THANKING GOD FOR 13 YEARS IN ASIA!

For those of you who have been longtime supporters of our ministry, the picture above will look very familiar. Each year around this time in our prayer update, we include this photo. It was taken on March 14, 2013—the day we arrived in Southeast Asia. It is hard to believe that my wife and I have now lived and served here for thirteen years.

As I have mentioned before, some people thought we were making a huge mistake when we came. Yet these past thirteen years have been the most fulfilling and fruitful years of our lives and ministry. Considering that we have now been in full-time ministry for nearly forty-four years, that is truly saying something.

During these years, we have lived and served in four different countries—Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and China. We have witnessed many people saved, baptized, and discipled, and we have had the privilege of helping start churches and Bible colleges. For the past ten years, we have also been teaching Bible college and Bible institute students two to three days each week.

In addition to this, we have also been able to help in many ways—both by investing our time and through significant financial support (thanks to folks like you)—in Pacific International Academy here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Then, five years ago, we started Operation Samaritan’s Compassion, a ministry dedicated to helping the poor, needy, and helpless. As a result of this ministry, well over 1,000 people have come to Christ in the past six years.

It has truly been an amazing journey. Thank you for helping to make it happen!

Denise and I, along with all the people God has allowed us to influence over these past thirteen years, simply want to say thank you. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for caring for us and for the people here in Asia.

As we look ahead, we are excited to share some of the things the Lord has been doing in recent months and how you can continue to pray for the work here in Southeast Asia.

CONFERENCE IN THAILAND

During the first week of February, it was a joy to once again preach at our semiannual Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Chiang Khong, Thailand. We have been hosting these conferences for the past eight years. It was a tremendous conference. I had the privilege of preaching four times and teaching eight sessions on “Living and Serving for the Glory of God.” Many potentially life-changing decisions were made during the week.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL BRING FRUIT FROM THE SEEDS THAT WERE SOWN!

SERVING STAFF AND STUDENTS AT PIA

In addition to teaching three Bible college classes, discipling twenty-five men and a couple of women in our discipleship groups, and going soul-winning, it has also been a joy to be more involved in the school. It has been a blessing to preach in chapel, organize and run a basketball camp, and teach the PIA staff once a week for an hour and a half. Kosal and his staff are doing a tremendous job loving and teaching the students. My wife also enjoys volunteering four days a week to teach the kiddos.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THE STUDENTS AND STAFF AT PIA!

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

In addition to my discipleship groups, almost every week we have a couple of families—or sometimes groups like our college girls—over to our house for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. It is always a lot of fun! Thank God for a good wife!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THESE TIMES OF FELLOWSHIP AND THAT THEY WILL BE A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR PEOPLE!

PREACHING FOR THE VILLAGE CHURCH

I also had the opportunity to preach for our Psa Trach church family. It is always a blessing to preach there. I remember preaching for them when the church first started—they used to meet under a mango tree. They have come a long way. It really is a miracle ministry. Pastor San, his family, and the church family are doing a wonderful job.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS PASTOR SAN, HIS FAMILY, AND THE CHURCH FAMILY!

As always, my wife and I want to thank our family, friends, and fellow laborers for your faithful prayers and financial support over the past thirteen years (or more). We could not be here, remain here, or do what God has called us to do apart from His grace—and your generosity and prayers. 

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,
Johnny and Denise

**Please pray for our upcoming Youth Conferences in Cambodia and Laos, as well as another Bible Conference in Laos. All three conferences will be held in mid-April. We are trusting the Lord to work in the hearts of many young people and believers during these special meetings.

Denise and I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Our holiday season was both busy and blessed. The picture above is from one of the two conferences that I had the privilege of preaching at over the last two weeks of December. I preach for this conference every year. We had a huge increase in the attendance this year over last year (230/130). To God be the glory.

If you’d like to have some fun, try finding me in the picture. As usual, I am the only non-Asian!

Over a three-week period, I preached in two conferences (eight messages total) and in three different churches in Laos and Thailand (four additional messages). We also managed to find a little time to celebrate my birthday, Christmas, our wedding anniversary (44 years), and New Year’s.

Denise and I have so much to be grateful for—not only 44 years of marriage, but five children serving in ministry, 32 grandchildren, and the opportunity to be “living the dream” by serving the Lord in this needy part of the world.

Many important decisions were made during the two conferences, with a combined attendance of nearly 350 people. We rejoice in what God is doing in the country of Laos and thank Him for our many friends and fellow laborers. It was also a special blessing to have my wife speak three times to the ladies during the two conferences. She was a tremendous blessing!

It is always a joy to speak for our graduates. As always, we had the opportunity to minister alongside Pastor Kong and his wife, Lilly as well as Pastor Tim and his wife, Noy; Pastor Souphan and his wife, Sen; and their church families in a combined service. We also crossed the border to preach for our friend, Pastor Srithone, and his church family.

It was a blessing to spend an afternoon with Pastor Souphan and Sen—and their eleven adopted children and teens. We had a wonderful time together. Sen is one of our many “adopted daughters” in this part of the world; she lived with Denise and me for 18 months. Souphan and Sen are doing a tremendous job for the Lord. If you are interested in investing in a group of young people, this would be a wonderful opportunity, and they could use the help. If you are interested in helping, shoot me an email.

During the month of December, we also had the privilege of helping host seven different Christmas parties in Laos and Cambodia. I taught our Worker’s Meeting twice, and our home church in Cambodia had a blessed Friend Day (140 visitors at our various churches), numerous Christmas activities, our annual New Year’s Eve service, and Our theme for the New Year is: “Rooted and Built Up.” Of course, it is based on Paul’s words to the church at Colossae (2:7).

As always, Denise and I want to thank you for your friendship, faithful support, and fervent prayers over the years. We truly could not be here, remain here, or continue doing what we sense the Lord leading us to do apart from His grace and your generosity. May God continue to bless you as you bless others.

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

PRAYER REQUESTS

·       Please pray that the many decisions made during the month of December will bring forth eternal fruit that remains.

