INTERNATIONAL UPDATE JANUARY 2010

By Peter Maiden, International Coordinator

Dear partners in prayer,

Greetings in our Lord Jesus at the start of a new year and decade. The year began for me with a sad reminder that we worship and serve our Lord in the midst of a fallen world. A young mother of two children, whose parents are members of the church where I worship, lost her year-long battle with cancer on New Years Day. I spent some time in the Psalms of lament, crying out to God: Why? How long? Thank God we know that a new day has dawned, a resurrection day, a day which must lead to that eternal day of a new heaven and a new earth the home of righteousness. In my letter to OM leaders at the beginning of this year, I expressed my desire to live my life, and to make all the decisions I have a part in within this ministry, with that day in mind. Stuart Townend and Keith Getty have produced what I see as a beautiful modern song of lament, which ends with the assurance we know in the midst of our times of confusion and doubts:

We have sung our songs of victory.
We have prayed to You for rain.
We have cried Your compassion to renew the land again.
Now we're standing in Your presence more hungry than before.
Now we're on Your steps of mercy and we're knocking at Your door.

How long...before You drench the barren land?
How long...before we see a righteous man?
How long...before Your Name is lifted high?
How long...before the weeping turns to songs of joy?

Lord, we know Your heart is broken by the evil that You see,
And You've stayed Your hand of judgment for Your plan to set men free.
But the land is still in darkness, and we've fled from what is right,
And we've failed the silent children who will never see the light.

But I know a day is coming when the deaf will hear His voice.
When the blind will see the Saviour and the lame will leap for joy.
When a widow finds a Husband who will always love His bride.
And the orphan finds a Father who will never leave her side.

How long...before Your glory lights the skies?
How long...before Your radiance lifts our eyes?
How long...before Your fragrance fills the air?
How long...before the earth resounds with songs of joy?

Let us go to prayer for the items mentioned below with the assurance that the day when His glory will light the sky is certainly ahead!

Ships

Doulos: We are so grateful to God for 32 years of Doulos ministry. Even after the ship closed to the public and moved to another berth, a lady in Singapore called, wanting desperately to visit. Despite arriving late and being very distracted during the tour, the woman suddenly burst into tears, saying she believed God had brought her to the ship to draw her back to Himself.

Around 100 people have already left Doulos, and more are leaving every day as plans for their next steps are finalised and travel arrangements are put in place. Many will go on to serve in other OM teams around the world. We value your prayers for them and for those still on board. Certificates have been issued until 30 March, and we have until then to determine the vessel's future. Pray for God's will to be done in this situation.

Thank you for your part in the Doulos ministry. It is remarkable just how many people have a personal experience of Doulos, either from serving on board, visiting the ship or coming into contact with ship people. We would love to hear how God has used Doulos to impact your life, or the life of someone you know. Please send your Doulos story to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with the subject 'My Doulos Story'.

Relief & Development

Persian world: On 3 January, two masked men pulled one of our workers around the corner of his house, threw him to the ground, put a gun to his head and told him they would kill him if he stayed in a particular city any longer—a direct threat. Fortunately, they then let him go.

The government had advised us to move our workers to another city, even though the chief of police, head mullah and deputy governor urged our workers to continue their much needed work. There are several possible parties behind the threat, which reflects the general instability, ethnic strife, and drug trafficking in the region.

OM leaders and the affected couple agreed that they should move to the capital city immediately. Please pray for their safety and ability to move, and for their general well-being. A three-month home leave was imminent; pray for wisdom for leaders as they evaluate the feasibility of future work in the surrounding areas, as well as for guidance for this couple in the coming months.

Philippines: Ate Rosie and her husband, a fisherman, live at the end of a small strip of reclaimed land where urban dwellers were relocated after devastating floods at the end of September. Partnering with the local Fishport Christian Alliance Church, OM arranged a medical outreach at the end of November in a tiny village leveled by Typhoon Ketsana. Local residents enthusiastically prepared for the medical outreach. Dirt and debris were cleared. For two days, 331 patients were attended to with various illnesses including upper respiratory sickness, skin diseases and hypertension. Had OM had more doctors, more people would have been treated. Over 100 children were given milk and vitamins and treated for parasites. It was the first time a medical outreach had been to this community, even before the typhoon.

As patients waited for doctors, our team shared the gospel and prayed with them. Another group cooked and provided food for the children and adults during the outreach. Substantial sums went to the purchasing of medicines, vitamins and milk, especially for children. We were encouraged upon leaving to hear the 'thank yous' of the community. Pray as we are looking now into the rebuilding phase of the project.

