In an interview with BIMI colleagues, Southeast Asia Director Robert Meyer introduces the theme for this issue of BIMI WORLD.

Ray Thompson:

Brother Meyer, which countries are considered a part of the ministry of Southeast Asia by BIMI?

We have missionaries in Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. The work started in Nepal by Joe and Tanna Collins (who died in a plane crash) is still being administrated by Tanna’s father, the Rev. Jerry Sellers.

Ken Catoe:

Are there other countries that are open to missions in Southeast Asia?

Yes. The Paul Dakus are having their visas processed to go to Fiji to work with the thousands there from India. We also have a couple seeking the possibility of ministering in New Caledonia.

Alan Robinson:

Are there any places that are closed to missions?

Technically, several are closed, but there are works going on in some of those countries. Some of these would be India (closed as far as long-term work for foreign missionariesis concerned), Myanmar (formerly Burma), Malaysia (limited work), Kampuchea (Cambodia), and Vietnam.

Alan:

What steps would individuals take who are interested in Southeast Asia as a mission field? Whom should they contact first?

First, they should talk with their pastors and present the burden to their local churches. I would suggest they then gather all the information on the particular country they can, including writing any missionaries that are serving there. They could contact me and I would try to help with what information I have.

Ken:

In which country do we have the largest number of missionaries?

We have nine families serving as church planters in Australia, with two more on deputation. In Papua New Guinea we have seven.

Ray:

Tell us about the various ministries in Southeast Asia.

In Thailand, we have two families with four good church-planting works and a Bible school.

India, with all its millions, has a very capable witness in our national missionaries Edwin and Olive Divakar. There are five strong churches associated with Brother Divakar, one of them pastored by a teacher in the Trinity Baptist Bible College and Seminary in the state of Karnataka.

In Singapore, there are two missionary families. They are involved in church planting and Bible school training. Some work is being done in the prisons, with Tamil people from India, and with refugees from Vietnam.

Indonesia has been the work field for Jim and Dawn Daley for 24 years. One can read of their work in a featured article in this magazine.

The Lord has certainly blessed the work in Papua New Guinea. There are approximately 25 churches and/or missions as a result of BIMI mission work. There is a strong Bible college in Lae. There is also an article concerning it in this magazine.

Australia is a very modern and affluent society with so many resources that it is more difficult to get souls to see their spiritual needs. Evangelization is the great need, and planting strong fundamental Baptist churches is the next step. Several have been trained in the Bible college established by the missionaries and national pastors, but only the surface has been scratched. A strong program on camp ministry is being emphasized. This has been a personal desire of my own son, Tim. A dear Christian in Queensland has leased several acres of land for a camp to be built.

Then in New Zealand, we have Bob and Diana Rutta in their second term as church planters. They have also had a strong program for children’s ministry. As Bob reckons, the children will grow up one day to be adults. There are two families on deputation for New Zealand.

Alan:

You probably have the most diversified field in Southeast Asia to be found anywhere in the world. What are the differences in cultures, religions, and economies.

Some countries have between a 30% - 40% literacy rate whereas New Zealand has the highest percentage (98% or better) in the world. I believe they “read a lot.” Australia’s official language is of course English, but their society is made up of many who had another national language before migrating. Melbourne, as a city, has the most populous Greek community in the world next to Athens. Singapore is very modern with three ethnic groups primarily populating it, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian. The combination of religions of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Baha’i, Animism, and Cargo Cultism, along with some others throughout this great region, results in a most diverse culture. Economically, you can go from utter poverty where begging is legal to some of the richest resources in the world.

Ray:

What methods of evangelism have proven to be the most successful on your field?

One-on-one, first of all. Some door-to-door. Tract distribution helps get the Word out in those countries where the people will accept them. Some open-air services are well received as in Papua New Guinea. The use of Christian films has been blessed in getting the Gospel out. Many times, friendships where the people see Christ demonstrated have to be made so they can accept what the missionary says. Activities that gather people to the home or church can be used to do this.

Ken:

How many churches, camps, and Bible schools or colleges does BIMI have in Southeast Asia?

There are approximately 90 churches or missions, and each field has yearly camps. The one in Australia is being developed more permanently. There are ten schools of various levels.

Alan:

What are the most difficult problems that our missionaries face on this field?

Relationships with each other seem to be where Satan attacks most. Then there are problems of getting visas or work permits, learning the language, educating children, and as always, combatting false religions.

Alan:

In what specific ways should we pray for our missionaries in Southeast Asia?

Pray that they will be delivered from the plans of evil men (some in government), and that they will have open doors to get the Gospel out. Pray for leadership among the nationals, and pray for the family as a unit. One of Paul’s prayer requests was, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.” (II Thess. 3:1)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jonathon & Mandy Crews -  BRAZIL
Joel C & Brooke Daku -  KIRIBATI
Paul W & Martha Daku -  FIJI ISLANDS