·       Please pray for the new terms for our two colleges in Laos and our college in Cambodia.

·       Please pray for our Bible Institute in Laos.

·       Please pray for my three weekly discipleship sessions.

·       Please pray for continual peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

·       Please pray for the “Do All to the Glory of God” Conference in Chiang Khong, Thailand (February 3–6).

·       Please pray for our Youth Conference in Laos (April 14–16).

Celebration Service

Our Celebration Service was a tremendous blessing! I am guessing we had somewhere between 250 and 300 people in attendance. Folks from all five of our village ministries and church plants were there. We had 21 baptized. I had the privilege of performing the baby dedication for Kosal and Phalley and their baby, Stephanie.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FOLKS, YOUNG AND OLD, TO CONTINUE TO WALK AND WORK FAITHFULLY FOR THE LORD!

Highways and Hedges

We thank God for being a part of a soul-winning church. Especially in an area as needy as ours’. We are grateful to God for our people. So many of them are fervent soul-winners. Every week, we have multiplied dozens go soul-winning in at least one of five different villages.

Occasionally, we have a special soul-winning push that we call “Highways and Hedges Soul-Winning.” A few weeks ago, we held one. Over 100 folks went out to a new village we had not been to before. They saturated it with the gospel. I personally had the opportunity to share the gospel with two adults (one man and one woman). Neither of them had any idea who Jesus is, what He did, or why He did it. Neither was ready to accept Christ. Still, they at least had the opportunity to hear the gospel for the very first time.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SEED THAT WAS SOWN TO BEAR ETERNAL FRUIT. ALSO, PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A DESIRE TO SEE PEOPLE COME TO CHRIST!

Chapel and Field Trip

Grade school chapel is always a blessing! I have been in the ministry for more than 40 years now, 43 to be exact. I was the School Administrator (principal) for two different Christian schools, and I have always loved Grade school chapel. It is a blessing to preach in chapel once every four or five weeks here. The children are so much fun!

It was a blessing to take the kiddos to the zoo! To my knowledge, only a few of them had ever been to the zoo. They had a blast! A special shout out to Don and Diane Jasper, as well as some folks from the White Oak Baptist Church in Strafford, CT for helping to make it happen.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR BROTHER KOSAL, SCHOOL STAFF, AND STUDENTS OF PIA!

Denise’s Teaching

My wife is staying busy in Cambodia!  Denise is my personal assistant and does a lot for me. She also volunteers to teach at the Pacific International Academy four days a week. She also has the privilege to join in various ladies’ events as a speaker and mentor.  Denise has been a blessing to so many children, teen girls, college young ladies, and our married ladies. Besides her already busy schedule, Denise and I get to host folks over our house at least twice a month. We call it our Hospitality Ministry. It’s an encouragement to both young and old alike.

PLEASE PRAY FOR DENISE AS SHE CONTINUES TO MINISTER TO SO MANY, AND FOR THOSE SHE IS MINISTERING TO!

Preaching and Teaching 

I love preaching and teaching God’s Word! As I mentioned in our last Prayer Update, I’ve been staying extremely busy doing so this term. I am now teaching five different Bible College classes. I also teach one Bible Institute class, one rather large Discipleship Group, and three one-on-one Discipleship Sessions. All of this is in addition to occasional opportunities to preach for our church here and one of our extension churches.

PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD TO CONTINUE TO BLESS MY PREACHING AND TEACHING MINISTRY!

Samaritan’s Compassion

Compassion really does make a difference! Over the past five years, by God’s grace, we have managed to help so many individuals. This was possible thanks to the generosity of many of God’s people. These individuals were poor, needy, hurting, and helpless. Once COVID was over, our focus has been widows, fatherless children, emergency medical needs, and educating poor children. So many continue to be blessed.

For the past three years, we have been supporting a young lady in Myanmar, named Kyi Pya Zaw. We have essentially hired her to work at her church so she would not have to work in a sweatshop. This has been a tremendous blessing for her. She also helps support her family, which has been a blessing for them as well. And, of course, it has been a blessing for the church family. She is a faithful servant and a dedicated Sunday school worker.

Recently, her mother, Hoi Nu, became extremely ill and required emergency care. We are grateful that we were capable of sending $500 so she gets the treatment she needed. A special thank you to those of you who continue to support Operation Samaritan’s Compassion.

PLEASE PRAY FOR KYI PYA ZAW AND HOI NU!

My wife and I want to express our gratitude once again. Thank you for your faithful prayers. We also appreciate your financial support and friendship over the years. Your partnership is making an eternal impact in the hearts and lives of many!

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• 12/14         Friend Day (Cambodia)
• 12/16-19 “Two are Better Than One” Leadership Conference (Laos)
• 12/30-31 “As for Me and My House” Leadership Conference (Laos)
• 1/12            New Bible College Terms Begins  
• 1/27-1/30 “Do All to the Glory of God” Conference (Thailand)  
• 2/23-27      Team Southeast Asia Retreat  
• 4/14-16       Youth Conference in Laos

Pastors’/Church Leaders Conference in Thailand

The picture above is from our recent Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Northern Thailand. We’ve been hosting these conferences—two each year—for the past nine years. This year, more than 100 people crossed the border to attend. The conference is held primarily for those across the border. It is always a tremendous blessing for all of them.

I had the privilege to preach four times and teach for a total of eight hours. All the messages and lessons were based on the conference theme, “Fear Not.” God moved in a miraculous way. In every preaching service, and in a few of the teaching sessions, when an invitation was given, everyone responded.

Pastor Zer Chang and the church family did an excellent job hosting. It was also a blessing to see Tom and Sue Sutrick again. I’m especially grateful for Missionary Jay Chang, who interpreted for all four of my messages and eight hours of teaching. Very grateful for the few that trusted Christ also!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE DEAR FOLKS TO SERVE GOD WITHOUT FEAR IN A DIFFICULT AND OFTEN DANGEROUS PLACE AND TO MAKE A HUGE IMPACT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE VILLAGES!

