For the past three years we (Asia’s Little Ones) has been partnering with the Sunrise Foundation in one of our colder northern Asia Pacific countries. I had the opportunity to go there and join the ministry in September and explore all the many aspects of the ministry. In the quasi post-communist country it was exciting to celebrate the 30yr anniversary of the church, but it struck me that nearly every testimony was that of a first generation believer. I pray that as they grow, they are able to raise up the next generation!
Some of our pastors with a heart for young people are so excited to recently be invited into the schools to present suicide prevention, and sex education with the focus on abstinence before marriage using the Focus on the Family curriculum! We help fund purchasing rights to use this curriculum, and leader training for these school outreaches.
It was a difficult trip inland to the rugged edge of the Gobi Dessert. The harshness of the land, weather, and history of this place has chiseled it’s imprint on the people and culture here. But inside a herdsman’s hut (ger) worshiping, praying and fellowshipping with a group of 20-25 new followers of Christ, there was a warmth, joy, and softness from the touch of heaven itself.
It was humbling to receive the thanks of these families as they came to realize that Asia’s Little Ones was responsible for sending the aid they received last spring as they struggled to feed their families and their sheep. In those moments, I am more emboldened to ask people to give to Asia’s Little Ones, knowing we are bringing hope, sustaining lives, and sharing the gospel in a very tangible way in corners of the forgotten world such as this.
While in the town, and later in the capital city I was able to join the Sunrise Learning/Community Centers that are transforming the lives of so many young people. My last day, one of the questions that came up after the English club as the students lingered was, “What do Christians believe about hell? Do you have to be a Christian to not go to hell?” It opened the door to a full gospel presentation with many listening attentive ears! May the Lord continue to water the seeds that were planted!
