God is doing great things around the world, and it is a privilege to join in His work! IBLP continues to minister in various countries, including Mexico, Romania, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. We pray you will be encouraged as you read these reports of God’s work in Australia and Hong Kong during 2017.

Australia

Last year began well with a wonderful Annual Family Conference. We were excited to have David and Priscilla Waller and children as well as Gil and Kelly Bates, with their daughter Carlin, come to share with us. The theme was “Walking in the Light,” and the children focused on exploring God’s Word and were challenged to diligently seek and know Him. A great time was had by the 240 attendees. This year’s Family Conference is taking place January 14–17, 2018.

Family Days are an opportunity we have to minister to home-educating families in the Melbourne area. The ATI young people conducted 7 great programs throughout the year, with typical attendance of around 100 individuals each meeting. Later in the year, 10 ATI students joined in a 2-week mission trip to the Solomon Islands to help teach the Gela people how to use their newly translated New Testament. ATI students also attended the Financial Freedom seminar. We were encouraged with the involvement of our ATI young people this past year! 

The Yarra Training Center was tendered for sale during the year. The maintenance and operational costs made continued occupation economically unviable. The property will settle in June 2018, and we are looking to the Lord to provide a new headquarters property to continue the ministry in Australia.

Throughout the year we continued to host conferences. We offered two “mini-seminars” which were well-attended. In September, we held a Regional Family Conference. Our main speaker, Norm Wakefield, challenged us about what it means to love as Christ loves. The themed children’s program inspired them to serve in the “Lord’s army.” During the Regional Family Conference, we also introduced a new program for the 13–14 year olds. Those attending enthusiastically welcomed this new opportunity. 

Hong Kong

In 2017, approximately 440 people attended the four seminar retreats held throughout the year. All attendees travelled from China to Hong Kong and listened to the Basic, Financial Freedom, or Advanced Seminar. Due to the changing and increasingly unpredictable political environment in China, numbers were slightly decreased compared to the previous year. The decreased attendance has raised some questions about the future direction of the seminar retreats. Please pray earnestly for our fellow believers in Mainland China and also for IBLP Hong Kong as we consider how to continue ministering to others.

Several groups of seminar alumni from China have continued to apply the principles into their lives through local follow-up groups that meet on a regular basis. Many husbands and wives discovered and began practicing their biblical roles in the home; several fathers realized the importance of being spiritual leaders in their homes. Through learning and applying Biblical principles, marriage relationships were reconciled. An unsaved mother-in-law started going to church and seeking truth because of the change she saw in her daughter-in-law. Others have been freed from bitterness by seeing their own wrongs and asking for forgiveness.

We are exploring two opportunities to use the seminar for small groups of Hong Kong locals. These opportunities could potentially lead to a more suitable style of reaching local churches and communities. Pray for God’s direction in this area.

The second IBLP Hong Kong Family Conference was held from December 30 to January 3. Close to 200 people attended! We praise God for His providence working in the conference. From the speakers, messages, children’s programs and workers to the beautiful weather, His hand was evident. The attendees gave positive feedback and the conference met many needs of the people from China.

Please pray for the Lord’s wisdom and leading in 2018. Pray for us as we take the seminars and other resources to churches and institutions in Hong Kong.