Youth Camp in Cambodia

Our three-day Youth Camp just outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia concluded a couple of days ago—and what a fantastic conference it was! We estimate that between 250–300 adults, teens, and children attended the preaching services and teaching sessions.

It was such a blessing to see so many nationals involved in every aspect of the conference—including preaching. Almost all the main preaching services were led by nationals, and they did an outstanding job.

All the music was provided by our people as well, which was a tremendous blessing. I especially love hearing our folks—particularly our young people—sing. They sing not only with their lips but with their hearts.

The theme for the conference was “Continue,” based on Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:14. Most of the messages and teaching sessions focused on encouraging everyone to continue in the things we have been taught. I taught a session titled “Continue Growing in Your Love,” challenging our people to keep growing in their love for God, their neighbor, their brothers and sisters in Christ, their spouse, their family, and even their enemies. Many decisions were made, and for this we are deeply grateful! It is such a blessing to be part of a ministry that understands the importance of reaching and teaching the next generation.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR MINISTRY HERE IN CAMBODIA AND PRAY THAT GOD WILL SEAL THE MANY DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE AND THAT THEY WILL MAKE AN IMPACT IN THEIR VILLAGES!

Summer Camp in Laos

For the past four or five years, we’ve been hosting a Summer Camp for our young people—and this is no typical summer camp! It runs for two full months—seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Yes, you read that right: two full months!

This year we had 125 young people attend. They had the opportunity to learn the Bible, learn to read Hmong (so they can read their Bibles), learn English, develop computer skills, play the guitar or piano, and (for the girls) gain skills in cooking and cleaning. I’m sure I am leaving something out.

This is an amazing ministry! Kong, Lilly, their church family, and our college students do a tremendous job. Honestly, I get tired just thinking about all they do.

Please pray for these young people to remain faithful to Christ and to make an impact in their villages!

Enrolling 192 in School

For the last five years, God has enabled us to help poor children get into school. Typically, we assist between 125 and 135 young people each year. But this year—by the grace of God and through the generosity of His people—we were able to see 192 children and teens enroll in school. For those of you that have given to this ministry over the years, thank you for praying and giving!

Bible College Classes and Discipleship

As always, this fall will be busy! I’ll be teaching four Bible college classes (two online and two in person), one Bible Institute class, leading a discipleship group of 11 young men, another group of five men, and continuing my weekly discipleship meetings with Samnang. It’s also a blessing to be asked to teach another Men’s Disciple Group on the topic of “Lovingly Leading Your Home.” Discipleship does really make a difference! 

PRAY FOR COLLEGE CLASSES & DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS!

Project 1040

As many of you know, my wife and I just spent three months in the States. It was a busy season—I traveled to nine different states and spoke in twenty-eight churches. I had the privilege of sharing what God is doing in Southeast Asia as well as presenting our new ministry, Project 1040. We are very grateful for those of you who have chosen to partner with us and with our national workers.

As always, my wife and I want to say thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support over the years. We could not be here—nor could we do what God has called us to do—without God’s grace and the generosity of His people. Your partnership is making an eternal impact in countless lives!

Thank you,
Johnny and Denise Esposito
 
PRAYER REQUESTS:
*New College Terms in Laos and Cambodia
*New Term for PIA (Christian school in Cambodia)
*Leadership Conference in Laos in December
*Church Leaders Conference in Thailand in January

Thank you for taking the time to watch our video update!

The pictures above are of our Bible college students from two different countries — Laos and Cambodia — who passed my final exams. They are feasting for not failing. Almost all of them passed with a score of 85 percent or higher. A great group of young people. I must tell you; they sure do love to eat. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR BIBLE STUDENTS!

About every 8–12 weeks, our church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, holds what we call a “Celebration Service.” It’s a time of rejoicing in what God has been doing over the past few months in all our different congregations. It’s a time of wonderful worship, sweet fellowship, powerful and practical teaching from God’s Word, and more fellowship and food after the service. As always, we had somewhere between 250–300 in attendance. We saw 13 baptized, and many of our young couples dedicated their children to the Lord. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

CELEBRATION SERVICE IN CAMBODIA

About every 8–12 weeks, our church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, holds what we call a “Celebration Service.” It’s a time to rejoice in what God has been doing over the past few months in all our different congregations. It’s a time of wonderful worship, sweet fellowship, powerful and practical teaching from God’s Word, and more fellowship and food after the service. As always, we had somewhere between 250–300 in attendance, and we had 13 baptized.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY HERE IN CAMBODIA

SUMMER CAMP IN LAOS

Every year for the past three years, our team in Laos has conducted a Summer Camp for teens and children. While others attend as well, most of the young people come directly from our ministry. This camp is no ordinary camp — it lasts for two entire months! Yes, you read that right: two months, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for eight full weeks.

During this amazing time, these young people are taught the Bible, English, the Hmong language, computer skills, guitar, and piano. The girls also receive practical training in cooking and housekeeping skills. Some of the students have already arrived, and many more will be coming on July 6.

*The pictures below are from last year’s camp and offer just a glimpse of the incredible memories and life change that happen every summer. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

PLEASE PRAY FOR KONG, LILLY, OUR BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS THAT WILL BE LABORING IN LOVE!

PROJECT 1040

 My wife and I are presently in the States for a short, three-month furlough. While here, we are reporting to our supporting churches and presenting our new ministry, which we call Project 1040. As I have mentioned in the past, this ministry is raising prayer and financial support for our Bible school graduates.

In the past twelve months, by the grace of God, we have had sixteen men and women graduate. These are young men and women who love the Lord, love their people, have a passion to reach their people with the gospel, know both the language and the culture, and are fervent soul-winners and disciplers.

OUR PRAYER IS THAT MANY WOULD PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR GRADUATES.

