Once again we have been a bit behind the times with our blog writing. As the chief writers for the Asia-Pacific Regional website and the seven social media channels that we manage on behalf of the Region, it seems that we are always writing, just not on our own blog!!! I did want to get this urgent request for Work and Witness teams out to all of you so that you might be able to share it with your churches. More to come…just as soon as I complete writing the quarterly activity and strategy reports for our ministry, and then proof the 70+ page strategy report for all ministries of the Region. My eyes get tired 🙂
All posts by Todd Aebischer
Teaching, Traveling, Trusting God in Taiwan – Thanks For Your Prayers!
Southern Taiwan: I know that it’s been a long time since we have posted on our blog – and I apologize. As we were climbing into the van for departure to the next church on our visit schedule today, we realized that our bodies are getting a bit tired.
In March we were full-speed ahead, getting ready for home assignment and the busy speaking schedule in the US and Canada. After traveling thousands of miles and sharing with so many of you, we returned to Manila June 23rd and by the 25th of June, I (Todd) was headed to Indonesia with our team.
Arriving back in Manila on the 1st of July, just 9 days later found Connie and I flying to Taipei to start a 10 day teaching and training tour across Taiwan.
We were so very blessed to share with the Yang Mei Church on Sunday the 12th, and then teach communications and Nazarene Mission International workshops for the Taiwan Pastor’s Conference during the week.
Friday afternoon saw us climbing aboard a High Speed Rail from northern Taiwan to southern Taiwan, reaching speeds of 186 mph!
Wow…covered in 96 minutes what would have taken more than 5 hours by car. We’ve never gone that fast on the ground and not gotten airborne!
Today has been a 15 hour day, traveling to and visiting with pastors and church members in 6 churches from the metro areas to the mountains, finishing with preaching in Chaozhou – a message of Faith and courage in going where God has called us to go.
Over the course of the next two days we will continue to visit and share with 10 churches (17 in all) preach two more services, and then climb back aboard the High Speed Rail on Sunday evening, returning to Taoyuan and then back to Manila by Monday – all Lord willing!
We are so grateful for the incredible partnership of the Taiwan District and all of those who have worked on transport, interpreting, hosting, and opening of their arms, hearts, and homes! God is so good. Please pray for continued strength and a special blessing on the church, people and nation of Taiwan!
Oh…one final photo…just had to share…a special friend who came to visit us for coffee! We thought we had left them back in Manila!
What is our Jerusalem? The battles rage but through Christ, we will persevere with INDEFATIGABLE resoluteness.
As we look back over the past couple of weeks, we are amazed at the spiritual battles raging across our Region. The urgent prayer requests from our field have been coming across my desk at an increasing rate (several are listed at the end of this post). But…with those requests have also come multiple praise reports! God is at work…we just need to continue walking towards Him with indefatigable resoluteness.
I wanted to take a moment to share a challenge that has been on my mind the past few days, inspired by scripture and thoughts from Lloyd John Olgilvie, “God’s Best for My Life.”
What is my Jerusalem?
What Christ has committed to us, plus our commitments to obey, equals our Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-53
There is a Jerusalem for all of us for which we were born and to which our life is leading. Jesus set His face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) knowing that there He would have to face the cross and die for the sins of the world.
There at the crossroads He had to make a commitment. One road led back to Nazareth, the other to the frowning fortress of His enemies who were plotting His demise. He could have returned home and lived a safe, secure life, instead, He set His face to Jerusalem and the cross for which He had come to earth.
What do you imagine His face looked like, set for Jerusalem? I imagine – Determination, faithfulness, trust, and INDEFATIGABLE commitment to do the will of God. An unchangeable resoluteness to follow through with His mission.
We all have a Jerusalem. And then little Jerusalems along the way.
Our Jerusalem is whatever prayer has discerned is the Lord’s will for us. It is a symbolic city of reality rather than a wish-dream and easy religion. It is COMMITMENT instead of COMFORT. But we can set our faces to our purpose with joy and not grimness.
