Dear Praying Friends,

  Our Prayer Focus this month is on The Philippines.

     Rev. Bryan – John Rhoads Training Center

• Graduation and Commissioning ceremony on July 28, 2024.
• Equip21 Module 4 – New Testament Interpretation by Lim Kheng Hai

     on August 6-8. 2024.

• A new batch of trainees will start in September 2024.
• • Potential partnerships with seminaries (BBSI and NOFBC Seminary).
• Shift from full-time to part-time faculty status starting in 2025 to focus on more

     training opportunities both with JRT Center and AFCS.

• Application for further theological training (D min. or PhD).

    Also pray for these partners in The Philippines:

            Rev. Epafras, Rev. Rommel, & Rev. Calvo, as they minister in churches, seminaries,

      & communities.

Al Cox for the Board

Dear Friends,

    The Old Testament stories of King David reveal many titles that can be ascribed to him such as, singer, warrior, adulterer, husband, father, leader, King, etc. but he is most remembered as The King of Israel, a title he claimed for forty years.  His son Absolum plotted to kill his father David to be able to take the throne as Israel’s King, but caught his beautiful head of hair in a tree while riding his donkey in battle.  His life was ended while hanging there by King David’s trusted friend Joab as he thrusted three spears through his body. David continued his rule as Israel’s King, but cried for his son Absolom.  One of David’s final recorded acts was to build an alter to the Lord, and he afforded burnt offerings and peace offering’s to the Lord there, as the Lord was then moved by entreaty (God’s promise) for the land.  (II Samuel 24:25)

    The Lord continues to raise up trainees in India as a group of approximately 30 Indian students will complete a short term training in June, and in the Philippines, the first class to be totally trained by Bryan Catanus will complete their ASE classes in June, also.  These students will be launched in ministry to share the truth of Jesus love, reconciling Asians to Himself.  What joy and rejoicing in Heaven as Asians come to accept Jesus by hearing of His provision of salvation. 

    May Jesus bless you abundantly for your prayers and gifts to reach Asian men, women, boys, and girls to the Savior. 

We greatly appreciate your part in this ministry,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board

Dear Friends,

     The Old Testament stories of King David reveal many titles that can be ascribed to him such as, singer, warrior, adulterer, husband, father, leader, King, etc. but he is most remembered as The King of Israel, a title he claimed for forty years.  His son Absolum plotted to kill his father David to be able to take the throne as Israel’s King, but caught his beautiful head of hair in a tree while riding his donkey in battle.  His life was ended while hanging there by King David’s trusted friend Joab as he thrusted three spears through his body. David continued his rule as Israel’s King, but cried for his son Absolom.  One of David’s final recorded acts was to build an alter to the Lord, and he afforded burnt offerings and peace offering’s to the Lord there, as the Lord was then moved by entreaty (God’s promise) for the land.  (II Samuel 24:25)

     The Lord continues to raise up trainees in India as a group of approximately 30 Indian students will complete a short term training in June, and in the Philippines, the first class to be totally trained by Bryan Catanus will complete their ASE classes in June, also.  These students will be launched in ministry to share the truth of Jesus love, reconciling Asians to Himself.  What joy and rejoicing in Heaven as Asians come to accept Jesus by hearing of His provision of salvation. 

     May Jesus bless you abundantly for your prayers and gifts to reach Asian men, women, boys, and girls to the Savior. 

We greatly appreciate your part in this ministry,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board

March 31, 2024

  Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer Partners:

      In the book of Numbers, in the Old Testament, the Lord spoke directly to Moses at least 31 times as recorded in the 35 Chapters in the Book, most often recorded as the initial statement in each Chapter; “Then the Lord spoke to Moses”.  This humble God selected leader was definitely a “man after God’s own heart”, and a man who God could trust to precisely carry out every command of the Lord as He led the Children of Israel from Egypt to the “Promised Land”.  What an example of humble leadership and “A Man of Selfless Dedication” as Charles Swindall recorded on is book cover titled “Moses”.

      Leadership in the various Asian countries where MEF has ministries has changed in some of these countries.

