CGM Center December 5, 2000
Bangkok, Thailand
Volunteer Missionary Newsletter II
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
X It has already been about two months since my last newsletter. So much has happened, and the Lord continues to work here in Thailand, as well as around the world. While life and work here can be difficult as well as enjoyable, grueling as well as carefree, it is always such a comfort to know that none of it is in vain. I praise God every day for this amazing opportunityfor all of the people I meet and friends I make, and for you, my friends, family, and supporters.
X During my last term break CGM had a camp for students and staff. The camp was held at a resort on the beach in Pattaya, which is about 2 hours southwest of Bangkok. The location was beautiful and the camp was amazing. Many students attended the weekend event, which was titled New Life in Christ. There were activities for the children, which the volunteers and myself coordinated. In addition, the adults attended various discussions and activities related to their walk of faith and new life in Jesus. It was a wonderful weekend complete with skits, testimonies, laughter, and tears.
X And now my second teaching term is nearly over. Classes continue to go great and the students continue to learn and grow, in their English and knowledge of Christianity. We are getting excited, both students and staff, because the new year will bring a new and improved curriculum to the classrooms here. This newer program will offer a much more holistic approach to English learning. It also means students will be attending at least two days per week, which is wonderful for relationship-building as well as repeated exposure to the saving Gospel message.
He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20
X I thank you all for your prayers and support, as it is so apparent that He does answer prayer. My work, while busy and challenging, has always been rewarding. My Bible lessons continue to go very well both in class and in Christian conversation. I am also in the process of developing new series for Bible study based on the needs and interests of the students.
X In addition, through the grace of God, I continue to build existing relationships and meet new people, all of whom I love and care for very much. I pray for their hearts to be opened to His saving grace.
X Taw continues to learn and grow and actively share his new faith. He has regularly attended church since his initial worship in October. In addition, he studies the Bible with me on Mondays, along with his other classes here at CGM. Taws faith continues to amaze me. He is beginning to share the saving love of Jesus with his children, and takes every opportunity to witness to fellow classmates.
X Please pray ceaselessly for Porn. She has suffered many personal tragedies and is afraid that Jesus has forgotten about her. May she continue to learn of his never-ending love for her, despite all of the sin and despair in this world.
X And beyond these special requests, I just ask that you to continue to pray for all of my students as well as myself. There is no way for us to know all of the wonderful things He has planned for us. I just pray that the Spirit would continue to lead me in all that I do.
WHAT YOUR HELP HAS DONE
v Praise God for all of your generosity and support! During the month of November I was able to attend official Thai language school for one module. The class met for four hours a day for 20 days. I learned so much, and have really noticed a difference in my listening and speaking ability. It is ever so helpful to be effective and functional as I spend time with students, along with just living in this place. I hope to be able to continue learning and studying further, as funds permit.
v Also these past few months, I have been to the nearby hospital on a few occasions. Never for anything serious, but just the usual checkups. I went to the dentist for a cleaning, as well as to the eye doctor. Just prior to leaving America my glasses were destroyed and I did not have time to get them replaced. After being here for about two months, I could no longer do without. So I was able to get an exam as well as new glasses. All of these things, while taken for granted in America, are truly appreciated here. It is so wonderful that I am able to walk five minutes to the hospital and receive the best care available in the country. It is also so very special that this was made possible by your prayers and support.
v And finally, being so very far away from my family and friends, I have come to rely on email as my primary means of keeping in touch. We have two computers at our center, both of which are very nice and more than what we need. And each person is responsible for their own internet time. While the time is quite inexpensive, it is something that I am very appreciative of and thankful for. It is also something that would not be possible without you.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
Pray that the Spirit continue to bring the good news to the hearts and minds of all of my Thai friends. I love them dearly and pray for their salvation continually. Please join me
