*(names of people and specific places have been changed for security reasons)

As Christians, we are all called to lead lives wholly dedicated to the Lord, in full and willing submission to His plans and desires. Yet, the outworking of this will look different for every believer. For some, it will involve serving in ‘full-time ministry’, but for the majority, it will involve serving at their local church and living intentionally missional lives every day wherever they go. For John and Mary, being surrendered to God meant traveling all the way to Southeast Asia to bring His Good News to the ‘B’ tribe.

John and Mary began their journey as cross-cultural missionaries ten years ago. Since then, their work has grown, and they now have a team of hard-working people serving alongside them across a variety of endeavours:

Outreach with the ‘B’ tribe

John and Mary’s initial burden was for a remote, indigenous people group called the ‘B’ tribe. In ten years of faithful witness to this people group, they have, by God’s grace, the prayerful and practical support of people in Northern Ireland, and with the help of their coworkers, been able to set up a number of successful ministry efforts among the ‘B’ tribe.

One of the most exciting projects is a medical clinic in the Outer area of the ‘B’ tribe. This clinic is designed to serve a dual-purpose, offering medical care to nearby residents, whilst over time providing opportunities for gospel witness. Despite being initially met with hesitation, the team have gradually earned the trust of the nearby community, who now see that their care is genuine, despite their differences in faith.

Since they have started working with the ‘B’ tribe, a number of tribal people have given their lives to Christ. One such person is Luke* (name changed for security reasons). He has been a believer for around seven years and is now the head of his village. It is through their relationship with him that John and Mary have been able to reach out to more members of the tribe and even connect with the Inner ‘B’ tribe, who are extremely closed off to outsiders.

Prison Ministry

Every Thursday, LMI volunteers visit a women’s prison. They go to offer one-on-one support and discipleship sessions, and Mary encourages a number of the inmates as they participate in our Bible study courses or avail of our eight part resource, Dynamics of Discipleship. Additionally, a larger LMI team of female volunteers hold fellowship meetings on alternate Saturdays, wherein they have witnessed remarkable spiritual growth amongst the women, despite their challenging circumstances. Part of this team is a lady who came to faith in this very prison and who now wants to minister to others.

Refugee Outreach

At present, there are around 13,000 refugees in Southeast Asia from 53 different nations.

The life of a refugee is incredibly difficult and, over time, the uncertainty, instability and displacement can take their toll. In Southeast Asia specifically, refugees face an overwhelming number of challenges. There is no government support or viable path for rebuilding their lives, as they are not allowed to work. As a result, many refugees in the country have fallen into despair. Through their work, John and Mary aim to get refugees connected with local churches, building their relationships with God, so that this would be their firm foundation in this torrid season of their lives.

Ministry in Schools

Two people within the LMI Southeast Asia Team are supported by our Southeast Asian Mission Fund to undertake schools ministry in a school in a majority Confuscist village. Amongst the students with whom they work, eleven have professed faith in Christ and are committed to growing and developing in their faith. The school workers have been so encouraged to see these students meet for fellowship every month and participate in retreats twice a year.

Last year, the team was looking forward to a baptismal service planned for three students at the school. However, two of the students were prohibited from participating by their Confucian parents who strongly opposed their decision. For this reason, their baptism was postponed. Whilst initially discouraged, these young women remain strong in their faith and still hope to be baptised at some point in the future.

Investing for Eternity

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for John and Mary and supported the Southeast Asia Mission Fund to facilitate this wonderful work. If you haven’t already done so, or you would like to continue your partnership, you can give online via the link below:

Truly your support is changing lives!

Support the Southeast Asia Mission Fund