Pure and Undefiled Religion

Lal Lian- one of the graduates I hold special classes for. He is Burmese, from Mizo country about 45 miles from India. Most Mizo are Christian, and there has been COG missionary activity in the area beginning many years ago. Lal Lian has plans to build and run an orphanage on his family's property near Kalemyo. He has worked at an orphanage, and feels that this is a way he can serve his community, and serve the Church. He also longs for more unity and cooperation among the COG congregations in his region, and hopes that the orphanage may be useful in that regard someday. We have been discussing this project since I arrived, and I am impressed with his insight and planning. I have noticed (as have other westerners) that goal-setting and planning are not strengths for many of the people here, so I covered these subjects early in my teaching. Lal Lian has more initiative than most. He is a hard worker, and he will also do a job that needs to be done rather than waiting for someone to direct him, as is the norm.

He has graduated from Legacy, of course, and he has been receiving additional training since the Feast. He is anxious to get back home and begin his project, but Leon would like him to come back for another year of training. He is still young. So, he will go home for a month or so, and come back for another year. In the meantime, his brother wants to help with the project, and will begin to assemble materials…specifically logs, which are available nearby if you get permission, fell the trees, and have the oxen and carts to get them down the mountain. There is much to do, and Lal Lian is anxious to get started. His goal is to be operational by 2012.

As many of you know, my wife and I have begun a local ministry in our community. We are already serving the needy among the elderly, and we will expand that work when I return, as well as continue my writing and recording efforts. It was always our intention to support God's work beyond our shores, and Lal Lian's orphanage is a worthy partner.

Because of the worldwide economic slowdown, and falling resource prices, some construction materials in Burma are selling for half of what they were just a year ago. Specifically, steel roofing. Lal Lian rightly figures that it would make sense to buy the roofing while the prices are low. He has calculated that he can make this purchase forabout $1800 (US). The logs, once permission is obtained (with $$) will cost just labor and the cost of another ox and cart.

Here is my request. Some have asked if they could help with the expenses of my trip here. We have no need, because we have used some of the money we had saved up for our ministry. But if anyone would like to help Lal Lian, we will match your donation, up to the first $1000. A little goes a long way over here, and this is a chance to do something useful with no administration costs, for those who are interested.

Is there a risk? Certainly. I will not be in Burma to supervise. I am basing my support on my relationship with Lal Lian, and all you have is your trust in my judgment. That is why this request places the heaviest risk with Shelby and me. We are willing to make a large investment, because we trust Lal Lian.

If you would like to help, please send a check to Apple Ridge Ministries, PO Box 80, Orrtanna, PA 17353. If you are American, you will receive a receipt for 2009 to support a tax deduction. We need to get the money over to Thailand (for him to carry into Burma) in March, so if you are interested in helping, please do not put it off.

We will be keeping in touch with Lal Lian and his brother, and will update those who decide to become involved.

THANK YOU!