Resourcing

New Zealand: After almost 20 years as Field Leader, George and Carolyn Booth stepped down from this role on 31 December. They have had a long association with OM, and many of us would remember George as the Captain of the Doulos. George was instrumental in designing the Training Evangelism Adventure (TEA) program which has run so successfully for several years. We will miss their passion, dedication and love of discipling and evangelism. We thank God for the wonderful memories we have of the Booths and pray His rich blessing on their lives into the future. Please pray for the board of OM NZ as they continue to search for a Field Leader to replace George. 

Emerging Mission Movements

Colombia: Andean Region Field Leader Roberto Facanha and others attended a conference in Bogotá that hosted 400 Christians from more than 50 nations. The conference, ETHNE to ETHNE (This Generation), challenged attendees to reach the unreached ethnic groups of the world. Roberto shares his experience: "A reminder of the task, the context of hostility and persecution under which many proclaim the Good News, and the testimonies of those sharing the Gospel helped put our own life in the right context and theology. We received heart-breaking news that the only four Christians (two women and two teenagers) in an indigenous village in Colombia were taken captive and tortured for their faith - a tangible testimony that made us reflect on our own lives and ministries." Praise God for the work He is doing in the different people groups around the world, and that He is calling many to follow Him. Please pray that more workers will be sent out.

Zambia: Alvaro*, from Brazil, has been HIV+ for 13 years. He recently participated in a missions conference, sharing how God has enabled him to live positively with HIV. There is a desperate need for such good role models. For some, he was the first person they had been able to confide in. In his 30 days there, Alvaro realised how hard it is to live with HIV in Zambia. "I am used to eating rice, beans and meat every day," he said, "but people here only eat shima (corn meal); their diet lacks vitamins and protein, which is why those with HIV die so quickly. Some confided that because they don't have enough food and clean water, they give up on the treatment." Pray for those living with HIV in Southern Africa. 

Argentina: Celeste, 11, suffers hearing loss. She lives in Las Violetas, a very tough neighbourhood in Córdoba, and doesn't go to school. At home she is treated very badly and is never called by her name, but by 'The Deaf'. She attends workshops at El Refugio, a teen house run by OM where, every Wednesday, OMer Mirian teaches handcrafts. Often Celeste comes early and waits at the door. When the workshop is over, she points to a calendar and asks us how many days there are until the next class.

Five weeks ago, Samuel, another OMer who is studying to be a sign language teacher, started a workshop. Celeste is so excited. "This is her moment, her space," shared Samuel. "I can't make her stop talking." Please pray for Celeste and many others who suffer from discrimination within Las Violetas. Pray for wisdom for the OM team to plan the programme and activities for next year at El Refugio.

Muslim Peoples

Iran: Since the Islamic revolution of 1979, Bibles are banned, evangelism is illegal and converts face the death sentence. This disillusioned population of 66 million is the Muslim nation most open to the Gospel.

With 23 million internet users, every week thousands in Iran access Christian websites. Satellite TV also has a huge impact; despite the government ban, an estimated 28 million are watching, and several house churches have been established through Christian TV ministry. Most households have a DVD player. In 2008, 50,000 copies of the Jesus film were made and more are already needed. "Magdalene - Released from Shame" is popular among women and the Story Keepers cartoon series is watched by many children over 20 times a week! Pray for seekers to find Christ as they surf the net. Pray for lone Christians and house churches that rely on Christian TV, and for millions of Christian DVDs to flood Iran.

Turkey: The weekly outreach team went to an Istanbul university where most students speak English, giving out tracts and speaking to people. "On my minibus journey home that day, a young lady sat next to me and started a conversation. She had been talking to some Germans, prior to boarding my bus...who were part of our team! I had the opportunity to talk to her about Jesus, give her some literature, and explain the Gospel. She asked if she could come to church with me the following Sunday!" Pray for many more divine appointments.

Central Asia: Work has started on a version of The Miracle Maker in a minority Persian language. This is one of the first films translated for this people group. Pray that the film proves to be really popular and awakens hunger to find out more about Jesus.

Afghanistan: This September, in partnership with another organisation, "Magdalene - Released from Shame" was dubbed into Dari. Nearly 20 Afghans participated in this project. What a joy it was to work together with a vibrant team of Afghans, engineers, and support staff! Some of us wept as we worked from scene to scene. Our prayer is that Afghan women will be released from their bondage as they see how Jesus gives true dignity and honour to women. Pray that the post-production can proceed efficiently, and for that crucial 'final mile' where this life-changing story enters thousands of homes in Afghanistan.

