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1^'DIR

"By faith they sojourned in the land....

looking forward to a city which has foundations,

LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

whose builder and maker is God."

HEB. 11:8-10

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Alan & Janet Bemo

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Forwarding Agent:

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

Linda Goerke

Box 108

3106 Summit Ave

Nongkhai 43000

St Joseph, MO 64506

Thailand

(816) 279-9978

February 27, 1996

mvmll CAPfTAl

MrKWU lOtMft

Dear Co-Workers, Family and Friends,

n o v w c i fwofK
-

^ -

tOAO * M

Tr- novncii mi cwiuchij

J 'jj.
uuifvei

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T^,

We are writing to you from the hospitable home of Joel and Kelly Ann
Lillie, former co-workers in Thailand and now with FHI in Chiangmai,
Thailand. We arrived here on February 25th because we had to leave
Laos due to visa problems.

We arrived in Laos on January 8th and were met by our daughter Beckyand Tbm Love We had a wonderful
reunionwith Becky and former co-workers. It took us three days to get overjet lag. We settled into Beck/s
apartment without too much trouble It is small but very safe^ beingon the second floor and havinga guard
24 hours a day.

My first trip up-coimtry was on January 23rd to the same area where we had worked before^ this time to

st^ some agricultural programs. Even though FHI has done agreat job of development here^ the agricul
tural aspect never has really gotten going. We had received a warning from the government. "Get things
going this year on agriculture^ or FHFs entire program will be in jeopardyf' During 19961 am to be concen
trating on buffalo^ cow, and pig banks (loaning pregnant animals and then getting paid back with a pregnant
animal within a certain period of time) I am also to do a lot of work with fruit tree production and vegetable
seed distribution.

It was really great to be back in Northern Laos with people we had worked with for so long. We were
especially happy to find that a person we had some influence with had become a Christian (with the help
of one of our Christian Lao staff) and, in turn, had led two others to Christ. Another lady is also a believer
but still needs to be taught more We also heard that one and a half Hmong villages had accepted Christ,
due to listening to Christian radiobroadcasts. We praise God for answering prayers on behalfof this province
which has never been evangelized and has no church. The trip took me ten days and I got a document written
up and signed by the district and the provincial officials approving of our working up there.

When I got back to Vientiane I put the document into the Department of Agriculture for their approval. It
went through in a record time of three days. The problem started when we took my application to the
Department of FDreign Affairs for visa approval. We had been given a one month single entry visa to get into
the country and we have one month to get a six month, multiple working visa Our application has been
sitting there ever since. They keep making excuses about why it isn't approved yet, which has kept us
guessing as to what the real problem is. Surely it wouldn't be inefficiency, or looking for a bribe! One
staff member told us she thought it was because we are witnessing Christians. Another source told us
that it was because of a rumor going around that I am an ex-soldier, here to spy out POWs and MIAs. We
actually overstayed our visa time^ thinking that the extension would come through any day. Finally we had
to leave Laos on February 25th for Chiangmai. We got a one month visa for Thailand and have extended that

for 10 days now. Our time is up on April 4th. If our visas for Laos are not done by that date we are to
leave for China. There is certainly a lot to do in that country, and since we speak Chinese we feel good
about this possibility, although our hearts are still with the Laos.
While here we have been able to visit and encourage the Christians in the five villages where we used to
work here in Thailand. The churches are still going well with new Christians in each place

Family events during January to March: Becky just made a trip to China for her Spring break and will be
flying in here today. She is enjoying her school teaching job and livingin Laos. Oldfriends, Paul Lang and
his daughter, Anna, visited us from Grinnell, Iowa. We heard that our granddaughter, Phoneix, took her
first steps, and we weren't there to see it. (sniff!) Sarah needs our prayers as she is adjusting to college
life and to not having her parents around. Katy, Nathan's wife, is expecting their second in June, and has
been in the hospital a couple of times. And our Beth, is expecting her fourth in April, so our quiver is
full. Praise God!

A scripture that has especiallybeen meaningful to us lately is I Corinthians 15:58: "Let nothing move yom

.Always_give_yourselvesJulJyjo_the work ofthe Lord, bemuse you_know that your labor in the Lord isnot
in vain." Please continue to pray fervently for us. I plan on writing to you again as soon as something
happens.

Sincerely,
Alan, Janet, and Rachel

PS I do not know why it took so long for me to receive this letter. As of April 4,1 have not heard
any more so don't know if Alan and Janet are going to China or what. They were a little concerned

,
about the situation between China, Ihiwan and the U.S. As soon as I hear something we will send ;
,out another letter. Thank you for your prayer support of Alan and Janet. Keep it up!!
y
' 1

Linda

Central Christian Church

1501 N. Leonard Road

BULK RATE

U.S. Postage
PAID

St. Joseph, MO 64508

St. Joseph, MO
Permit Na 2223

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

MISSIN SERVICES ASSN

PC BOX 2427

KNOXVILLE. TN 37901-2427

"By faith they sojourned In the land....

looking forward to a city which has foundations,

LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

whose builder and maker Is God."

