http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904 Welcome to the Asian Outreach Canada Blog section. We have a lot of news and recent events posted for your convenience right here. So please check back frequently for future updates. AdvancedMinistry Severe flooding in Asian Outreach's project areas in Cambodia The recent flooding in the region is affecting our project areas and the families we work with directly. The greatest concerns are for clean water, sanitation and an urgent need for rice and basic supplies. You can help us meet this immediate need with an online donation marked "Cambodia Flood Relief". Click here to read the message from our Cambodia laborers.  Click here for a news article on the flooding. Thank you in advance for your support of this relief effort. http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=27514 27514 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:05:00 +0000 Asian Outreach Prayer Network Inquiries:prayer@asianoutreach.org | Tel: (852) 2517 7400  Praying for Asia! July 2011 Southeast AsiaThis is what the Lord says: Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness willsoon be revealed. Isaiah 56:1 Welcome to the AO Prayer network. We appreciate your heart, passion and willingness to join us in prayer for God's Kingdom. In this quarter, our prayer focus is on the region of Southeast Asia. This month we will be looking at an overview of the region. Week 1: Regional overviewThe countries of Southeast Asia that we are covering this quarter are: Mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar (or Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam; and Maritime Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and East Timor. This is a densely populated, culturally rich and closely inter-linked region, with a population approaching 600 million.The common historical and major current influences across the region are India and China. The indigenous peoples of maritime Southeast Asia are thought to have migrated southwards from southern China sometime between 2500 and 1500 BC. They continued to have contacts with the Chinese civilization, but the influence of India gradually became predominant among them, and among the peoples of the Southeast Asian mainland.Today the large multicultural populations of Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines are exemplary of the dynamic regional trade and cross-pollination over the ages, with indigenous people groups and significant numbers of Chinese and Indians all coexisting. Inter-country migration is still a marker of the region, with significant populations of many Southeast Asian people groups to be found in all of the countries.Let us bring before the Lord this wonderfully vibrant and diverse region, thanking Him for the great work He is already doing there. Pray with us the words from Isaiah 56:1, that His salvation is close at hand and righteousness soon to be revealed for the peoples of Southeast Asia.   Week 2: Early indigenous historyThe history of the Malay-speaking world begins with the advent of Indian influence, which dates back to at least the 3rd century BC. Indian traders came to the archipelago both for its abundant forest and maritime products and to trade with merchants from China, who also discovered the Malay world at an early date.Cambodia was first influenced by Hinduism during the beginning of the Funan kingdom in the 1st century AD. The Khmer empire was powerful from the 9th-13th century AD, covering most of the Mekong area at its height.The Majapahit Empire was an Indianized kingdom based in eastern Java from 1293 to around 1500. The empire reached its peak when it dominated other kingdoms in the southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and Bali and further afield, making it the largest empire to ever exist in Southeast Asian history.In the 13th century, the ancient Thai kingdom of Nan Chao in Yunnan, southern China, was crushed. The result was a mass movement of Thai peoples southwards. At first divided into principalities, vassals of the Khmer king, they founded in 1238 the kingdom of Sukothai in west central Thailand. King Ramkamhaeng adopted the Khmer alphabet and gave the Thais a written language, and he introduced Buddhism into his kingdom.In 1350 Prince Ramatibodi founded a rival Thai kingdom in the south and eventually took over the entire Thai territory. Ramatibodi, generally regarded as the first King of Siam, brought in a new core of law and his armies drove intruding Khmer back into Cambodia. His legacy survived for over 400 years, for much of which Siam was engaged in war with the Khmer in the east and with Burma in the west.Southeast Asia is a region that has the seen the rise and fall of many great empires. Pray with us for the Kingdom of God to be established more and more, and for the values of the Kingdom to prevail over earthly values.   Week 3: Colonial historyIn the 15th and 16th centuries, the arrival of European powers in Southeast Asia set the stage for the political and economic realities of today, leaving an indelible mark on the region. In many countries, the colonial heritage can still be seen in the social structures, architecture and town planning, and urban culture. