tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39376275375730543032024-02-21T05:00:33.559+07:00Asians for ChristMaking Disciples in Southeast Asia and Chinastephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-90896225034196711112024-02-21T05:00:00.001+07:002024-02-21T05:00:00.314+07:00Vision of 2030<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
mission work of Asians For Christ and Asia International Seminary is expanding
beyond Thailand, Myanmar, and China, going into Laos and even Vietnam. In the
past, Stephen and Nicholas brought the Good News of Jesus’s redemption all the
way from the north of Sangri-la, the former Tibet at the origin of Salween
River in China, to Thailand at the south. From Vietnam in the east to India in
the west through evangelizing, equipping, and empowering with a wholistic
ministry.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfYVG9itOSv3f8NmkXFdYdX3cJYs2Oq7_r_RfNepeBsjo1AvCYRWUx8Pwrde1Yo5_kaPkLFWGsu2nqVC5bWH6Q6fNKLFA60g8Z9pFTbGcnXfWV_kLKxN-zTG9rcBiaWAPlv5NEK1vJWHbnsBkOOJaOPQjhAvMeK7kxCAMMbxDKo_MVURO9PWgRnaOe80/s2000/423422578_1301783677160177_3875219000041735280_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfYVG9itOSv3f8NmkXFdYdX3cJYs2Oq7_r_RfNepeBsjo1AvCYRWUx8Pwrde1Yo5_kaPkLFWGsu2nqVC5bWH6Q6fNKLFA60g8Z9pFTbGcnXfWV_kLKxN-zTG9rcBiaWAPlv5NEK1vJWHbnsBkOOJaOPQjhAvMeK7kxCAMMbxDKo_MVURO9PWgRnaOe80/w400-h300/423422578_1301783677160177_3875219000041735280_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying for members of a new house church<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Asia
International Seminary has trained 30 evangelists from Laos, 15 from Thailand,
10 from Myanmar, and 90 in China to be rooted in the Scripture: To speak where
the Bible speaks, to be silent where the Bible is silent! In fact, the
graduation for master students will be held this upcoming March 16, 2024.
Please lift up students from Myanmar who will travel to Thailand to attend this
graduation ceremony. Pray for their safeties because war still rages in their
country.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In addition, besides the group of Christian
preachers, pastors and evangelists in Myanmar, a group of Christian leaders
from Laos and Vietnam has requested for us to offer them Bible courses through
Asia International Seminary (a seminary without borders).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUVvr03Lx5MT6yNo1y4IxecDfOlLYOcY9YReQR1U0gMAE91WHXdLEqHpW-McCwDy5XW5yjE76BZt__wzaLXW6iNXrpFQQBXU7fKpmmb7jukwLMlOL6SjKcxlGG4-IE4Aj1S2jFPO1JkAKoZ09sRxQtamUcILo4rbdI9U4k1wvTiwnj-pSzhqyHqDIVeY/s2000/415620694_351033917741526_4103507262062480888_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUVvr03Lx5MT6yNo1y4IxecDfOlLYOcY9YReQR1U0gMAE91WHXdLEqHpW-McCwDy5XW5yjE76BZt__wzaLXW6iNXrpFQQBXU7fKpmmb7jukwLMlOL6SjKcxlGG4-IE4Aj1S2jFPO1JkAKoZ09sRxQtamUcILo4rbdI9U4k1wvTiwnj-pSzhqyHqDIVeY/w400-h300/415620694_351033917741526_4103507262062480888_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Bible Graduates in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7IEFvBmSe7ucC81OjuzZJJDB0K8ZRfZGTb7cEVKUk8Jh5frrsQ2DPysVS-yfrT6yAon5HwmnjwC3jTiDUDlRECAn9FlweOH01h4KDgVPJpYXEXY0i8y7JvxG1sQdA6PBbK1j3tLLdYa9d70wwHE6BebjMr2ov-kf-SsAgoHFKIgat9kZAz9NKlHCtSA/s1477/423454758_769441854521290_7592939520848940019_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7IEFvBmSe7ucC81OjuzZJJDB0K8ZRfZGTb7cEVKUk8Jh5frrsQ2DPysVS-yfrT6yAon5HwmnjwC3jTiDUDlRECAn9FlweOH01h4KDgVPJpYXEXY0i8y7JvxG1sQdA6PBbK1j3tLLdYa9d70wwHE6BebjMr2ov-kf-SsAgoHFKIgat9kZAz9NKlHCtSA/w400-h300/423454758_769441854521290_7592939520848940019_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching Revelation to the Thai students <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Moreover,
there are still millions of people who have not heard the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Not to mention other ethnic groups along with the Lisu people; 2/3 of
Lisu people have not been reached even to this day. Almost 300,000 Lisu in
Sangri-La, 50,000 in Sichuan, 50,000 in Baosang and several thousands in the
Salween basin have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ yet.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Particularly,
along the Salween basin in Myanmar, they are still growing opium and worshipping
the evil spirits. In addition, not only do the Lisu people live in these areas,
there are many other indigenous people who live in Salween River who share in very
similar cultures and contexts. For instance, there are other indigenous groups
of people like the Lahu and Ahka, Shan and Wa. What about Hmong, Mian (Yao), Khamu
and Laotians in Laos, Thai Dum and Vietnamese at the northern part of Vietnam?
