Hello everyone, figured I would start with an apology for again staying out of touch, but have been working through a lot and waiting for the details to be worked out. Though everything is not concrete, we have a plan and we would like to share it with you all. I am sure many of you have already heard some news but most likely not all.
We will be headed to the US this year for a long Furlough. Our current plan is 1 year, though that is one of the many things still being worked through. There are several things that we would like accomplished prior to return, if they take more or less time we are ok with that. There are several reasons for this furlough, but the main reasons are we are TIRED, and our kids are getting older, Joey is 18 and Jacob 16. Many missions organizations require furlough much more often than we have had, several even require 1 year off for every 4 on the field. By our arrival we will have been 7 years on the field. When we returned June 2016 our plan was to focus on and complete turning the fellowship over to men that we have been raising up and return after about 1 visa (15 months), though we only told a few people. That is basically still our plan so let me lay it all out.
THE PLAN
With our children getting older and becoming adults we feel there are things that we as parents need to provide. Jacob for instance has a very strong desire to finish his education in the US at a High School then continue on to college. This has been a desire of his now for several years and this is something we support and want to facilitate as best as possible.
Jacob is enrolled in school that begins in August. Sarah, Jacob, Marissa have purchased tickets to fly back July 28. This allows for about 1 month to prepare for school. Unfortunately, Tyler and myself will need to stay back a few months until help arrives. We know this is not ideal, but as of now this is how it is. We have been in talks with a very good friend named "Chaz" that lives in San Francisco and works closely with Francis Chan. He will be coming to continue training up the leaders and supporting them in their new found roles. He isn't available until the last week in Sept. or first week in Oct. thus the delay in our departure. Tickets are actually least expensive Oct 13-14 so at the current that is when we will return. Chaz's ministry is to make disciples, training them to make disciples and continue on down that path. That will be his focus here as well. Training the guys here to evangelize, make disciples that would then go out and make more, while supporting them as the New leaders of New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong. This is really an exciting time, Jack who I have been working with now for almost 3 years, has recognized the calling on his life and is willing to do whatever the Lord wants. As we were talking tonight he just kept on saying "here I am". He speaks Nepalese, Burmese, English, Thai, and Hindi. Though he cannot teach in all these languages he can speak them, his vision for ministry is to reach the Burmese/Nepalese community here in Patong and "plant" a fellowship. Aland is a Chinese Malaysian, he mostly speaks English. He will be taking my place as the leader of the International "English" portion of ministry. While we finish out our time assisting this change will be our main focus.
Upon our arrival we will be seeking employment to support our family needs during our time Stateside, I have already sought and found "as I need" employment. We will "furlough" (no ministry, fundraising, seeking speaking engagements etc.) for several months, getting some rest and much needed family time. In February, we will return to Phuket, checking on the work here and also we would like to "scout" some different areas of ministry. There are several places on the radar right now, India, Cambodia, as well as several different locations here in Thailand. It is our desire to do this trip with a team of people that can help us assess the different opportunities and pray for direction. Upon return from this trip with the direction of the Lord we will begin to work on our relaunch and return to the field. We will not, aside from an act of God, be returning to Phuket.
We understand this most likely creates many questions, please feel free to send all questions to my email; pastor-joe@nbccp.org.
We have several areas of prayer
As of last week Chaz needs an accountability partner to launch. The man that was to join him turns out... is not able.
Figuring everything out.
Change of Leadership
Strength and courage for Aland and Jack
Details, details, details...
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:6 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Years End
Yet another year draws to an end... We have had one of the busiest months ever this month, December. We hosted our first YWAM team, and we had a blast serving the Lord. As a fellowship we baked and passed out about 400 cookies, sang countless Christmas Carols, about 12 hours worth, did an English camp, Christmas "camp" and spent an amazing time with some new Burmese friends, just to name a few. I name those as those were the highlights. You can see all the pictures below. For my family and I the Burmese outreach was phenomenal! We have been praying and trying to get into the local Burmese work camps now for almost 3 years, the Lord finally opened the door! We decided this would be our (NBCCP) BIG project for the Christmas season. Turns out there are just over 200 adults and about 10 kids under 3 years of age. As a fellowship we were able to amass a fund of nearly $700 to bless this camp. Although I am sure, without a doubt, the inhabitants of the camp were blessed, those that were able to attend were blessed far beyond measure. With the funds collected we were able to purchase a "hygiene" gift bag for every person, man, woman and child, that lives in the camp. Each bag contained toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a Christmas Gospel track. In addition to this everyone that showed up got at least 1 Kilo (2.24 lbs) of rice. The children each received a hygiene pack, rice, a large wash basin, a rubber jumper, and a stuffed animal. The YWAM team performed a gospel drama, and we had a team of Burmese Christians to sing Christmas carols in their native tongue. Pastor Ehkhaw make the trip down from Ban Nam Khem to assist with the Gospel and translation. After all was said and done two amazing things happened. When we offered prayer for anyone who needed it...EVERY man woman and child rushed up for us to pray for them. I even asked Pastor Ehkhaw did he offer to pay them or something? I have never seen that large of a group of people rush forward for prayer before, especially the Burmese who are usually much more reserved than that. Talking with Pastor Ehkhaw afterwards I asked him what happened and why was it like this, he answer was very simple yet profound, "Because they know they need it." The second amazing thing is we are invited back Sunday January 8th to show the Jesus film and once again present the Good News, that Jesus the Messiah, saves.
God Bless each and every one of you, our friends, family and supporters! We hope you had a wonderfully blessed Christmas, and a just as blessed New Years.
God Bless each and every one of you, our friends, family and supporters! We hope you had a wonderfully blessed Christmas, and a just as blessed New Years.
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| Everyone receiving Prayer |
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| Look at this group! Surrounded by the saints in prayer |
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| Brother Jack introducing and sharing |
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| These are our new friends |
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| Singing Carols in Burmese |
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| Some of the men out for the party |
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| Enjoying the gift |
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| Mostly paying attention |
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| Christmas Eve Worship on the Beach |
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| A Very warm welcom |
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| Christmas Morning @ New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong |
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| Bouncy toys |
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| Going away blessed |
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| Yes it is CHRISTMAS! Notice the cold weather clothing? |
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Pressing on
As most of you know by now Thailand is in a state or mourning. The longest reigning monarch passed away October 13. Things are carrying on mostly as normal, although there are some changes, for example, it is requested for this month all our clothes honor the mourning process, so we are dressing in dark colors. The entertainment industry was shut down mandatory 3 days and was then extended out to 7 days with differing stipulations. It is a sad time, especially for the Thai people but having spent the last 5 years here has taught us alot about the kind of leader he was, and there is also a sense of sadness for us, not only that of a sympathetic manner. Please continue to pray for Thailand during this time, the "official" mourning is for a year so we will see what the time brings.
Ministry is doing well, always ups and downs. We have been having alot of conversations about the possibility of a "home" for women, what it would look like, how much it would cost, who would run it and who would the partners be. This has been a huge area of great success and there is currently only one other ministry that is praying about and walking slowly in faith to work with these women. We live in one of the top sex tourism destinations in Thailand and this is a very pressing issue. Our goal is always the Gospel and God Word. Please pray for this as well and more information will be given as we have it. The church, as it seems with most, take 3 steps forward 2 steps back, always progressing always pressing in to Jesus, and always being tested. The Lord is good and leadership training continues, outreach continues and we are always looking for opportunities to share His word. We have been visiting the local university again and that is always a wonderful time of building relationships with the next generation of public school teachers. Excited to see what comes of this in the future.