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by a western power, and they celebrate this fact with much pride. ·         In 1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines and claimed the islands for Spain. Spanish rule contributed significantly to bringing political unity to the archipelago. ·         East Timor was colonized by Portugal in the 16th century, until 1975, when Timor-Leste declared its independence, to be invaded later that year by Indonesia. Only following the United Nations-sponsored act of self-determination did Indonesia relinquish control of the territory and East Timor become a sovereign state in 2002. ·         In 1602, the Dutch established a trading presence in Indonesia. In 1800, the government of the Netherlands established the Dutch East Indies as a nationalized colony. Indonesia declared independence after the Japanese occupation ended in 1945, but this was not formally agreed to by the Dutch until 1949. ·         Malaysia has had a complicated colonial history, with the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British having influence. The British held several Malay states as a protectorate, appointing advisors to the Malay rulers in other states as well, beginning with Penang in 1786 up until the Japanese occupation during World War II. Independence was a messy process over the next eight years, culminating in the federation of all current Malaysian states in 1963. ·         Singapore was developed from obscurity as a sea port under British sovereignty in 1824, by a treaty with the Sultanate of Johor, Malaysia. 1965 marked the year that Singapore became a sovereign state in its own right, after a failed endeavour joining the Federation of Malaysia two years earlier. ·         Cambodia became a protectorate of France from 1863 through to 1953, when they achieved independence under King Sihanouk. ·         In 1886, Burma was incorporated into the British Raj, after decades of territorial struggle. Burma did not regain independence until 1948. ·         Vietnam was forcefully overtaken by the French in the 19th century and remained French Indochina from 1887-1954, except for the period of World War II when it was under Japanese occupation. Laos was similarly taken over by the French from 1893-1954, but was mostly important only as a buffer state between Thailand. ·         Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888, after a number of forced territorial cedings to the British. Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1984.   Let us pray and agree together that the ill-effects of colonization, including introduced foreign species and substances, harmful western ideologies, practices and wars that caused deep emotional, physical and spiritual wounds, both collective and individual, will be overcome. In particular, focus on the younger generation in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Burma.   Week 4: Spiritual historyMany of the original inhabitants of Southeast Asia were thought to be animist, until the arrival of Hinduism and Buddhism in the 2nd century BC, although little is known of the cultural and religious influences before this time. It is likely that the arrival of Islam in maritime Southeast Asia has been the most important event influencing the current spiritual climate of the region.In Indonesia, the islands had been in contact with Islam through Arab traders for many centuries; but their traditional cultural dependence on India prevented Islam from being acceptable to them until Islam was firmly established under Moslem rulers in the north of India itself, at about the end of the 12th century. Then, in the 13th century, Indian merchants from north-western India converted to Islam some of the ports of northern Sumatra. From there Islam spread to the Malay peninsula, Java, and the Philippines.In Malaya the rise of Islam was bound up with the foundation and subsequent importance of the settlement of Malacca on the west coast. It was founded at the beginning of the 15th century by a Sumatran prince, who converted to Islam, which under him and subsequent rulers spread throughout the peninsula. Malacca, situated at a strategic point on the trade routes linking India, Southeast Asia and China, became the main trading port of the East.Today, the island of Bali in Indonesia is the remaining Hindu outpost in the maritime nations, with the states of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia all officially Islamic. The Philippines and East Timor are both predominantly Roman Catholic, with sizable Islamic and some Protestant populations. Singapore is a secular state, but large percentages of the population practice Buddhism and Protestant Christianity.In Mainland Southeast Asia, Burma, Cambodia and Thailand retained the Theravada form of Buddhism, brought to them from Sri Lanka. This type of Buddhism was fused with the Hindu-influenced Khmer culture. Vietnam and Cambodia both endured periods of enforced atheistic political rule in recent history and are only today recovering parts of their religious heritage.Today religion is both a supremely important personal practice and a highly political issue for much of Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Islamic states. Pray with us for the church to be focused on being the hands and feet of Christ to the many in physical and spiritual need, and to not be overly distracted by politics.   