Reaching Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar & Beyond

Disciples Send Away Evil SpiritsBY SCOTT GRISWOLD

SECO

ND

QU

AR

TER

2015

I remember the joy on the faces of our first church members in Cambodia as they poured out the story of how God had used them to set a boy free from an evil spirit. His family had run to them in desperation. They couldn’t find us to help. Though their faith was new and they were not sure they could help, they prayed and the spirit went away. We see God’s power to cast

out evil spirits revealed through our ASAP missionaries too. Take Saowanee, for example.

Saowanee works hard as a lay church planter in Thailand, surrounded by Buddhists. Her life of service is not easy by any means. Her husband passed away a few years ago making her burden even heavier. She didn’t need a conflict with the church member next door over a tiny property boundary issue. She prayed for the church member to drop his arguments, but instead he stopped coming to church.

Saowanee wondered if something deeper, more sinister was going on. Then she learned that the member was really sick. She tried to visit but he wasn’t ready to receive her. Instead he began to seek help from a traditional healer or ghost doctor as they call them. Nothing helped. In fact the member developed the persistent awful feeling that something was crawling under his skin. Finally he let Saowanee and another church member sit down with him. She prayerfully explained how the Bible warns that anger can open the door for the devil (Ephesians 4). She asked if they could put their differences aside and offered to pray for him. He nodded.

She placed her hands on him and earnestly prayed. The creepy feelings stopped, the sickness went away, and the man came back to church. In a short time, he opened his home to hold weekly small group Bible studies for anyone interested. He now

WHAT'S INSIDE?

See God's Power Working through Saowanee

Read an Exciting Mission Trip Report

Discover how God has Answered Sam's Specific Prayers

Be Inspired by a Special Giving Testimony from ARME

JULIA O'CAREYASAP DIRECTOR

Thoughts From:

Do not be tempted to dismiss this newsletter issue because of the title: Disciples Send Away Evil Spirits. Though it seems the battle between darkness and light is starker in Southeast Asia, let me assure you that demon possession and oppression is just as real in Western societies as in the East, just cloaked differently.

The ASAP workers contend with supernatural forces on a regular basis, but they are assured of supernatural help. As they learn to completely rely on Christ and claim in faith the promises of God, they see victory. Ellen White says, “In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. ‘He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.’ Isaiah 40:29”, (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 157).

On our last trip to Southeast Asia, we visited a staunchly Buddhist city in communist Laos where Satan has a great stronghold. God penetrated the darkness by raising up a small group of believers there, led by an ASAP church planter. We were eager to worship with them Sabbath morning. However, Satan tried everything possible to prevent that from happening. That night I experienced a strange phenomenon where I felt like I was having a heart attack and had difficulty breathing. I could not sleep for hours. I claimed God’s Word, prayed, confessed all known sins and for his mercy for the unknown sins. I sang, read more Scripture…nothing seemed to help. Finally, I woke my husband AJ and told him, “I think I’m being oppressed by the enemy.” Together we claimed the hotel and room we were in for Christ and continued to pray together. Praise God, He restored my peace and I was able to sleep and wake up with energy to share Jesus in the morning! I praise the Lord that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). May He continue to give victory and deliverance in Southeast Asia and in each of our lives too.

had a beautiful testimony to share.

This is one story out of numerous accounts worldwide of the power of Jesus over evil spirits. History and the Bible are clear: disciples of Jesus can send away evil spirits. Jesus appointed the twelve and the seventy to cast out evil spirits. He extended this power to all His followers in His commission recorded in Mark 16.

Many Christians are intimidated by the prospect of dealing with evil spirits. Perhaps they picture the demon-possessed man in the Bible: matted hair, naked, and chains hanging from his arms. Saowanee’s story shows that spirits can harass ordinary-looking individuals, even church members. Regardless of outward appearance, we understandably recognize that it is a serious thing to deal with the power of evil spirits.

However, Saowanee’s story also shows us that an ordinary lay person can pray with faith and see the spirits leave. While we must prepare for a battle through a relationship with Jesus, we do not need to be afraid. It is God’s power not ours that sends the evil away. God can use you too. Study the stories and the texts in the Bible that relate to this topic. Prepare your heart. Jesus will extend His power through you.

Instead he began to seek help from a traditional healer or ghost doctor

as they call them. Nothing helped.

PHOTO: (Cover) Saowanee Kertprom Praying(Inside) Church planter, Chaat, and church members praying for Som Sah!

Don't Miss Out on our Weekly Mission Stories with Pr. Scott Griswold!

