In May I plan to go on missions to a nation in Southeast Asia with a small team.
We will bring the good news of Jesus, and the reconciliation that He brings.
On this trip we will declare the salvation and freedom Jesus brings.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.
– 2 Corinthians 4:5
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
It is this proclamation that will change hearts and minds in Southeast Asia.
We go in humility, willing to subject ourselves to all indignity for the sake of Jesus' kingdom.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
18 And all these things are from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as if God were imploring you through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin on our behalf, in order that we could become the righteousness of God in him.
</p>
<p>
– 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
</p>
</blockquote>
<ulclass="org-ul">
<li>We will bring this truth into places characterized by darkness and lies.</li>
<li>We will tell those who believe no one loves or knows them that God knows and loves them.</li>
<li>We will tell those who seek to prove their goodness through works that Christ can give them true righteousness.</li>
<li>We will tell those who believe they are broken beyond repair that Jesus is ready and willing to heal them.</li>
<li>We will encourage the church, which is strong and alive in Southeast Asia.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The spiritual needs in Southeast Asia are intense.
No team can hope to be adequate for the situation–instead, we know that Jesus is enough for Southeast Asia!
We rely on the Holy Spirit, trusting in Him to give us wisdom and words as we encounter the people in Asia.
</p>
<p>
Please pray for Southeast Asia in these ways:
</p>
<ulclass="org-ul">
<li>Openness: Pray that the people we encounter will be open to the message of Jesus Christ.</li>
<li>Favor: Pray for favor with governing authorities.
We go in humility and obedience.
It is not our goal to subvert legitimate authority or take a political stance.
Pray that those in power would recognize the power and blessing of the gospel.</li>
<li>Focus: Pray that the team would remain focused on glorifying Jesus Christ. Pray that we would not turn from this even a step, and that we would work in unity to achieve our mission.</li>
<li>Love: Pray that we would have genuine love for all we encounter. We have encountered a love that changed our lives–pray that it would change the lives of those around us!</li>
<li>The Church: we're going to Southeast Asia for just two weeks. While we want to reach people for Jesus Christ, we are not staying long-term. We can't disciple people in two weeks.
The Church in Southeast Asia is alive and well, even if underground. Pray that they would continue to stand strong in the faith.</li>
