What
a wild month it has been. Smog pollution is evident in our area; the mountains
which were once visible and beautiful are but a hazy outline that you can
barely see. Many farms in Southeast Asia are burned after the harvest season.
This has been an issue because, on some days, the pollution in Thailand can
spike to be the most polluted place in the world. Lung problems remain very
prevalent for many here. On top of this, the Coronavirus has caused a huge
impact. There are warnings to stay away from highly populated places or tourist
zones. Many protective masks are sold out. Some schools are being cancelled.
Many people are either sick, have allergies, or having respiratory problems.
Please be praying for us as we are facing these issues in Chiang Mai. Please
also be praying for the people affected with the virus because we know people
that are struggling in China. We are wondering how long this will last! On top of this, there has been a couple mass shootings in Thailand which has never happened before until now. In the
midst of all these distresses, his Kingdom work must continue!
Before
the virus extended to so many countries, Stephen was asked to teach at one of
the seminaries in Chiang Mai. For a week, Stephen taught the whole New Testament
books to graduate students who are active church leaders and evangelists from
various countries from Southeast Asia and different parts of Thailand. His
class began from 8:30 in the morning and ended at 4:00 in the afternoon, from
Monday to Friday. It was an intensive class packed with literary and historical
including cultural, social and religious contexts. Though he was exhausted, he
was glad that his students enjoyed the class and were encouraged by God’s
Living Word. Some of them even requested for him to visit their churches, or
countries to offer more classes. Due to the present epidemic, Stephen had to
postpone all his mission trips; so, he has been using this time in his office
studying, researching and exegeting the book of Romans--focusing on how Paul used the Old Testament in Romans. After this,
he will compare his commentary with popular commentaries and then it will be
finished!
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| Stephen teaching at a seminary in Chiang Mai |
Nick
continues to carry out a sport ministry in Thailand by coaching a soccer team of
mostly refugee kids from Myanmar at Hua Fai Government School. They were
supposed to have their first soccer match with students from a Korean school
but due to the Coronavirus, the match was cancelled. Being without any
privilege or legal right, these displaced kids are provided hope and a means of
fun in a positive environment through this ministry. Here are some questions
and answers to an interview Nick had with the kids:
Why
did you guys come to Thailand?
“We
came with our parents… there’s more opportunities here, more work, education…
back in Myanmar, there’s always war and robbery”
What
kind of work do you do?
“Help
on the rice fields… construction... sewing clothes”
How
did you guys get to Thailand?
“Some
of us (our parents) came by bus with temporary passes and then got work permits
once we arrived… others snuck in the country illegally… it’s always scary at
check points because sometimes we are harassed by police, even if we are legal”
Do
you face any challenges?
“We
always fear being deported... we fear getting extorted, taking our money with
bogus accusations… sometimes we are afraid we don’t get paid when we work…”
There
are people that cheat and don’t pay you?
“Yeah…
it doesn’t happen often but it does happen sometimes”
What
do you do when that happens?
“Nothing…
there’s nothing to do… we aren’t citizens”
Do
you want to go onto higher education?
“Yeah
but our parent need our help…so many of us will start working after 6th
grade”
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| Soccer practice: most of the kids go barefoot and have to wear their school uniform to play |
Some
families of these dislocated kid ran away from the battlefields, and some are
just searching for any jobs they can get. They’ve got working permits, with
restrictions, but often are harassed and mistreated. Their families just want a
better life, and often are ridiculed and face many challenges along the way. These
kids look forward to soccer practice 3 times a week. It’s been wonderful to
help mold these kids’ character and to see their smiling faces. In the midst of
all the hate, we hope to bring Christ love to our community!
This
made us reminisce about our many great friends in America who helped us when we
first moved to America. It was super tough to be in a country where we didn’t
speak the language well, didn’t eat the same food, didn’t understand the
culture, and didn’t know how to do anything. God blessed us greatly with great
friends that showed us the love of Christ. Through the love we have received,
we want to continue to share it with others. So, in our neighborhood one of our
goals is – to shine a light leading to Christ and love on the community. Nick
says the kids need some soccer equipment like shoes and some athletic clothes
and if anyone wants to donate and be a part of this ministry, feel free to
contact us. We believe we are changing the community around us when we are at
our home base, and the kids’ actions definitely show it! Please continue to
pray for these kids because some of them are interested in Jesus, but their
parents and community are very Buddhist. Pray that God will work on their
hearts!
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| Mary giving the donuts to the school |
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| Yummy! |
Not
only have we provided English teachers to the school but once a month or on special
occasions, our mission does provide a special meal or lunch for the whole
school where these kids are studying. In fact, 100 out of the 120 student body
at Hua Fai Government Elementary School are displaced kids. In January, Mary
and Nick were able to join the School’s National Children’s Day event. We
brought donuts for all the kids. For many of the kids, it was their first time
eating a donut. It was a joyful event to see the kids happy and to share this
memory with them. As the Lord Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to
receive” (Acts 20:35, NASB).
We
continue to praise God the midst of all the chaos. The family is doing well. We
hope you will be keeping our family and missions in your prayers! Please also
pray for God to continue to use us even when travel is very limited at this
moment.