FeedbackPlease also continue to pray for Central Asia, our previous quarter's prayer focus, as well. We would love to hear from you if you have received any prayer insights for South, Central or Southeast Asia. Please take a few minutes to email us and tell us what God has been saying to you, at prayer@asianoutreach.org. Thank you for joining us in prayer this quarter! Sources: A Short History of Southeast Asia, G.O.M. Jameson, Stanford University http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=25309 25309 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:46:00 +0000 We are excited to announce an event being put together by Made Entertainment Ltd with 10% of the proceeds the events and initiatives to be donated to Asian Outreach and International China Concern. Queen Elizabeth TheatreVancouver, BC, CanadaMay 6, 20118pm - 11pm You can find more information on our Events page or going directly to their website and Facebook fanpage http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=22000 22000 Tue, 5 Apr 2011 16:20:00 +0000 Prayer for Cambodia (Operation World) The scars of the terrible genocide of 1975-79 remain evident. Nearly two million were killed, over 60,000 lost life or limb to landmines and most of the population over age 30 need deep healing from the trauma of their losses and suffering. Pray for: a) Justice to be seen to be done regarding those who perpetrated the crimes. International tribunals face difficulty in bringing the Cambodian government/judiciary on board with the justice process, and the culture of corruption and impunity still holds sway. The beginning of Khmer Rouge trials should assist in this process. b) Healing for the deep psychological wounds. Many cope with the trauma through detachment and suppression of trauma, some by inflicting pain on others. Pray that counselling and the Holy Spirit might bring true restoration. c) A government that seeks the good of all, and is worthy of the trust of the people. Violence, manipulation, graft and selfishness hitherto have been the rule. The situation is so ingrained and endemic on every level that it must be torn out by the roots. d) Asian Outreach Cambodia to continue to effectively bring sustainable, holistic, community transformation.  Check out AO Cambodia's website at www.aocam.org . Check out Operation World at www.operationworld.org/camb for more country information and watch the short video on praying for Cambodia.  http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=21553 21553 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:51:00 +0000 Water is Life.  March 22 is World Water Day. 3 quick true and false questions. True or False… According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, improved sanitation could save the lives of 1.5 million children per year who would otherwise succumb to diarrheal diseases .  True Water and sanitation interventions are cost effective, and demonstrate to produce economic benefits ranging from US$5 to US$46 per US$1 invested.  True Asian Outreach do not have any water and sanitation projects in Asia.  False   Asian Outreach has been providing bio-sand water filters and latrines in a small scale in Lvea Em Cambodia for a number of years.   AOC (Asian Outreach Cambodia) operates by means of an agreement with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and in Nov 2008 formed a partnership with Samaritans Purse Canada to provide sustainable water and sanitation solutions for the people of Lvea Em. Over the next three years this project plans to target all fifteen communes of Lvea Em district.   At the same time, AOC is now in the process of developing a Water and Sanitation pilot program for the households in Thala Barivat in the Northern Cambodia district of Stung Treng.  This will give AOC a vital link into developing relationships with the people from all sections of the communities and within this strategic province.     Email patrick@asianoutreach.ca should you like to learn more about our water and sanitation projects in Cambodia - join us in saving lives.  Check out www.asianoutreach.ca and www.aocam.org for more information about Asian Outreach. Stats for water and sanitation can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html#five and info on World Water Day http://www.worldwaterday.org/   Today, remember  the importance of clean water and try to make some steps towards helping others obtain safe water for their families.   Patrick http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=21507 21507 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:04:00 +0000 Walking, Talking and Loving It has been said that we cannot understand someone unless we walk in their shoes.  In this edition of Asian Report, we learn more about transformational mission, lives being changed by holistic, incarnational, and collaborative efforts and resources.  In essence, walking, talking and loving people.  Asian Outreach’s President Francis Tsui explains the key to transformational ministry with stories from the field, while Cambodia Director, Romanea, will shed insightful thoughts, opening our eyes to seeing Jesus walking in Asia.  Recently while in Nepal, I spent time with our Asian Outreach field staff. I was impacted by co-workers, walking with the Tibetan refugee community in Kathmandu, people without residency status and opportunity.  Ministering with love and very little budget, one dear sister is helping meet the daily needs of this community.  At the same time, she is offering wise counsel to families that have been mistreated and dealing with heartbreaking issues every day.  