HEB. 11:8-10

Alan & Janet Bemo

Forwarding Agent:

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

Linda Goerke
3106 Summit Ave

Box 108

Nongkhai 43000
Thailand

St. Joseph, MO 64506

(816) 279-9978

May 25, 1996

PCGVtNCf CAPtTAl
NAItGNAl lOaOU

.KGVKCf 10X911

Dear Friends,

ROAO't)

rTTTr nOVOtCCllKTN CNUWNCt

"Behold how many thousands still are lying

Bound in the dark-some prison house of sin.
With none to tell them of the Savior's dying.
Or the life He died for them to win."

How our hearts are heavy. From 1994 till this year Lao Christians have been forced to sign denials of
their faith, churches have beenclosed, and Christian leaders have beeii imprisoned. Early this year, at the
6th Party Congress, a Lao government official made this statementin a closed meeting: "In the past the
number one enemy of the people was the USA. This is no longer the case Tbday the chief enemy of the
people are the Protestant Christians and the Bahai people" Not accidentally these two groups are the

ones that are growing. In March, after this meeting, banners have been hung in the city streets ^ing

for the longevity ofMarxist-Leninist doctrine andloyalty to the Party. We donotbelieve it was a coincidence
that it was just at this time that our application for the renewal ofvisas as Christian development workers
was denied by the Lao government and we had to spend six weeks in Thailand.
At the sameParty Congress that decided that Christians were their number one enemies, a decision was
made to try to encourage foreign investors to come into Laos to start "agri-businesses, especially ones
which would involve the export of soybeans." Was it a coincidence that even beforeleaving Laos and while
wewerewaitingin Thailand, weweretalkingto PaulLang,a Christianbusinessman in soybean processing,
aboutthe idea of possibly re-entering Laos as business people to produce^ process, and export soybeans?
(Actually, the soybean processing was what we had been planning to do as FHI volunteers here^ in the
first place) Well, now it is not donated, but a business set-up (probably much better for development)
and the government has told us that our business is exactly what they are looking for and assure us the
license we have applied for will be given in a couple of months, plus we have a 6 months business visa
in hand to do research for marketing, etc

The place which has been selected for the processing plant is in the northern province of Bokeo where
there are several unreached people groups and no church. Also, it is right on the Mekong River at the
crossroads of Thailand, Burma, China, and Laos for soy meal export. We know there are some scattered
Christians in this area. We hope our Christian presence there
be an encouragement to them, be it
ever so discretely. Our prayer is that other Lao Christians will come up to help us with small businesses
(through small business loans) in other areas, and that this will be a gospel center for the north. Across
the river in Thailand, we will have gospel materials in several ethnic languages and already a co-worker

who will oversee We are praying also &at our Chinese brethren in Thailand who only live 12 kilometers

from the river, will be wiUing to start a church for us right across the river to send Lao believers to for
training and growth. Networking, that's the new buzzword isn't it? Why not for Kingdom work? We
anticipate working closelywith farmers as well as business people^ and not being ashamed of the gospel
of Chnst in any situation. Though it seems impossible right now, we pray and look forward to the day

when people will be able tobe taught openly and systemati^y the Word of God. When we visited Hweixai,

the provincial capital of Bokeo, we did prayer walks all aroundthe town and temple, claiming the area

for Jesus Christ. We saw Thai Le, Thai E^m, Lao Hoi, and Khamu peoples. We felt privileged to be
there as ambassadors for Christ. We felt that the trees and the fields were rejoicing that the name

of Christ was finally being spoken there. Isaiah 55 has taken on new meaning for us. Friends were
made easily, and we were even able to witness to a few. What a thrill!
Though, for the most part I am convinced that we are doing what God is directing us to do, there
is still an inner struggle. Will we be able to really serve God as business people? Will it take too much
of our time? The business world is so corrupt, and we refuse to do anything unholy. Is it possible? With
the desire to openly be able to preach, teach, and establish churches, we sometimes wonder, "Is there
some place God would rather have us?" The devil is always busy, isn't he? But because we and you are
praying, we are confident in God's leading, so we go forward in this course, one step at a time, as
He leads the way. He can always close the door or show us a better way if there is one Pray that we
will always be open to His leading, and that He will lead us to those, even in government offices, that
are hungry and thirsty for His righteousness. We'd like your input, too.