During the Hosford’s first Sabbath in Southeast Asia they met a man who had been troubled by evil spirits. Recently the spirits had urged him to climb clear to the top of a tall sugar palm tree. Then they told him to end his miserable life by throwing himself down. Log on to reachtheworldnextdoor.com to watch the rest of the story called, When the Evil Spirits Said “Jump!” To receive a weekly email announcing each new podcast write to: office@asapministries.org

Adventist Southeast Asia Projects MISSION TRIP REPORT

We praise God for those who answered the quick call to prayerfully go on the 2015 ASAP Cambodia Mission Trip! From January 30 – February 12, a group

of about twenty visited village churches where ASAP church planters serve, assisted with the Cambodian Adventist Camp meeting (which hasn’t taken place in the last five years) and served in the ASAP Feed & Read schools and AIDS hospice. God impressed some singles to attend, along with four families and a grandpa. (Every mission trip needs a grandpa!) Be blessed by some of their testimonies below:

SARAH MANN

I was blessed beyond measure to attend the ASAP mission trip to Cambodia. On the journey home, I remember saying, "The closer and closer we get to San Francisco, the more people speak English perfectly—I don't like it. It just means that I'm further and further away from Cambodia." I miss my country so, so much! Let me explain.

I think one of the hardest yet best things I experienced in

Cambodia was telling my story to the teens during camp meeting at the Wat Preah Yesu home for children. I told them a story about a Cambodian woman that had a baby girl, but she could not provide enough food to keep her child alive. Because of her love for her girl, she gave up her baby at an orphanage in order to give the child a second chance at life. God, because of His love for us, gave up His only Son in order to give the world a second chance at life. I ended the story by saying, “I know God has a plan for my life because the baby girl in the story…was me. If God has a plan for a little Cambodian baby like me, He definitely has a plan for everyone here.” The room was completely silent. I didn’t know what else to say so I just cried.

There is no one word to describe how I was feeling at that moment. Since I used to be an orphan in Cambodia just like so many of the kids listening, the experience was surreal. Although I had been adopted by an American couple as a child, I was back in my country for the first time in my life telling my story to children that were just like me. A painful kind of joy filled my heart. I could feel God wrapping His arms

(1) Sarah Mann and a friend (2) Some of the mission team with Phnom Penh Feed and Read Teachers (3) Darryl and Cheryl Hosford with Ryan and Heather Rinker in a tuk-tuk (4) Simon Rinker

1

3

around me in that second. In His eyes, I was never an orphan; I was always His child. As Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “…God will never leave you nor forsake you.”

RINKER FAMILY

Heather: One of the amazing things about this trip was actually getting to meet the precious people that are sponsored through ASAP and seeing how life-changing these funds are to them. I loved seeing what the church planters and teachers are doing in their communities. It has motivated me to share about ASAP with everyone I know! Worshipping with our brothers and sisters in the village churches was beautiful! Telling stories through a translator was really fun once I got used to it. The traffic was a little scary for me, but I was really proud of myself for not getting too anxious about it! I also cherish the relationships built with our mission group! I learned so much from each and every one of them and can’t wait to hug their necks again someday soon!

Jacob: I enjoyed helping with the junior class and interviewing people. My heart was touched by some of the kids I talked to. The tuk-tuks were awesome and the best way I have ever traveled!

Noah: My favorite part of the mission trip was going out to

the village church and helping to teach the Sabbath school. It was so different than anything I have ever experienced before. We also got a chance to pray for some people out in the village and I really thought that was special. Although the interviews at camp meeting were quite taxing due to the heat, I knew I was doing it for a good purpose and I liked getting to know the people. I loved playing games with all the orphans and teaching them football.

Simon: I loved being at the camp meeting and helping out with the kids in the kindergarten class. I helped them color and sing songs and play games. My very favorite part was the kittens and puppies; they were so cute and I played with them a lot. Pumping water for the toilets was fun! The hardest thing for me was eating so many vegetables.

Ryan: My greatest joy was learning from the others in our mission group. I also learned so much from the Cambodian people. They have little but are so willing to give and serve the Lord with what they have. While interviewing the church planters, they shared their hearts and it was powerful to see how dedicated they are to God!

Contact ASAP if you are interested in going on a future ASAP mission trip. We will email you of new opportunities to serve.

to hear more testimonies and see pictures from ASAP’s 2015 Cambodia Mission Trip!

Visit asapministries.org

(5) Ryan Rinker encourages a newly baptized beliver

Do you want to go on a mission trip but can’t get away? You can help someone else go who is struggling to raise money for a ticket. In particular, young missionary kids who must raise their own expenses. Be the ground troops. Give to the "Young Missionary Trip Fund."