Because Christ has gone before us, and now goes with us, we have His victorious presence to give us raw courage. Once we have committed our lives completely to Him, then we are able because He is able. His strength flows through us as we attempt great things for Him and by His power. After He has control of the nerve center of our wills, He can use us to do the otherwise-impossible. Just as Jesus went to His Jerusalem believing in God’s vindication, so too we can live out our commitment knowing that He will have the final word.
What is your Jerusalem?
Here are some major prayer concerns for our region at the moment: (Links to the articles for more information)
- PRAISING GOD that Free Methodist Missionary Phyllis Sortor was released from captivity last week in Nigeria.
- Our Regional Director, Dr. Mark Louw, wife and daughter, are on their way to S. Africa. Mark’s father has been admitted to the hospital and is not expected to leave, except to his heavenly home. He is a believer, but it is never easy for the family during times like this.
- Cyclone Pam. This Super Cyclone (Category 5 with winds gusting to nearly 200 mph) is bearing down on the islands of Vanuatu. Our missionaries there are preparing for the worst – praying for God’s intervention.
- One of our team members here in Manila has been admitted to the hospital with what appears to be an inoperable tumor in her abdomen, wrapped around her Aorta and Renal arteries. She has a husband and two young children. Please pray.
- Lead Pastor in Myanmar and his wife travelled this last week to Thailand, for what appeared to be uterine cancer. We are praising God that initial reports are that it is not. She is recovering in the hospital in Bangkok.
- Missionary in Tonga diagnosed with Dengue Fever. Word is as of yesterday that she is in the recovery phase of this potentially deadly illness. Please continue to pray.
- A flu virus has been attacking numerous members of the campus here at APNTS. Connie was struggling a couple of weeks ago – and has recovered. I (Todd) came down with it nearly 13 days ago and am still battling the residual respiratory issues, several others are struggling with it. Please pray for protection over the team here in Manila.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and partnership with us as together with you, we serve here on the Asia-Pacific Region.
Together, Kingdom impact is being made – Praise God! You are such a vital part. But don’t be fooled. Great victory comes at a great cost! Please…pause…reflect…pray!
You’re not going to see this on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, as we want to avoid sensationalism. We are directing it to those who have signed up for our blog and who have committed to partner with us, Pausing, Reflecting, and Praying. If you have other prayer warriors, please share this with them and ask them to sign up to be part of our focused prayer team.
Our hearts are rejoicing tonight as several spiritual engagements across the Asia-Pacific Region have been won! We are praising God that:
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Praising God for His Attributes! When on February 13th, the global call for prayer went out for one of our missionary’s fathers who had taken a fall, suffered major medical complications, and was sedated in ICU in the U.S., literally thousands of you paused, reflected, and prayed. We saw the numbers on our web. *** Yesterday (Ohio time) Jeff Myers’ father was discharged from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. PRAISE GOD!
- On February 27th, when another global prayer request was released asking for prayer for 20 church members and their pastors, hiding from forced conscription into fighting, well over 3,000 of you paused, reflected, and prayed for their safety. *** They have been able to return to their homes. PRAISE GOD!
- There is a local family who had been trying to establish a Bible study in their community for years. Four weeks ago we had the privilege of being charter members of a small group that started a Bible study with this family’s daughter at a coffee shop. *** Last Saturday night we moved to their home, and the table was full with 13. PRAISE GOD!
- Some of you will remember a story that we shared with you while on Home Assignment, of how God was moving in incredible ways in our neighborhood. *** We can’t share more in this forum, but God is continuing to move in tremendous ways! PRAISE GOD!
- Today through the gentle ongoing compassion, witness, and love of one of the national team members, another professional man in his 30’s, made his very first eternal decision for Christ. PRAISE GOD!
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 NIV.
We who believe are assured of having life, and having it more abundantly. Hope, Joy, Peace, Love, Richness and Fulfillment. We are also assured of the fact that this race will not be easy! Just a few chapters later in John 16;33 Jesus tells his disciples:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV).
