Carter Gates leads VOM's work in the Asia Pacific Region. This week he shares how he came to be involved in ministry, some travel and ministry experiences, and updates on the persecution of Christians in China, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Carter's first spark of interest in missions came after reading a VOM book, Jesus Freaks, where he first read about Christians being persecuted for their faith. The stories, including one from North Korea, stirred in him a passion to know more about what his brothers and sisters in Christ are facing.

Carter joined YWAM as a sophomore in college, and what he thought would be a few months of service turned into seven years ministering throughout East Asia!

China continues to enforce drastic religious restrictions, including expelling many Christian foreigners, some of whom have lived and worked in China for decades. Local believers say they are ready to take the lead and continue God's work—even as they face suffering and persecution. Carter will also discuss restrictions and persecution in Myanmar and Vietnam, including how Covid has affected ministry and travel in the past two years.

Carter will also share an opportunity VOM workers had to help Christians obtain ground to bury their dead—something that's been a blessing to Christians and a powerful testimony to Buddhists living in the surrounding area.

Carter will help us know specific ways to pray for access to God's Word, strength for the church and for the Lord to continue to lead His people in the Asia Pacific region.

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