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.”

IT manna for the Manna School, MEDAN

At the beginning of 2023, we had only 3 computers in our computer room (note: there are 152 students at the school) and only one fan to try to cool the room as the children used the 3 computers daily on a rotational basis. You can imagine how hot this room became. But in August 2023, after an Asia Focus group visited and saw our desperate needs, money was raised through Asia Focus to help us. We were then able to purchase 8 computers, an air conditioner and pay for our internet fees….

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

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.

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.