As I sit here tonight writing, in 80 degree (F) weather with intermittent chills, a headache, and fatigue, I realize that this is not our “first tropical-sickness rodeo.” We can be assured of the battle getting fierce as such incredible victories are made.
We so need you to PAUSE, REFLECT, and PRAY! These past two weeks we have seen the incredible power of prayer! And the Spiritual Battle has been equally fierce. Please pray for:
- Covering, protection, wisdom, revelation, and discernment for our children.
- Spiritual wisdom to discern the battles that are from Satan, and those that God has allowed to build our character and faith!
- For an incredible ministry couple, Sam and Faith. They have literally “taken multiple hits for the team.” But their faith remains strong. Sam is the one who led this man to Christ today. You can be assured that they will be under attack. Pray for their protection, marriage, spiritual wisdom; pray for their precious twin boys.
- Pray for a cooperative spirit between the churches, leaders, pastors, and team members. If Satan can drive in discontent and frustration, he will have a foothold!
- Pray for our local churches, leaders, and members, in these countries that are facing trials for their faith.
- PRAY – for the missionary in Nigeria who has now been abducted for more than one week.
- Health and Protection for us.
Each day we thank God. I will never forget a verse that a pilot who meant a lot to me shared more than 25 years ago, he has now gone on to meet the Lord after an accident doing what he loved best…
In the words of Paul:
“12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NIV).
Thank you so much for being on our team, for PAUSING, REFLECTING, and PRAYING! We can only be here because you are there, lifting us in prayer.
Todd and Connie Lou
Please pray for abducted missionary from Free Methodist Church in Nigeria.
When one of our brothers or sisters in Christ suffers, we all suffer. Please pray for the safety and speedy release of Rev. Phyllis Sortor, Free Methodist missionary in Nigeria, who was abducted by several people Monday, February 23, from the Hope Academy compound in Emi Woro, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Free Methodist Church leaders are actively working with appropriate authorities for her release. Also pray for the leaders of the FMC in Nigeria and staff and children of the Hope Academy ICCM school, as well as Phyllis’ family.
(If communicating in any way – including social media – about this prayer concern, we ask you to share only the statements above. Any additional information may jeopardize Phyllis’ safety.)
For updated information see: http://fmcusa.org/fmwm/pray/
In God’s Timing…Taking Those Great Steps of Faith…Please Pray.
Connie and I are so very blessed to have such a tremendous group of prayer warriors, partners, and encouragers! I shared the below post on FB this morning. Connie said, “Honey, you need to share this with our team.”
This week the battle has been fierce, but Praise God, His word is alive, engaging, and always “spot on” with where we are in life. I was reading in Mark, and 1 Samuel today. As with so many of our friends, there are many “fires” that we are facing in life and ministry. We are tempted to try and take matters into our own hands, to forge ahead with the “solution” that we think is best.
Saul felt this same way. The armies were surrounding him, (1 Sam 13). Thousands of Chariots, and “soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore.” Samuel was suppose to arrive on the scene. Saul waited 7 days, his troops were starting to scatter. I can imagine he was just a bit stressed out. As a leader he felt he “had to do something.” So he did…acted ahead of God’s timing. Marvin Williams said, “Saul’s impatience was the ultimate display of his lack of faith.” Saul ultimately lost his Kingdom because of his actions.
Then in Mark 9:22-24, the man with the demon-possessed son comes to Jesus with what we see as an absurd statement, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” I can understand the father’s anguish. But Jesus replied, “If I can?? Everything is possible for him who believes.”
The father’s response is the cry of my heart during these days. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
I keep reminding myself: We serve the Creator of the universe. The Alpha and Omega, the only God who sees the end from the beginning. Our God doesn’t write about history, he foretells the future!
Sometimes we feel the armies and battles closing in around us. We need to stand firm, commit to pray, and wait on the Lord and His timing.
