Better Things in God in 2019 at the APAC Region

As we enter into this New Year, it is only natural for us to reflect on what God has done over the previous year and consider all that was accomplished by His mighty working power. The blessing of a solid and strong partnership with the leaders of the member-countries of the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region was a precious gift the Lord has given His churches in blessing His ministry.

To begin this New Year together, I would like to start by quoting God’s words from Isaiah 43:19, which says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

The aforementioned Scripture verse is a wonderful encouragement for us to move and look forward to new and exciting ministries God will be doing ahead of us. God willing, a ministry partnership project will be brought forth by the upcoming National Alliance Fellowship of India’s (NAFI) strategic partnership planning in May 2019. Key leaders from the Alliance family will be participating in this meeting.

The reaching of migrant workers for the gospel is steadily advancing. The Khmer Evangelical Church and the Thailand Christian and Missionary Alliance have solidified their common goal to collaborate together in planting a church among the Cambodians in the city of the Chonburi province, Thailand. A company ran by an Alliance businessman has more than 400 hundred Cambodian collaborators working with him.

After God created Adam, He said: “It is not good for the man to be alone.” So, He created a suitable companion for him named Eve. Pastors’ wives are women whom God called to be their husbands’ suitable partners in their ministry. Nevertheless, many of them have their own needs that sometimes their own husbands cannot meet. Partners in Ministry program is uniquely designed specifically for pastors’ wives. God willing, this year the first launching of this ministry will be in coordination with Gereja Kemah Injil Indonesia under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Ronda. The unconfirmed date is in April 2019.

What a tremendous joy and blessing it is when we see the Alliance World Fellowship spreading or connecting its wings of influence by attracting different Christian organizations that are attracted to its belief and mission.  If the Lord wills, a partnership opportunity can be explored this year in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dr. Monirul Nanok is the Founder and Director of The Life Chapel for Bangladesh, a one-year-old independent mission organization that focuses on evangelizing and planting churches among Ms and Hs. He is seeking to affiliate it to the AWF.

Finally, APAC is always open to provide a platform to mobilize our people for Missions. God willing, APAC will facilitate a vision trip this year to a certain restricted country in the region in coordination with our international workers. The outcome we hope for is to recruit volunteer workers for the harvest.

As we join our hearts together in trusting God for the future of His ministries in 2019, let us be reminded of His promise in Jeremiah 29:11, which says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you…to give you a future and a hope.”

Rev. Roland Lumawag, Regional Coordinator – AWF Asia-Pacific Region