Karen people in Myanmar

MANDATE MINISTRIES UPDATE

(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.

(more…)

MANDATE MINISTRIES UPDATE

(December 24, 2024) Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, share regarding their Chiang Mai, northern Thailand and Myanmar ministry, and an update regarding Ross’ health…

Hi friends, we are back in Chiang Mai now and loving it!

We’ve had the opportunity to catch up with many of our ministry partners, as well as preaching in some of the great churches in this city.

Ross achieved a significant milestone last week as he submitted his research thesis to the examiners on Leadership Development Programs in Northern Thailand, after four years of research, blood, sweat, and tears. Woo hoo!

Christmas Programs for Karen People
We were able to provide much needed food, supplies, as well as Bibles for the Karen people at two special events last week. Our team organised Christmas programs where food parcels and gifts were distributed.

The gospel was preached and the Karen people received the word and the Christmas gifts with great appreciation.


Ross’s Health Update
Ross recently underwent a CT scan and X-ray to determine the progression of the cancer in his body. It appears that the cancerous lesion in the liver has doubled in sizeover the last 2.5 months.

In the natural this is obviously not a good sign, fortunately we are not living in the natural and believing God for divine intervention to reverse this accursed cancer. Please pray with us for the total eradication of every cancer cell in Ross’s body, for total restoration of health and wholeness, and for overflowing strength and energy levels.

Christmas Camp
Ross was invited to be the speaker at a three-day church Christmas camp recently. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry. It was very much an international camp with two church members not only from Thailand but also from Argentina, Nigeria, Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil, USA, and Karen people from Myanmar.

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

Special Prayer Requests

  • Quick and total healing for Ross. ‘Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases’ (Psalm 103:2-3).
  • Peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.
  • For the 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 to print more Bibles: Sponsorship is code FW061; printing of Karen Bibles, relief and general ministry to the Karen people is code FW061D, and can be designated via this link https://donate.acci.org.au/form-6504140/fw061-ross-donna. Know that you can make a difference

___________________________________________
Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, have been missionaries to Asia for many years. Based in  Chiang Mai, they have worked with local pastors and church-planters, developing in-service leadership training programs that address challenges and issues unique to this area of Thailand. Link rossw@investeternal.com
___________________________________________

MANDATE MINISTRIES UPDATE

(September 06, 2024) Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, share from Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, including news regarding Ross’ health…

Myanmar’s Karen People’s Smiles
We will never cease to be amazed at the tremendous resilience of the Karen people who have been forced to flee their villages and live in the dense jungle and in caves.

We are blessed to be able to provide food and supplies, and see their smiling faces in the midst of adversity in Myanmar.

Ross’ Health Update
Ross has a CT scan this week followed by discussion with his oncology doctor. The results showed the cancer in the liver has grown substantially, so she is discontinuing his treatment since it isn’t working.

However, it looks like Ross will be accepted into a clinical trial testing a new form of immunotherapy. The approval could be as soon as next week which the doctor thought was quite incredible.

So although we are thankful for this opportunity, at the end of the day our trust and hope are in the Lord, who is our Jehovah Rapha. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the miracle needed! Thanks for your prayers!

Land of Oz Ministry
Ross will continue his ministry to churches in Australia until we can get back to Thailand. We are grateful for the opportunities that God has given us to share in some amazing churches,

Motorcycle Project
Our Karen project manager, who identifies the most needy areas and arranges deliveries of provisions for the Karen people, is in desperate need of a good off-road motorcycle.

The roads are very dangerous for riding a street bike, particularly in the rainy season.

We have located a low mileage, Kawasaki KLX for $2,300 (new price $4,600). If you would like to donate towards this need, or to our Karen ministry in general, please use the link in the prayer request section below. Thank you!

Many Thanks
Thanks again for your faithful prayers and support of our ministry to Asia.      

___________________________________________
Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, have been missionaries to Asia for many years. Based in  Chiang Mai, they work with local pastors and church-planters, developing in-service leadership training programs that address challenges and issues unique to this area of Thailand. Link rossw@investeternal.com
___________________________________________

MANDATE MINISTRIES UPDATE

(March 18, 2024) Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, share from Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, particularly regarding Ross’ health…

Health update
Ross was recently diagnosed as having stage 4 oesophageal cancer which has metastasised to theliver and lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. We have temporarily relocated to Brisbane so he can receive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.

We are taking all that medical science can offer and are also believing for a miracle of healing. We would appreciate your prayers for the obliteration of all the cancer cells in Ross’ body and for full and total healing and restoration.

(more…)