“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

This past month seems to have flown by, perhaps because a lot occurred and we did have more travel than usual. For ourselves, we found out that we need to move as the house we have been renting was repossessed by the bank. Turns out the owner stopped paying years ago. So we will be moving at the end of this month and have started the process of packing up. One good thing about moving is that we threw away and gave away many items that we didn’t need.

I have had less pain from my back overall. Sitting, and especially driving, really does not agree with it and I frequently aggravate it. I’ve been to the doctor twice but there hasn’t been much progress on realignment.
Tiff is also making progress on her research but at a slower pace do to the move and travel. Still hopeful she will get it done this month.

Ministry Highlights

Pa-Oh & Shan Ministry

When we have been Chiang Mai, we have continued to lead bible studies and follow up with our church members. This past month we were focusing on serving and what that looks for each of us. Part of the teaching included personality tests and spiritual gifts tests. This is to help see how God wants to use each of us and that we don’t shouldn’t try to be somebody that we’re not. Everyone really enjoyed seeing how different the results were and what that might mean going forward.

 

Spiritual Gifts Test During One of Our Cell Groups

One of the difficulties is that most of our group do construction jobs and must move to new locations to find work. In this process last month, some of the families had problems with managers not paying their wages and really going through hardships. Sadly, this is something that happens all too often for migrant workers and so we ask you to please pray for favor and peace.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Grace House & Mae Hong Son

We were blessed to have two teams recently come join us at Grace House and the surrounding areas. The first team was from New Hope Church and really did a great job serving in the schools and community. In addition to teaching English, Bible stories, songs and VBS, there were a few new opportunities with training teachers, girl youth ministry, and going to a new school in Doi Saeng.

Teacher Training in the Long Neck Village

Girl Time

In the Long Neck Village

Teaching in Doi Saeng Village

Kids Ministry in Rak Thai Chinese Village

We also had a team of 3 clowns join us and they were able to perform and share God’s love to several addition locations throughout the week. One particular school I want to highlight was at Pang Mu School, which is a school for special needs kids.

Clown Ministry throughout MHS

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:14

Later on we had a second team join us. This team was from a high school in Texas but was led by a teacher who was originally from New Hope Church. The kids in our village really enjoyed the new friendships, the lessons, and gifts. Many on the team had never witnessed nor experienced the conditions and situations that the kids in Grace House area grew up in. And at the end of their time together, most of the team ended in tears. Praying that God continues to impact lives and hearts!

High School Team at the Long Neck Village

We also have a prayer request as we just received some awful news. We don’t have all the details yet but we were informed that Canaan and Cherry (pictured below) lost their mom yesterday. She and the rest of the family were living in Burma when she fell sick and apparently didn’t get the right medical help in time. 

Cherry and Canaan

As you can imagine it is a difficult time for the girls and so please lift them and their family up in prayers. They are sweet and amazing kids.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

 

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