Bangladesh: Following a cyclone years ago, the team reached out to those badly affected and met Aron, a local weaver of lungis, a skirt-like piece of cloth worn by rural men. He earned about two pounds a day for 12 hours work. Aron learnt that the team's motivation for helping him and others was their love for God. Although illiterate, he met with the team over months to study God's Word. One day Aron took a public step of faith. He faithfully reached out to many of his fellow workers, and today there are a substantial number of followers in this area as a result, including his wife and children. A few months ago, Aron's employer fired him because of his faith, which has left him and his family in a difficult situation. Aron now is deciding whether to start a tea shop or pull a rickshaw, based on which will be most useful in reaching others with the Good News. Praise God for Aron and his family and their faith. Pray for the decision Aron will make about his job, and that what he does will sustain his family and help him share his faith.

Europe

Ukraine: Odessa is the largest of 24 provinces and has 2.5 million inhabitants. Areas with the least Christian witness have the greatest social problems. Odessa is one of the top regions for drug trafficking, increase in HIV infection and alcohol abuse. In response, the OM team is starting a church called 'House of Restoration'. When co-worker Julia shared her vision to start a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics, it seemed unrealistic. Since her death from AIDS a year and a half ago, a local church started a centre and nine people have already received help. Pray that more lives will change through this ministry.

UK (Turning Point): As two team members handed out portions of Gospel literature, they prayed that they would engage with people who were open to the Truth. As a man who appeared homeless approached Frank*, carrying four beers and drinking a fifth, Frank thought, "I am not going to speak to this man" - yet handed him the literature anyway. The man took the literature, walked to the rubbish bin, and threw it away. But then, he walked back and a conversation began. The man had been to church before, but because of his alcohol problem, was running away from God. As Frank mentioned the name of Jesus, the man began to cry. "I am scared," he said, and began to walk away. He turned around one last time and pounding his chest, shouted, "Why do I keep meeting people like you who show me love?"

Russia: What will happen to those who have never heard of Jesus when they die? Don't all religions point to the same reality anyway? These questions, together with many others, were the foci of a seminar called 'Answering Difficult Questions' led by OMers in Novosibirsk, Siberia. Over 40 participants came from 6 churches to learn how to answer people's difficult questions and to better defend a Christian worldview. They looked at the Biblical basis for answering questions, and the importance of communicating respectfully, in a language and context they understand. They then explored the six most popular questions people ask Christians in Russia today:
Why do I need to join a protestant sect to get to heaven? Isn't the Bible full of contradictions; how can I trust it? Why is there suffering in the world? Don't all religions lead to the same God? I'm too busy to investigate spiritual things; where will I find the time to follow God? What will happen to those who have never heard the Gospel?

One elderly participant shared from the 1960s when he was asked trick questions by authorities to provide grounds for persecuting him for his faith. Another lady shared how she had sat on the bus that morning next to a woman who started asking her about her faith, and how useful the seminar was to prepare her for such future encounters.

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Bosnia-Herzegovina: The summer team handed out the Gospel of Mark at first nervously, but to their surprise, most passer-byers accepted it and some began reading on the spot! The team handed out 1200 Gospels of Mark in just three days! "I would look at the heaps of literature before our distribution time each day, and my heart would sing for joy!" remembers a team member, "We know that the Bible is the Word of God and that it has power to change people's lives. Most people here have never held a Bible in their hands, much less read one! As Muslims, they have heard only changed stories about Jesus. Now 1200 of them have been given the chance to read the original story of Jesus straight from the Bible!" A little leaflet was inserted into each Gospel, introducing the church as well as offer of a free New Testament. Quite a few have already responded.

Sarajevo-Dobrinja: Peter Dommel travels the world to share the Gospel through illusions. One local person shared, "Many magicians leave volunteers on stage feeling duped and generally humiliated, but Peter makes people feel very special: when on stage all the magic happens, literally, in their hands! They are the magicians, the ones the audience respects." Peter uses the entertainment to share his own testimony, "There is no trickery involved when God removes our sins—they really are gone. Likewise when we appear a new creation, it's no illusion, mirrors or smoke. God is the wonder-maker; we are privileged to be counted among His wonders." Pray for 25 Christian workers who attended Peter's seminars and learnt to use illusions for sharing the Gospel. Pray for those who have been touched by the Lord through it, and that the OM team will follow up contacts made. As a result of these outreaches, two families opened their homes for regular Bible study.

