Greetings
from the Wongratanamajcha family!
This
month has been a great joy and blessing for the Wongratanamajcha family. We had a great family time together at a
nearby lake. Even though it was brief, it
was very wonderful. Indeed, this is the
first time in the past several years because in the past it was a challenge to
find a time when everyone in the family was free.
Family vacation
Almost
every morning and evening, Stephen and Mary drove Isaac back and forth to
school and help him with his homework. Stephen
is now shifting his evangelistic emphasis to biblical equipping emphasis. All his traveling schedule is being paused
due to the monsoon season. He has spent
hours upon hours each day to study the Scripture to prepare himself to teach
the Christian leaders from Myanmar.
Actually, they arrived this past Thursday and are currently studying His
Word, the Scripture and will be with us for two intensive months
(July-August). Stephen is teaching John’s
Gospel. Stephen has consistently studied
John’s Gospel since 1998; however, this is the first time for him to teach this
class. Besides the Gospel of John, AIS
will offer them other intensive courses, for instance, Exegesis on the book of
Romans by Dr. Derek Voorhees from Boise Bible College, Preaching from the New
Testament by Isaiah Yintum, Exegesis on the book of Hebrews and the book of
James by Stephen.
a group picture with Christian workers from Myanmar
Stephen is teaching on John's Gospel
Also, Stephen has been preparing to publish his commentary on the
book of Revelation in the Lisu language.
He has studied the book of Revelation since 1997. Indeed, he did his dissertation on this
book. Please pray for this to work out
in the Lord’s favor as many people will be able to read and study upon, so their
lives will be impacted by God’s Word. Indeed,
many of his commentaries stand in line to be published, if it is in God’s will.
Stephen also took some time during the weekends
to visit local village churches to equip Nick and John in preaching and joining
in fellowship with the local Christians.
Usually, he confesses that equipping his own children is harder than
teaching others since they are growing up with the Third Cultural context. However, it is a demanding task. By the way, Nick, Becky and John are taking
turns each evening teaching English to our students from Myanmar.
John is preaching God's Word
at Nong Kiao church with two translators
Here
is a brief note from Nick: This month has been a relaxing month. Our family
was able to spend time together. That was great! God has blessed me with many
opportunities. I have just finished my teaching with the Korean Christian
School and started teaching a writing class to the Myanmar students.
Opportunities to serve the Lord is just increasing. With several church visits
to different villages in Chiang Dao, I am learning that serving God is not just
preaching, but fellowship. I have had opportunities through Thai friends I have
met, because some of them have asked me about Christianity and I was honored to
give one of my Thai friend, Thi, a bible this past month. Thi is currently out
of the province, but whenever he returns to Chiang Mai, we will continue our
bible study. I have also been asked to be a cohost on the radio for one of the
FM stations in Thailand and with God’s help, I pray that people will come to
know Him through this. Please be praying for our family, the ministry and
mission field in Southeast Asia and China.
Nick is teaching English
Mary
is busy running back and forth in order to meet not only the needs of the
family, but also the needs of the students.
As usual, they came here with limited resources. Therefore, Mary has to get them not only
clothes, but also personal necessities, for instance: soap, shampoo, toothbrush
along with toothpastes,books, papers,etc.
Bless her heart and soul for all the works she has done for God’s Kingdom.
Becky
has finally graduated her university with an honorary degree. She is now planning to find a job. John will be entering his senior year in
Grace International School. Two weeks
ago, John made a quick trip to the village with his dad in order to register
for his military services. As John has
dual citizenship; American and Thai. He
has to register in order to be drafted at age of 20. Although John was very stressed over becoming
a Thai soldier, it will be highly unlikely that he will be exempted because of
his nearsightedness. Praise the Lord!
Introducing
Ministry for Laos
Some
of you may have known our long time co-worker, Yasa. He has started to offer intensive courses for
Christian leaders among the Lahu people from Laos. There are approximately 30,000-40,000 Lahu
people in Laos, but only 200-330 Lahu Christians. Due to the persecution studying God’s Word in
Laos is almost impossible. However,
because of their hunger for God’s Word, these Christians come to Thailand to
study God’s Word and train to be His servants for month-long intensive courses. Much work is still needing to be done in
Laos. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Yasa is teaching Bible to Lahu Christians from Laos
Our
gratitude goes to those who have participated for Bible distribution. Several hundreds of Bible in various
languages have been distributed in the past years and several thousands of
audio Bibles of which are downloaded into phone cards in various languages have
been given throughout China and Myanmar.
God
bless,
Stephen
and Mary
Prayer
Requests:
1.
Please
join us in prayers for the two most disturbing issues: first, pray for
democracy in Thailand. We are entirely disturbed by this undemocratic circumstance. It seems that Thailand is governed by fear
and repression. People can no longer
speak from their hearts and minds. The
economy seems shakily unstable. Second, pray
for all faithful Christians in America in facing a legal right of the same-sex
marriage across the United States. Since
the world is changing swiftly; however, there is nothing new under this sun
(Ecclesiastes 1:9). Morality declines.
Political turmoil and killing, murders and genocides increase. All the issues indeed call us to obey even
more in carrying out the Great Commission.
2.
Our
family, students from Myanmar, and ministry for Laos.
