SSE Asia Update – Dec 2009

(South-South-East Asia Region) by Ernie Schache

Auckland, New Zealand

Christmas Greetings

Dear supporters, prayer partners, family and friends,

I have again been listening in recent days to the wonderful sounds of Handel’s “Messiah”. I have two versions – the original, performed much as Handel wrote it, and the more “modern” version “Handel’s Young Messiah” which bounces along in more modern tempos. Whichever version I listen to, I am blessed by hearing the words of Scripture and I often find myself mentally or actually “singing” (as best I can with my very limited ability in this area) the wonderfully beautiful and encouraging words long after the music has stopped!

The words of Isaiah 9:6 always bring great blessing and encouragement as they look back through history to remind us God’s wonderful plan of salvation in Jesus Christ which reaches from before the creation of the world, through the first Advent of the Promised One which we will soon celebrate once again, to our eternal hope at the second coming of our Lord – “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NKJV)

How blessed we are to be “children of God and if children, heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” and to have the privilege of doing our part, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to share the message of the Gospel with others. As the year comes to an end I want to sincerely thank you for your support and prayers for me personally, for the activities of our Mission and for those who serve the Lord under the Advent Christian banner in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. Your support and prayers have been greatly appreciated and many “children” have been added to the great, worldwide family of God as He has heard and answered your prayers and has blessed and multiplied your support. Thank you very much.

As you look to the New Year, and perhaps consider making resolutions as to what will be your focuses for the year, can I ask you to continue to include ongoing prayer for those who seek to “serve the Lord in sincerity and truth” in the countries mentioned above. There are practical difficulties and hindrances to Christian ministry in all of these countries – they are different for each country and greater in some than in others – but these dedicated brothers and sisters just keep on keeping on with their ministries with a commitment and dedication and zeal that amazes me. It is a tremendous privilege to be involved in some small ways with these wonderful, faithful servants of the Lord. Your faithful prayers will assist them to carry out the Great Commission which God has given to us all.

I wish you and your family God’s richest blessings for a very happy Christmas season and pray that you may all know His presence and peace and power in the New Year.

Yours in His service and love,

Ernie Schache

Correspondence: Ernie Schache | PO Box 80010 | Green Bay | Waitakere 0643 |

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