Sitting on the floor in the tiny one room apartment of a family with two active boys, I witnessed our co-worker share the outstanding news of the gospel of hope unto salvation, that brings the presence and power of God to walk these folks through current trials. Another dimension building up the family, community and relationship, is the assistance given to start a small business in selling Tibetan crafts. This is grassroots mission interconnecting body, soul and spirit transformation through incarnational relationships.  Walking, talking and loving. “Love has be become an action or something concrete… there must be an incarnation.  Love must be made flesh,” declares musician Bono. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24)  On the road in Israel, Jesus walked with some disillusioned disciples, imparting hope into their disappointments and truth into their understanding.  Just like these disciples of old, Jesus still comes to walk in our shoes, imparting hope and truth.  “The Word became human and made his home among us” (John 1:14 NLT). As we reflect on some of the key points in this Asian Report, let’s be mindful of how we can stroll with people in such a way that we see lasting, holistic transformation in our own neighborhoods as well as in communities in Asia .  Thank you for your prayer and support for walking with Asian Outreach.  Click here if you would like to read the latest Asian Report.  May our hearts burn for the kingdom of God, moving us into more walking, talking and loving in our communities.   Every blessing! Patrick http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=21357 21357 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:25:00 +0000 The 2010 Annual Report is now Available. Click here to read. http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=20922 20922 Tue, 8 Mar 2011 03:42:00 +0000 “They killed my son,” resounded through the Sunday church service in the southern Philippines. The cries of a distraught mother still echo in my mind. Ryan, a teenage youth, was shot right in front of his makeshift house in the slums. Could a 2nd chance in this young man’s life have changed the outcome? “You will never return to school,” the principal said to Ryan several months before. In order to find adequate work to support his family, Ryan knew he needed a 2nd chance at high school. Unfortunately, Ryan never returned to school. Instead, he sought to earn 75 cents a day, with tragic results. I knew Ryan well; I spent time with him, baptized him in my backyard and shared as his funeral.   This was a defining moment in my life, which led me to realize that one of the greatest needs and opportunities in the world today, is to help facilitate education for children and youth.  CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) states “Education is one of the most effective tools societies have to enable people to share fully in the benefits of sustainable economic and social development.”  Keeping kids off the streets and keeping them in classrooms is critical to community and national transformation.   As our children in Canada go back to school this year, let’s remember the 600 million children of Asia that live in severe deprivation, of which more than 40 million are not in school today.    Everyone with good sense wants to learn says Proverbs 15:13 (CEV).   So many of the children I meet in Asia have a great sense of understanding the value of education, but have major barriers.  Organizations like Asian Outreach can help remove those obstacles and give kids a 2nd Chance.  You never know the difference a 2nd chance can make.  Join us as we join with the One who is the God of 2nd Chances.  Richest blessings! Patrick  http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18676 18676 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:50:29 +0000 Find out the latest emerging vision from Asian Outreach's International President Dr. Francis Tsui. http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18167 18167 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:33:27 +0000 I was listening to a song at a Children’s Christmas musical this year that went “We’ve got the best seat in the house to see what God is doing, to watch where he is moving,” (from the angels perspective).   I am grateful to have a seat watching what God is doing in many of the nations of Asia.  I hope you enjoy this  short Christmas update as we reflect on what the season is all about. My Top 10 Asian Outreach (AO) Highlights from 2010: Cambodia: I love Cambodia and the unique expression of God’s people that has been molded through suffering, sacrifice and forgiveness.  From my visit in September, I appreciated a new facet as I observed compassion in action multiplied to families that have such acute health care issues as HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis and malnutrition.  To better show you this, we will be rolling out some videos on Cambodia in the new year.  Click here to see the first video and here for a report. Mongolia:  A small part of me is Mongolian, and so I feel right at home there. This has been a year of recalibrating for future  growth with AO Mongolia led by a strong national board.  The team clearly impressed me when they shared their renewed direction - integrating the projects for greater efficiencies and effectiveness.  Kids keep on graduating from the literacy classes with hope, the good news continues to advance with power and families continue to be set free.  