Lastly but not leastly WE HAVE A NEW MAILING ADDRESS for donations. Please send all donations to the new address: Grace Across Asia PO box 1852 Diamond Springs, CA 95619. We are with the same organization they have just changed their address.
We covet your prayers, so please keep them coming!
Ministry is doing well, always ups and downs. We have been having alot of conversations about the possibility of a "home" for women, what it would look like, how much it would cost, who would run it and who would the partners be. This has been a huge area of great success and there is currently only one other ministry that is praying about and walking slowly in faith to work with these women. We live in one of the top sex tourism destinations in Thailand and this is a very pressing issue. Our goal is always the Gospel and God Word. Please pray for this as well and more information will be given as we have it. The church, as it seems with most, take 3 steps forward 2 steps back, always progressing always pressing in to Jesus, and always being tested. The Lord is good and leadership training continues, outreach continues and we are always looking for opportunities to share His word. We have been visiting the local university again and that is always a wonderful time of building relationships with the next generation of public school teachers. Excited to see what comes of this in the future.
Lastly but not leastly WE HAVE A NEW MAILING ADDRESS for donations. Please send all donations to the new address: Grace Across Asia PO box 1852 Diamond Springs, CA 95619. We are with the same organization they have just changed their address.
We covet your prayers, so please keep them coming!
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| One of the classes at Phuket Rajabhat University |
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Craziness
Things have been pretty hoppin here in the South. A total of 11 bombs have gone off all around Southern Thailand, even 2 here in our town of Patong. All told there have ben 4 deaths and about 40 injured. We are very thankful that while the action was in our town...we were not. In addition to the 11 bombs there have been multiple incendiary devices many that have been effective and even more have been retrieved and disposed of. I think the damage from these devices is upward of 40,000,000 baht or just over 1,000,000 USD. The attacks appear to have stopped although daily they are finding a device or two, again all throughout the south. The latest reports have said the bombings are at the command of a single man, carried out by several individuals. One man is in custody as the search continues for more. The information we have been given is that they are not from an international group but rather a local anti-government group. Although at first this was all a little unnerving upon the release of information it became clear we were in no real danger and life would continue at a fairly normal pace, heightened awareness, and avoidance of public areas if possible aside.
As mentioned above during all this madness we were not in town, actually we were north a few hours where we led the Thai/Burmese church several years ago, Ban Naam Khem. We are now ending the 3rd year of studies at a Bible training center that has began at Calvary Chapel BNK. This year I had the privilege of teaching through the Pastoral Epistles, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. The time was very fruitful and a huge blessing to be able to spend there with young Burmese Bible students. We traveled there as a family and stayed one week, while Marty and team held down the fort here in Phuket.
Please remember Thailand in your prayers as the time is uncertain, especially with the bombings. Thank you and God bless
As mentioned above during all this madness we were not in town, actually we were north a few hours where we led the Thai/Burmese church several years ago, Ban Naam Khem. We are now ending the 3rd year of studies at a Bible training center that has began at Calvary Chapel BNK. This year I had the privilege of teaching through the Pastoral Epistles, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. The time was very fruitful and a huge blessing to be able to spend there with young Burmese Bible students. We traveled there as a family and stayed one week, while Marty and team held down the fort here in Phuket.
Please remember Thailand in your prayers as the time is uncertain, especially with the bombings. Thank you and God bless
Sunday, July 17, 2016
We're back!
As I sat to write this update I realized the last update written was for exactly one year ago. Sorry for not keeping you all informed of the great things the Lord has been doing through this time. As most of you know we were able to go to the US for about 10 1/2 weeks, for the months of April and May. It was a really blessed time of much needed relaxation. We have now returned to Thailand and have settled in. No promises but we hope to keep you all better informed in the future.
During our time of rest, there was a lot of prayer regarding what to do, how to move forward. The Lord so heavily laid on our hearts to train up leaders, something we have always had the heart to do, just haven't really done it. As we began to pray for who and how, we were given clear vision of who this should be and what it should look like. Of course that also means that they must have a desire to be raised up and also they needed to hear from the Lord on their own. As we returned there were several meetings needed in able to meet with each individual and share what the Lord had shared with us. We are so thankful that each of the people the Lord had shown us also had heard from the Lord. Currently there is a pastor and assistant in training, an outreach leader, and also a worship leader. Each of these have stepped up in their respective areas and are doing a really great job. Currently the pastor and assistant are getting "pulpit" experience leading communion, prayer, announcements, offering and other church activities while the teaching is mostly my responsibility. The new worship leader has great organizational skills and in the short time since taking on the ministry has done really well. The outreach leader is another Calvary missionary and is heading up our continued English outreaches in the community.
As a fellowship we are really growing, not so much in numbers but spiritually. It is so nice to see people stepping up and out as the Lord directs. There is something to do every night of the week, except Monday, and the whole ministry shuts down for a day of rest on Saturday. School is well under way with the children finishing up the first book, of ten, in their studies. This year we have 6 students ranging from K-9. If you are reading this then I assume most of you also have Facebook....I encourage you to like our church FB page, New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong to keep up and see all the pictures of what goes on around here. Also there are usually bi-weekly devotions posted that are challenging and encouraging.
Thank you for you patience, interest and prayers as we continue to serve the Lord in Phuket, Thailand.
During our time of rest, there was a lot of prayer regarding what to do, how to move forward. The Lord so heavily laid on our hearts to train up leaders, something we have always had the heart to do, just haven't really done it. As we began to pray for who and how, we were given clear vision of who this should be and what it should look like. Of course that also means that they must have a desire to be raised up and also they needed to hear from the Lord on their own. As we returned there were several meetings needed in able to meet with each individual and share what the Lord had shared with us. We are so thankful that each of the people the Lord had shown us also had heard from the Lord. Currently there is a pastor and assistant in training, an outreach leader, and also a worship leader. Each of these have stepped up in their respective areas and are doing a really great job. Currently the pastor and assistant are getting "pulpit" experience leading communion, prayer, announcements, offering and other church activities while the teaching is mostly my responsibility. The new worship leader has great organizational skills and in the short time since taking on the ministry has done really well. The outreach leader is another Calvary missionary and is heading up our continued English outreaches in the community.
As a fellowship we are really growing, not so much in numbers but spiritually. It is so nice to see people stepping up and out as the Lord directs. There is something to do every night of the week, except Monday, and the whole ministry shuts down for a day of rest on Saturday. School is well under way with the children finishing up the first book, of ten, in their studies. This year we have 6 students ranging from K-9. If you are reading this then I assume most of you also have Facebook....I encourage you to like our church FB page, New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong to keep up and see all the pictures of what goes on around here. Also there are usually bi-weekly devotions posted that are challenging and encouraging.
Thank you for you patience, interest and prayers as we continue to serve the Lord in Phuket, Thailand.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
The Nelson's Have Arrived!!
I realize that this is a bit late since they have already been here for about a month but I didn't want the time to slip by without a quick update. We have been having a super blessed time with Joe, Sarah, and all of the kids! It is a time of much needed rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for them all. We have been enjoying their company immensely and we feel just a bit selfish in wishing they could stay for good. However, the Lord has work for them in Thailand and we stand behind that 100%.
While they've been here, we've had a lot of fun playing games, sitting around talking, eating, drinking coffee, eating, napping, eating, doing some projects at some of the homes, eating, and did I mention eating? Last week Joe made us a wonderful Thai meal called Keng Keaw Wan (guessing on the spelling). It translates as sweet green curry. It was delicious. He made a mild version and a spicy version. I accidentally took the spicy version and I can't eat spicy food. It's been about a week and I'm starting to get feeling back in my mouth and I think I can feel my tongue again. :-) In all seriousness, it was delicious!!