PROJECT 1040
The video above features Pastor Steve Meyers, the pastor of Pacific Baptist Church, which is our home and sending church taking a few minutes to explain this new ministry.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS OUR ATTEMPT TO RAISE PRAYER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THESE WONDERFUL SERVANTS OF GOD.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GIVING TO THIS ENDEVOR OR IN SENDING OUR SUPPORT ONLINE IN THE FUTURE, SEE THE LINK BELOW! 

https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/greatcommissionbap

As always, my wife and I want to express our heartfelt thanks for your faithful prayers and generous support — both for us personally and for the various ministries God has called us to serve. We truly could not be here, nor continue the work, apart from the grace of God and the generosity of His people.

Your partnership is making an eternal difference.

Thank you,

Johnny & Denise Esposito
Your Missionaries to SE Asia

MINISTRY TRIP TO LAOS

The picture above is from my recent trip to Laos. The picture above is from the Youth Conference. God blessed in a mighty way. We had more than 230 in attendance, 13 trusted Christ, and more than fifty surrendered to serve God with their lives. I will give you a high five if you can find me in the picture above.

In addition to preaching five times for the Youth Conference, I also had the opportunity to preach once for another Bible Conference and preach twice for Pastor Kong (one of our graduates, like a son-n-the faith to me) and his church family.

Our graduates are absolutely getting it done. All glory to God! One of the great blessings of being with our folks at Youth Conference in April was to see how God is doing such a great work in the country of Laos, especially among the young people and our graduates are allowing God to use them to reach and teach so many. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR THIS TRIP!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WOULD SEAL ALL OF THE DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE ON OUR RECENT TRIP TO LAOS!

SOCCER LEAGUE AND SUMMER CAMP

Speaking of young people, those of you that are familiar with our home and sending church (Cambodian Baptist Church/Pacific Baptist Church) know that during the first ten years of our ministry, most of our congregation was young people. I would say 80-85 percent our church family were under twenty-five years old at the time. I vividly remember someone calling our church “The teeny bopper church.” It’s amazing what God has done with that “teeny bopper church” over the past more than three decades.  As a result of the dream that God laid upon the heart of my brother, Pastor Joe, a lot of hard work by many of God’s people, and God’s Hand over the years has been awesome to watch what has come from those early days. Oh, by the way, those young people are faithful staff members, deacons, church members, and yes, missionaries today. 

In Cambodia and Laos, we are committed to reaching, teaching, and keeping young people for the glory of God!

Pastor Kong and his ministry have done a tremendous job in a difficult place. Please pray for their Soccer Ministry and their upcoming Summer Camp. Years ago, Kong asked me how he could reach more boys and men. I told him about the early days at the old Cambodian Baptist, now Pacific Baptist, and how we used sports. I then challenged him to do the same by starting a soccer league. With a little help from Operation Samaritan’s Compassion, they started the league with fifty boys (45 of them were unbelievers). Eventually, twenty of them trusted Christ, fourteen were baptized, and 13 of the 20 are still faithfully serving the Lord two years later. 

Summer Camp is over the top. More than 70 young people will come and stay with Kong, Lily, and our Bible college students for two months. They will learn to read the Hmong language, they will learn to read, study, and memorize the Bible, they will learn to play musical instruments (piano and guitar), they will learn basic computer skills, the girls will learn to cook, and all of them will be discipled by our Bible college students. Last year ten young people trusted Christ and six of them were baptized. In the words of Pastor Kong, “Summer Youth Camp is fruitful. It helps the young people to get more involved at their home churches after they return home.”

If you would like to help financially with either of these please let me know. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

PLEASE PRAY FOR BOTH OF THESE MINISTRIES!

FAMILY CAMP IN CAMBODIA

While I was in Laos, fulfilling a commitment that I made almost a year ago, our church family here held their annual Family Camp. God blessed in so many amazing ways. There were more than 250 who attended Family Camp, and many decisions were made. I have heard nothing but good reports from our folks about the Family Camp.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WOULD SEAL ALL OF THE DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE AT FAMILY CAMP AND THAT OUR FAMILIES WILL BE STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!

BASKETBALL CAMP AWARDS CEREMONY

As I mentioned in a previous Prayer Update, I held a Basketball Camp for our Christian School here. It took six weeks (we did it during their one hour of P.E. on Tuesdays) and then we held a two week Double-elimination Tournament. The children and the staff had a blast. It brought back a lot of memories for me. For those of you who don’t know, I coached our high school basketball team for eighteen years back in the day. This past week, we held an award ceremony during their chapel service and treated the winning team to a pizza and fries’ meal. The kiddos had a great day. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

MEN’S DORM PROJECT

As I mentioned in our last Prayer Update, our Bible college here in Cambodia is doing very well. We have over thirty students that love the Lord, who have a desire to grow in their faith, and have made a commitment to reach their people with the gospel. We presently have a dorm for our ladies, and we thank God for it. We do not have one for the men, and up to now, it hasn’t been a real issue. In the upcoming Fall term, which begins in September, that will most likely change. Lord willing, we will have a handful of young men that will need a place to stay if they are going to attend. We have received some financial help already, but we are praying for an additional $3,000 to be able to rent and furnish a house that could house up to eight men for a year. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GIVING TOWARDS THIS PROJECT, PLEASE GET BACK WITH ME. PLEASE PRAY WITH US ABOUT THE MEN’S DORM PROJECT!
 
PROJECT 1040

As I have mentioned a few times previously, Denise and I will be traveling to the States for the summer months. During this time, along with reporting to our supporting churches, I will be presenting our newest ministry endeavor, “PROJECT 1040.” As we mentioned in previous updates, this is a ministry, which encourages those of you that have been partnering with us for years, to partner with men and women that have graduated from our two Bible colleges.

In the past twelve months, by the grace of God, we have had sixteen men and women graduate. These are young men and women that love the Lord, have a passion to reach their people with the gospel, know the language, and the culture. OUR HOPE AND PRAYER IS THAN MANY OF YOU WOULD PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR GRADUATES.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PROJECT 1040 AND THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN THAT WILL BE GREATLY HELPED BY THIS MINISTRY!