5

GOD, THE MATCHMAKER n JULIA O'CAREY

BY SD GORDANFROM “PRAYER CHANGES THINGS”

Intercede for Asia

“ f there be any regrets in heaven … I think there would be at least two, as we look back to the earth-life from the hills of God. One regret would be this: that we did not do more quiet praying,

more claiming. I do not mean more simple repetition of religious language on our knees, but more insistent claiming, that the power of the Lord Jesus Christ shall apply here, and there, over the earth. That will be one regret, if there be regrets: that we did not ask enough, and did not ask big enough. We will say to ourselves, “What beggarly askers we were down on the earth!” The second regret, I think, if there be regrets, will be this: that we did not trust enough, that we did not trust God enough. We did not step out, when we could not see where to put the foot down, when He said, “Step out.” And if we might rule our lives here by what we shall think of them when we get yonder, then, I believe, we shall surely wear down the doorsills into our prayer-rooms.”

Pray for Protection and ProvisionAfter driving through the chaotic streets of Phnom Penh, one has a deeper appreciation for the protection God provides for His missionaries. Please claim “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and He delivers them” (Ps. 34:7) for the ASAP church planters in Southeast Asia. Also, please pray about you or your church providing a moped for a worker who needs one to enter new areas with the Gospel. Currently there is a need for 5 in Cambodia, 2 in Laos, 10 in Vietnam, 1 in Thailand, and 1 in Myanmar. Each moped costs $1,000. Thank you for your prayers!

Always Say A Prayer

I

Pastor Sam Ngala, ASAP Church Planter in Indianapolis, works night and day to bring the

love of Christ to refugees from his country, Myanmar. He started his church planting efforts while he attended Andrews University Theological Seminary. Because of his intense passion to share Christ, he did not have the time to find a wife! However, God knew the desire of his heart: a partner in mission, an individual who would share his burden for reaching souls, a soulmate.

As days turned into months and months into years, Sam decided to humbly share his prayer request with his friends, family, prayer group members, and his ASAP family. When he shared with Conrad Vine, President of AFM, Conrad prayed with him and said, “I believe in faith, you will have a wife before the end of the year!” This statement startled Sam, but

he chose to believe if it was God’s will, that would happen, even though he saw no prospects around him.

To make a long story short, God brought

Eh Paw, a Bible worker living in Australia, but originally from Myanmar into Sam’s

life. After a short, yet Christ-filled courtship, they united in matrimony in Myanmar on February 23, 2015. Join us in praising God for answering many prayers and bringing these two gifted missionaries together. We look forward to what God will do through them as they serve as one!

(Left) Pastor Sam Ngala and his bride, Eh Paw, on their wedding day.(Right) Pastors attending the wedding, prayed a prayer of blessing on Sam and Eh Paw.

Advocates Supporting & Assisting the PersecutedTHE SAME DESIRE n BY THE ASAP REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE GWIDOP PROJECT

This last year I visited some of our ASAP workers in one of the persecuted countries. We

preferred eating at home rather than outside because of security reasons. One day I was eating lunch with them. It was their typical meal with a few fruits and nuts. The food was delicious and I was busy eating. Then I noticed that they were not enjoying the food like I was. This is the conversation that followed:

Me: Mrs. Noelle,* the food is so delicious. Thank you for preparing the lunch.

Mrs. Noelle: You are welcome…(her head was down and she looked sad)

Me: Are you ok?

Mrs. Noelle: I’m ok…I just…(I could see tears in her eyes and I knew that she didn’t want me to see that).

Me: Mrs. Noelle, something is bothering you, right?

Mrs. Noelle: Yes…actually, whenever I think about my siblings and relatives in their country, it is hard for me to eat the food in front of me because I know they are hungry all the time...

Me: (I didn’t know what to say)

Mrs. Noelle: Now I have enough food to eat three times a day. God is good to me. But I know how hard it is for them to live day after day without having enough food. How can I put something into my mouth when I know my own siblings and relatives

starve? It’s still hard for me to eat well and sleep in a warm room knowing that they suffer.

We shared a heartfelt agonizing sigh and hardly talked the rest of lunch. We knew we were sharing the same desire and offering the same prayer to our heavenly Father.

Back in my country, I went to a restaurant with my friend. I ordered something that was $1 cheaper than my first choice. I wanted to save one more dollar to help these hungry people in one of the most persecuted countries in the world. I believe I’m sharing the same desire and offering the same prayer as Jesus.

Join us with your prayers and offerings for the persecuted.

TEENS WITH A MISSION!NATIONAL HONOR STUDENTS AT GLENDALE ADVENTIST ACADEMY

Visit www.asapministries.org to read more from the student newsletter, Cougar Prints.