Just last night we played a fun card game called Spoons. I think we've all pretty much recovered from our injuries from the game. You'll only understand what I mean by that if you've played the game. Sarah "the Crusher" Nelson was in rare form drawing blood from at least two of us and next time we'll have to make a rule for Joe that at least one foot must remain on the floor at all times.
Today is Mother's Day and Tim, Lisa, and I had a great time going out for lunch with Joe, Sarah, Mike and Evelyn. I also would just like to take a moment to recognize all of the moms out there who could never be repaid for all of their love and sacrifices through the years of raising children. Thank you to all of the mothers out there who gave selflessly through the years and may the Lord bless you richly. And may the Lord also bless those who are motherless for whatever reason and give them comfort as well.
Joe and Sarah have about four more weeks before heading back to Thailand. Please don't miss out on inviting them out for dinner or over for coffee and a homemade meal if you are able. The time will go very fast and so let's make sure they are totally blessed and refreshed before heading back. Please continue to lift them up DAILY in your prayers and be in prayer for the following items:
May the Lord's peace rest upon you!!
Mike and Lisa Larsen
While they've been here, we've had a lot of fun playing games, sitting around talking, eating, drinking coffee, eating, napping, eating, doing some projects at some of the homes, eating, and did I mention eating? Last week Joe made us a wonderful Thai meal called Keng Keaw Wan (guessing on the spelling). It translates as sweet green curry. It was delicious. He made a mild version and a spicy version. I accidentally took the spicy version and I can't eat spicy food. It's been about a week and I'm starting to get feeling back in my mouth and I think I can feel my tongue again. :-) In all seriousness, it was delicious!!
Just last night we played a fun card game called Spoons. I think we've all pretty much recovered from our injuries from the game. You'll only understand what I mean by that if you've played the game. Sarah "the Crusher" Nelson was in rare form drawing blood from at least two of us and next time we'll have to make a rule for Joe that at least one foot must remain on the floor at all times.
Today is Mother's Day and Tim, Lisa, and I had a great time going out for lunch with Joe, Sarah, Mike and Evelyn. I also would just like to take a moment to recognize all of the moms out there who could never be repaid for all of their love and sacrifices through the years of raising children. Thank you to all of the mothers out there who gave selflessly through the years and may the Lord bless you richly. And may the Lord also bless those who are motherless for whatever reason and give them comfort as well.
Joe and Sarah have about four more weeks before heading back to Thailand. Please don't miss out on inviting them out for dinner or over for coffee and a homemade meal if you are able. The time will go very fast and so let's make sure they are totally blessed and refreshed before heading back. Please continue to lift them up DAILY in your prayers and be in prayer for the following items:
- Steadfastness in the Lord
- The gospel to go forth through their ministry
- Strength and protection over their family
- Evangelizing opportunities
- Financial needs
May the Lord's peace rest upon you!!
Mike and Lisa Larsen
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
June & July
The last two months have gone by like a flash, before we even recognized they were over. Getting everything sorted out after the trip to America and the never ending Visa struggle will surely do that! On the Visa note we are so blessed to announce The Lord has allowed for us to finally secure 1 year visas!! Not the one we were hoping for, but that is ok, we are secure in the will of the Lord. So I am sure many of you are anxiously awaiting the latest update.... wait no longer.
In the last update I had expressed the need to focus on a few things and letting others fall away, The Lord has given us a few things to do and many of the other busy work has fallen. That is not to say we are not BUSY, cause we are but more of a focused busy, pouring into a few things deeply instead of many things a little.
School: After much prayer and many requests we, mostly Sarah, have opened the church up for a "Homeschool". Currently we have our four children and five more that attend. Since we already have most grade levels it was not much to make that material available for other students to use while they are here in Thailand. Our other students are currently all church members that have no other way to attain an education during their time here. We hold classes Mon-Fri 9am to 12ish. The main idea is to teach them how to learn...not how to be taught by others. We have curriculum for English, Math, Bible, History, and Science, all of which are "independent" study type courses. Our students range from 5-19. Obviously the 5 year old gets alot more teaching time.
Discipleship: Discipleship has begun! We have been blessed with the opportunity to have several people hungry for the Word of God, more on this later. There are 5 men and several women. Currently we are going through the foundations workbook from Calvary Chapel Valle Vista, building a strong foundation. The men meet twice a week, and have fellowship individually most days, the women will begin meeting soon.
English ministry: English classes are still in effect. We meet Tues-Thurs. an hour a day. There are currently 6 (two are ours) advanced English students, and 4 beginner students. The advanced students have just finished and exam on sentence structure, parts of speech, and grammar. Classes will break for one week and we will begin a new lesson plan on the return. We are awaiting word from the University as to what our involvement will be in this term.
Church: The church is doing good. Over the last 8 weeks we have had atleast one visitor each week. There is a group of Indonesian Christians doing hotel internships here in Patong and each week we have had a new one able to join for worship. Unfortunately, their schedule does not permit them to join together or every week, but when they are free they join. In the last few weeks we had an older man come in to visit us. He is originally from Iran but has citizenship in the US, retired here and recently converted and baptized. He is so hungry for the Word and that is such a blessing. He had been attending another local Thai church with translation but was having a hard time with the dual language services so he sought out another fellowship. Praise the Lord, he landed on ours. Upon meeting this man he explained the situation and asked if I would teach him the word, would I? Oh man! Its been a long time since I had somebody so interested in the Word and so willing to be taught. Two of his friends have now made confessions of faith and are requesting baptism as well! Some really exciting stuff is going on right now, we are still a small fellowship, growing both spiritually and in number. We have started a "youth" group and meet every Wednesday, and our youth lead worship. Hopefully we will be putting on a small worship camp this month to assist them in growing towards worshiping our Heavenly Father.
This blog cannot portray the excitement or express the immense way the Lord has blessed this ministry since January. It has been an amazing ride and it just keeps getting better! Since our last update there have been baptisms, conversions, restored friendships and new, beautiful, relationships made. We cannot thank you enough, for intervening, interceding, and carrying this task with us. Thank each and every one of you, our readers and supporters. AND most assuredly THANK YOU JESUS!!!
In the last update I had expressed the need to focus on a few things and letting others fall away, The Lord has given us a few things to do and many of the other busy work has fallen. That is not to say we are not BUSY, cause we are but more of a focused busy, pouring into a few things deeply instead of many things a little.
School: After much prayer and many requests we, mostly Sarah, have opened the church up for a "Homeschool". Currently we have our four children and five more that attend. Since we already have most grade levels it was not much to make that material available for other students to use while they are here in Thailand. Our other students are currently all church members that have no other way to attain an education during their time here. We hold classes Mon-Fri 9am to 12ish. The main idea is to teach them how to learn...not how to be taught by others. We have curriculum for English, Math, Bible, History, and Science, all of which are "independent" study type courses. Our students range from 5-19. Obviously the 5 year old gets alot more teaching time.
Discipleship: Discipleship has begun! We have been blessed with the opportunity to have several people hungry for the Word of God, more on this later. There are 5 men and several women. Currently we are going through the foundations workbook from Calvary Chapel Valle Vista, building a strong foundation. The men meet twice a week, and have fellowship individually most days, the women will begin meeting soon.
