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World Mission News

as reported by Herb Tretzen

Focus Ministry

During the past few months rather than meet at the Coffee House, volunteers drove the international students and other guests to the summer picnics hosted by local churches. The summer picnics are another important part of the ministry that provides a means for students to leave the downtown Portland area and participate in fellowship activities hosted by the local churches. Depending on the church, the picnics are held on the church property or at other nearby location. Often times there are students who want to see a local church from a different perspective. They see how church volunteers take time to share their lives and families with the international students. These are good ways for the students to see the two basic commandments the Lord has given us: Love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength; and to love our neighbors as our selves.

Over the next few weeks new students will be arriving to study at PSU and other local schools. Please keep these students in your prayers as they find housing and feel welcome in a country that is far from their homes. Many students look for friends and host families to help them with their stay in Portland and at other universities and schools that host international students. Those of us involved with Focus become their families and friends while they are away from home.

Don Leonard's Visit and Project Video

I'd like to thank our Bethlehem family for hosting Don Leonard, a Wycliffe missionary, during his visit to Oregon. I have received comments from several people on how they enjoyed his presentation about missions and Project Video. People were really excited about the ongoing mission work and how Don is using video to reach people who may not be able to read and write. I hope that a few people have signed on as prayer partners for Don and Project Video. Don is visiting other churches to share the ministry and to look for churches to help sponsor one of the video packages. Many people were moved by Don's presentation. Unfortunately with today's unknown economy, it was difficult to find support for one of the packages. A few people that approached us about possibly going to Thailand in support of one of the packages. However, we're still waiting to see if some churches are willing to support a package or share a package. If you want to hear more about this ministry please let me know.

Good News from Russia!

Rev. Jon and Julie Muhly serving as missionaries in Russia share the following news: "Every time I [Jon] have visited Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran church, located in one of the suburbs of Almaty, Kazakhstan, it's been astounding to see the vibrant life and constant activity at the church. Pastor Burtsev and members of his congregation regularly make trips to orphanages in the Almaty area in order to distribute humanitarian aid and befriend the children there. Oftentimes during these trips, they bring with them their traveling puppet theatre, giving performances on biblical themes for the children. The puppet theater team, which includes the pastor, tells people about God through puppet shows not only in orphanages, but also in hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and churches in rural Kazakhstan. Their repertory includes 250 performances for which the pastor and his team construct all of the set. Praise God for the bold witness of Pastor Burtsev and the members of Sts. Peter and Paul congregation!"

Good News from Macau!

DCO Matt and Kim Myers, who serve in Macau, share the following news: "A few days ago, I [Matt] spent the day with a couple of local friends and met a friend of theirs for the first time. We invited him to come with us back to the English center. He was reading a tract, and he looked a bit uncomfortable and when I started a conversation with him, I found out just how lonely he was feeling. He eventually shared, 'Have you ever seen the movie 'Castaway' with Tom Hanks? I live like Mr. Tom Hanks, whose only friend was a volleyball he named 'Wilson.' What a shock it was to hear someone admit that, but I wonder how many more people there are like him in this world. He shared further that there are certain things he struggles with, like belief in one God, creationism, and other topics. He has been to a Catholic church, but he isn't ready for Baptism. At the end of our conversation, I invited him to spend more time reading the Bible with our group, and I wanted to pray with him to ask that God would give him the faith he desires. He agreed and prayed the Lord's Prayer in English faster than I could! I give thanks for this opportunity."

Good News from Slovakia!

GEO missionary A.J. Davis serving in Slovakia shares the following news: "One day, I was working at a English Language competition as one of the judges. During one of my evaluations, I hit it off immediately with Lukas, a student from another school who had a natural talent for the English language. During the individual testing of the competition, he expressed his disbelief in God. At the time, I was unable to go into deep discussion with Lukas. I had a meeting I had to hurry off to after the competition, but I kept him in my thoughts and prayers. The day was really busy and I felt like I missed out on a good opportunity to really share God's love with another.

"A couple of weeks later, while I was walking around town, I ran into Lukas. We went to have coffee together and he was interested in talking with me, since I'm a native English speaker. After this meeting, I gave him my phone number and told him to call me whenever he needed to talk. After a couple of weeks, he called and asked if we could meet up. We talked about life, and what his parents believe. Lukas told me he is open to belief in God, but he would like to learn more. He asked me why I believe in God, and I mentioned some personal experiences that have assured me in my faith, along with some Bible passages that have brought me peace during tough times. I know Lukas is at a difficult point in his life and is desperately searching for some answers. He is an extremely bright kid, and I hope and pray that he finds assurance in Christ Jesus."

Good News from Thailand!

Robin McCoy serving as a GEO missionary in Thailand writes, "In April, I shared a story with you about Be-ah and Gloo-ay, who had asked me questions about spirits and listened intently as I explained about the Christian aspect of spirits. As our relationships continue to grow, so does their curiosity about Christianity-each Thursday evening, one of the two has another question to ask during our class. Last week, we went out to dinner together. Before we began eating, I bowed my head to pray.

"When I finished and looked up, they were both staring at me. I smiled and said, 'OK, this all looks delicious, let's eat!' They began regular conversation and we laughed while enjoying our food. When Be-ah went back for seconds, Gloo-ay asked, 'Is it ok to ask what you said before we began eating?' I smiled and shared my prayer with her. Be-ah had come back as I was sharing with her. She was surprised at the things I prayed for and how I said my prayer like I was talking to someone. So, I explained that I was talking to Someone. She asked, 'Your God still live?' I explained that our living God promises us eternal life in heaven. Gloo-ay thanked me for telling them about my prayer. Please pray that they will continue to ask more and more questions."

Prayers

We ask prayers for the following:

In the Name of Christ,

Herb Tretzen