There are many still who have not heard the Good News!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Asians
For Christ strives to proclaim Jesus to all the ethnic groups by training them with
the sound doctrine and sending local evangelists into every village; planting churches,
making disciples, and teaching the Bible and different life skills. AFC is also
encouraging and supporting them to use their gifts to reach others and to glorify
God. The potential evangelists, staff and plans are all ready to start, but we
lack the funds to initiate this great vision for Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With
your monetary resources, we could upscale the ministry so that we would be able
to reach out to every single village and indigenous people for Christ according
to Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the ethnic people,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.” To continue to fulfill this Great
Commission of Jesus, we ask that you please pray, join, and support us so that
every lost soul will hear the Gospel of Jesus and accept Jesus as their own
Lord and Savior.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Further
updates</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
January, David, Francis and Sandra came to visit us from Kaimuki Christian
Church. It was wonderful to have people come visit our various ministries. The
last time we had visitors from the States was before the Covid 19 pandemic. These
three came and joined our ministry as they encouraged, taught, and preached at
several churches, to groups of students and to the field workers in Thailand
and Laos. We are very blessed to have a partnering team come and join us in our
ministries. This short-term missions group has encouraged us to continue to do
our best on the various mission fields. If there is anyone or any group that would
like to make a short-term mission’s trip, you are welcome to come anytime!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeALbmQhSvvFy6FM0pWQ4IJBkziigYLTq6JdYXcI067sxXPAvnO4pgMbJ_UEEZJmzSgKd_w_Jg1BMjbicshWg5kLG_NgY0U-RXPwWRqD2qVYtgdCNOuzU2Js8x1tVsUYV0N6FmG2JyeFGrzBAPIlBW5pLoV2kAHsdVAAuqv_Z97s2dVXuYTa96rO0cRs/s2048/421760394_4073724339521645_8799886404072082496_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeALbmQhSvvFy6FM0pWQ4IJBkziigYLTq6JdYXcI067sxXPAvnO4pgMbJ_UEEZJmzSgKd_w_Jg1BMjbicshWg5kLG_NgY0U-RXPwWRqD2qVYtgdCNOuzU2Js8x1tVsUYV0N6FmG2JyeFGrzBAPIlBW5pLoV2kAHsdVAAuqv_Z97s2dVXuYTa96rO0cRs/w300-h400/421760394_4073724339521645_8799886404072082496_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David teaching leadership to the Thai students</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWT6yBZY-NKNZSnu69y_kLEHw_ay8lhPe9gun9PuN1TGykF11wvkuk8l_cZnevKi4mR3A55VVAfajEaZjOIyK9lA27NHbq9E3E7k1pMzUD2SUQM2T63KebUqL4wWAJzA-A7aDmCbiXvGSmnygRVTyxPvm0qQUsTyc5msir1QEkX0LnTI8Dto5_VlWm5E/s2048/423472512_768284368687191_7927622153634110415_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWT6yBZY-NKNZSnu69y_kLEHw_ay8lhPe9gun9PuN1TGykF11wvkuk8l_cZnevKi4mR3A55VVAfajEaZjOIyK9lA27NHbq9E3E7k1pMzUD2SUQM2T63KebUqL4wWAJzA-A7aDmCbiXvGSmnygRVTyxPvm0qQUsTyc5msir1QEkX0LnTI8Dto5_VlWm5E/w300-h400/423472512_768284368687191_7927622153634110415_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the