CENTRAL ASIA
Despite the frustration of being unable to return to Central Asia , we are grateful that over the past few months we have still been able to maintain contact with our H friends via messages and video calls . Through this period , we ’ ve had regular language lessons with our two closest H friends , Mike and Andrew . This has not only allowed us to keep growing in our understanding of H language and culture , but more importantly , it has meant that we are able to continue investing in our friend ’ s lives . As a reflection of God ’ s love for us , we want to show our friends that despite our present physical separation , we continue to value and love them and long to return .
— Pete and Nomes
CAMBODIA
A year ago , Luke and I started to get to know a family down our street after they opened a small shop at the front of their home . Luke started to buy drinks from them and soon invited himself to sit and chat ! As the relationship grew , he had opportunity to begin teaching their daughter some English , and after lessons he is often invited to spend some time with the men of her extended family . Soon I started to visit the family when walking the dog and our friendship is growing . God has given us opportunities to meet and grow in relationship with one another . Please be praying for Luke and I as we continue to grow in relationship with them , seeking to engage deeper in conversations of life and faith .
— Rachel
THAILAND
Carolyn recalls how her language nurturer , Po , recently asked her “ What is the meaning of life ?” Po , in her early 20 ’ s , had been pondering this question since childhood . However , Carolyn ’ s attempts to incorporate the Bible into language lessons were rebuffed as Po bluntly stated that life exists as a natural phenomenon rather than having any relation to religion and she did not want to study the Bible .
Carolyn did not press the issue further . However , she began to faithfully pray for Po and that an opportunity would arise soon to discuss faith . Trust continued to grow between them and in one conversation Po opened up about her struggle with self-confidence and social skills which started from a young age . Carolyn told Po that she is , “ Loved and blessed with great skill and one day this struggle that she will overcome will bless others ”. Po was deeply moved and cried , and Carolyn assured her she is praying for her . Carolyn is confident God will continue to reveal Himself to her .
SOUTH ASIA
Over the last few months as the COVID pandemic has spread and prevented in person visits to South Asia , it has been great to meet with people electronically for studies of the Scripture . Though it is no substitute for in person presence and interaction , I have been holding regular studies with groups of people . There is not only the encouragement of the Scripture but also that people are able to communicate with others from outside . The anxiety in many parts of the world is huge but being able to share together around the Scriptures in the language of the local people is very important .
Around the Teams
Photo taken in Thailand by Christoph Ziegenhardt .
— Morris
Vision Spring / Summer 2020 · Page 8