Welcome to the March update. This month we will look at two projects: one a lesson in God's sovereignty and the other an exciting opportunity for a globe-spanning ministry. Thank you for your continued prayers for our ministry.
Please also note an experimental format for this month as we've worked with a reporter friend of ours. Let us know what you think!
[Note: as usual, names and locations are changed in our updates for security reasons]
A Recent Project
Duriland Update
In our January update, you may remember us asking for your prayers for an agriculture fruit business project in "Duriland" that was just getting off the ground. As a lesson in trusting in God's sovereignty, a few major obstacles have since forced the project into a dead end. With problems getting government documents approved, the team was asked to leave the country and are now praying and seeking God's guidance for what might lie ahead.
"With these kinds of projects, we have to realize that this is going to be normal, that there are going to be challenges," says Managing Director Jonathan Chan. "Things can look really good on paper - you can have a great team, good retail space, great administrative support, a good product and a good understanding of the country - but God might not choose to allow us into the country."
But, as a measure of His sovereignty, Jonathan says another project that looked ten-times more difficult - including having to deal with Mafia and tighter government restrictions - is seeing doors open.
"We have to trust in the Lord for His provision."
Jonathan said Psalm 11 provided a good meditation on the project. "First we see a declaration that God is good. Second, that the wicked are opposed to God's people. And Third, a reminder of God's people and who He is.
"He tests the righteous, but will oppose the wicked, and will judge them, but the upright will see His face."
The project's failure is certainly a test for the team. "Obviously it was very difficult for them, as they spent many years of their lives preparing for this," says Jonathan. Please pray for the team as they continue to seek our Lord's face and His will.
An Access Partners Update
New Project
But God is gracious, and a second project is an exciting, globe-spanning opportunity for not only the team being sent into an up-and-coming Muslim city, but also for believers in the U.S. to get involved. Simply, the project is seeking to launch a company that will provide job-training skills and opportunities for youth to work in the U.S.
Jonathan says there are numerous other secular programs similar to this model, and there's high demand for the service, "but the existing services are inadequate and aren't personal."
By building relationships with the college students and their families - walking them through the entire process - the project would allow the team to build strong relationships.
"It's a great way to enter their homes," says Jonathan, often a very difficult process in the mission.
The program would offer even more prospects state-side, with businesses, churches and individuals in the U.S. able to get involved. Opportunities could abound through orientation, hospitality, and friendships.
"As Christians, we can provide a better experience and it can further our church-planting goals in the city."
Even more exciting is the growth potential, as the model is replicable and can expand to other cities and countries.
Jonathan says the project is still in its early stages, but so far, one of the most difficult parts in the project process is solved: a good team has formed. With an aim for a launch-date next year, please pray for wisdom and initial negotiations.
As always, we'll keep you informed.
Soli Deo Gloria