      In India we are currently partnering with the India Mission Association (IMA).  They are providing some necessary enrichment training for pastors in South India who have been initially educated by the Asian School of Evangelism (ASE).  In The Philippines we are partnering  with the Ambassadors for Christ, Singapore, and in South Korea our brother Ushin Yoo has entrusted his ministries to five younger So. Korean men.  God is faithful to continue His outreach in these Asian countries.  

      Within the MEF Board, we have had some changes and our new board president was our vice president Mr. Edward Jordan, who is a very involved and capable leader.  A new secretary of the board is Mr. Jay Fabioso, a native Filipino who lives in Ames, Iowa.  He is currently visiting family in the Philippines, and may have a role in the ASE in the graduation ceremony in the Philippines early summer.

      We are continually amazed by your faithfulness in praying and giving to MEF-ASE.  Thank you abundantly.   

Rejoicing in the Resurrection of Jesus,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board 

Feburary 28, 2024

 Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer  Partner:

      The book of Leviticus in the Old Testament is a difficult book to read, let alone to apply because of the detailed instructions of the sacrificial system God gave to Moses and Aaron for the children of  Israel. However, in the 8^th Chapter a phase is repeated several times which caught my attention as being valuable for our instruction today.

      It says over and over “So Moses did just as the Lord commanded him,” in verses 4,9,13,17,21, and 29 in chapter 8.  Other verses in the same chapter refer to Moses and Aaron doing all the things, which the Lord had commanded.  What strong and obedient leaders Moses and Aaron were for the Lord to use in guiding the Children of Israel.  A great example to live in the instruction of the Lord as He teaches in His Word for us today.

      The founding of Missionary Evangelistic Fellowship (MEF) and the Asian School of Evangelism (ASE) was so established on the Scriptural verses in Matthew Chapter 28:19-20 as our Founder, Rev. John Rhoads sought to follow this instruction.  “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” in verse 19.  So in 1947, fresh out of Dallas Theological Seminary, he left for China with his wife and daughter under the China Inland Mission (CIM) which was the beginning of our mission outreach to Asian as we know it today.

      We never take for granted your prayers and gifts to MEF.  We cherish your involvement as we seek to “make disciples” in China, So. Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia and The Philippines. Some of the initial leaders are gone, but God has raised up new men to be His witnesses.  What a great privilege to partner with you in this “Great Commission” as given in the book of Matthew.

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board

January 28, 2024

 Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer Partners:

         In the book of Revelation Chapter 2 and 3, a phase is repeated 7 times after God’s instruction to each of the seven (7) churches in the country we know today as Turkey (Biblical Asia Minor).  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Something repeated 7 times must be important, and the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 were individually instructed to be faithful, repent, hold fast, wake up, render,  be zealous, and I know deeds.”  There is very little recorded of the churches responses.

        The city of Smyna in Revelation is today the modern city of Ismer, which my wife and I visited when our daughter was stationed there in the U.S. Air Force.  We were able to visit four of the seven Revelation church sites, mostly in ruins today.

        The country of Turkey borders Asia and in India (one of our Asian countries) we have a new partner called the India Mission Association (IMA), which has been retraining and assisting pastors to strengthen their ministries and their churches.

        MEF is partnering with the IMA in 2024-2025 to further train pastors and assist their churches and personal outreaches.  The initial trial of approximately 15 pastors completed their first sessions in 2023 with IMA, and will complete further training this coming year. With our ASE in India discontinued, our focus in 2024 will be the various IMA training modules for our church pastors in and around Khammam.

        Thank you abundantly for your prayers and financial support; December was a banner month financially. Asians are continuing to respond to Jesus invitation.     

We appreciate each of you greatly,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board

                                                Some of the IMA staff in India

December 18, 2023

 Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer Partners:

      Great Joy!  “for to you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:12)  That great news has been true for over 2000+ years.  What a way to announce the greatest event in history; Shepherds, who were probably clueless of this event, yet several days later Luke records  in the same chapter that a devout man in Jerusalem name Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms, and declared, “my eyes have seen Thy salvation!” (Luke 2:30)  Jesus birth and appearance was recognized when He was a baby and yet millions refuse to recognized him today and don’t know of the true meaning of Christmas.  What a  tragedy; even as many of you faithfully support the mission of MEF/ASE in Asia many still reject Him.

