Greetings from Bangkok! I hope this update finds you all doing well. I know most of you (especially those in Michigan) are experiencing a very cold and snowy winter. While most of you probably want to give up and move to Florida, there is nothing like Bangkok's hot season where you will long for a little bit of cold crisp wind! Although we have not reached the hottest of hot season yet, we have definitely entered the sweaty, humid, and warm beginning of a very long 3-4 months.
In the midst of the warm weather, many news things are stirring up. Here's the latest on what went on during mid-January to mid-February:
Special Visit
A couple of years ago, Ba Yong's grandson was adopted by a Missionary family that lives in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand). Isaiah and his adopted family came to visit his biological family for a couple of days. It was a joyous surprise visit that really brought joy to his grandmother and siblings; actually more like everyone in the community was extremely excited. The family had adopted three little thai boys Caleb age 7, Joseph age 5, and Isaiah age 2. All three of the boys speak fluent english so it was really fun being able to communicate 100% with them! We had a delicious dinner and fun time celebrating life and visiting with the family.
Community Bible Study
After praying and seeking God's direction for many months, we began a new ministry in the community. Every Thursday evening we gather for a time of worship and bible study. We began three weeks ago--not really knowing what would happen but trusting in God to provide--and we have had over 12 community members join us each week! God has definitely been faithful and the Holy Spirit is moving! Just this past Thursday bible study, one man (whom is very educated in Buddhism) has began to admit that there is something different about Jesus. It's been simply incredible seeing the Lord stir the hearts of those living in our community.
Personal Growth & Struggles
During this season of new changes and beginning to close our commitment to our community and internship, God has been challenging me to grow in many ways. I have begun a book study with my pastors wife and a handful of Christian women in Bangkok. The study has challenged me to really look at past and current issues and invite the Lord to help bring change and growth, especially in the area of self-worth. It is not the easiest, especially with being honest about personal doubts, sins, and shortcomings. But I know God has really been developing me into a stronger woman of faith.
Also, I wanted to ask for prayer and healing in a very specific area. My skin issues have begun again. I was healed last January, and after having no skin issues for over a year, it began three weeks ago. There are no answers and no way of treatment. In the past, doctors thought it could be some form of allergic reaction. Please pray for healing and strength to not be hindered by health and itching.
Kids VBS
During this new year, we changed our approach of teaching VBS and English to our children. Now we choose a month-long story and then every week make a lesson and skit. For January we taught on Joseph and this month we began to teach on Moses. The kids have really been loving the lessons, especially our outrageously funny skits.
English for Life
Teaching English has been going very smoothly. With over 10 old and new students, Natalie and I have continued to split the class up with beginners and intermediate levels. I really enjoy teaching the intermediate level and have already witnessed improvement from my students. Last week (Valentine's Day) I had a great opportunity to teach the students about why love is so important, emphasizing on how God models His love to us.
Welcome Eva!
What a miracle baby! My Pakistani friends whom are Asylum Seekers in Thailand were blessed to have a beautiful baby girl! I was able to help them translate during their stay at a government hospital in another province right outside of Bangkok. She is such a precious little one and I was so happy to help them communicate with the doctors and nurses.
Praise Report
- I wanted to thank you all for your prayers for the little baby that was in ICU, he is all better and at home
- I wanted to also thank those of you who have been praying for my future. Seeing as I finish my commitment in less then 4 1/2 months, I recently found out I received an amazing scholarship to Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for the Advance Standing program--which means I will get my Master's in Social Work in 10-12 months. Although I have not decided whether or not grad school is the next step I will choose, I am honored and blessed to receive the scholarship. Please continue to pray as I discern what I will do after I leave Thailand in July.
Please Pray!
- For God to continue moving in our Community Bible Study
- As Natalie and I begin to say goodbye, please pray for good transitions within our community and each other
- Discernment for future
- For God to continue impacting our community leaders and members
- Kids VBS and English for Life programs
- Continued Health & Healing
- Energy during hot season
- Guidance for new Ministry opportunities before we leave
- Personal Development and Self-Discipline
- More of God Everyday!
In this season, may we be reminded:"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." ~1 John 3:16-18