January 2010

Africa to Asia
An insight into the ministry of LCMS missionary
Megan Birney serving Christ in Hong Kong

He makes ALL things new...

Happy New Year from HK! I pray that all of your Christmas celebrations were blessed.
I was so grateful to spend three weeks in the States visiting churches, supporters,
and family members. Since I have been serving internationally, I have spent all holi-
days in the field and it was refreshing to spend this special time with my family.
Upon my arrival in the US, my first round of visits were to South Florida to see my Bir-
ney relatives and speak at Faith Lutheran Church in North Palm Beach, FL. Faith
was my first church family, where my brothers were baptized, and where I attended
preschool. It was great to have the opportunity to talk with so many people who
knew me during my first few steps in the faith. Some of my parents fondest Sunday
School memories are of their small group at Faith, “Parents of Tiny Christians.” :) I
spent the remainder of my time worshiping at my home congregation, Shepherd of
the Coast LCMS in Palm Coast.
At Faith I spent time talking about growing up believing in the saving grace of Christ
and listening for God’s will… even as a 4-year-old God used this church to start
molding my heart. At SOTC I was able to talk to so many people near and dear to
me who have watched me grow and change spiritually, emotionally, and physically
“And He hath
from a 12-year-old girl to a 25-year-old woman serving internationally as a mission-
ary. These conversations were extremely humbling and powerful. God, in turn, has put a new
used these individuals and these families in His church to encourage, love, and song in my
strengthen me over my years of service to His church. mouth, even
My time at home was blessed with reflection on where God has brought me and much
anticipation to go where He leads. Thank you for playing a part in my life through
praise unto
prayer, love, and support. We are surely partners in spreading the Gospel around our God:
the world. While we are weak, Christ gives us NEW strength to be His servants and many shall
do His will in the world. My prayer for this year is that you would be encouraged by
see it, and
those who have helped you grow in the Lord. God speaks through those close to
us, if you’re 4, 12, 25… fear, and shall
Keep listening! trust in the
Lord.”
May the Lord bless Psalm 40:3
and keep you in 2011!
Tax-deductible gifts can be sent to…
LCMS World Mission
Missionary Support
PO Box 790089
St. Louis, MO 63179-0089
Family Photos!
Above: Dad, Me, Mom, Shea, and John Make checks payable to ‘LCMS World Mission’
Top Left: Gransma Holden, Me, Uncle Hoyt, and Mom
Left: Grandma Birney, Me, and Dad Please write ‘Support of Megan Birney’ in the memo line.
Online gifts: http://www.lcms.org?13343
 January 2010
LCMS World Mission
800-433-3954
www.lcmsworldmission.com
mission.info@lcms.org
Learn more about the work of
LCMS World Mission in Asia:
www.lcmsworldmission.org/asia
Prayer Requests
“For this reason, I kneel before the Father…” Eph. 3:14
• For the community of Church of All Nations and Hong Kong International School
• HKIS Middle School Spirituality talks continuing to inspire Christ-oriented
conversations
• CLSNP 7A students preparing for exams and seeing their value through Christ’s eyes
• Praise for safety for all those who are traveling over the Chinese New Year holiday
• Preparations for the spring service trip to Yunnan province
• For the Lutheran Church - Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS); that the Lord would continue
blessing the efforts of the LCHKS in growing God’s kingdom.
• Theological Education in Africa; The CLET in Dapaong, Togo and Lutheran
Theological Seminary in Pretoria, South Africa.
• My CUNE Family Life Ministry graduate program.
• For individuals considering serving on the international mission field; courage and
strength to heed the Lord’s call and say "Here am I. Send me!"
• My fellow LCMS missionaries serving internationally, for the opportunity & strength to
live out Christ’s love through service around the world.
• For the hearts of those needing to know the grace of our great God

Street Sleepers Party

Contact Info Every January Church of All Nations partners with local Hong Kong ministries to host a
outreach to the homeless in HK. This year, over 25 volunteers from CAN helped with
megan.birney@lcms.org entertainment and the distribution of clothes and food to the 85 street sleepers attending.
It was a blessed morning of service and fellowship!
Postal address:
Church of All Nations
8 South Bay Close
Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

Check out my blog:

acrossanoceansizedlove.blogspot.com

Visit my project page:

www.lcms.org?13343

Download my prayer card:

www.lcmsworldmission.org/prayercards

Access my photo albums:

picasaweb.google.com/megaroonski

If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please e-mail me at megan.birney@lcms.org!