English ministry: English classes are still in effect. We meet Tues-Thurs. an hour a day. There are currently 6 (two are ours) advanced English students, and 4 beginner students. The advanced students have just finished and exam on sentence structure, parts of speech, and grammar. Classes will break for one week and we will begin a new lesson plan on the return. We are awaiting word from the University as to what our involvement will be in this term.
Church: The church is doing good. Over the last 8 weeks we have had atleast one visitor each week. There is a group of Indonesian Christians doing hotel internships here in Patong and each week we have had a new one able to join for worship. Unfortunately, their schedule does not permit them to join together or every week, but when they are free they join. In the last few weeks we had an older man come in to visit us. He is originally from Iran but has citizenship in the US, retired here and recently converted and baptized. He is so hungry for the Word and that is such a blessing. He had been attending another local Thai church with translation but was having a hard time with the dual language services so he sought out another fellowship. Praise the Lord, he landed on ours. Upon meeting this man he explained the situation and asked if I would teach him the word, would I? Oh man! Its been a long time since I had somebody so interested in the Word and so willing to be taught. Two of his friends have now made confessions of faith and are requesting baptism as well! Some really exciting stuff is going on right now, we are still a small fellowship, growing both spiritually and in number. We have started a "youth" group and meet every Wednesday, and our youth lead worship. Hopefully we will be putting on a small worship camp this month to assist them in growing towards worshiping our Heavenly Father.
This blog cannot portray the excitement or express the immense way the Lord has blessed this ministry since January. It has been an amazing ride and it just keeps getting better! Since our last update there have been baptisms, conversions, restored friendships and new, beautiful, relationships made. We cannot thank you enough, for intervening, interceding, and carrying this task with us. Thank each and every one of you, our readers and supporters. AND most assuredly THANK YOU JESUS!!!
Monday, May 25, 2015
Catching up Once again
Some how we managed to get months behind on our updates once again! Thankfully the last few months have been fairly regular and I will attempt to get all caught up.
The month of March went by like a flash, with a World Race team, travel to America, and Pastor Eric coming down for a month to fill in for my absence.
World Race, although the team came just at the end of the semester of University ministry we were able to do a 3 day extra-curricular English Camp on Student leadership. The camp was supposed to have 28 students but being that is was the week after the semester ended, considerably less showed up. By the end of the camp we were down to about 10. Praise the Lord for this as it enabled us to really build some relationships with the students as apposed to just teacher/student. This allowed for some real personal conversations, including some real questions regarding Christianity. The camp was small but effective and anyway who are we to question numbers? Due to this camp we have been asked to do another English camp when school resumes in August with possible 400 students. Some of the other ministry the WW team was able to participate in was teaching English at the church 3 days a week. There were days that we had to use the restaurant across the street because the church was just too full. At one time I believe we had 28 students! English teaching has really become one of the most effective ways to minister to the Thai community and we are excited for this opportunity to share the Lord and be a blessing in the area in which we live. English classes have taken a 2 week break to allow for the students to adjust back into the school year, they will pick up again tomorrow.
Travel to America, the day after the WW team left, I did as well. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to the States for one month. This one month was to mostly share what the Lord has been doing here in Phuket, sharing the vision, gaining support, meeting some needs and getting others to share the load by joining the "team". I flew out March 27, and flew back April 27, Two days before our 10th wedding anniversary. Though the time was short and many people I would have liked to visit were missed the time was very beneficial. During the month I was able to share at 3 new churches and 4 small groups. I was also able to speak at a few locations that I have spoken at before. Thank you to Calvary Chapel Placerville, Calvary Chapel Truckee, Calvary Chapel Valle Vista, Calvary Chapel Romoland, and Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Seniors for allowing me the time to speak and share. Thank you Lord for supplying our needs. One of the big needs we are trying to meet is furlough, we have now been on this trip just over 2 years, and it would be nice to visit, take a break and get refreshed. The Lord provided a huge chunk of this need however we are still lacking. We are praying that we can come for furlough at the end of this year or beginning of next. From the time spent in America about 5 people expressed interest in coming over for different periods of time to assist in the ministry.
Pastor Eric come for a visit, as the door opened for a trip home, one huge hindrance to the trip was someone to do the teaching while I was gone. As we are a new ministry leadership training is still in the process. I called pastor Eric and asked what where the chances he would be free to come down for the month, as it were he was already planning to come to Phuket for "summer" vacation. Ticket prices just so happen to be during the time Eric was already planning on being here, and he was more than willing to fill the position! Praise the Lord! Pastor Eric came down March 23 or so and left April 28. Perfect timing, His timing is always perfect. Thank you Lord and thank you Pastor Eric, MJ, Aubrey, Jana.
Ministry is back full swing. The time back in the states was both, fruitful and insightful. The Lord gave direction and focus, and we are now walking in what He has opened up, feeling our way along for His perfect will and allowing those "other" things to fall by the wayside. In the initial months of this new direction many doors were opened, and many opportunities taken, but not all things are from the Lord. The Lord has us here for a very specific purpose, and we must walk in that alone. Our focus must remain steadfast, opportunities are great but they are not all for us. We are focusing on our different language studies, English ministry, and purposeful intensive leadership training. "Other" things must not divide our focus and draw us away. Please pray for this as we discern what the "other" things are and walk in obedience to our Lord.
The month of March went by like a flash, with a World Race team, travel to America, and Pastor Eric coming down for a month to fill in for my absence.
World Race, although the team came just at the end of the semester of University ministry we were able to do a 3 day extra-curricular English Camp on Student leadership. The camp was supposed to have 28 students but being that is was the week after the semester ended, considerably less showed up. By the end of the camp we were down to about 10. Praise the Lord for this as it enabled us to really build some relationships with the students as apposed to just teacher/student. This allowed for some real personal conversations, including some real questions regarding Christianity. The camp was small but effective and anyway who are we to question numbers? Due to this camp we have been asked to do another English camp when school resumes in August with possible 400 students. Some of the other ministry the WW team was able to participate in was teaching English at the church 3 days a week. There were days that we had to use the restaurant across the street because the church was just too full. At one time I believe we had 28 students! English teaching has really become one of the most effective ways to minister to the Thai community and we are excited for this opportunity to share the Lord and be a blessing in the area in which we live. English classes have taken a 2 week break to allow for the students to adjust back into the school year, they will pick up again tomorrow.
Travel to America, the day after the WW team left, I did as well. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to the States for one month. This one month was to mostly share what the Lord has been doing here in Phuket, sharing the vision, gaining support, meeting some needs and getting others to share the load by joining the "team". I flew out March 27, and flew back April 27, Two days before our 10th wedding anniversary. Though the time was short and many people I would have liked to visit were missed the time was very beneficial. During the month I was able to share at 3 new churches and 4 small groups. I was also able to speak at a few locations that I have spoken at before. Thank you to Calvary Chapel Placerville, Calvary Chapel Truckee, Calvary Chapel Valle Vista, Calvary Chapel Romoland, and Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Seniors for allowing me the time to speak and share. Thank you Lord for supplying our needs. One of the big needs we are trying to meet is furlough, we have now been on this trip just over 2 years, and it would be nice to visit, take a break and get refreshed. The Lord provided a huge chunk of this need however we are still lacking. We are praying that we can come for furlough at the end of this year or beginning of next. From the time spent in America about 5 people expressed interest in coming over for different periods of time to assist in the ministry.