Fourteen National Honor students at Glendale Adventist Academy excitedly accepted their teacher Sandra Gross’ Christmas challenge. They would help a child in Cambodia have a school uniform, a pair of shoes, a backpack and classroom supplies. They each pledged to give $10.00 and see how many family members would match it. In just one week’s time they raised $485. That will provide 16 children with those supplies.

In Loving Memory & Honor

IN MEMORY OF:JERRY AITKEN by John and Harryette Aitken • PAUL ESSIG by Karen Bowen • ROBERT SEATH by Leona Coutts • DELORES BEAMAN by James and Judith Culpepper • HENDERSON CROWDER by James and Judith Culpepper • BUDDY ANN PRETORIUS by Antonie C De Bruin • PASTOR PANDJAITAN, MY GRANDFATHER by Sylvia Dellas • ROLAND EWALD by Mae Guess Ewald • ISABEL NEWBOLD by James and Ann Fisher • DON BRODY by Jack and Bethene Griswold • ARTHUR HINSON by Gloria Hinson • ESTHER HOLMES by James and Charlotte Holmes • CLAREEN COLCLESSER, DEAR FRIEND by Albert and Joan Inglish • LILLIAN KAO LUH, OUR MOTHER by George and Jennie Luh • WILMA MAYOR by Dr. Ray Mayor • ZOBEEDA MOHAMMED by Aphzal and Vashti Mohammed • E. JENICKE & J. KRAVIG by Sandy Monette • SYLVIA LINDSAY by Judy Oxley • MICAH MONTAG by Daryl and Joy Proctor • BOB ISAACS by Berwyn and Barbara Rogers • CHAS AND FERN STILES by Ben and Irene Stiles • ROBERT SUCKUT by Randi Suckut

IN HONOR & THANKFULNESS OF:GREG WHITSETT by Steve Conrad • MARILYN & BILL STANFORD by Elaine Derby • MR & MRS ALLEN HAMILTON by Wendy Hamilton • JESUS CHRIST FIRST HERMOSA SS JUNIOR'S DEPT. by Hermosa SDA Church • MARY APPENZELLER by Cassie Jewell • STEPHEN ERICH by Robert and Madeline Johnston • PR. MARTIN AND LIANA KIM by Christopher Kelly • GRANDMA & GRANDPA NYIRADY by Kristine Kochanski • CHRISTIANE LEUI by Kimberly Kovach • JUANITA PLUMMER, BRUCE & ANNELI LABINS, ROSS LABINS, BRYAN KINION, MONICA LABINS, ALEX LABINS by Wayne and Sherri Labins • ERWIN RUEB by Eldon and Sharon Lynch • DEE DEE'S MEGAVOICE FUND by Barbara Miller • RUTH SOULE by Stephen and Laura Nyirady • JERRY SQUIER'S BIRTHDAY by Carol Squier • JERRY SQUIER'S CHRISTMAS, JOLENE & JOHN ROOSENBERG, DAVID & SHIRLEY ELLIS, LIANA & PAT SMITH, ALEX SARRIAMP, WATSON SITUMORANG, JUDY AITKEN, JAY & JILL AITKEN, AJ O'CAREY FAMILY, ARLENE SQUIER, VOILET MYERS, MARILYN & RIK MITCHEL, BETTY & JIM LEMOS, DARIN LEMOS, DEREK LEMOS, LANCE LEMOS FAMILY, JEFF LEMOS FAMILY, AND MARY & BOB GARECHT, PASTORS TED AND SANDRA DEER, STAN & JOAN SMITH, THE PROCTOR FAMILY, AND RONA & BILL OWENS by Carol Squier • IDA MAE CORDELL by Horace and Jackie Walker • CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS SDA CHURCH by Jeffrey and Jodi Walper • THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR SELLING OUR HOUSE! by Bruce and Irene Kuist • GOD'S BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE by Jeanette Yeboah-Amoako • GOD'S MERCY by Mary Lou Bauer • JACK & BETHENE GRISWOLD by Lynne and Tom Buske • SCOTT & JULIE GRISWOLD, MY DEAR FRIENDS by John and Susan Fleming • CHANIN STREET by David Street • ASAP STAFF by Phyllis Geiman

I so enjoy reading the ASAP Newsletter. My heart aches as I read of the hardships that the followers of our dear Jesus endure and the great needs of these dear people. May their rewards in heaven justify their sacrifices. I want to help by sending this gift which is so little for the great needs. I do pray for all your work. I believe that special prayer is more powerful than money, yet it is needed too. I pray the Lord will multiply this token gift. ASAP is in my prayers morning and evening with special blessings for you! I am 96 and 9 months. n IN JESUS LOVE, SJ, FROM CALIFORNIA

When I was packing to attend ARME Bible Camp in Soquel I received a phone call telling me that my uncle passed away. I was quite upset by the news and almost cancelled my trip. Then I remembered that most of my extended family lived in the area so I went, spent some time with family, and checked in to the campgrounds in the evening.