Please pray for team members. Some need to renew residency permits, which can be a daunting process. Pray for patience and persistence in language-learning for newer workers.

Mostar: The Evangelical church in Mostar is one of the oldest in Bosnia-Herzegovina—at 25 years of age, that is a long history for a church here! Ed and Monica are actively involved in the church's ministry, which began before the war. During the war, believers were scattered and the building heavily damaged. Today, the building is completely restored and also accommodates a Bible School and training center for current and future church leaders.

Bihac: When the OM team contacted a school in a nearby village, the director did not want to receive schoolbags for his students, because "they all had everything they needed". Over time, the contact warmed up. We were able to help the school with 100 schoolbags, cleaning supplies and materials for the beginning of the school year. Teachers shared the need for a copier and tyres for the school van. Soon after, one of our leaders learnt of an organisation looking for a good project for a fund-raising concert! Through this partnership we were able to provide both needs, each time having more opportunities to witness and share about our great and awesome God!

Recently, new doors have opened for us in two different villages where we have provided humanitarian aid in the past. Last month, our team, together with local believers, distributed Christian literature and were surprised by the friendly and accepting atmosphere. Due to poor roads, especially in bad weather, it takes a lot of time to go there and it is hard to plan regular activities. There are no followers of Jesus in these villages (as far as we know). They have all been deeply hurt by so-called 'Christians' in the war. Pray for God's leading on how to bring the Gospel to these villages for both boldness and sensitivity.
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Albania: During a street outreach, the local pastor started talking to a bystander, Sadiku, but Sadiku wanted to talk to someone else. "I want to speak to that Chinese man over there!" he said, indicating an OMer from South Korea standing nearby. He explained the Gospel to Sadiku and asked if he would like to accept Jesus as Saviour. "Yes!" replied Sadiku. Charlie still had doubts, but the following Sunday, before the church service began, Sadiku was waiting outside, and he turned up at the midweek prayer meeting, too. Next he brought his wife and in-laws to church. "My name is Sadiku, which means 'to stay somewhere'. I had been wondering where to stay for so many years, but there was nowhere to stay. But now I have found the place: Jesus Christ, whom I will stay in forever."

Switzerland: Praying, I stood at a busy street corner in the red light district of Zürich. Across the street, our worship group was singing. A young woman walked past. Shortly afterward, I heard a bang. She had punched the window of a sex shop and then disappeared in the darkness. We had started putting away our song sheets when the same woman came up and said, "Hey, you can't leave yet! I just walked down the entire street, just so that I could hear you sing!" Of course we were happy to sing her one more song. Close to the end, she left abruptly. What made her respond so aggressively? May God touch her life and give her peace.

Next Generation

Pakistan: KidsGames kicked off on 15 November, with four subsequent events. The vision behind these games has spread and impacted hundreds of kids throughout the country. "It is a great tool for bringing unity, hope and love in this lovely country," says the man behind it all. So far, 1720 kids have participated for the first time in local games, drawing in their parents and communities in this joint venture between OM Pakistan and Partners in Pakistan Sports Coalition.

India

Abandoned by her husband and working as maid in three houses to look after her four children, Umma heard about the GSCC Church, started attending regularly and grew in faith. Anjali, her 12-year-old daughter, suffered constant headaches. A scan revealed a tumour, and that her condition was deteriorating. Anjali needed long-term medication. Umma shared this in church, and they prayed for her. The next Sunday, when they went for tests, the tumour that was there for months could no longer be found. The doctor was speechless. He asked Umma how this could be. She shared about her faith in Jesus and the church that had prayed. The doctor said he had never seen a miracle like this before. He was interested to know about Jesus and asked Umma if he could visit the church. The following Sunday, Umma testified before the church while Anjali stood by her side, her face beaming with joy. Praise God for intervening when they needed Him the most. Pray for the family's physical needs and spiritual growth.

Once again, on behalf of over 5500 workers from over 95 countries working in over 110 countries, I thank you deeply for your prayers and support.

Your brother in Christ,
Peter Maiden

*Name changed

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OM International Update is a publication of OM News & Information (OMNI) through which the International Co-ordinator highlights timely developments, important issues and concerns for prayer and response worldwide. It is issued monthly in digital form. Feedback, questions and ideas are welcome. Copyright 2010 OM International
Peter Maiden, International Co-ordinator
PO Box 27, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1HG, United Kingdom
Tel. (+44) 1228-615100
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OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.