Recently, a sermon from a co-worker here on the book ofDaniel has been of^eat encouragement to
us. Daniel and his companions were living in an idolatrous country where being faithful to God was
-dangerous;^The-king gavei:henrpaganmames~and-tried-to-convert then^by-fnrce but they determined
in their hearts not to defile themselves. Because of this God filled them with wisdom, miraculously

delivered them from death, and gave them insights to be powerful witnesses that influenced the whole
kingdom. We, too, as a group determined in our hearts not to be defiled with idolatry, materialism,
immorality, bribery, and the drunkenness we see around us continually. We determined to daily set
Christ as the Lord of our lives and strive to present ourselves as living sacrifices to Him. We believe

God is giving us wisdom and will work mightily through all of our lives. Watch out Laos!

Our happy family news is that we have a new grand-daughter, Zion, born to Beth and Moo Adkins
on April 19. The day after Beth's birthday. Wejust got pictures today, and she is beautiful! Moo ended
up delivering her, himself (with Beth's help). Her brother and sisters are ecstatic Nathan and Katy
are expecting too, in July. We love being grandparents! Just wish we were closer. Our sad family news is

that after a year of separation and hoping that things might work out with prayer and reevaluation, Becky

and Brian are getting a divorce We'd appreciate your prayers for both of them.
Please be careful with this newsletter. Don't post it on a bulletin board or republish any part of it.
We'd like to stay here a little longer. Lord willing. >

Your co-workers for the expansion of His Kingdom,

Central Christian Church

BULK RATE

1501 N. Leonard Road

U.S. Postage
PAID

St. Joseph, MO 64508

St. Joseph, MO

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Permit Na 2223

KNOXVILLE. TN 37901-2427

So-jowitUci^ id
"By faith they sojourned In the land....
looking forward to a city which has foundations,

UQ PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBUC

whose builder and maker is God."

v-.-

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0lv.

JJTO l/\ (
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\/ Mao<UA

HEB. 11:8-10

Alan & Janet Bemo

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

\l

lS-r"V"

Box 108

Nongkhai 43000
Thailand

F^X
n

St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-9978

August 30, 1996

%-C^
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Forwarding Agent:
Linda Goerke
3106 Summit Ave:

/am

Dear Friends,

.
'

Now there are seven! Yup, seven grandchildren now. Nathan and Katie

' I had their second daughter, Asia Tel, on July 19th. We praise God that
mother and baby are doing fine, because this had been a difficult
pregnancy. We can't wait to see her!

made another
make

to China

with Christians
there for one
and

able to
a
more territory
meet many more people. There
a lot of encouragement we can do
in this area. I was not.able to take

the Bibles and study materials in

XaAi

which they requested, but I hope it

will be possible next time. Is anyone
interested in helping the church in

Mengla with their building fund.^

\ v|

How about helping them with a fish

|i I^

raising project?

On August 4th our family - - Janet,

Rebecca, Rachel, and I went on a

trip to Thailand. Becky had been

wanting to make a trip to visit

villages and people where she had

mtmS

T^^KL m n ^

Becky
Becky with
with her
her old
old Mipo
Mipo freinds
freinds -- new
new young
young mothers.
mothers.
o

grown up and since her year of working here had come to an end, it was time to do it We borrowed a pick-up
from our good friend, Joel Lilly, and drove to Mipho, the village she had the fondest memories of. We have
visited this and other villages we worked in every once in a while to encourage the church, but Becky had not
been to Mipho for fourteen years. She was able to see several people that were her age and that she used to
play -with as a child. Three girls in particular were her very close friends. They are now married and have
children. One of these girls was married to a preacher and lived in another province so we took her parents,
who still lived in Mipho, and we all went to see her. We spent two days there visiting and seeing the work
they are doing. It was in an area we, too, had felt needed a Chinese church, so it was doubly encouraging.
They are doing church work in two villages close to where they live. We all had a wonderful time.

Then on August 16th, Becky left for Jerusalem where she will be working for six months at Christ's Church
Guest House just inside the Jaffa gate. If anyof you are going on a tour of Israel please look her up.

After seeing Becky off we traveled

back to Lao, crossing over in the
north at Hweixai, where we are

planning to move soon. Boot, a

co-worker with FHI, went with us so

he could show us a piece of property

of his which he said we could use for

the business. We were so pleased to

find that the property was right at

the edge of the Taidam village of
Sin Udom, which we had been

praying for. Because of this we are

more sure that God is leading us. We
are still waiting for our business
license to be approved though.
Now we are studying Lao at the
National
University
here
in

Man with Mipo

Mipo Church
Church Leadens
Leaders

Vientiane while we are waiting for

but we
we*re
faithful! Praise
Praise God!
the license. Janet has been teaching WeWe
rg not
not getting
getting any
any younger,
younger, but
re faithful!
God!
English to the FHI Lao staff, too, so we are keeping busy. Our FHI/Lao team just finished having a retreat in

Chiangmai/Mipo, and we really feel a closeness is developing amongst the staff in spiritual matters and
applying it in all our development work. The whole team is Christian nowand a joy to work with.

