsiaStories.

This Chinese New Years trip hasn’t been easy. But it’s been a journey that is giving me new perspective on me my role in my own family. Whether it’s a kind word or simply listening to them share their stories, things are simple. I’m also discovering the needs in Hong Kong. Join in me praying for this city and it’s people.

Looking for some basic information about Chinese New Year? Look no further! Here’s a primer and some “downloadables” to get you started.

Despite the hustle and bustle, there’s a special feel to the air. The normally dark, muted Hong Kong is painted to life with splashes of red and gold everywhere you look. It’s Chinese New Year, a time for family. Today, T.Y. Po gets to know his Aunt Keun and takes a crucial step toward bridging the gap between a first-generation American and his Chinese heritage.