by Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, Field & Church Engagement Director, and Area Director of Thailand and Vietnam.
In Ephesians 6:18-22, Apostle Paul reminds us that what we need today is not more machineries, resources, new organisations, or more novel methods but men (women) whom the Holy Spirit can use – men (women) of prayer, men (women) mighty in prayer.
Paul urges the Ephesians to have a lifestyle of prayer that grows in relationship with God. It is through prayer and quiet times with God that we will be spiritually nourished. It is also not a coincidence that Paul encouraged constant prayer for one another (v18). We observe here that God intended ministry to be done in partnership with others. If we want to have a faithful church, it must comprise faithful people who pray.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “praying at all times in the spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” “Praying at all times” and “praying unceasingly” mean that we are conscious of the presence of our heavenly Father in our daily lives, and we have an ongoing conversation with Him. It would also mean moment-by-moment dependence on Him and that there is nothing too small or too insignificant to bring before Him i.e., to talk to Him and ask for guidance.
In all my 17 years of serving as the Area and Field Director in MMS, I am mindful that our God is a God of Mission and Jesus is our first Missionary. Throughout my ministry in the four countries (Nepal, East Asia, Thailand, and Vietnam) and as a trailblazer in the opening of Timor-Leste and Laos, I experienced God’s faithfulness and the leading of the Holy Spirit through unceasing prayers and obedience (study of God’s Word).
A good illustration was how God led us to equip and train the core leadership in Nepal, paving the way to the formation of MCN and initiating the church planting movement. All these are only possible through the unceasing prayers, the answered prayers, and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Similarly, it took us more than 11 years from the sending of our first missionary in 2008 to Timor-Leste to where the ministry is today. Through unceasing prayers, God helped us to overcome countless challenges and bureaucratic processes in setting up the St Paul Methodist School and two hostels. Our prayers helped to keep our faith strong and to make the right decisions.
Through prayers, God directed us to a temporary location at Hera instead of developing the school with a Resort Project Developer. And in time to come, prayerfully by early next year, to a permanent site at Metinaro. God answered our prayers in every situation with resources, financial needs, government and community assistance, teaching staff, and students. However, most importantly, we have a staunch praying missionary family assisted by a group of committed praying missionaries and a band of faithful intercessors.
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Dear Col (Ret) Quek, Thank you for testifying on the power of prayer. Indeed, this is an indispensable spiritual discipline that we must continue to cultivate and deepen. Praise God for answered prayers and providing breakthroughs in our church planting and community development projects in the fields. May more come alongside to be intercessors, for the advancement of His Kingdom in the nations of the world. Shalom.