August 2007

Hi Faithful Friends and Family,

The world we live in expects big things and fast results, but sometimes small, slow advances are the best advances.

"And the Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you." Deuteronomy 7:22

Our spiritual influence has progressed "little by little" over the past several years. Although most of us tend to favor leaps of progress over small steps, the verse above helps us to appreciate the unseen benefits of slow, but steady, progress. While it hasn't happened all at once, the staff at the Mekong Minority Foundation and I are much better equipped and positioned to influence the community organizations with whom we work.

"Little by little" we have studied the scriptures together and little by little we have been learning with the community leaders and community organizations, seeking Him and seeing rural communities become affected in economic, social, and spiritual ways.

"Little by little" the MMF has carved out a role for itself, where the community groups with whom we work are gaining trust in us.

It seems our efforts to slowly build relationships with the Eastern Shan State churches is gaining ground. as well. Next week we begin our first leadership development workshop for local pastors. It has been our dream to influence the way people lead in poor rural Myanmar. We hope to do this through sharing a Biblical servant model of leadership, rather than the dictatorial model that is seen at all levels of society- even in the church. Big dreams, huh? But only "Little by little".

This week we had staff development annual progress assessments. ‘Little by Little’ they are growing in their maturity, spiritual walk, Biblical knowledge, development skills, facilitation skills, leadership skills, and management ability. It’s good to see.

Wow. God is good.

In looking back, progress has been steady and just about as much as we can handle. Anything more than this would have been dangerous. Even if we could have moved quickly, it probably would have resulted in pride, unhealthy competition and envy. Yes, slow progress has saved us from the wild beasts of pride, animosity and envy.

Thank you for praying for our work and ministry. Your persistent prayers have accomplished much - at a slow, steady pace. Would you please join us as we ask God for the following?

1. That God would bless the first batch of Eastern Shan State pastoral leaders who are going to join in training with us for the next 16 months. Pray that they really catch the heart of Biblical servant leadership as exemplified by Jesus himself.
2. That God would guide the staff as they seek to mentor and support the community organizations and churches with whom we partner.
3. That faith in Christ would result from our efforts among the people whom we serve.

You needn’t pray that these things happen quickly. But you might pray that "the wild beasts" would not grow too numerous for us.

Thanks for your commitment and prayers,

Scott Coats

PS. Remember our website: www.minorityleadership.org