Pastor Eric come for a visit, as the door opened for a trip home, one huge hindrance to the trip was someone to do the teaching while I was gone. As we are a new ministry leadership training is still in the process. I called pastor Eric and asked what where the chances he would be free to come down for the month, as it were he was already planning to come to Phuket for "summer" vacation. Ticket prices just so happen to be during the time Eric was already planning on being here, and he was more than willing to fill the position! Praise the Lord! Pastor Eric came down March 23 or so and left April 28. Perfect timing, His timing is always perfect. Thank you Lord and thank you Pastor Eric, MJ, Aubrey, Jana.
Ministry is back full swing. The time back in the states was both, fruitful and insightful. The Lord gave direction and focus, and we are now walking in what He has opened up, feeling our way along for His perfect will and allowing those "other" things to fall by the wayside. In the initial months of this new direction many doors were opened, and many opportunities taken, but not all things are from the Lord. The Lord has us here for a very specific purpose, and we must walk in that alone. Our focus must remain steadfast, opportunities are great but they are not all for us. We are focusing on our different language studies, English ministry, and purposeful intensive leadership training. "Other" things must not divide our focus and draw us away. Please pray for this as we discern what the "other" things are and walk in obedience to our Lord.
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| English Camp for Student Leaders |
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| Free English Lessons @ New Beginnings |
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| Pakistani Midweek fellowship |
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| Pastor Eric and the guus |
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| Honoring the Mothers |
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Newest Opportunity
Last week I posted on FB one of the most awesome opportunities I have had in Thailand, possible ever, in the service of our Lord. Now don't get me wrong we have been blessed to serve in many ways but after reflecting and again hearing the continued reports and the report of a dear brother that is partnering, IT IS AWESOME! Let me explain....About two years ago I received a phone call from a brother here on the Island (Phuket) regarding Pakistani in Bangkok. He had heard stories regarding asylum seekers and their dire situation, he wanted to help but did not know what to do. I also living in Phuket and avoiding Bangkok like the plague, had very little to go on. Only stories of scammers looking for the next do-gooder to take advantage of. Not something I was interested in but together we committed this thing to the Lord. Several times over the next year or so we would talk about this situation but really had nothing to go on. A few months back some Pakistani began filtering into the church with stories, legit stories, personal stories, of the situation there in Bangkok. So bad that some young girls have even turned to prostitution for food. Now this is serious, these are our brothers and sisters suffering to the extent of prostitution. Shortly after this my friend and I were eating and he had a contact, something to go on, if I could contact her. At which point I shared the information I had gained over the last few months. If we could only find these girls etc. No information, no location, nothing to go on. As we prayed and began to actively attempt to make contacts to locate these girls, family after family began to make themselves known, we are hungry, without work and need help. My friend committed to donate, ship, and store, 5 tons of fish per month to feed these people, if we could get a program set up...screeching halt! Now we have the need, the resource to meet the need but no way to distribute the resource... PRAYER! Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to have the means to help and no ability to do so? Praise be to God who's love never fails, within a few weeks the Lord brought another Pakistani that would be able to get this whole thing going. It would take about 3 months of prayer, visits and countless hours on the phone to put something like this together. We have 1 ton of fish to deliver in about 6-8 hours before it defrosts and begins to spoil, fish does not keep well if not frozen. Last Monday I had the opportunity to meet the first shipment of fish and distribute to over 400 families, roughly 1500 people received fish. I must stop to explain just how awesome this is; this project has been in prayer for close to 2 years, the majority of people that received the fish were not even in Thailand when the Lord began this project. Every step of the way has totally been by His doing. My friend has the resource no contact or information, I have the information and time, but no contact no resource, the last person our Pakistani sister, has no resource all contact. The Lord in His perfect timing brought us all together to meet these people when they are at their absolute worst, and with FISH no less. Not only were we able to meet the physical need of these roughly 400 families but we were also able to meet their spiritual needs, with an encouraging Bible message about just how much God loves them, and how HE has worked all this out for them.
To top it all of I was also blessed with the opportunity to partner in one of the Pakistani church's community outreach to Muslims. This feeding ministry has made a way for around 75 Muslim Pakistani to hear the Gospel and personally experience the Love of God. For me it just doesn't get much better than that, Both physical and spiritual needs, AND preaching the Gospel. To truly explain how awesome this is would take more words than any of my dear readers could bear. God and His Love are truly, truly Amazing.
We are asking for prayer for this ministry. It is draining to say the least. Even as great as this is it only scratches the surface of the problem, not even a dent. There are currently over 15,000 Pakistani in and around Bangkok, weekly we can only reach upwards of 2000. This trip requires 24 hours on a bus travel back and forth. The actual distribution lasts about 12 hours. Being poured out in every stop and being stretched in every way possible. The lack of ability to help everyone in and of itself is difficult, add minimal sleep, sun, exhaustion, both physical and spiritual, little food as there just is not time to sit around, and believe me you are drained! Currently there are three of us, two American missionaries and one Pakistani/Missionary/etc. The two Americans take turns every other week and the Pakistani every week. Please keep us in Prayer, We truly yearn for your prayers. There is Duke, Tirza and myself. That is our number one request. Although I do not want to I must, this program costs about $300 a week to run. This covers all travel, distribution costs. Currently we split the costs according to week but we are trying to get partners in financing this work. As you remember us in prayer please prayerfully consider this secondary need. Thank you God bless
To top it all of I was also blessed with the opportunity to partner in one of the Pakistani church's community outreach to Muslims. This feeding ministry has made a way for around 75 Muslim Pakistani to hear the Gospel and personally experience the Love of God. For me it just doesn't get much better than that, Both physical and spiritual needs, AND preaching the Gospel. To truly explain how awesome this is would take more words than any of my dear readers could bear. God and His Love are truly, truly Amazing.
We are asking for prayer for this ministry. It is draining to say the least. Even as great as this is it only scratches the surface of the problem, not even a dent. There are currently over 15,000 Pakistani in and around Bangkok, weekly we can only reach upwards of 2000. This trip requires 24 hours on a bus travel back and forth. The actual distribution lasts about 12 hours. Being poured out in every stop and being stretched in every way possible. The lack of ability to help everyone in and of itself is difficult, add minimal sleep, sun, exhaustion, both physical and spiritual, little food as there just is not time to sit around, and believe me you are drained! Currently there are three of us, two American missionaries and one Pakistani/Missionary/etc. The two Americans take turns every other week and the Pakistani every week. Please keep us in Prayer, We truly yearn for your prayers. There is Duke, Tirza and myself. That is our number one request. Although I do not want to I must, this program costs about $300 a week to run. This covers all travel, distribution costs. Currently we split the costs according to week but we are trying to get partners in financing this work. As you remember us in prayer please prayerfully consider this secondary need. Thank you God bless
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| Loaded and ready to go |
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| Ready to hand out |
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| One of 6 such lists |
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| distribution to the needy |
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| One location of distribution/crowd gathered |
Monday, February 9, 2015
New Year New Start
We are now in the second month of the New Year, so far so good. This year has brought about some unexpected but welcomed changes, and this is where I will start. Upon the completion of the last year some of the leadership and members of the fellowship felt the need to go another direction, although this greatly saddens our hearts we welcome the change. The Lord is so good and always in control. This change has allowed us to focus more on the things we feel the Lord is calling us to do, share the Gospel and Make disciples. More on that to follow. With the change we really went to the Lord in prayer and have decided to go ahead with a new name of the fellowship, New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong has officially opened for ministry as of last Saturday. We have been awaiting the proper paperwork and it arrived! Praise God.