Click here for a report.   Thailand: It has been said, “The culture of society in 5 years will be what is being lived out on University campuses today.”  In May,  I saw how “The Centre” in Chiang Mai is reaching students through high quality English programs and Christian witness.  Another “Centre” was launched this year with plans for more in other key cities in Asia.  Click here for more info. Indonesia:  Inneke, my wife, visited Indonesia in December and reported back to me about AO’s strategy to develop skilled entrepreneurial ministers through their training programs. As I write this, I am drinking Kopi Luwak – a rare Indonesian coffee that is processed in an unusual way. Hong Kong:  Last fall, our AO leaders converged in Hong Kong to receive direction and vision from AO’s President Dr. Francis Tsui and to learn about innovative ministry including Business as Mission.   This year the AOI team created a child sponsorship program called  2nd Chance and a church leadership program called Church 2 which will both better connect our partners with field projects.  Click here for AOI site.  Read Dr. Tsui’s article on “Transforming Gifts” in our last Asian Report.  Philippines: This year AOI accepted a group called AEP into the AO Alliance. Two other organizations have applied for membership including the ministry my wife and I pioneered in the Southern Philippines.     Canada:  Thousands of folks all over Canada have been introduced to the ministry of Asian Outreach this year.  Our prayer is that many of them will take the next step and partner with us to bring lasting, holistic transformation in Asia. Nepal:  Nepal is situated right in the middle of most of the world’s unengaged, unreached peoples. Visiting Nepal in October, I was able to capture a sense of wonder and destiny for this country that had very few Christians 50 years ago that now is closing in on 1 million followers of Christ.    Pakistan:  2010 has been a tough year for Pakistan with the devastating floods.  I spent time with Pastor Sadiq (GCI’s  Pakistan rep), and was inspired to hear how he has been able to help Christian and Muslim families with essential supplies and a shining witness.  AO’s Great Commission Institute (GCI), continues to equip and send workers into the harvest field in Pakistan.  China:  Dr. David Wang continues to mentor Chinese Urban House Church leaders in the Doctor of Ministry program through the coalition with Kings University - Dr. Jack Hayford.  Vancouver’s Josh Loh has been interning with AO in Hong Kong helping in the Upward Bound Youth Camps.  Click here to read an article about this. Year end opportunities: Canada - (Capacity building, field and strategic support)  $50,000 Cambodia - (Health and Leadership Development)  $20,750 Mongolia - (Education and Literacy) $7,000 Pakistan - (Ongoing Post Flood Development and Leadership Training) $10,000 Media – (Creation of Videos of AO projects) $4,500 per video Over the next 10 days, I am looking to find 10 people that will give $5000, 10 that will give $2000, and 3 that will give beyond $10,000 to the harvest fields of Asia.  We can receive funds for 2010  as long as the cheques and postage stamps are dated in 2010.                                        Donations are also accepted by credit card via our office at (604) 272-1789 or website (www.asianoutreach.ca). Thank you for your consideration. We deeply appreciate gifts of all sizes.  Every bit helps.     As we celebrate Jesus this Christmas, let’s remember the precious people of Asia whom have not yet had the opportunity to know, enjoy and praise the Living God. Thank you for your ongoing concern, partnership and prayer for the dear people of Asia.  May we be transformed and blessed as we follow the Lord in transforming and blessing those he has called us to. Together in the harvest fields of Asia, Patrick Elaschuk Click here to download update.                                                                              http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18166 18166 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:30:03 +0000 MONGOLIA - Tuyatsetseg's transformation Each morning Tuyatsetseg’s mother farewelled her four children before setting out from their tiny shack for a gruelling day’s work - sorting through rubbish, collecting cans and bottles to sell to support her children. Like many Mongolians, she lacks skills and opportunities for regular employment, and has been reduced to scavenging to survive. Often, after a hard day’s work of sorting through fly-invested garbage heaps, she found she barely earned enough to buy bread. For this reason, 10 year old Tuyatsetseg had to leave school to help her mother sort garbage. One day Tuyatsetseg heard from another child about the free Literacy Classes run by Asian Outreach. She mentioned that the children not only get an education, but are also provided with a meal each day, and clothing for themselves and their families. Hearing about the classes gave Tuyatsetseg hope of a brighter future for herself and her family, and she went to enrol the next day. After two years of intensive education in this accelerated programme, Tuyatsetseg’s life has been transformed. She loves going to school because of the positive classroom environment. Her teachers help her with her homework and are interested in seeing her succeed in life. In two short years she has