Ryan and Suzie minister amongst the 'B people' in South Asia with Baptist Mission Australia.
Excerpt from a recent update.
It's Good Friday Eve as I write but there is very little in this country to remind us of this most significant season in the Christian calendar. But as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, I am reminded that "greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend." (John 15:13). It's an enormous privilege to know this love of Jesus, which spurs us on as we live amongst this group of people who, mostly, do not understand. As you celebrate over this Easter weekend, may you know you are loved. And may you be reminded that, ultimately, it is love that wins!
Many of you will be aware of the challenges we have faced in securing visas to stay in South Asia. Previous visa applications had been processed with great difficulty, visas had been issued for only months at a time, and on one occasion accompanied with unreasonable fines. It would be fair to say that we weren't much looking forward to...apply for another visa extension. After 5 separate visits to the visa office, we are pleased to announce that our visas have been extended for two and a half years! Partly this is due to some helpful adjustments to our working project arrangements made by our local office. Mostly, we are thankful to our Father for this amazing provision which wasn't previously available for development workers like us. We can now freely leave the country and return as we need.
We have now completed the first stage of a detailed context analysis in the area where we are planning to deliver the new Cerebral Palsy early detection and early intervention program. Community representatives met in groups (see photo above) and were able to share with us how they currently access healthcare for pregnancy, birthing and early childhood. When we receive the required local ethics approval (quite the process), we will be able to begin recruiting some of these community members and train them to deliver the early intervention.
Our Physiotherapist and Field staff are trialing a disability curriculum with some group members. We are hoping this learning will promote discussion and facilitate communities becoming more supportive of people with disabilities who live in their neighbourhoods. This is a tangible way we can express love for these people - by providing them with accurate and accessible information which has the potential to transform their lives and communities.
For those of you who pray, here are some things to consider...
Pray for a sustained season of freedom and justice in this country
Pray for Ryan and local staff member Mr S who will attend a conference in Thailand in May important for developing our scripture App
Pray for local ethics approval for the new work with infants and for the recruitment of enthusiastic women for delivering the home-based early intervention
Give thanks for a largely peaceful election
Give thanks for an encouraging Annual Staff Conference
Give thanks for our new extended visas
Thank you again for your interest in us and the B people of South Asia!
