Bangkok, Thailand

Volunteer Missionary Newsletter III 

U       Much has happened here in Thailand since my last newsletter.  My parents were able to visit for about two weeks in early December, which was great!  There was much sightseeing to be done, both in and out of Bangkok.  And they did lots of shopping!  Overall, a wonderful trip for everyone.  It was very nice for them to be able to not only visit, but also see what it is like to live and work here.

U       The Christmas season was also very wonderful.  Despite being away from family and friends in America, I found myself surrounded by a new family and many friends.  We had gift exchanges, caroling (in Thaia bit of a challenge, but very fun), parties, and many decorations.  The joy of the season was most definitely present here in Thailand.  And praise God for the gift of His precious Son.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.                                                              Isaiah 9:6

U       And following a brief break, it was back to work.  The new year brought some new changes with the classes here at CGM.  We began using our new curriculum in addition to many popular elective classes.  Students who chose to study in the new classes came two times per week, which presented many great relationship-building opportunities.  As always, the term has flown by and tomorrow (Saturday) marks the end of the term.  It has been a wonderful six weeks and I have continued to get to know many old students, while at the same time getting to know some of the new students as well.  Much thanks to God for these endless opportunities to share His love and peace and grace with all of my students and friends.  May they continue to learn about both English and, most importantly, Gods love for them.

As always, my students and friends here are so special.  And I ask for your continued prayers and petitions on their behalf.  All are among the lost and in need of salvation.  May they continue to learn and grow in their knowledge and faith in their Savior. 

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it.                             Isaiah 30:21

May they also hear this voice and listen

Surachet, Roch, & Ping Pong: This family has been studying here at CGM for many terms now.  Surachet was in my English newspaper course during my first term here.  His wife Roch used to study in the afternoons.  And their son Ping Pong is a constant fixture here at CGM.  While a Buddhist family, they are very open to learning about Christianity and continue to ask very probing questions about what it takes to have faith in Christ.  At this point, they all have a good knowledge-base in the fundamentals of this faith.  Please pray that they continue to learn and may all of their hearts be opened to the love and peace and joy to be found in God. 

Porn: Porn studied with me at the end of last year.  While her work schedule did not allow for her to study with me again this past term, she continues to stop by to say hello.  On each of these visits, we talk about the love that Jesus has for her.  Despite many of the personal tragedies in her life coupled with recent health problems, Porn and her newfound peace are an inspiration.  She is growing very slowly in her walk with God and prays to Him regularly for strength.  May she continue to know His peace and grow in faith and love for Christ Jesus. 

Taw: Many of you are, by now, familiar with my good friend Taw.  He has been a regular in my newsletters and his walk of faith is amazing.  Since this walk began for him back in September, he has continued to grow in his faith.  A recent concern of his is how to best share his faith with his children.  He is apprehensive about this process for fear of saying the wrong thing.  Pray for him to speak boldly of his faith, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  And this past week, he asked about baptismhow he can receive it and what is involved!  Again, all glory and thanks be to God!!  Please continue to pray for Taw as he makes another big step in his walk with Jesus and begins baptism preparation classes.

U      Thank you all for your prayers on my behalf.  The power of prayer can be a very tangible thing, and I am most thankful for all of your thoughts.  Please continue to pray for the work I do here and for all of the opportunities to share my faiththat I may do so boldly and most effectively.  I am also back in language school full time thanks to all of your support.  Please pray for patience in this language learning process, and continued success.

U      And finally, there will be some changes here at my teaching center.  Kristine Schmid, my roommate since I arrived here in Thailand and fellow teacher, will be returning to America in the next few weeks.  She is a wonderful friend and will be missed.  Please pray for her as she finishes with her work here in Bangkok and makes the transition back to life in America.

U      Also pray for Jennie Moninger.  Jennie will be arriving in early March to begin teaching this next term.  She will also be my new roommate.  Pray that this big move may go smoothly for her as she adjusts to life in this very different place.

U      Also pray for the entire Bangkok mission.  We are currently in need of several volunteers for the summer months.  At this point, we have only two volunteers for the months of July and August, and need four more to continue the programs as they are run now.  If you or anyone you know would be interested in finding out more about these opportunities, please contact LCMS World Missions at 1-800-433-3954.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.                                      1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18