Love this quote by Oswald Chambers – “Tune your anxious heart to patience, walk by faith where sight is dim; loving God, be calm and trustful, and leave everything to Him.”
Here are some major prayer requests from the Asia-Pacific Region. (Click blue links for the story from the Region.)
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Students at APNTS gathering together to pray for the urgent need of 3 Nazarene families being questioned for their faith (today here in Asia). 3 Nazarene Families: At this very moment, there are 3 Christian / Nazarene families who are being brought before officials in one of the countries on our Region. We received word last night that this was going to happen today. We started circulating the word to have 24 hours of prayer. I was so blessed this morning when I arrived on campus and found a group of students in front of a world map, laying hands on the map, fervently praying for those families.
- Father of Missionary from PNG: Please pray for the father of one of our missionaries who suffered a fall. It is so difficult to be thousands of miles away when your family is hurting.
- Senior pastor hit by motorcycle: In Myanmar, one of our senior pastors was hit by a motorcycle and suffered a head injury. Please pray for Pastora Maa.
- Please continue to pray for our kids. It is so difficult for us being so far away. We lift them before the Lord daily. We trust that He is bringing people into their lives to help stand in the gap.
- Please continue to pray for Connie’s brother Curt. He continues his battle with cancer. We pray for him and his precious family daily.
Thank you so much for continuing to pray and partner with us!
Yours and His,
Todd & Connie Lou
Nazarene Missionary Recovering from Emergency Surgery at Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea
This has been a difficult few weeks for team members on the Asia-Pacific Region. While we normally try not to flood your inboxes, we so greatly appreciate your partnership in ministry and want to keep you alerted to those needs for special and urgent prayer.
Rachael Thompson, wife of Jordon Thompson, Nazarene missionaries in Papua New Guinea, underwent successful emergency surgery on Monday, January 12, 2015, at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. We are so thankful for the team of physicians and caring national medical staff who have come alongside the Thompsons during their time of need.
Rachael and Jordon serve at the Kudjip Mission Station, where Jordon oversees facilities maintenance.
Please pray for Rachael’s continued recovery and for the ongoing healthy development of their unborn baby.
Received Prayer Request from a Sensitive Area on our Region. Please Commit to Pray!
We have just received a prayer request at the Regional Office from one of our team members in a sensitive area. While the details are not completely clear, and we can’t share them all, we understand that a family has taken action to place a “death wish” on the child of one of our new believers, because of her faith.
Please pray for this new believer and her daughter that they would experience the protection and peace that comes from our Lord and Savior. Our Lord knows her name.
We know that there are many such situations happening around the world. Please take a moment to stop and pray for the persecuted church and those Christians who are on the front lines in these battles.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18 (NIV).
Warmest New Year Greetings from the Aebischers!
Warmest New Year greetings to you from the Philippines! Connie and I wanted to take a moment to thank you all so very much for your partnership with us in mission here on the Asia-Pacific Region. 2014 was a very busy year. We took a few moments this week, to put together a short video for our churches and partners who have been following, praying, encouraging, financially supporting and partnering with us.
We pray that you have had a blessed Christmas and the start to a tremendous 2015!
May God bless and protect you, your families, and ministries.
Yours and His for the harvest,
Todd & Connie Lou
Sunday Morning in the Philippines – Typhoon Hagupit Update
Thank you to all of you who have been praying faithfully for the Philippines during this threat of Super Typhoon Hagupit. As communications coordinator for the Region, it has been an extremely busy time. We apologize for our personal blog slacking a bit.
We are doing well. The storm is southeast of us and appears to be diminishing quickly as it comes over the country. Praise God!
If you would like to have the live updates and information on the Nazarene Disaster Response, it is available at our regional storm tracking page: www.asiapacificnazarene.org/typhoonhagupit
Thank you again so very much for your continued prayers and encouragement. Once the storm blows through, we will be bringing an updated greetings.
Here is a global call to prayer video that we released a couple of days ago:
Todd & Connie Lou - back in the USA! 