SEYHA AND MICHELLE MEACH

On occasion, I receive texts and/or emails asking if I know a missionary or a missionary couple that is seeking support that I would recommend. Seyha and Michelle Meach will be arriving in the States in just a few days. They will be raising support for their ministry here in Cambodia. Michelle was one of my students at Pacific Baptist School and Pacific Baptist Bible College. About ten years ago, by faith, Michelle left the States for Cambodia as a single young lady. A few years ago, she married one of our fine young men and they have been faithfully serving Christ together since then. If you would like to have them present their work for you and your church family, please feel free to contact me or them. Scan their QR Code for their Information.

PLEASE PRAY FOR SEYHA, MICHELLE, AND RYAN AS THEY EMBARK ON THIS NEW JOURNEY! 

As always, my wife and I would like to thank you for praying for and giving for my wife and me and for the various ministries that we are presently committed to serve. We could not be here, nor stay here but by the grace of our God, and the generosity of his people.

Thank you,
Johnny and Denise Esposito

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:    
*Bible Conference in Cambodia [May 14-15]
*Children’s and Teen Summer Camp in Laos [June and July]
*Summer Term for Bible College in Laos [June to August]
*Short Furlough [June to August]

TWELVE YEARS IN ASIA

Every year, about this time, we post the above pictures and take a few moments to remember and thank God for His grace, His goodness, and your generosity. It was twelve years ago in March that my wife and I arrived in Southeast Asia to live and to serve. Over the past twelve years, we have lived and served in four different countries and been amazed to see what God has done with the little we have to offer. WE OWE ALL OF YOU A GREAT DEBT FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND FOR YOUR SACRIFICIAL GIVING. THANK YOU FOR LOVING, PRAYING, AND GIVING!!!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR EFFORTS HERE IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD!

MISSIONS’ EMPHASIS/CELEBRATION SERVICE  

A few weeks ago, we had our Missions’ Emphasis/Celebration Service. The place was packed. We had 43 men, women, and young people baptized. The joy of the Lord filled the church building as we reflected on God’s goodness in the past and His guidance in the future. What a blessing to see hundreds of men, women, teens, and children all gathered, not only to worship the Lord, but to pledge their support of our missionaries and hear the plans on sending two more families out to serve in two different villages.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY TO CONTINUE TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, TO CONTINUE TO REACH MANY MORE LOST PEOPLE, AND TO HAVE A HEART FOR MISSIONS “AROUND THE CORNER” AND “AROUND THE WORLD.”

  LEADERSHIP TRAINING SEMINAR 

A few weeks ago, we conducted a two-day Leadership Seminar for our Church and School Staff, as well as for our Bible College students. Along with Brother Dave Board, we had two guest pastors teach for us, and I spoke twice on “Knowing God” and “Growing in Christ.” All the sessions were tremendous, especially the last session by Pastor Chris Chadwick on “Continue,” or “Continuing in the Faith.” The fellowship with our friends and fellow laborers was sweet.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO GROW OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS TO BE THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT GOD DESIRES FOR THEM TO BE AND TO DO THE WORK GOD HAS CALLED THEM TO DO!

PASTOR JOE GRANDE’S VISIT

It was a real joy to have Pastor Joe Grande (Faith Baptist Church in Stockton, Missouri) visit with us recently. Pastor Grande is not only a long-time supporter of our ministry here in Asia, but he is a long-time friend (more than 40 years), and long-time fellow laborer. We served together back east while we were attending Bible College. He also taught in our Bible College in Long Beach for ten years while pastoring in Bakersfield, California.

My wife and I flew from Cambodia to Laos and met him there. After spending a few days together in Laos, we then returned to Cambodia, and he was able to spend seven days with us. In fact, he stayed with my wife and me. Oh, did I mention he’s a Boston Celtics fan and I am a Los Angeles Laker fan.

While in Laos, we both did some preaching and teaching (Bible College students). He had the opportunity to preach twice here in Cambodia, as well as teach one of my Discipleship Groups. Pastor Grande was a tremendous blessing to many while he was here.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD USED THIS TRIP FOR PASTOR GRANDE’S BENEFIT AND OUR BENEFIT AS WELL!!!

 NOUN AND VONNY’S SALVATION

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to lead one man (Vonny) and one woman (Noun) to Christ. Noun was baptized during our special Missions’ Emphasis/Celebration Service.  What is most noteworthy about both professions of faith is that a boatload of folks were working together, sharing the gospel, and praying for their salvation over a long period of time. This is especially true of Vonny. A great reminder that team work really does make the dream work. Every Saturday, Kosal and I go visiting on his Tuk-tuk route. During our time of visitation, we almost always have the opportunity to share the gospel a few times. This past Saturday, we had the chance to share the gospel twice.

Another thing we do on Saturday’s, is spend about 45 minutes with Sophat for a time of discipleship and accountability. He has grown much and is faithfully attending our services. Two weeks ago, his 17-year-old grandson, Heng, was at his house. We shared the gospel with him. While he did not trust Christ, he was very open.

PLEASE PRAY THAT BOTH NOUN AND VONNY WILL GROW IN THEIR NEWFOUND FAITH!!!

HANGING OUT WITH SEEMLY AND ABBY

It was a blessing to be able to spend a couple days with our granddaughter, Abby, and our daughter-n-law, Seemly. Our home church and school spent their Senior/Missions’ Trip in Southeast Asia this year. We met up with them in Bangkok.  And, while we didn’t have much time with them, it was quality time. Denise and I appreciated it much. Abby is our eldest grandchild, and she will be graduating the first week of June. We love both dearly!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD USED THIS SENIOR/MISSIONS’ TRIP TO SPEAK TO THE HEARTS OF ABBY AND THE OTHER SENIORS!

