Outreach to Bhutanese refugees resettling in Madison began in April of 2009 when a Life Group committed to a 90-day sponsorship of the first Bhutanese family to arrive in Madison. Since then, our congregation has been blessed to witness many Bhutanese come to faith in Jesus through baptism, attend weekly Saturday evening Bible study and fellowship, and serve in our congregation and elsewhere.
UPDATES
Pastor Amos Shakya from Chicago continues to develop leaders in our ministry, visiting Madison every other weekend. He also provides wise counsel as the community encounters both celebrations and challenges that are often culturally unique. Mentored during the week, Bhutanese leaders teach the Bible study and lead worship every Saturday evening. One of our leaders, Ran Limbu, is in the midst of a 3-year basic theological training program with Pastor Amos as his mentor.
The AWANA club continues to draw youth and children from the larger Madison Bhutanese community. They quickly outgrew the limited basement space they were using in one of the apartment buildings and found consistent Saturday morning meeting space within walking distance at Good Shepherd Lutheran on Raymond Road. They have received a warm welcome from the faith community there and are now using the same space for Saturday evening fellowship and Bible study as well.
The summer months brought several celebrations. Two community picnics at area parks offered great food, fellowship, music and games. The AWANA club had a special celebration and program for their one-year anniversary in June. We provided support and comfort for several life transitions, rejoiced at the return of some faces we hadn’t seen for awhile and welcomed new babies into the kingdom of God through baptism.
Most recently we welcomed a brand new family to Madison. Our congregation generously donated home items to help get them settled and the Bhutanese community surrounded them for support. We anticipate another new family to arrive in the coming months.
PRAYERS
Please continue to pray for this ministry. His continued protection and guidance is needed as we further His Kingdom work here in Madison. Pray for Pastor Amos in his leadership and Ran Limbu in his continued development and training. Pray for those who have reconnected with our ministry after time away, that they may be energized in their faith. Pray that our ongoing discipleship would bear fruit and grow and that all the resources necessary are available to allow this ministry to continue to develop and mature.
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers!
