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.

In India, the devadasi (day-vah-dah-see) system, a Hindu practice of temple prostitution, has existed for more than 5,000 years. In the state of Karnataka in southern India, starving families dedicate hundreds of girls each year to the goddess Yellamma. The children are forced to begin a life of prostitution at age 11 or 12.

When International World Changer student Haley Wathen met 10-year-old Hadi Ibrahim, her heart melted. Ibrahim lived in an orphanage with a staff that barely had time to interact with him, and therefore, he received very little affection. He also never talked. Yet, after Wathen held him and played with him, Ibrahim began to speak.

International World Changers student Jessica Newberry planned to visit Southeast Asia with her church and work with orphans. The only other Christian in the Newberry family, her mother, Jan, worked tirelessly to raise funds for her daughter’s trip. But, when Jan died in March 2011, Jessica found herself traveling to Asia without her main support system. God, however, blessed her in the midst of tragedy and used the death to begin to change the heart of her non-Christian father. Months later, she flew to Asia and let God heal her further through the grins of a disabled young woman.

International World Changers student Aaron Powell visited Southeast Asia this summer. Powell was born with a a congenital defect, a half-formed arm. For the past couple of years, Powell felt God’s calling him into the mission field and his hand had become one of his greatest witnessing tools. It opened up conversation and allowed Powell to talk to strangers about God’s glory and mercy.

In the story, Zeke visits Everest in Bhutan. They watch an archery tournament where Zeke notices the teams wearing and doing some very crazy things. Everest and Zeke discuss superstitions and Zeke remembers a Bible verse that talks about Jesus having authority over every superstition. At the end, Zeke is able to share what the Bible says to the other archers and many people believe in Jesus.

Missionary kid Trevor Woods makes deep friendships in the country where his parents serve, Japan. When he is diagnosed with leukemia while in the States, he wants to return “home.” His friends stand by him through thick and thin. Little did Trevor know that the boys he befriended would grow up to be leaders in the Japanese church.

Thai Christian woman spends years preparing the way for Joplin volunteers to spread the Gospel in her village. Six pray to receive Christ despite vice-mayor’s warnings about leaving Buddhism.