Dear Friends, Fall, 2020
I hope all of you are doing well and staying healthy during this unprecedented virus situation. I started the year with a number of overseas ministry trips planned, but my plans were changed and my ministry, like many others, has moved online. Since the end of March my ministry has been focused on relief, online training, and personal development.
Relief:
It may be difficult to understand the scope of financial suffering that Christians and church leaders of unreached people groups experienced during the lockdown. The Lord truly used your generosity to provide food to these people in addition to some unbelievers in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Myanmar and Rwanda. We have received so many joy-filled emails from grateful hearts thanking you for your willingness to share God’s blessing.
Training:
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, I have received requests to help train church leaders through Zoom, especially as international travel became impossible. In response to these requests, I started leadership training conferences via Zoom, first with a group of Cambodian pastors in the spring and two groups of pastors in the United States and seminary students of India in the summer. In the fall, this training ministry will extend to developing denominational leaders of Rwanda, pastors and seminary students of Ivory Coast, and pastors of Nepal. Remote training is challenging, especially when translators are required and the translator is not standing next to me. Please pray for the fruitfulness of these conferences.
Self-Development:
This coronavirus period will affect the way we do ministry, even after a vaccine comes on the scene. No one can predict what will happen in 6 months or a year; however, we do know that computer and artificial intelligence can never replace personal ministry through relationships. I have used this time to invest in training for myself so that I can become the most effective evangelist and missionary that I can be. Would you pray for me that I will not be distracted, but will be able to focus on personal and professional development?
Cambodia: For the first time in history, all 200 pastors of the Banteay Meanchey Province met together with the governor to discuss how Christian churches can bless their communities and people. After this meeting was over, these pastors enjoyed a fellowship meal together. Praise God that DCMi was able to provide the meal for this historic meeting of all the pastors in that province. When virus restrictions have lifted, we will start training Christian churches and church leaders again for the upcoming citywide gospel festival in Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey.
I would love to hear from you and how you are doing during this time.
With Much Gratitude,
David Chung