“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” – John 20:21

This past month presented itself with several highs and unfortunately a few lows in regards to health.  The health issues started with both Tiff and me getting sick, of which we have recovered.  Recently, she got another infection and is still recovering.  And sadly, painfully, I am once again suffering from a SI joint ailment in my lower back that I had originally suffered in college and needed special physical therapy to overcome.  This time I was simply relaxing at home when a pain started and eventually took on all the same symptoms I had before.  So please be in prayer for healing as it does limit my mobility and ability to travel.

One high for Tiff was that she passed all of her tests and collected all of her surveys for her research.  This means she only has the last portions of her research to finish including a presentation of it to her board.  After which she will be completely finished and free to move onto whatever God has next for her.

Ministry Highlights

Grace House

We also had the wonderful opportunity of hosting a small team from the World Race.  We didn’t know going in how this would all work out, with the team planning on staying in the village for a month and not having the usual comforts and conveniences.   As it turned out, with the exception of a few snakes, bugs, downpours, it was a very successful and fun time.  There were a few lizards that caused such a big commotion that the whole village came running to see what happened.  Thankfully no issues other than a fun reminder.

The team spent most of their days working in two local schools and evenings at Grace House with the kids. There were definitely divine appointments as several of the testimonies and life situations of the team really connected with our kids.  One example of this involved dealing with the loss of a parent and trying to find meaning and peace during such a painful time.  What does one do? How could God allow it? With many more questions and uncertainties of what’s coming, it’s hard to find others who can really understand. And so this team which has shared in those questions and pains and has found their way through Jesus,  was a big comfort and example to so many of the Grace House kids who have experienced the same.  As the team did life in the village, and showed a true passion to serve with a great humility, the kids really opened up, being more comfortable and trusting, by sharing more of their lives with them. 

One funny story from the team occurred when they taught on Acts 5 concerning Ananias and Sapphira and the consequence of their lying to God. After they finished, our sweet Naomi spoke up and confessed that she had been stealing rice from the kitchen.  We are thankful for all the conviction and work of the Holy Spirit! We pray that this only continues and we thank God for His people and for moving in powerful ways!

World Race Team serving at Grace House and in the village

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Pa-Oh & Shan Ministry

We have been continuing our bible study and fellowship groups with the Pa-Oh and Shan.  Many in our group are still young and new Christians and we have been seeing lots of growth in different areas.  It’s been encouraging to hear testimonies of how marriages are getting stronger, financial hardships and sicknesses met with prayer and faith, and responses to evil are met with good rather than a response of more evil.  So while there are plenty of difficult situations, there is always a good path that can be taken.  And when God is trusted and His path followed it not only improves their lives but also becomes a testimony and an encouragement to others.

Fellowship and Bible Training

Unfortunately, we are not all mature all the time.  Our area has recently had a lot more activity from Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons.  And one church member and friend of ours, Nuan, has left to be part of the Mormons.  If Mormonism was just another Christian denomination or church, there wouldn’t be any issue.  But their beliefs are far removed from biblical Christianity.

We did have an opportunity to visit our friend and her family last week.  We ended up talking with her and her husband until 1 a.m. and sharing on many of the differences Mormonism has with Christianity and the many inconsistencies and contradictions.  She was surprised to learn that they have many gods and have 4 books they view as scripture, which is rather important to know.  So again, please be praying for her and for us to have continued opportunities to share with her and the other Mormons in this area.  For those who don’t know the general beliefs of Mormonism, check out the 20 minute video link below on YouTube -it is well worth your time.  If you have any further questions or comments on this, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Beliefs of Mormonism – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a1BLR4rufYA

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:8-10

This coming week we are hosting a team from Georgia and will be in several locations in Mae Hong Son. Please be praying for opportunities and open hearts while we share the good news!

Thank you and God bless!

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