      We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who pray and give to our outreach of the lost and dying Asians in The Philippines, India and Indonesia.  Our founder stated ,“the battle rages for the souls of men (women) in Asia, and if it is to be reached with  the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it must be through the Asian voice.” That is why we train Asians to spread the Gospel.

      Again, at this Christmas time we wish to express our great thanks to you who faithfully support the gospel outreach in Asia through MEF/ASE.

We love you, and have a Blessed Christmas,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board 

                                                   Equip 21-In November-Philippines

November 17, 2023 

 Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer Partners:

      “The mighty one will save, He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet  you with His love!”  (Zephaniah 3:17)  God’s promises to the nation of Israel seem difficult to understand back when they were in  Babylonian exile, and even today as we see the news of war, death, and destruction in their land.  God’s Word provides hope to the hopeless, and the desperate need in Israel and our focus in Asia is that God’s Word will be shared powerfully, understood and transform many lives for God’s glory.  

      We mentioned in our October letter of the planned Pastor’s Conference in The Philippines, and on November 6-9 at least 55 participants gathered for nearly 4 days of updates and Biblical training, mostly Pastors from Central Philippines.  Our ASE leader in Kabankalan City, Bryan Catanus arranged and hosted the conference taught by Kenny Lee (Ambassadors for Christ Singapore).  He wrote and said, “Please extend my thanks to our doners and supporters.”   That is all you who pray and give to MEF/ASE as over 96% of all gifts received goes to support the spreading of the gospel in our focused Asian countries.  We couldn’t provide for the spreading of the “good news” in Asia without you.  The picture below was taken at the front of the Kabankalan Baptist Church where Bryan’s father – Gospel Catanus – was the pastor before his “Promotion to Glory”.

      Our India ASE Training is in suspension as a new teacher/leader is being sought.  Please pray for the restoration of that difficult situation, where satan has scored a temporary victory, and where the MEF Board would like to see the ASE Training continued.  May the God of all gods gain the victory in India and may our ASE training be continued to prepare more pastors/evangelists to spread the Good News of Jesus in a very needy nation.  We appreciate all of you and trust you have a blessed Thanksgiving! 

God is good,

Norm Luiken for MEF Board

                                                Participants in the 4 day Pastor’s Conference

October 27, 2023

Reaching Asians With An Asian Voice

Dear Prayer Partners:

      “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, …but that is not ye the end. For nations will rise against nation..”  (Matt. 24: 6-7) 

Current events seem to be pointing towards the End Times as predicted in the Bible, which we have  studied about many times.  With the terrible events in Israel this month, it seems like the ending of God’s Grace is growing much closer.  In the same chapter- Matt. 24 verse 14 it says that  “and then the end shall come”,  after saying “this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world”.  This challenge has been the purpose of the “Asian School of Evangelism” (ASE) since its inception in the nineteen sixties. Preaching the  Gospel of Jesus to the nations of Asia.  God has prospered this ministry through faithful Asian men, and a supportive group of people and churches like many of you.  We thank you abundantly for supporting ASE these many years.

      In The Philippines our Brother Bryan Catanus has again arranged a conference in early November for potentially 50-60 pastors and evangelists taught by a Singapore Bible Seminary Instructor.  Similar to the spring session, which was greatly received and extremely practical plus  encouraging to the 40 plus attendees.  These helpful seminars ensure the “Gospel of  Jesus” will enthusiastically be preached in Negros Island and Central Philippines.

      Another prayer request to add to your list would be our ASE India situation.  ASE India is currently discontinued in the present after over 900 Indian Nationals have graduated and many have established churches or evangelical  outreaches.  Satan has been at work, and would appear to have a victory, but God can work miracles for a continuation of the Asian School of Evangelism in Khammam, India. 

      Thanks for your partnership in proclaiming the “Gospel of Jesus in Asia”

In this day of grace,

Norm Luiken for the MEF Board

From the Spring Conference