What's New?!
December 2008
Vol. 1, Issue 1 | | | | | | |
As the year draws to a close, we are thrilled to launch MCC Asian Pacific Initiative's first e-newsletter. This has been a very full year, with a tremendous opportunity for growth and development taking place in several parts of Asia. During this season of gratitude, we invite you to give thanks for God's blessings on this ministry and help us envision what 2009 holds!
In Blessed Hope,
The API Team
| | | | | MCC Philippines |  Did you know there are now two MCC churches in the Philippines? The original Manila church was affiliated in 1991 (now known as Makati) and is currently pastored by Regen Luna (pictured left). Two years ago, a satellite branch was planted in Quezon City. This church is currently pastored by Rev. Ceejay Agbayani (pictured right) and under his leadership, the church has grown tremendously! Rev. Elder Ken Martin and Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong attended the affiliation service and Rev. Agbayani's ordination on September 14.
The current needs in the Philippines are: 1) Consistent meeting location for MCC Philippines - Quezon City (the church has been moving weekly according to free spaces provided by the government) 2) Subsidy for Rev. Agbayani's salary (it is currently below livable wages, even for the Philippines). We also need help sending MCC Philippines -- Makati pastoral leader Regen Luna to Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines. A scholarship fund is also being established. Please let Stedney Phillips know if you are willing to partner with API to make these dreams a reality. | | Pakistan |  While most LGBT people enjoy relative freedom in North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, queer people literally have to live in fear that their lives would be in danger just by stepping outside the door. Islamic Fundamentalists frequently send "enforcers" to keep sexual minorities in the closet, or worst yet, "eliminate" them completely. It is not uncommon for a lesbian to be raped by the enforcers or for a gay man to be beaten and tortured. Consequently, many gay men end up marrying women, or in some rare cases, gay men marry lesbians. Lesbians are often referred to as "those who wish not to marry" and are left with little economic alternatives in a patriarchal world. This is why MCC wants to partner up with CARE Pakistan, to offer training for women to become self-sufficient and to provide a safe environment for lesbians to learn a marketable trade. USD$1,500 would be able to sponsor the vocational training for one lesbian. API has a goal of training three women. Please e-mail Stedney Phillips to make a commitment today. | | Nepal | | On November 17, 2008, Nepal became the first country in Asia to legalized same-gender marriage. The nation's highest court's affirmed LGBTI citizens as "natural persons" deserving equal rights and protected from discrimination. According to Sunit Pant, Nepal's only out gay Member of Parliament, "Reading this decision my eyes were filled with tears and I felt we are the most proud LGBTI citizens of Nepal in the world." | | Other Countries | | MCC API has been in conversation with Global Social Justice on the possibility of planting a church in Malaysia by 2010. A study group has been formed and conversations taking place to establish a thriving church there. There are also talks with an Independent, predominantly LGBT group in Singapore. Please keep both these groups in your thoughts and prayers! | | API Strategic Planning |  From July 29-July 30, the API team met in Austin, Texas to plan the focus for next year. The team consists of Rev. Elder Ken Martin, Rev. Ed Paul, Stedney Phillips, Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong. Be on the lookout for future updates and events! | | API Luau |  On August 1, Rev. Elder Ken Martin and Tom Cole held a luau (Hawaiian-style party) at their home to talk about Ken's recent trip to the Philippines and Pakistan. More than 80 people showed up, became passionate about the work in Asia, and contributed more than USD$12,000 as well as two laptops to the API ministry. The laptops were well received by the two churches in the Philippines. They are now able to communicate more readily with the rest of the world! Thank you for your generosity. If you would like to host a fundraising event to support this effort, e-mail Stedney Phillips.  
Jonipher with Makati group Jonipher and Ken with Rev. Ceejay | | General Conference 2010 |  The Asian Pacific Initiative's outreach efforts will be featured in one of the pre-conference institutes prior to General Conference 2010 in Acapulco. Watch for more information on this! | | Thank you for your contributions in 2008!! It is through your prayers and giving - in offerings, fundraisers, and your commitment to API through the Generous in Faith designation - that together, we are transforming lives!
| | API Steering Team Contact Info: | | | | |
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