“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11

We’ve had another good couple of months of ministry and with that, several highlights. Before I go into that, I’ll add a personal update. During this time, I’ve unfortunately had to continue to battle health issues. I ended up getting both typhus and viral meningitis in February. The meningitis was the worst of the two as it caused dizziness, confusion, headaches, etc., for about a month. Again, I am thankful God, Tiff and the doctors took good care of me during this time. I’m back to normal now and hopefully will be back to my usual activities soon.

Tiff was able to spend a lot of quality time with her parents recently as they came to Chiang Mai to visit. She was able to show them many of the attractions that they had never experienced. I’m sure this will be a time they remember.

We also had a few friends from the States and Germany come visit us too. It was great catching up with them and encouraging to see how God is using them. It made my recovery time much more enjoyable too!

Ministry Highlights

Pa-Oh & Shan Ministry

One of the main highlights came when we saw the next generation of Pa-Oh come and follow Christ. Recently we had 2 Pa-Oh boys, whose parents are part of our church and bible studies, decide to identify with Christ and get baptized. Both boys spoke during their first communion of the importance of Jesus in their lives, their desire to obey Him and the excitement of starting this new life.

Baptism & Communion at our Church in Chiang Mai

We have also been continuing to travel to the homes of the Pa-Oh and Shan for bible studies and fellowship. It’s been more difficult as they have had to find new jobs and in doing so spread out to different areas. But even with the groups being smaller, there is still opportunity for effective ministry. Below are some of our visits teaching the kids for baptism, visiting the sick, and teaching and exemplifying discipleship.

Cell Groups and Bible Studies

Grace House & Mae Hong Son

At Grace House the kids just finished their school year and a week of finals. And with it being hot, what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the waterfalls. It is always a joy to see our kids and to see them growing up and moving towards their goals. One girl in particular that I will brag on is our Canaan. She just graduated from school in the refugee camp and is hoping to continue her education to become a doctor or nurse. Before she does that, she wants to study the bible so that she can be better equipped to share the good news with others.

Canaan’s Graduation Ceremony

One thing that we will miss about her is that she would often share her testimony and the gospel with the other kids around her. Just this week we had a few kids state that Canaan was there to encourage them and help them better understand the bible.

One challenge Canaan and many of our kids will face to achieve the goal of going to a university is finances. With Canaan’s dad being sick often and her mom passing away last August, and herself being a refugee, she does not have much support. With that said, we are looking for partners in providing scholarship funds for the opportunity for an even brighter future.

US Team

We were especially blessed to have another team from One Church in Oklahoma. The team spent the week ministering in the schools and villages around Mae Hong Son. The team had a full schedule with the kids that included many fun activities for teaching ESL, Bible stories, dramas, crafts and games.

Ministering in the Schools

The team also generously provided school supplies, clothes and shoes to many of the village kids – haircuts too! Tiff’s local church in MHS also invited the team to help do a special 2-day bible training on the role of the Church and on Spiritual Growth. Overall, they did a great job showing the love of Christ and being servants to those around them.

Ministering in the Villages & Teaching the Bible

With the school year finished as I mentioned above, many of the kids in the area will head back to their villages in Burma or the refugee camp in order to visit friends and family.  Please be praying for them as they travel and for God to open up opportunities for them to know Him more and to minister to others.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” – Matthew 25:21

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