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.

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.”

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.

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

The latest newsletter is now available featuring continued struggles in Nepal with COVID causing starvation and loss of income, reaching out to the Dumagat’s in the Philippines, Testimonies from VALBI and spreading true freedom throughout Vietnam, and a look back where AFA has come from.

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.

Our December newsletter is now available for download. In this issue you can read about the power of the Gospel in Vietnam, an overwhelming trip to Nepal, India remaining our No.1 mission challenge, our 3 education centres across Asia, and many more articles from our mission projects

I have just spent 10 amazing days ministering in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Vietnam, ELCV. I did this through Asia Focus Australia. How privileged I was that I was asked. I heard the call of God in that invitation and went.

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).

FiRE No66 - December 2016 has been released featuring articles about a mission to the frontier of Myanmar in aid of the poorest, life in a bucket and a celebration of survival from Liberia, pushing the gospel across borders in Vietnam, leaving a mark on a post-earthquake Nepal, and updates from our other mission projects around Asia. 

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.