 MEN’S DORM

Our Bible college here in Cambodia is doing very well. We have over thirty students that love the Lord, who have a desire to grow in their faith, and have made a commitment to reach their people with the gospel. We presently have a dorm for our ladies, and we thank God for it. We do not have one for the men, and up to now, it hasn’t been a real issue. In the upcoming Fall term, which begins in September, that will most likely change. Lord willing, we will have a handful of young men that will need a place to stay if they are going to attend. We are praying for $5,000 – $6,000 to be able to rent and furnish an apartment that could house up to eight men for a year. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GIVING TOWARDS THIS PROJECT PLEASE GET BACK WITH ME.  

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS AND FOR THE MEN’S DORM PROJECT!

 PROJECT 1040

As I have mentioned a few times previously, Denise and I will be traveling to the States for the summer months. During this time, along with reporting to our supporting churches, I will be presenting our newest ministry endeavor, “PROJECT 1040.” As we mentioned in previous updates, this is a ministry, which encourages those of you that have been partnering with us for years, to partner with men and women that have graduated from our two Bible colleges.

In the past twelve months, by the grace of God, we have had sixteen men and women graduate. These are young men and women that love the Lord, have a passion to reach their people with the gospel, know the language, and the culture. OUR HOPE AND PRAYER IS THAN MANY OF YOU WOULD PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER SUPPORTING ONE OR TWO OF OUR GRADUATES.  

I still have a couple of open dates, if you would like to have me come and report and/or present this new ministry to you and your church family, please shoot me an email.

My wife and I are very grateful for your faithful prayers and your generous financial support over the years. God has been gracious, and you have been generous. If it were not so, we could not be here doing what God has led us to do.

God Bless You and Yours,

Johnny and Denise Esposito
Your missionaries in Southeast Asia

A FEW ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
* NEW COLLEGE TERM IN CAMBODIA [March 28-May 30]
*YOUTH CONFERENCE IN LAOS [April 15-17]
*FAMILY CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA [April 15-17]
*YOUTH CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA [MAY 14-15]
*CHILDREN’S AND TEEN’S SUMMER CAMP IN LAOS [June and July]
*SUMMER TERM FOR BIBLE COLLEGE IN LAOS [June 9- August 8]
*SHORT SUMMER FURLOUGH [June – August]

PASTORS’ AND CHURCH LEADERS’ CONFERENCE

The picture above is from our recent Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Chiang Khong, Thailand. For the past seven or eight years, Tom and Sue Sutrick and our church family in Chiang Khong have hosted this conference at least once a year, and often twice a year. It is always a huge blessing!

For the most part, this conference is held for pastors, church leaders, and some of their core church members from the country of Laos. We house and feed them for four days. We have preaching and teaching from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and then from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Friday. I had the privilege to preach four times and teach eight different sessions. This year’s theme was “Knowing God.” All my messages and teaching sessions dealt with growing in their knowledge and love for God. It was great!

It was a real joy to have the Has family with us. I have known Sovanny and Edgl for well over twenty-five years now. Edgl was one of our students at Pacific Baptist School when I was the Administrator, and she attended and graduated Pacific Baptist Bible College while I was the VP of the college. Sovanny graduated from another good Bible college. They are a great couple. The have faithfully served the Lord at Pacific Baptist Church for many years now.  If you are looking for missionaries to support, you can’t lose with this couple.

Along with all the major decisions that were made by pastors and their wives, church leaders and their wives, and the many members of their churches and, of course, our church in Chiang Khong, we also had four trust Christ.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN THE HEARTS OF ALL THOSE THAT ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE AND ESPECIALLY THE NEW BELIEVERS!

STAFF ORIENTATION

Thank God, 2025 is off to a great start! We started the year off with Staff Orientation. It’s always a blessing when the staff can get together for food, fun, and fellowship, as well as some vital teaching to kick off a New Year. I had the privilege to teach a lesson on “The Jethro Principle.” A good and timely lesson on the importance that we, as leaders, can’t do everything, nor should we try to do everything.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THOSE THAT ARE IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HERE IN CAMBODIA!

BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES

One of my favorite tasks over the past twenty-five years has been to teach Bible college students. It is my privilege to teach three sets of Bible college students this year, as well as one group of Bible Institute students. It is a great joy to be able to have a small part in all these young people’s lives. It is also a joy to have a Young Men’s Discipleship Group that is almost entirely Bible college students.

DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS AND SMALL GROUPS

As I mentioned above, ONE of my favorite tasks is to teach Bible college students. Even more than that, I love Discipleship and Accountability Groups and/or Small Groups. It is a blessing to meet weekly with four different Discipleship Groups (a total of 18 men and the wife of one of the men) and two Small Groups (they aren’t as small as we would like them to be). There’s nothing like investing into the lives of others, and there’s no better way to do it than by Discipleship and Accountability Groups and Small Groups. Helping to ground them in the scriptures, helping to grow them in their faith, and see them loving God, one another, and being involved with ministry is such a joy.

PIA CHAPEL AND BASKETBALL CAMP

As I have mentioned in the past few updates, my wife is volunteering at our Christian school three days a week and she is absolutely loving it.  I have had the opportunity to preach in their weekly chapel once a month, bless them with an occasional snack or meal, and conducting a Basketball Camp for them. We have been blessed to have friends from back in the States that have helped us to help them. Liberty Baptist Church in Newport Beach, CA, White Oak Baptist Church in Groton, CT, and most recently Faith Baptist Church of Canoga Park, CA have been a huge help. Kosal Sann the School Administrator, his staff, and the kiddos, have been happy campers in recent days because of the generosity of God’s people back in the States.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR KOSAL, HIS STAFF (INCLUDING MY WIFE), AND THE CHILDREN OF PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY!

PROJECT 1040

Denise and I will be traveling to the States for the summer months. During this time, along with reporting to our supporting churches, I will be presenting our newest ministry endeavor, “PROJECT 1040.” As we mentioned in previous updates, this is a ministry, which encourages those of you that have been partnering with us for years, to partner with men and women that have graduated from our two Bible colleges.

In the past twelve months, by the grace of God, we have had sixteen men and women graduate. These are young men and women that love the Lord, have a passion to reach their people with the gospel, know the language, and the culture. OUR HOPE AND PRAYER IS THAN MANY OF YOU WOULD PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER SUPPORTING ONE OR TWO OF OUR GRADUATES.  