We would appreciate your continued prayers for us, especially for the license and the preaching of the gospel
among the Taidam people.
Your co-workers,

NON-PROFIT

Central Christian Church

1501 N. Leonard Road

U.S. Postage

St. Joseph, MO 64508

PAID

St. Joseph, MO
Permit No. 2223

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Mission Services Assn

P.

O.

Box 2427

Knoxville, TN

37901-2427

"By faith they sojourned In the land....

looking forward to a city which has foundations,

UkO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

whose builder and maker Is God."

HEB. 11:8-10

Alan & Janet Bemo

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
Box 108

Forwarding Agent
Linda Goerke
3106 Summit Ave

Nongkhai 43000

St. Joseph, MO 64506

Thailand

(816) 279-9978

September - December 1996

Dear Friends,

There are some exciting things which are going on right now. I
just recently made another trip to southern China where I was able
to start working among the Black Tai there. I was able to testify of
my faith and give them a Christian video and some literature. They
were very receptive and want me to come back. On the same trip I
miraculously met some new Hmong believers on a bus. When I told them I was a Christian the
man reached out and grabbed my arm and said, "I want what you are talking about. Please follow
me when I get off the bus." I did and ended up spending the night in their village and teaching
them for many hours. I found that they had accepted Christ after hearing the gospel on radio
broadcasts. Last year they built a church building but soldiers came and tore it down. We are
making plans to go back to this area early next year.
We have recently hired a Christian Black Tai man to be our business manager in Laos. We have
heard that there is a revival which has broken out in northern Vietnam in which 20,000 have come
to the Lord. He is on a "business trip" to Vietnam to check out and see if there is anything we can
do to help, like delivering Bibles. He is also taking samples of soy meal to find markets for our
product.
In October I had the joy of leading of two young men to the Lord in Vientiane, by studying Lao
TEE material (Theological Education by Extension) with them. We look forward to the day when
this can be happening in northern Laos where we are preparing to move.

Another portion of the Black Tai scriptures has been translated and is due to be published in
January.

I am writing you from the United States. We are here for a short visit to make arrangements for
the business we are starting in Laos. There are several aspects of this that you need to understand.

Our motive for starting this business is not to make money, but to be able to continue sharing
Christ in Laos. We have selected the site for the business at Hweixai, in northeastern Laos, which
is strategic for spreading the gospel. Briefly, this business, "Natural Products, International,"
is agri-business. It will buy soybeans from Lao farmers, process it into animal feed additives, and
sell it to animal feed companies. This will benefit hundreds of farmers by allowing them to grow
a cash crop, train Lao people in new technology, and create new industries in Laos, all the while
giving us quantity and quality time with people who are otherwise unreached.
Our business license is 90% done, now only needing the signature of the prime minister.
We are still receiving our personal support through Food for the Hungry. Our supporters should
continue sending money there. FHI is excited about what we are doing.

The business finances are being handled by a group of Christian men from thr Grinnel Christian
Church in Grinnel, Iowa. These men have formed a board of directors and opened a special bank
account. They are going to meet every three monts to examine the books, look over our quarterly
report, and pray for the work. Several people have already given money and equipment for the
business. Please feel free to contact Paul Lang at 626, Hwy 6, Grinnel, lA 50112 or telephone 515-

236-3583 if you have any questions or are interested in helping with the business.

We are hoping to go back to Laos at the end of December. Please call us anytime. We are traveling
a lot but you have a good chance at finding us at 417-626-7064, our number in Joplin, Missouri,
or at Paul Lang's house.

Please pray for us as we are setting things up. We are traveling a lot in the states and need a lot
of wisdom. Continue to pray for (1) the translation of the Black Tai Bible, (2) the revival in
northern Vietnam, (3) the two new Christians, and (4) the new business.

Please contact us or our forwarding agent about further details. We have a nine page concept
jjaper which explains the whole thing which we would be glad to mail you.
Linda recently sent out some post cards for people to fill out and send in so we could update our
mailing list. If you have not yet sent these please help us out by sending them as soon as possible.
We got some cards back saying they wanted to continue receiving our newsletter but people had
failed to put their name and address on them so we don't know who they were from. If you think
you might have done that please drop Linda a note telling her if you want to continue receiving
or not.

Yours In Jesus,

NON-PROFIT

Central Christian Church

1501 N. Leonard Road

U.S. Postage

St. Joseph, MO 64508

PAID

St. Joseph, MO
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Permit No. 2223

Mission Services Assn

P- 0. Box 2427
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

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