(January 30, 2025) Editorial notation:

It’s been a delight to regularly feature the missionary ministry of Ross and Donna Winchester, Mandate Ministries— their Chiang Mai, northern Thailand and Myanmar ministry— and to advise updates regarding Ross’ health challenges.

Despite not being unwell he and Donna had returned to Thailand last month to encourage those who shared in the ministry, as well as church leaders. Unfortunately they had return to Australia December 28.

His natural family— and broader denomation family— have shared the following sad news… reminding us of the good news that Ross is with the Lord, the one he loved, served and shared.

Family Accolade
Dear Friends and Family
Ross Winchester (Dad) went to be with the Lord early this morning after fighting a difficult battle with cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by family.

Last Sunday, we were worshipping together in the hospital chapel with friends and family. Even though he was weak in the body, he wanted to let everyone know that we were there to lift up the name of Jesus.

Ross was full of faith and lived his life for Jesus. He made an impact everywhere he went and always knew how to make people laugh. Even in his final weeks he was sharing the gospel, working out ways to help the Karen people in Myanmar, and cracking jokes in the hospital room.

He was well loved and will be missed by many.

Fellowship Family Accolade
(From Wayne Alcorn, ACC National President)

Dear ACC Family
It is with much sadness that I write to you that our dear friend, Ross Winchester, went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning after fighting a difficult battle with cancer.

Ross was a man full of faith and lived his life for Jesus. For the last 40 years, Ross served as an ACCI missionary in Thailand and China. He made an impact everywhere he went and always knew how to make people laugh. Even in his final weeks, he was sharing the gospel, working out ways to help the Karen people in Myanmar, and cracking jokes from his hospital bed.

He was greatly loved and will be missed by many. He remains one of the longest serving field workers in our Movement.

Dedicated Team Accolade
We are thankful to the Lord that our ministry to the Karen people is able to continue through our dedicated team on the Thai/Karen Border.

The team is currently led by Brother Weerachai, one of the most committed Christians. He is also facing great challenges with his daughter Pimowan, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. She (left of Ross) will be in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy for several months. Please pray for her complete healing and recovery.

Thanks again for your faithful prayers and support of our ministry to Asia. Please pray for—

• Pimowan’s healing.
• Peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.
• Karen believers to rise up and declare the kingdom of God is here and expect to see the signs and wonders that will accompany it.
• Finances for provisions for the Karen people and also to print more Bibles.
• Donna Winchester and family. It brought a smile to Donna’s face to be visited by so many friends and relatives over the past days, incredibly blessed to have so many praying and supportive friends all over the world.

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Links for—
(i) Readers led to bless Donna Winchester directly rossw@investeternal.com.
(ii) Printing of Karen Bibles, relief and general ministry to the Karen people is code FW061D: https://donate.acci.org.au/form-6504140/fw061-ross-donna (Non-tax deductible relief and ministry activities to the Karen people).
(iii) Code P111– for tax-deductible donations for relief and assistance for displaced and affected Karen people— https://donate.accir.org.au/form-6679096/p111-myanmar-idp-refugee
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