I still have a handful of open dates, if you would like to have me come and report and/or present this new ministry to you and your church family, please shoot me an email.

My wife and I are very grateful for your faithful prayers and financial support for us over the years. God has been gracious, and you have been generous. If it were not so, we could not be here doing what God has led us to do. THANK YOU!

God bless you and yours,
Johnny and Denise Esposito
Your missionaries in Southeast Asia

A FEW ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

*MINISTRY TRIP TO LAOS [FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 4]
*CHURCH AND COLLEGE STAFF AND STUDENT’S TRAINING [March 12-13]
*MISSIONS’ EMPHASIS [March 16]
*YOUTH CONFERENCE IN LAOS [April 14-17]
*FAMILY CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA [April 15-17]

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE/MINISTRY TRIP TO LAOS

The picture above is from our recent ministry trip to the country of Laos and the Hmong Leadership Conference. As most of you know, my wife and I spent five years living and serving in the country of Laos. We love the country; we love the people. We usually go back twice a year for conferences and special meetings, and just to hang out with the folks we love.  It was a blessing to be able to spend twelve days there recently. During this time, I preached nine times in a Leadership Conference and three different churches. I also had a chance to teach one set of our Bible college students for three hours. We treated both sets of our Bible college students, our Bible graduates, and a few other members of the “family,” out to a nice meal. I will not tell you how much weight I gained.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF LAOS AND FOR THE SEEDS THAT WERE SOWN DURING THIS MINISTRY TRIP!

FRIEND DAY IN CAMBODIA

Our new home is in Cambodia, we are fitting right in and loving it. As with the country of Laos, we love the country of Cambodia. We love the people of Cambodia. We especially love our team, our fellow-laborers, and our church family.  While we were unable to be there, our church family had their annual “Friend Day,” and was it a good one. Between the five different churches, we had 214 new adult visitors. Four of the five adult visitors that Kosal (my soul-winning partner) and I had signed up attended. It was a tremendous day all around. Now, the hard work; following up the 214 visitors. Some of the visitors have already trusted Christ and returned to the services.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THE EFFORTS OF SO MANY AND THAT MANY OF OUR FRIENDS WILL COME TO A SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST!

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE SCHOOL

Now that we are living and serving in Cambodia, we have put our hands to many different plows. One of these plows is the Christian school. As you know, my wife is teaching in the school and over the past three months or so, we have had the privilege to help the school in many ways. Because of our faithful supporters, we were able to help them to have a huge Christmas celebration. From what I understand it was a first for them. They had a great time. Kosal and his hard-working staff did a great job. This is just one of the many blessings of being in this part of the world, being able to bless those that have so little, especially the children.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR KOSAL, THE SCHOOL STAFF, AND THE PRECIOUS CHILDREN OF PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY!

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Over the past four years, our ministry, Operation Samaritan’s Compassion, has been able to assist ministries in five different countries (Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar) to host “Christmas Celebrations.” Thousands of children, teens, and adults have been blessed, and untold hundreds have trusted Christ (more than seventy professions of faith this year) because of these celebrations. So many blessings this year. It surely is more blessed to give than to receive.  

PLEASE PRAY THAT MANY THAT ATTENDED THESE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WOULD BRING THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS TO THE DARK WORLD IN WHICH THEY LIVE!

DONATED VAN

As we mentioned in a previous Prayer Update, our longtime friend, Ray Young, and a Foundation he is a board member of, donated enough money for two brand new Tuk-Tuks for our ministry in Cambodia and for a van for our ministry in the country of Laos. It is a beautiful van that will be used to take laborers (including our Bible college students) back and forth to various harvest fields, as well as picking up riders for the church services. My wife and I had a chance to ride in it to one of the church services where I preached. GOD IS GOOD AND SO ARE HIS PEOPLE.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS VAN TO BE USED IN A SPECIAL WAY AND THAT THIS MINISTRY WOULD CONTINUE TO REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST AND DISCIPLE THOSE THAT THEY REACH!

COLLEGE GRADUATION

Our college graduation here in Cambodia was such a special and emotional evening.  I was grateful for the opportunity to give the graduates one of the two challenges. These five young people have been faithful and fruitful as students, and I encouraged them to continue to be faithful and fruitful as graduates: to finish the course set before them.

PRAY FOR SREY NECH, JASON, TOM, VEASNA, AND MAKARA TO CONTINUE TO BE FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL IN THE YEARS TO COME!

OUR ANNIVERSARY

After our ministry trip to Laos, my wife and I returned to Cambodia and spent three days in the capital city to celebrate my birthday, Christmas, and our 43rd Wedding Anniversary together. I am one blessed man and have had the honor to be married to the most wonderful woman in the world. She’s the best Christian I know; she’s a tremendous wife, mother, and grandmother. She keeps me in check and that’s no easy task. This woman has literally followed me around the world in our service for Christ.

PLEASE PRAY FOR DENISE AND ME TO FINISH WELL!

As always, Denise and I, along with the many that we are able to serve and serve alongside of, want to thank you for your prayers and financial support. We couldn’t be here or do what we believe God wants us to do, but by God’s grace and your generous support and prayers.

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,
Johnny and Denise
 
ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• New Term for Pacific International Academy Begins [January 6]
• New Small Groups [January 8]
• New Bible College Term Begins Here in Cambodia [January 10]
• New Bible College Term Begins in Laos [January 13]
• Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Northern Thailand [January 28-31]
• Bible College Graduates Retreat in Thailand [February 2-4]
• Church and School Staff Training [March 11-12]
• Missions’ Emphasis [March 16]
• Youth Conference in Laos [April 14-16]
• Ministry Asia Conference in Thailand [August, exact date TBD]

FAMILY CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA

The pictures above and below are from our recent Family Conference here in Cambodia! We had a wonderful three-day conference. Lots of exuberant worship, good food, fun, and fellowship, and some great preaching and teaching on marriage and the family, as well as teaching sessions for the single adults, teens, and children. I had the privilege to preach twice. The responses to all the messages were tremendous. Denise had the opportunity to teach a split session for the ladies. I heard that it went great.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MARRIAGES AND FAMILIES HERE IN CAMBODIA AND FOR THE SEEDS THAT WERE SOWN DURING THE CONFERENCE TO BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT!