Gospel and discipleship. Currently we have the two studies mentioned in the last post, Burmese and Pakistani going and staying steady. Some of our Pakistani brothers have moved away but other than that doing great. One of the Pakistani was a teacher for many years and has taken on the project of translating some study materials, beginning with the book of James, "A faith that is real". Which is a study guide Inductive style study. We are currently in lesson 4. In the Burmese study we are working our way from the Gospel to application of the new life we have in Christ. For the most part this study is growing as well, attendance fluctuates greatly but on the general upward trend.
Recently a local Nepali church began a home fellowship here in our area and we have been attending weekly to assist with teaching and just to support any way that we can. There are now 3 fellowships like this, and the members try to attend all three, they have expressed the desire to combine them into a day of church with worship in all the languages. Not sure what that would look like or how the Lord might have that play out, just an expression from some that attend? This added fellowship and ministry has been a true blessing
University ministry has just come to a break, we can go and teach 3-5 weeks between the beginning of the class and the exams at the end. We were blessed with the opportunity to teach one class 3 weeks straight, this allowed for some real relationship building and on March 7th we will do a one day English "camp" with these same students along with those that we have been able to meet over the last two semesters, this will not be a university event and we have much more freedom to share our faith. Please pray for this. There is one particular Thai man we have been ministering to for some time and are starting to see some real interest in Biblical concepts, we are very excited about this.
Over the last two months we have had the opportunity to share the gospel weekly, if not more. The different smaller groups that we have been able to take part in has allowed for a much more personal time of fellowship where we can really break down the word and its meanings, moving very slowly gleaning from the Word of God.
We have been approved to host up to 3 World Race teams a year and are excited about this, it was and is such a blessing to have young adults fired up about the Gospel to come and serve the Lord here in Patong. March is our second such opportunity Also lift this up in prayer for us please.
The kids are back in school and doing great! We began a "new" program this year and it is a much easier system, more difficult for the kids as there is alot of work but much better structure. We are really happy with it. Last week Joey had dengue fever, again, this is his third time but praise God he is fine and furthermore only one more type to get until he is immune. Other than that we have had no serious health issues this year.
Please pray for us, spiritual growth, more opportunities to share the gospel and go deep into the word for discipleship, we would like to begin some leadership training please pray the Lord would allow this, as always please pray for our family, health and provision, and lastly but certainly not least, March 27th I will fly to the states for one month, Pastor Eric Johansen and family will travel down and fill in for me, please lift this time up to the Lord for us
Recently a local Nepali church began a home fellowship here in our area and we have been attending weekly to assist with teaching and just to support any way that we can. There are now 3 fellowships like this, and the members try to attend all three, they have expressed the desire to combine them into a day of church with worship in all the languages. Not sure what that would look like or how the Lord might have that play out, just an expression from some that attend? This added fellowship and ministry has been a true blessing
University ministry has just come to a break, we can go and teach 3-5 weeks between the beginning of the class and the exams at the end. We were blessed with the opportunity to teach one class 3 weeks straight, this allowed for some real relationship building and on March 7th we will do a one day English "camp" with these same students along with those that we have been able to meet over the last two semesters, this will not be a university event and we have much more freedom to share our faith. Please pray for this. There is one particular Thai man we have been ministering to for some time and are starting to see some real interest in Biblical concepts, we are very excited about this.
Over the last two months we have had the opportunity to share the gospel weekly, if not more. The different smaller groups that we have been able to take part in has allowed for a much more personal time of fellowship where we can really break down the word and its meanings, moving very slowly gleaning from the Word of God.
We have been approved to host up to 3 World Race teams a year and are excited about this, it was and is such a blessing to have young adults fired up about the Gospel to come and serve the Lord here in Patong. March is our second such opportunity Also lift this up in prayer for us please.
The kids are back in school and doing great! We began a "new" program this year and it is a much easier system, more difficult for the kids as there is alot of work but much better structure. We are really happy with it. Last week Joey had dengue fever, again, this is his third time but praise God he is fine and furthermore only one more type to get until he is immune. Other than that we have had no serious health issues this year.
Please pray for us, spiritual growth, more opportunities to share the gospel and go deep into the word for discipleship, we would like to begin some leadership training please pray the Lord would allow this, as always please pray for our family, health and provision, and lastly but certainly not least, March 27th I will fly to the states for one month, Pastor Eric Johansen and family will travel down and fill in for me, please lift this time up to the Lord for us
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| Group photo after English service |
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| Worship practice with Pastor Josh from Samar, Philippines |
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| Although blurry, open air worship at Patong Beach |
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| God bless you from New Beginnings Calvary Chapel Patong |
Saturday, January 17, 2015
World Race and Exciting News
I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS WHEN WE SUFFERED COMPUTER MELTDOWN!!!!
Up and running again sorry for the delay
I bet you all thought I forgot and fell off the map again... NOPE, still here, busy as ever. As promised I wanted to give a brief update in regards to what has been happening over the last month or so.
Over the last few months we have been in contact with World Race, a missions organization that puts young adults on the missions field for 11 months at a time. With the team members being in a 11 countries in 11 months. We have been approved as a Host ministry, and hosted our first team this November. The team was made up of 6 girls. Not exactly what we were expecting or had prepared for really but that is what the Lord had in mind, not our plans but Yours O Lord. Although not what we had expected, everything turned out wonderfully.Due to the fact it was an all girl team it actually opened up the doors for ministry I should not, actually cannot do. A majority of their time was spent on Bangla Road, the local red light district, in the bars ministering to and loving the bar girls. For obvious reasons not a ministry I can do. Sarah was able to go on several occasions and began to make contacts there for future ministry. While the team was here the Lord also opened the door wide for the University ministry. We made weekly, almost daily trips to the Uni to teach English and have a great time with the students there. Again we have many new contacts within the University that we are currently working with on a regular basis, as we build relationships towards the Gospel. It was really nice having the girls around, both for us and the kids, the kids don't get much English fellowship and the girls really felt the Lord leading them to encourage the kids, praise the Lord, they really need it. Thank you Lord for the World Race team and we look forward to hosting more
Ministry at the University has been slow going but we were blessed with the opportunity to host one of the Professors for Thanksgiving, he joined us and got to experience a Christian Thanksgiving, not only hearing of all the great things the Lord has done in our lives but enjoying some really great traditional Thanksgiving food.
Some other things that had been in the works before the team came were some individual ethnic studies. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we did an outreach to the Burmese, it is now a weekly fellowship meeting with worship, and teaching, along with a great time of actual fellowship. The original group was about 5, we have seen the Lord draw His people and the last two weeks we have had over 10 in attendance. This study begins at 12:30am and we try to finish before 3am, Yes that is AM. The Lord has also brought some Pakistani asylum seekers into the English fellowship. They have been coming weekly now for several months as the Lord frees their demanding work schedules. Upon talking to them we discovered there are actually more that would like to come but they cannot due to work or other things... But given the opportunity they will attend fellowship. SOOO we have also begun a Pakistani fellowship. Actually as I write this I am preparing to head off to fellowship with them. The Pakistani fellowship has grown to 5 and begins after work on Wednesday, 12:00 am. We generally finish about 2. The Lord is beginning to reveal the leaders in both of these groups already and some real kingdom building desires. Both fellowships will be independent in ministry yet joined as the greater body of Patong International Fellowship. Please pray for these and other studies we would like to start as the Lord makes a way. In our immediate area we have Russian, Khmer, and Vietnamese, as well as the groups we are already working with and of course Thai.
On a personal note we had a beautiful Thanksgiving with turkey and all the fixins' it was great. For the most part we are all healthy and excited for the work the Lord is doing, as always remember us in your prayers and check back often to stay caught up. If you like you can subscribe and be updated automatically.