been able to catch up the three grades she missed, and next year she will be able to re-enter school at her correct level. In addition to an education, Tuyatsetseg has made many friends and has learned to make handcrafts which can be sold to help her poverty-stricken family. Her family has also been provided with clothing, some food supplies and parental training. The future looks bright for Tuyatsetseg. After she graduates from high school she will be able to find work and help support her mother and siblings. At present she still helps her mother sort garbage each day after school, to help make ends meet, but an education is a stepping stone to a better standard of living for the whole family. Tuyatsetseg has ambitions for the future: “When I graduate from school I want to become a dressmaker so that I can work and help support my mother and the rest of the family.” According to UN statistics, the majority of Mongolian families live below the poverty line. Many cannot afford food and clothing for their families, let alone put their children though school. Through the Literacy Project, Genesis-Asian Outreach Mongolia is making a difference in these children’s lives, giving them the opportunity to dream about a brighter future. So far, 2300 children have been through the Literacy Project. With your help, we can help many more children make their dreams a reality. http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18165 18165 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:03:31 +0000   http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18164 18164 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:47:20 +0000 Asian Outreach Cambodia cures Sovandara's life from poor water sanitation illness. Watch the video below to find out more... http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=18163 18163 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:35:38 +0000 It is difficult to be a mother…. when you live in a jeep.  Such was the case for Rosie’s mom -  a mother of 5 in the Philippines.  Sharing seven Christmas’s amongst slum dwellers ... in Asia brings back vivid memories of babies, lots of babies. Often Christmas family celebrations were spent together in the charitable clinic, as my wife Inneke, would work as a midwife to usher in the new lives. Our daughters would delight in the miracle of the new life; between births we would have family time.  Returning home after a long night, would leave me to ponder the birth of a Saviour, born in humble circumstances two thousand years ago. When I also ponder the hundreds of babies my wife delivered, the memory of baby Rosie still clearly resonates. After Rosie’s mother had missed her post natal visit appointments at the clinic, Inneke sought to find the family. To her surprise, their home was an abandoned jeep on the side of the road, housing the newborn child, the mother and four siblings. It was rough for Rosie and her mom at that time; so rough that Rosie’s mother came to our home offering to give Rosie to us, saying that she could not afford to keep her.  Through a series of remarkable events, Rosie now lives with her mom and is part of a program that we set up that ensures that her nutritional needs and education are on track, while Rosie’s mother is part of a supportive community. This family will not only be celebrating the birth of Christ this Christmas, but also the new life that Jesus has given them.  The Christmas story begins with the birth of the child of promise; Jesus – hope of the nations who lived and gave his life so that others would live, truly live.  The story extends to today where millions of children are born every year, each with a potential to live abundantly.  “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I announce to you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people; for today a Saviour has been born to you in David's city, who is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:10,11 Would you consider giving a gift of good health, great education or glad tidings this Christmas?  Inside the Christmas copy of Asian Report, you will find a mini-catalogue that will show you a few ways of how you can give the gift of health, the gift of education  and the gift of equipping workers to bring glad tidings.  Glad Tidings to you and your family this Christmas! Patrick Elaschuk Regional Mission Director, North America Asian Outreach International GOOD HEALTH – give to life saving care (  )  $15         HIV/AIDS and TB Treatment - Cambodia(  )  $50         Water Filters – Greater Mekong(  )   $5000    Toilet Facilities for a Whole School - Cambodia  GREAT EDUCATION – invest in the future (  )   $30         Education and Books - Mongolia, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam & Indonesia(  )   $200       Education for Whole Class - Mongolia(  )   $1500    Home and Education for Child - Nepal GLAD TIDINGS – help share the good news (  )  $10         Bible Printing and Distribution – Bhutan and Mongolia(  )  $25         Outreach and Discipleship of University Students - Thailand     (  )  $80         Church planter training - all across Asia(  )  $200       Small Business Training for Church Planters – Indonesia Click here to give a gift of life and hope.  Christmas babies It is difficult to be a mother…. when you live in a jeep.  Such was the case for Rosie’s mom -  a mother of 5 in the Philippines.  