DENISE IS TEACHING AGAIN

Now, that my wife and I are settled here in our new “home,” it is a blessing for us to get busy about the Father’s business in Cambodia. Denise is volunteering her time three days a week to teach two different classes. The kiddos just love her, and she loves them. As I posted on Facebook recently, Denise and I have been married almost 43 years and during these past 43 years she has loved and served Jesus faithfully and she has given her life to loving and serving people – especially children and teens. She’s just gifted in this area. I married up and thank God for this good and godly woman.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR DENISE, HER STUDENTS, AND THE REST OF THE STAFF AND THE STUDENT BODY OF PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY!

HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES SOUL-WINNING

There are two things about our ministry here that stick out. First, this is a soul-winning church. We are passionate about reaching the lost here in Cambodia. Just about every day there are groups of individuals going to different villages in this province to bring the gospel to a lost and desperate people. Secondly, this is a disciple-making ministry. We are not simply satisfied with seeing people COME TO CHRIST. We want these same folks to GROW IN CHRIST. All the leaders in our ministry and many of the members are involved with discipling others.

Speaking of soul-winning, occasionally, we have an extra special, big push. We call it HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES (based on Luke 14:23). Recently, we had 80 of our folks, both young and old, come out and we saturated an entire village with the gospel and with gospel tracts. It was amazing to see so many folks come out, especially new folks. It was a blessing to hear some of our new folks give HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES testimonies in our service on the following day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR SOUL-WINNING AND DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES

NEW DISCIPLESHIP/MENTORING GROUP

Again, now that we are settled in here in Cambodia, I am beginning to fill up my schedule. Along with continuing my online Bible college and Bible Institute teaching and an online Men’s Discipleship Group, I have now added a Young Men’s Discipleship Group here and helping to disciple/mentor two other men. Lord willing, in January, I will start teaching a college class here on The Parables of Jesus.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE NEW MINISTRIES!

NEW TUK-TUKS

As I mentioned in the past, we had some friends from the States that donated a fairly large sum of money to help us purchase two new tuk-tuks for our ministry in Cambodia. One will be used exclusively for the church and the other will be used for the school and the church. The other money will be used to purchase a van for our ministry in Laos. We are so grateful that the tuk-tuks are in, up and running. The new van should be arriving soon. All three of these vehicles will be used to bring workers to the harvest fields, as well as to pick people up for services. And, as I already mentioned, one will also be used to pick up children from a village 45 minutes away and bring them to school.

PROJECT 1040
As I mentioned in our last Prayer Update, over the past 15 years or so, God has blessed our Team Southeast Asia in the countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand in so many ways. Multiplied thousands have been saved, multiplied hundreds have been baptized and discipled, churches have been planted, Bible colleges and Bible Institutes have been started, and the list goes on. In the past few years, we have had 15 students graduate from our colleges with another four more graduating this month. All our graduates are faithfully and fruitfully serving Jesus and nearly every one of them wants to serve God full-time. Unfortunately, this presents a small problem.

Unlike us in America, raising financial support is very difficult, if not impossible for our fellow laborers out here. If they are going to provide for their family, provide for a ministry, and be able to give themselves full-time in the ministry, they are going to need help from across the Pacific. It is for this reason, that our home and sending church, Pacific Baptist in Long Beach, CA (Pastor Steve Meyers) and Team Southeast Asia are working together with a new project, which we are calling PROJECT 1040.   

When I return to the States in the summer of 2025, I will be traveling for a few months to report of what God is doing in the countries of Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, as well as presenting this new ministry opportunity that I am sure many of our partners will want to be a part of. Please pray with us and for us as we seek to send more laborers into the harvest fields of Southeast Asia.

As I shared in our last update, I love the following words of my friend, Kevin Folger:

“The work of planting churches in closed or restricted access nations is nearly impossible for American missionaries because of their visibility. It is difficult for most Americans to blend into Asian culture. We are Americans, and we stand out as different from Asians. Thus, we draw attention to ourselves, which is especially true in countries that are closed to Gospel preaching and church-planting missionaries. It isn’t near as hard for Asian nationals to do that work. Don’t get me wrong, it is perilous and challenging work, but because they are Asian, they can work in these nations more readily than Americans. So, of course, I believe in working with and supporting national church planters and missionaries. It is what we are called to do.

The mission field is NOT like America, where money is readily available. Most nationals live in third-world countries where finances are very scarce. Poverty is a norm, and basic living is sometimes a challenge. We are talking about nationals living, taking care of a family, and funding a church planting effort, which is almost impossible given the living standards in many countries. Most men we work with live on a minimal amount of the equivalent American dollar.

Let’s think about the value of what we are doing. Capable trained national church planters are working at a fraction of what it costs to send and sustain an American family; it just makes good stewardship sense to support nationals.”– Kevin Folger, North American Director of Spiritual Leadership Asia

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS NEW ENDEAVOR!

As always, Denise and I would like to thank you all for praying and giving. We could not be here, we could not stay here, and we could not do all that God has led us to do here in Asia, if it were not for your praying and your giving.

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Various Christmas Celebrations in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar during the month of December
• Pacific International Academy Christmas Party [December 12]
• Friend Day [December 15]
• Hmong Leadership Conference in Laos [December 17-19]
• Staff Orientation [January 3]
• New Small Groups [January 5]
• Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Northern Thailand [January 28-31]
• Bible College Graduates Retreat in Thailand [February 2-4]
• Missions Emphasis [March 16]
• Youth Conference in Laos [April, exact date TDB]
• Ministry Asia Conference in Thailand [August, exact date TBD]