Up and running again sorry for the delay
I bet you all thought I forgot and fell off the map again... NOPE, still here, busy as ever. As promised I wanted to give a brief update in regards to what has been happening over the last month or so.
Over the last few months we have been in contact with World Race, a missions organization that puts young adults on the missions field for 11 months at a time. With the team members being in a 11 countries in 11 months. We have been approved as a Host ministry, and hosted our first team this November. The team was made up of 6 girls. Not exactly what we were expecting or had prepared for really but that is what the Lord had in mind, not our plans but Yours O Lord. Although not what we had expected, everything turned out wonderfully.Due to the fact it was an all girl team it actually opened up the doors for ministry I should not, actually cannot do. A majority of their time was spent on Bangla Road, the local red light district, in the bars ministering to and loving the bar girls. For obvious reasons not a ministry I can do. Sarah was able to go on several occasions and began to make contacts there for future ministry. While the team was here the Lord also opened the door wide for the University ministry. We made weekly, almost daily trips to the Uni to teach English and have a great time with the students there. Again we have many new contacts within the University that we are currently working with on a regular basis, as we build relationships towards the Gospel. It was really nice having the girls around, both for us and the kids, the kids don't get much English fellowship and the girls really felt the Lord leading them to encourage the kids, praise the Lord, they really need it. Thank you Lord for the World Race team and we look forward to hosting more
Ministry at the University has been slow going but we were blessed with the opportunity to host one of the Professors for Thanksgiving, he joined us and got to experience a Christian Thanksgiving, not only hearing of all the great things the Lord has done in our lives but enjoying some really great traditional Thanksgiving food.
Some other things that had been in the works before the team came were some individual ethnic studies. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we did an outreach to the Burmese, it is now a weekly fellowship meeting with worship, and teaching, along with a great time of actual fellowship. The original group was about 5, we have seen the Lord draw His people and the last two weeks we have had over 10 in attendance. This study begins at 12:30am and we try to finish before 3am, Yes that is AM. The Lord has also brought some Pakistani asylum seekers into the English fellowship. They have been coming weekly now for several months as the Lord frees their demanding work schedules. Upon talking to them we discovered there are actually more that would like to come but they cannot due to work or other things... But given the opportunity they will attend fellowship. SOOO we have also begun a Pakistani fellowship. Actually as I write this I am preparing to head off to fellowship with them. The Pakistani fellowship has grown to 5 and begins after work on Wednesday, 12:00 am. We generally finish about 2. The Lord is beginning to reveal the leaders in both of these groups already and some real kingdom building desires. Both fellowships will be independent in ministry yet joined as the greater body of Patong International Fellowship. Please pray for these and other studies we would like to start as the Lord makes a way. In our immediate area we have Russian, Khmer, and Vietnamese, as well as the groups we are already working with and of course Thai.
On a personal note we had a beautiful Thanksgiving with turkey and all the fixins' it was great. For the most part we are all healthy and excited for the work the Lord is doing, as always remember us in your prayers and check back often to stay caught up. If you like you can subscribe and be updated automatically.
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| Burmese Members at the Christmas Party |
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| World Race Team and the Family |
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| Some Pakistani Members singing at the Christmas Party |
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Finally all caught up
I promised one last "Catching Up" post. Sorry it took so long it is hard to get a good picture. The last part of catching up is possibly to biggest, atleast physically. About 6 months ago we had a few friends visiting from both America and the Philippines to assist in the Bible Training Center, both were guest teachers. As many of you know we were blessed with an old truck a while back, during this time, when we had visitors it decided to die. Quite literally. The repairs on the truck were almost $800, an amount we could not afford and also an amount that was becoming rather frequent. The truck although a huge blessing from the Lord, was quickly becoming impossible to keep on the road. We had a very large problem on our hands, guests, no transportation and no money. It is funny when we find ourselves in this position, that is when we are most driven to prayer. The Lord has always been good to us in His perfect provision for all things, and we continued to trust Him in this. Since our arrival in Thailand we have been praying for reliable transportation and we have been mobile almost upon arrival. Not always reliable but in HIS perfect timing all things worked out. As we prayed, especially in times like this, the kids sometimes almost mocked us, by saying things like do you really think God will just give us a "new" car. All the while we just encouraged them to have faith and see just what God had for us. Mind you they were really the ones that suffered the most. In the back of a truck with minimal air flow at best, uncomfortable and like most kids a little embarrassed by the state of the truck. God is SOO amazing! As we really cried out to the Lord in regards to transportation I received a call from a fellow Christian, working and leading a church North of here about 4 hours. He had found a new job, in China, and wanted to know if I wanted his car. If I could make the payments, which I could not, the car was ours. Car check. One step down many to go. Naturally we began to crunch numbers and really pray that God would make a way, because honestly there was none. We also asked our friends to join us in prayer regarding this opportunity, never did we imagine what God was doing. I dropped our visitors off at the Bible school for the week with a commitment to continue to pray for this. When I went to pick them up they informed us that the Lord had placed it on their hearts, they would commit to make the payments until enough others had partnered with them or we were able to make the payments ourselves. Car Check, monthly payments...CHECK! As we began to find out what else this entailed we discovered there was considerably more to transfer the loan name change remove old co-signer etc. Next step find a co-signer (Thai national). I wont go into all the details but lets just say God showed up in a huge way. We were able to sell the old truck for just enough to cover the repairs that were made and the transfer fees to Toyota. As of November 6 we have made 5 payments on THIS....
It is a 1 year old Toyota Avenza. 7 seater. When we received it, it had 8+++ kilometes on the odometer. Do we think the Lord is just going to give us a "new" car.... well no not exactly. But we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt He had something great in store for us. Never could we imagine it would literally be a BRAND NEW CAR! Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
We thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Coming soon.... World race and New Bible Studies!! Check back often to stay "in the loop"
It is a 1 year old Toyota Avenza. 7 seater. When we received it, it had 8+++ kilometes on the odometer. Do we think the Lord is just going to give us a "new" car.... well no not exactly. But we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt He had something great in store for us. Never could we imagine it would literally be a BRAND NEW CAR! Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
We thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Coming soon.... World race and New Bible Studies!! Check back often to stay "in the loop"
Monday, October 27, 2014
Flash Forward
There is yet one post in the "Catching up" fashion, however we would hate to be catching up forever! We just wanted to share quickly about two Fridays ago. As we continue to partner in growing Patong International Fellowship, a mostly English speaking congregation, we began to think about the other Ethnicities that live in the area. Here in Patong we are surrounded with many different people groups from South East Asia. We have Vietnamese, Filipino, Cambodian, Laos, Myanmar (Burmese), and of course Thai. Our ministry has really been strictly to English speakers as that is all we can effectively share with, and definitely the only group we would be able to teach and tend to on a more regular basis. So in the course of thinking and praying about how to reach these other groups, we rested on going with what we know, Burmese it is. We have, as most of you know, been ministering both with and to the different tribes from Burma for several years now, and thus have many contacts within the Burmese Christian community. Even some that are free to translate! As a team we (PIF) prayed about doing an outreach to the local Burmese community. We spoke with Pastor Ehkhaw from Calvary Chapel Ban Nam Khem, where we used to live, and he came with a small team to assist. Due to the strict work schedules these dear people hold we decided on holding two, one at 7pm and one at 11pm. This allows those that work regular jobs to come and be reached without having to stay out all night. The rest mostly shop workers could join when they were off work around 11. We prepared for 100 people between the two services and ended up with about 70, Praise the Lord. The outreach consisted of several "Gospel" songs, songs that preach the Gospel, the Gospel, and then a nice meal. As we prepared for the event we were so blessed to have a local business owner donate 20 kilos of fish for the feeding. What a blessing that was to be able to give tuna and sea bass, both of which are beyond most peoples budget, along with chicken, vegetables, and fish sauce. The fish sauce is a cultural dish that cannot really be explained, but if you have ever been here you know what I am talking about. Joe was blessed by the opportunity to share the message both services. The first we ended up with only 1 non-believer while the second was split about 50/50. The whole evening was a huge blessing and actually ended about 2 hours after scheduled, nearly 4am. We have a young Burmese man, Zarni, that will be joining us for the month of November to assist in tending to the group of both believers and non-believers that showed interest in going further. There were about 6 Burmese Christians that have no fellowship to attend and roughly 4 non-believers that heard the Gospel and want to learn more about Jesus and Christianity. Please pray for this all month as you remember, if we can get a group started, Dec we will begin formal services at Patong International Fellowship. We are also hosting a World Race team of 6 girls this November, more info to come on that later.