Sharing seven Christmas’s amongst slum dwellers in Asia brings back vivid memories of babies, lots of babies. Often Christmas family celebrations were spent together in the charitable clinic, as my wife Inneke, would work as a midwife to usher in the new lives. Our daughters would delight in the miracle of the new life; between births we would have family time.  Returning home after a long night, would leave me to ponder the birth of a Saviour, born in humble circumstances two thousand years ago. When I also ponder the hundreds of babies my wife delivered, the memory of baby Rosie still clearly resonates. After Rosie’s mother had missed her post natal visit appointments at the clinic, Inneke sought to find the family. To her surprise, their home was an abandoned jeep on the side of the road, housing the newborn child, the mother and four siblings. It was rough for Rosie and her mom at that time; so rough that Rosie’s mother came to our home offering to give Rosie to us, saying that she could not afford to keep her.  Through a series of remarkable events, Rosie now lives with her mom and is part of a program that we set up that ensures that her nutritional needs and education are on track, while Rosie’s mother is part of a supportive community. This family will not only be celebrating the birth of Christ this Christmas, but also the new life that Jesus has given them.   The Christmas story begins with the birth of the child of promise; Jesus – hope of the nations who lived and gave his life so that others would live, truly live.  The story extends to today where millions of children are born every year, each with a potential to live abundantly.  “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I announce to you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people; for today a Saviour has been born to you in David's city, who is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:10,11  Would you consider giving a gift of good health, great education or glad tidings this Christmas?  Inside the Christmas copy of Asian Report, you will find a mini-catalogue that will show you a few ways of how you can give the gift of health, the gift of education  and the gift of equipping workers to bring glad tidings.   Glad Tidings to you and your family this Christmas! Patrick Elaschuk Regional Mission Director, North America Asian Outreach International GOOD HEALTH – give to life saving care (  )  $15         HIV/AIDS and TB Treatment - Cambodia (  )  $50         Water Filters – Greater Mekong (  )   $5000    Toilet Facilities for a Whole School - Cambodia  GREAT EDUCATION – invest in the future (  )   $30         Education and Books - Mongolia, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam & Indonesia (  )   $200       Education for Whole Class - Mongolia (  )   $1500    Home and Education for Child - Nepal   GLAD TIDINGS – help share the good news (  )  $10         Bible Printing and Distribution – Bhutan and Mongolia (  )  $25         Outreach and Discipleship of University Students - Thailand      (  )  $80         Church planter training - all across Asia (  )  $200       Small Business Training for Church Planters – Indonesia Click here to give a gift of life and hope.  http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=17540 17540 Wed, 1 Dec 2010 00:35:36 +0000 Namaste (Nepali greeting) to you from Kathmandu!  The beauty of Nepal is captivating - teeming with hospitable and gracious people. I am fortunate enough to have been given a front row seat to see many remarkable things God is doing in Asian countries through my role with Asian Outreach (AO).  This trip has led me to Cambodia (to create a series of videos for Asian Outreach), Hong Kong (for AO’s international conference while  interviewing of 35 AO leaders for videos) and Nepal (connect with key ministries, visit the AO work and preach at a missions conference). If you think of me in prayer…..please pray for: Video projects to come together - and after they are completed, would be used effectively to share more God stories in Asia. Converge conference in Hong Kong to bear fruit that will remain. Divine appointments and connections in Asia. God to anoint the messages that I will be giving in churches with inspiration for people to worship God. Cambodia to walk in the ways of God, waiting on Him; may the name of and renown of Jesus be the desire of Cambodian hearts (Isa 26:8). Nepal has seen massive turning to Christ in the last decade.  May these new followers of Christ accept the implanted word that can save/sanctify them (James 1:21). Random Stuff: Check the latest Asian Report for insights and trends in Asia at www.asianoutreach.ca or Asian Report.   On the last page, enjoy Dr. David Wang’s article “Where have all the young men gone” which reports on a boot camp for guys , where incidentally Coastal Church’s (a great church in Vancouver) own Joshua Loh is helping out with.  I was just with Josh in Hong Kong and he is doing well.  1040 - Christianity in the New Asia ... is coming back to Vancouver October 27,28 – check it out more info here.  Maybe see you there! Stay tuned for opportunities to serve Asia in a few Asian countries as well as Vancouver. Jayamasi (worship Jesus in Nepali)! Patrick Regional Mission Director, North America Asian Outreach International http://www.asianoutreach.ca/index.cfm?i=2222&mid=25&blogid=4904&comments=15458 15458 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:27:30 +0000