Dearest Friends:

I am wondering if anyone here is interested in joining hands with believers scattered throughout Borneo in a letter ministry.

Folks here often feel that they are the only ones on the planet that feel like they do about the Lord. A simple letter, in easy English, with a postcard of your area or photo included, would make them feel united and cared about...and get them to ask us questions about how other Adventists live.

A short, personal letter, read by firelight or a kersosene lamp with it's orbiting insects would touch their hearts in their poverty and isolation. It would be a "cup of water" to them to think that you know that they are family too.

Soon, God willing, we will ferry across the rivers and cross the mountains deep into the highlands of the jungles. The ex-head-hunters there have asked us to come visit and speak to them, if God so moves, in their tiny church.

To come with friendly greetings from around the world would bless them tremedously, and I will read them with my translator before the saints.

If you are interested, just post here, and i will give you my central PO box address.

Please remember though: no christian stickers or symbols on your envelope, as we live in a restrictive muslim state.

Pray on it!

I think tht is an excellent idea and would love to participate in support our brothers and sisters whenever possible.
God Bless,
Will

Ikan

Myself & two sons (children) are really interested in this. When we write a letter, who do we address it to? To yourself, or otherwise?

It is a great idea, and we will look forward to participating.

Wow! I didn't expect such a swift response!

Will:
Check your PM for my message.

David:
All the letters will come to my post office box. I will collect them and take them with me to the scattered believers at meetings. The first batch will be "To the Saints in Borneo", and later, if any wish to overcome their shyness and can find someone to write back an English letter, we may be able to bypass me, and write directly...but this will be a slim hope. It would be like you using your high school French to write to the Adventists in Paris!

I will for security's sake, give our PO box in a private e-mail; so Dave check yours.

Your boys will learn alot from this!

Anyone else interested, please post here first, not at my e-mail address.

Count me in too! And pray for our mission adventure in Patagonia (January 2004) and Kathmandu (March 2004).

Sure thing Mike!
We are stunned by the response we have had; many thanks to all. Others please write here or e-mail me soon, as I hope to go upcountry this month.

Remote house to house work, coupled with medical missionary work is the key here. Country folks here have never fully given up natural healing methods that were handed down from their grandparents. It really lowers walls for them to see a 6'3" white guy know about "granny's cure-alls"! We have studied local plants intensely.

The book publishing we are engaged in is desktop, so the costs are affordable to the poor. However even simple English is not as effective as their native tongue, even if the schools require a rudimentary English level to pass grade. This is where the most aid is needed,translation...well and travel costs.

I know it's been a busy mail season, what with Christmas, but I encourage all who are interested in helping with this mission to please try and mail a word of encouragement to the native Adventists through the address I personally sent you.
I am sure that it has just slipped the minds of a few here during the rush of this time of the year.

And thanks again to all who have or intend to support the publishing work that Christ has lead us to initiate here in Borneo.
Keep updated on the "Borneo Mission Trip" or the Newletter that follows your mailings to here.

Ikan,
Don't know how I have missed this thread, but we will be writing to our Borneo brothers and sisters - and try to get the church to sign a card.

grace, peace, patience...
Murian

That's OK, Murian: I am visiting the isolated Adventists on a regular basis now. I am going back up next week for a time and will convey your fellowship and support to them.
After forty years of not being visited extensively by a white man, their hunger for words from others outside of Asia is accute.

Hey Will, Dave and Mike:

Have not received any letters from you gents since November: still interested?

Do you need my address again? Just e-mail me at rgreywolf@yahoo.com

Murian Your Newsletter is in the mail.