My wealthy uncle had no children. I was grieved of losing him, and fearful of the potential deadly tsunami of financial "blessing" that could hit me. I prayed and prayed for direction during that week of ARME. If God had chosen me to receive this money, then I wanted to know what he wanted me to do with it.

After I left my room to attend the meeting late, I felt a strong impression to give ASAP $10,000.00. I had enjoyed the stories from Martin Kim throughout the week about ASAP Ministries, and I had wished that I could do something to help. I reached the meeting hall, opened the door, and just as I stepped inside Martin exuberantly announced to the congregation"...and so we are asking the Lord for $10,000.00!"

I was stunned! My knees felt week and I leaned against the back wall. I said quietly to the Lord "OK, Lord. You supply and I will obey." Five years later, the probate hearings are closed and with great joy, it is my pleasure and delight to send to you the enclosed cashier's check for $10,000.00! A Sister in Christ from CAn A SISTER IN CHRIST FROM CA(Martin Kim pictured on right)

Notes from our ASAP FamilyVolunteers, Staff, National Missionaries, ASAP Ambassadors, Prayer Partners, Donors, Board Members and Gift Recipients

ASAP Ministries is fueled by mission-minded, faith-filled individuals whom God impresses. Be assured that 100% of your gift will go directly to the projects you specify. However, in the blessed event that the project you chose is fully funded, ASAP will use your gift for a similar project or where most needed to help spread the gospel and ease suffering in the countries ASAP operates. Because ASAP is a §501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible.

ASI MEMBER ASAP Ministries has been a member of ASI (Adventist-layman’s Services and Industries) since 1996 and is grateful to be an ASI grant recipient.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR Julia O’CareyEDITOR/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Scott Griswold COPY EDITOR Wayne LabinsDESIGN/LAYOUT Hannah SmootBOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Tom Evans, Bruce Bauer, Judy Aitken, Peter Van Bemmelen, Christopher Carmen, Steve Chang, Shirley Freed, Chan Sun and Esther Hwang, Denzil McNeilus, Mary Ann McNeilus, Julia O’Carey, Byron and Carol Reynolds, Tom Evans, and Trudi Starlin.

TOLL FREE 1-866-365-3541PHONE 269-471-3026FAX 269-471-3034EMAIL office@asapministries.orgWEB www.asapministries.org

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version® copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBERRIEN SPRINGS, MI

PERMIT NO. 42

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDP.O. BOX 84, BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI 49103

PASAP serves people from the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Beyond!*At times, photos are blurred and names changed to protect the safety of God's workers.

FAMILY MAN Pi spends a lot of time visiting church members and meeting people throughout Northern Thailand who need to hear about God’s love, but he also has his own family to minister to. With a wife and five children, God gives him many opportunities to display this love at home. His wife helps him in his work by assisting with accounting duties at church and leading the choir.

THE POWER OF PRAYER When Pi faces a problem, he lifts up a prayer to God and claims a relevant Bible promise. There are two particular answers to prayer that he often recalls. One happened several years ago when he and his friends were crossing a river in a raft during the rainy season. The current was very high and fast, so much so that the raft began to turn over! Pi immediately prayed and soon, the raft went back into its normal position. Another time, just last year, a young man by the name of Somsak was suffering from drug addiction. He had grown up in a Christian family but as a teenager, he began to drink alcohol and do drugs. His behavior became uncontrollable for his parents. They asked Pi and the church elders to pray for him and give him advice. Still he would not change. Finally, Somsak felt his need and went to Pi to ask for prayer. After only two weeks, he was completely free of his drug and alcohol addiction and today he is a faithful member of Pi’s church.

JOIN THE ACTION Would you like to have a part in helping Pi lead others to experience the privilege of prayer and of a loving, saving relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? You can sponsor Pi or another church planter in Thailand for $160 per month. You can either donate monthly or give a one-time gift of $1,920 to provide one year’s support for him. If God is impressing you to help the people of Thailand in this way, please contact us so that you can answer His call.

POSITION Church Planter

LOCATION Thailand

PRAYER REQUEST For his health. He has not been feeling well recently.

Meet Pi Saikhum