Khmer of Cambodia
B people of South Asia
After many decades of hard work, in 2017 we
celebrated the completion of the culturally
understandable translation of the Bible for B People.
Now, the translation is also available online. Whilst
we do not fear owning a copy of the Bible in Australia,
B People are potentially at risk if they are known
to follow Jesus or be in possession of a Bible. For
this reason, access to the newly developed website
featuring the translation is important as people can
read the Bible discreetly.
From Catherine
Having recently returned to Cambodia, I continue
to be excited in reconnecting with friends. Catching
up with Srey Mom and her family, I hear stories and
see how they are growing together. Srey Mom’s little
boy, Seyha, who was not yet one when I returned to
Australia, is now over two years old, trying to copy
his older brother, and generally sporting a very
cheeky grin.
Team Leader Morris is continuing to work with several
others to improve the site for easier accessibility
and develop accompanying discipleship material.
Work is also underway to develop an App which will
ensure God’s Word is even more accessible. We know
God speaks through His Word and we prayerfully
anticipate that the increased accessibility of the Bible
will prompt many to seek and find Jesus. My Khmer friends explore truth, justice and peace for
their lives and for their country. Together we share
rice, conversations and laughter. We talk about what
it was like for me to be back in Australia, and what it
is like for me to be here again. They share stories of
the Khmer New Year they spent with their families,
and a trip on a train, which was a first for their
parents. I am so thankful that in the midst of all that
has been in the past year and a bit, the roots of these
relationships have held and tha t I am able to be a
part of the lives of these women again.
B.I and S.I of South East Asia Ethnic Thai of Thailand
From Dave and Edwina
For each of us on the field – waiting, hoping, praying
for the moment when God opens the door for
conversations about Him, or that may lead to a
conversation about Him – is a day-by-day reality.
Discerning the best response is important and
sometimes containing our excitement is not so
easy. So when one of our staff at the Education
Foundation’s office was recently inspired by the music
she heard watching a Korean movie, and starting
humming the tune well known to us, and less known
to her, we knew it was one of those moments!
The song she was singing was Amazing Grace! Edwina
had the joy of acknowledging the tune, and in doing
so was asked to explain the meaning of the song. What
followed was a light but thoughtful conversation,
which led to a few questions more, which leads us
to thank you for your continued prayer for our work
here. It takes time, but we see that questions asked
freely, will lead to a better understanding of, “knock
and the door will be opened…” Amen.
From the team
We are encouraged as a team when local people
share the impact God is having through our work
here. We are blessed to journey with new believers,
to witness to their baptism and celebrate their
journey with Jesus. Mae Tong of the Ban Luang
fellowship has been attending meetings with us for
a number of years, however only recently chose to be
baptised. Aside from the Ban Luang faith community,
there are many others. All come together for a camp
once a year, and take this opportunity to share their
faith stories and to encourage and nurture one
another.
Mr Krai, the husband of one of the faith community
leaders has not always been accepting of his wife’s
decision to follow Jesus. At the camp however, he
shared about a car accident he had a few years ago.
In reflecting on that incident, he acknowledged
God’s hand in protecting him and his wife. He
thanked God for our team members, Dema and
Carolyn, who were there to support him and
acknowledged the companionship of others in our
faith community when the accident happened.
For more stories of transformation:
www.globalinteraction.org.au/news
Background photo: Silk Road Area, taken by David and Eliza.
VISION WINTER 2018
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