Growth...and Persecution

Going all out with the Gospel in Sarawak
Technology used in evangelistic outreach; baptisms numbering hundreds; giving Bible studies; cottage meetings; church construction; medical service
News forwarded by Robert Lee

The Sarawak Mission has been growing rapidly, following an average of 35 (series) evangelistic meetings a year for the past 3 years.

Laptops and projectors afforded by SAUM, the Sarawak Mission and participating pastors enhanced presentations; things have since moved on to helping pastors buy sound systems.

In each of the programs, once the pastor has conducted the required numberof meetings, the equipment became his.

Before these programs began, an average of 12 (series) evangelistic meetings were held each year, with annual baptism numbers running between 300 and 500. The numbers of evangelistic meetings increased to 50 (series) last year, graced with a new record of 750 baptisms -- the highest recorded for the last 15 years!

There was much teamwork between pastors and church members; their common purpose was to reach neighbours and friends with the Gospel and the Adventist message of hope. Before a series of evan meetings, church members get acquainted with their neighbors, giving Bible studies and extending invites.

Church elders target non-Adventist villages for entry and evangelism. The local elders also mobilize their teams to conduct cottage meetings, do community service, etc.

The Gospel is affecting lots of people; numbers are exploding in some parts, church buildings being unable to contain them. Due to the lack of funding, many "new construction" requests are being put on hold.

Somewhere else, 250 Sarawak youth built a church in 5 days, held Voice ofYouth meetings, participated in community service and benefited from Leadership Workshops. In March, 70 American volunteers from Upper Colombia Academy came, building 2 churches in 6 working days at Bukit Batu and Rumah Sangir (Tatau), and offering free medical treatment for longhouse residents in the area.

Whenever there is rapid growth, there is always concern about what is being done to keep members active. Gilbert Tan, Director of the Sarawak Mission, iterates that the Mission emphasizes discipleship; he encourages members to participate in outreach programs involving the youth of the church.

Korean Students Jailed for Sabbath Stand
Military Court order: 2-year imprisonment for young conscript who refused to work on the Sabbath
News forwarded by Homer Trecartin & Robert Lee

COURTROOM EVANGELISM Back in 1995, 2 Adventist students from Sahmyook Adventist University, Korea, were sentenced to two and three years in prison. Their crime -- failure to work on the Sabbath when ordered to do so by their military superiors.

Later, Korea adopted a five-day work week, and more freedom of religion was given to Sabbathkeepers and conscientious objectors.

But then, on July 20, 2006 the Korean Military Court handed down a 2-year prison sentence to Park Hyeong Joo for his refusal to work on the Sabbath when ordered. Mr Park is a young Adventist theology student (also from Sahmyook University) in mandatory military service.

The Korean Union Conference and Mr Park's family are preparing an appeal. In the meantime, Mr Park is determined to remain obedient to God's commandments, come what may.

Dr Han Seong Bo, a Sahmyook U. professor, says, "Park Hyeong Joo is a young boy, but he was so brave to show his faithfulness in court. I felt that the court was like an evangelistic event where God's Word was preached."

Pray that God will raise up many more faithful young men like Mr Park -- men who will not compromise their beliefs for work, school, or government. And may God help each of us to be more faithful in the relatively little tests that come to us each day.