Teaching, inspiring and encouraging followers of Christ
to serve Christ wholeheartedly as Spirit-led leaders
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December E-Newsletter
With God, There Is Always a Way
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This is how we started the year! |
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I am sure you would not be shocked to hear us say that 2020 has been a unbelievably different kind of year for Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries. As pictured above, we started the year with crowded classrooms, full of eager seminarians. We had also scheduled a full calendar of in-person workshops throughout Myanmar and Vietnam. The year started great, and we could see God's blessing on our teaching, preaching, and service in many ways.
Then, on March 16, COVID-19 dramatically brought all our ministries and plans to a grinding halt.
With so much suddenly up in the air, we got on our knees and sought God's guidance. What was FHL Global supposed to do now? How did God want to use us to respond to the global pandemic? How could we possibly pursue our mission to develop Christian leaders around the world?
By God's grace, the answers came. And they came in some surprising and big ways. We have not only been able to continue to serve in Myanmar long distance, but we have been able to reach thousands of other leaders in Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and the USA, in new and fruitful ways, as well.
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Whether it was scrambling to learn Zoom technology, helping MIT to conduct its first ever online education program, tackling technology impediments for pastors in remote villages, sending books and money to pastors for encouragement in Cambodia (pictured on the left), Myanmar, Vietnam, and India, or working with translators worldwide to expand our resource library, we never gave up trusting that God was and is bigger than the pandemic. |
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Simply put, by God's grace, COVID-19 and lockdowns could not stop the Holy Spirit from working in any of our lives or keep us from continuing to serve Christ fruitfully. As you have undoubtedly experienced as well, the more we relied on God to lead, guide, and provide, the more we saw doors open to us for new ministries.
The number of individuals we served this year (over 31,000) was significantly higher than last year (more than 5x), because we could reach so many people via Zoom and other internet platforms. I was literally able to meet with staff and others in Yangon throughout the week, hold a workshop with a different group up in the Chin Hills in the middle of the week, and teach classes in the USA on Tuesdays and Sundays—all from my office in Minneapolis, the same week.
The number of people served is also higher because of the invaluable help of FHLGM indigenous staff, volunteers, and associates in each of the countries we serve. By not being able to travel to ministry sites in person, we were forced to rely upon many individuals on the ground in each country in new ways. By God's wisdom and grace, this improvised strategy turned out to be better than what we had originally conceived.
It’s a challenging, yet exciting, new world for international ministry. I'm so encouraged that we have been able to continue our teaching, mentoring, and advising in so many different ways. In early January, I will begin second semester, teaching two courses every week, with over 80 students in my New Testament Theology class—all online.
Who knows what 2021 will bring, but I have high expectations. I am looking forward to whatever God's going to do next!
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In-person workshops like the one pictured here (Kachin State, March 2020), will be replaced by Zoom classrooms and seminars until countries open up again |
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Financially, we have been thrilled by God's provision and the enthusiastic and generous support for what God is doing through Faith, Hope, and Love Global this year. In response, FHLGM's Board of Directors just approved a 16% increase in our budget, so that we can continue to seize new opportunities for expanded ministry in 2021.
Will you help us? To keep going and growing, we are looking for additional supporters for our ministries. If you are not already a supporter, would you consider joining our support team? We would love for you to share in the joy of serving Christ and the Gospel with us.
May God bless you and fill your heart with much peace, joy, and love in the year ahead. Thank you for your interest, prayers, and support.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5)
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Gratefully, in Christ's service, |
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By Mail
3001 Broadway Street NE,
Suite 640
Minneapolis, MN 55413
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Do you have someone in your life that needs extra encouragement in this current season of life? Send them a copy of Tim's newest book to inspire them with spiritual truths to help them better see how God is at work in their lives in midst of their trials and struggles
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Whether you need a Bible study, book to read, prayer materials or a new blog to follow, Faith, Hope, and Love's website has it all! New materials are being added all the time, in over 10 different languages. Head to our page to find out what you need now.
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Pwo Karen Pastors Spirit-led Leader Workshop |
Despite not being able to be in Myanmar at this time, Tim and FHL Global Ministries staff were able to conduct a three day Spirit-Led Leadership workshop via Zoom this month! 45 Pwo Karen pastors were trained each day, many of whom had to participate via tiny phone screens. Yet, they were highly motivated and eager to receive the teaching and to keep growing in their ability to serve Christ as Spirit-led leaders in their churches. |
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Find out more about Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries |
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