October FiRE Newsletter available - issue 100!

In this issue of FiRE, we pay tribute to Pastor August Fricke, whose recent passing has left a profound impact on our mission. Pastor August’s legacy of compassion and dedication built the foundations of Asia Focus Australia, reaching countless lives. We also share highlights from Esther Hien’s inspiring visit from Vietnam, where her stories of ministry touched hearts and drew support for her ongoing work. As we continue supporting partners in 14 countries, we invite you to join our next mission trip in April/May 2025, an opportunity to see firsthand the difference your support makes across Asia and Africa.

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From little things, big things GROW! - June Newsletter

If Pastor August had not become involved in helping the decimated populations in East Timor and Banda Aceh in 2003-2004, the Asia Focus that we know today would not have had its inception. Pastor August did this with faith, and a conviction for social justice, that has led to incredible growth and impact today. God has multiplied the AFA outreach in amazing ways that I’m sure Pastor August would have never dreamt of. Small (and large!) acts of generosity, done with a sincere heart, can set change in motion and over time, move the proverbial ‘mountains’.

In this issue, we look at some of the small beginnings which have created big changes currently in the lives of hundreds of people in South East Asia and Africa. These articles are only a sample of what God has multiplied out from the faithfulness of the supporters of Asia Focus. We may feel insignificant or doubt our ability to actually make a difference for God’s Kingdom when the needs are so enormous. As I so often remind myself: “God’s got it. He’s the Master Gardener and our little seeds of faith contain the potential for towering trees.”

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March FiRE newsletter now available!

Dive into the latest edition of FiRE, where we celebrate the incredible journey of faith and generosity that connects us all to the heart of mission in Asia and beyond. This issue is a tribute to the unwavering support of our readers and donors, whose contributions have sparked a beacon of hope and transformation across 15 countries.

Discover the life-changing impact of donations in the Philippines, explore the collaborative venture with Esther in Vietnam, and witness the digital blessings at the Manna School in Medan. We're also excited to share updates on the new premises for the Youth Development Center in Thailand, the resilient earthquake relief efforts in Nepal, the enduring spirit amidst persecution in the Himalayas, and crucial emergency aid for new developments in Paletwa, Myanmar.

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October FiRE - Walking by Faith

In this edition of FiRE we focus on walking by faith in our own lives and stepping out in mission trips to Asia and beyond. Read about the challenges and God’s plans for the Youth Development Centre, Thailand, Rising persecution in Nepal, Ministry development in Myanmar, Proposed outreach in Bhutan, Ministry outreach with radios in Vietnam, recent graduates from the Life Promotion Centre in Laos, and mission trips to Thailand and Indonesia

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Zooming to VALBI

It’s Thursday evening and the first edition of Zoom Teaching for the Vietnam Australia Lutheran Bible Institute (VALBI) has concluded.. Both David Christian and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were no problems with the technology and both of us quickly discovered the best way to set up. Better still... around 160 people were tuned in... Yep, that’s right... 160 participants...

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FiRE 81 for July 2019 now available

The latest FiRE newsletter is now available and contains an urgent appeal for flood relief that ravaged Nepal, India & Myanmar, high drama in Vietnam as police raid VALBI (prayers needed), celebrations for the Indonesian school opening day, reflections on life and death when cancer comes calling, a final call for the next mission trip, and other stories from AFA’s mission fields throughout Asia.

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President's Annual Report 2018

2018 was as eventful, wonderful as well as stressful as every other year if not more so – with plenty of drama and pain mixed in as well. Overall the number of donors and interest in AFA keeps growing. But like the LCA itself, we are also suffering from the effects of a declining church as people age and die or join other churches and stop to support Lutheran-based mission work.

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ON THE JOURNEY IN VIETNAM

On 21st July 2018 at the Lutheran Orphanage in Vietnam I wrote in my diary, “I think every child came forward for blessing and prayer. They look up to us with angelic and expectant eyes. These are the unexpected blessings on the journey. I thought I came to teach Valbi: (Vietnam/Australia Lutheran Bible Institute), but here I am teaching 100 orphans of all ages, and praying for them, and blessing them. And there’s more. They pray for me and bless me.

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Growing the Kingdom of God in Vietnam

What could fifteen or so farmers have in common with a fisherman, a builder, a game hunter, a barber, a couple of motorbike fruit-sellers, a man who milks rubber trees, two woodcutters, a factory hand, a motorbike-taxi driver, a former orchardist and a former watchmaker? They are Pastors or preparing Pastors of the fledgling Evangelical Lutheran Church of Vietnam (ELCV).

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Heart Stopping Ministry in Vietnam

After a promising start, disaster struck! Or so it seemed. Plans were to crisscross Vietnam from north to south teaching the Word of God and spreading the love of Jesus. In one province the police lay in wait, broke up the seminar that involved 40 people, interrogated Neville for hours, then took his passport away and fined him more than $1,000 dollars. High alarm! Emergency! Sleepless nights in Canada, Australia and Vietnam.

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