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| Nelson Kids Clownin around |
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| Stuff for the Kids |
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| Joe and Pastor Ehkaw sharing the Gospel |
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| Food and good Fellowship |
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Catching up
Well as promised here is some more of the events over the last few months. Oh, where to begin? We will hit some of highlights, of course still working backwards. In the beginning of September I (Joe) received a phone call from the head chaplain at the local Loma Linda (Mission Hospital Phuket). He asked if I was available to come and meet with him, he had an opportunity he wanted to present to me. It turns out we have a mutual friend that suggested he call me. Praise the Lord, He truly knows how to make connections. Upon meeting with Pastor Somchai, he informed me that his wife is the assistant Dean at the University here on the island and she was looking for a "Christian" to come and volunteer at the Uni teaching English as a means to bridge the gap between Buddhism and Christianity as she is the only Christian she is aware of there. This is a huge open door as there are approx. 30,000 students, plus faculty, plus two schools for children. The idea is that we could build relationships with the students and faculty and prayerfully in the near future begin some sort of Bible study there. We are currently planning on a Christmas Party outreach, where we could present the Gospel to the students that we have been teaching English to. We have already taught 4 classes equaling about 200 students. They are currently taking their mid-term exams and then a semester break. Classes resume in November. In total there will be 6 classes to begin with, reaching up to 700 students. The University is also working at organizing a faculty English class. Our Heavenly Father sure knows how to open doors. Please pray for this as we learn and grow in this area of ministry, I would never thought I would be teaching English at a University. I never even went to one! God is amazing.
As many of you that have been following for the last few years know, immigration is an ongoing issue. Over the last 6 or so months we have made huge ground at attaining some sort of legal "long term" status here in Thailand. We are still without a long term visa, but it is in the works, the paper and footwork on this step has proven to be quite difficult. Everything has to be absolutely perfect in the eyes of whoever happens to be inspecting that particular day (NEVER the same things). We have however applied and received our work permits, we are officially volunteer missionaries for a Thai organization. This organization has enabled us to open the church legally as we as teach and stay, granted visas, and so many other things. We are so grateful to have made it this far and anxiously await the final step of this process. When all is said and done we will no longer have to leave the country.
And lastly, for this update, I would like to share something we (Calvary Chapel Thailand) were so blessed to take part in. Pastor Eric who lives in Northern Thailand and has been leading a Calvary Chapel Training Center there, Pastor Ehkhaw, the Pastor of Calvary Chapel Ban Naam Khem, and myself, acting on Eric's success, and Ehkhaw's vision prayed through and held Southern Thailand's first Calvary Chapel Bible Training session. The design of this fist semester was for the Burmese Christians here in Southern Thailand, with a desire to see it spread to the Thai and who knows what else the Lord will do. We were all so blessed that the Lord once again answered in a huge way. 13 students from all over Southern Thailand came for 16 weeks of intense Bible/ministry training. None of the three above mentioned Pastors could take 16 weeks off of their ministries so the call went out for assistance in teaching. Again we were so blessed to see the interest in this ministry as teachers came from the Philippines, Thailand, and even America. The students studied the Bible every morning for 4 hours and then practical ministry for the same amount of time in the afternoon. They learned many things from Inductive Bible study, Biblical Leadership, Systematic Theology, Hermaneutics, to Matthew Genesis, Acts, Roman, Pastoral Epistles, to guitar and drama ministry. As a family we were so blessed and humbled at the opportunity to partner in this work and to see these young men and women commit to following the Bible. We have been invited to begin yet another campus, and even possibly something more serious and established for the Thai Christians, but we are only in the very beginning stages of praying on this matter so please join us as we seek the Lord and His direction in this. Here is a link to a short video one of the teachers put together regarding the school and its need, Calvary Chapel Training Center Southern Thailand
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As many of you that have been following for the last few years know, immigration is an ongoing issue. Over the last 6 or so months we have made huge ground at attaining some sort of legal "long term" status here in Thailand. We are still without a long term visa, but it is in the works, the paper and footwork on this step has proven to be quite difficult. Everything has to be absolutely perfect in the eyes of whoever happens to be inspecting that particular day (NEVER the same things). We have however applied and received our work permits, we are officially volunteer missionaries for a Thai organization. This organization has enabled us to open the church legally as we as teach and stay, granted visas, and so many other things. We are so grateful to have made it this far and anxiously await the final step of this process. When all is said and done we will no longer have to leave the country.
And lastly, for this update, I would like to share something we (Calvary Chapel Thailand) were so blessed to take part in. Pastor Eric who lives in Northern Thailand and has been leading a Calvary Chapel Training Center there, Pastor Ehkhaw, the Pastor of Calvary Chapel Ban Naam Khem, and myself, acting on Eric's success, and Ehkhaw's vision prayed through and held Southern Thailand's first Calvary Chapel Bible Training session. The design of this fist semester was for the Burmese Christians here in Southern Thailand, with a desire to see it spread to the Thai and who knows what else the Lord will do. We were all so blessed that the Lord once again answered in a huge way. 13 students from all over Southern Thailand came for 16 weeks of intense Bible/ministry training. None of the three above mentioned Pastors could take 16 weeks off of their ministries so the call went out for assistance in teaching. Again we were so blessed to see the interest in this ministry as teachers came from the Philippines, Thailand, and even America. The students studied the Bible every morning for 4 hours and then practical ministry for the same amount of time in the afternoon. They learned many things from Inductive Bible study, Biblical Leadership, Systematic Theology, Hermaneutics, to Matthew Genesis, Acts, Roman, Pastoral Epistles, to guitar and drama ministry. As a family we were so blessed and humbled at the opportunity to partner in this work and to see these young men and women commit to following the Bible. We have been invited to begin yet another campus, and even possibly something more serious and established for the Thai Christians, but we are only in the very beginning stages of praying on this matter so please join us as we seek the Lord and His direction in this. Here is a link to a short video one of the teachers put together regarding the school and its need, Calvary Chapel Training Center Southern Thailand
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| Graduation Ceremony, CCBTC Southern Thailand staff and students |
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| Joe and Sarah's Volunteer Missionary work permits |
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| Sunday morning Worship service Patong International Fellowship |
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| Beautiful, exceedingly Happy children |
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| Recent wedding that Joe officiated |
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| Small Birthday Party Bible Study Thank you for your time and Please do not forget to Keep us in your prayers. |
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