local school</td></tr></tbody></table></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaBjIyHS62cdEu5MVWj3fVLzyyDKINxYwQloc2UydLw_S_IbxYeI7SE_KKkuWxaXrjJ-0FAGbySjJHrp_tXg7yfaPUl5VmwXmzUAgGy42U9DG2A4RZbs00feFiMnrnHJ7myAMU02JrzOizNEK2b6kEM5nPxGWscivBsiJi5Nz9StLzGrRdm0UDk1Jjcg/s2048/423105940_312504451811027_7544172512284889488_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaBjIyHS62cdEu5MVWj3fVLzyyDKINxYwQloc2UydLw_S_IbxYeI7SE_KKkuWxaXrjJ-0FAGbySjJHrp_tXg7yfaPUl5VmwXmzUAgGy42U9DG2A4RZbs00feFiMnrnHJ7myAMU02JrzOizNEK2b6kEM5nPxGWscivBsiJi5Nz9StLzGrRdm0UDk1Jjcg/w300-h400/423105940_312504451811027_7544172512284889488_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary serving food at the school</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH6NWYGjkFCiKPjUGTzia41LjFZhPeJr6EDwDdIobZ3QJvllukepDyTXvYojinFg7e7gZzYnZwD6aVBaoAgFTPcnkXjFyDSFt8c59Usd2n6zZ5IMj6XBMopf22Uv2legTcvaARoBDSL89USykxnr40rv3GS2z_SUftq2CIfoQtmbKND4zfaD09gNGatE/s2048/423221106_933226125130461_6297767566798639228_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH6NWYGjkFCiKPjUGTzia41LjFZhPeJr6EDwDdIobZ3QJvllukepDyTXvYojinFg7e7gZzYnZwD6aVBaoAgFTPcnkXjFyDSFt8c59Usd2n6zZ5IMj6XBMopf22Uv2legTcvaARoBDSL89USykxnr40rv3GS2z_SUftq2CIfoQtmbKND4zfaD09gNGatE/w300-h400/423221106_933226125130461_6297767566798639228_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing snacks for the kids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyxJMDl6AeZJO_pm_JdT48hV423eY-qS8XtBgjmukrikEQqXCC3j_ixsADbp1Xk__ZB9ZT-jSet5jMyC5Ex_KwWin7Xa0GlzdzXgVwudOUgbSl247vw0N4fMevG1EPH9iHfBm-5r8DdtVIJ1pSyk4SN7mDOie7VAycfWae2OqvgoKIKG9UcuJZBUj-yQ/s1773/423036347_252353674575320_8861024220011921814_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="1330" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyxJMDl6AeZJO_pm_JdT48hV423eY-qS8XtBgjmukrikEQqXCC3j_ixsADbp1Xk__ZB9ZT-jSet5jMyC5Ex_KwWin7Xa0GlzdzXgVwudOUgbSl247vw0N4fMevG1EPH9iHfBm-5r8DdtVIJ1pSyk4SN7mDOie7VAycfWae2OqvgoKIKG9UcuJZBUj-yQ/w300-h400/423036347_252353674575320_8861024220011921814_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids love the snacks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZgtAwVe4ZWTExdKI6q-J9nFr9PYbzmoGWZdH_aB6iw9YAVS0ny777eHDKaCUTOpEB2GKimXeCen20ceLDONGg1PMqxqpa4IxJqwBkN52iZd35MuyEtUnX5FuHK9IJvQYcW8rWEV87aZPKnpBtVw7TtIkVbGJM-Pt4YHOOHnf21Ik-50cwQbf5UHBofQ/s2048/410754064_914539706372335_5485187609803021561_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZgtAwVe4ZWTExdKI6q-J9nFr9PYbzmoGWZdH_aB6iw9YAVS0ny777eHDKaCUTOpEB2GKimXeCen20ceLDONGg1PMqxqpa4IxJqwBkN52iZd35MuyEtUnX5FuHK9IJvQYcW8rWEV87aZPKnpBtVw7TtIkVbGJM-Pt4YHOOHnf21Ik-50cwQbf5UHBofQ/w300-h400/410754064_914539706372335_5485187609803021561_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preaching to a Lisu church in Chiang Mai</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKQcydQLNpDIsgMcmbTB1pRzGVY1O2Jd509Gbaj4ZKWX8P43Znxaa96yc6ieZUa_yKx9LgLvHc3GY9Mgxxw6mwiTnyd0rMQIciVdjoAQzwZ_0Lu_Xqrn4g6-zoIbjGgSFslWGQwHBTnrbI4NEYwLWSHj5VWK7GqQSOnXSpNutJ1icdhjaEtpS0wzo-qo/s2048/423105921_698332865532348_4356406171343155102_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKQcydQLNpDIsgMcmbTB1pRzGVY1O2Jd509Gbaj4ZKWX8P43Znxaa96yc6ieZUa_yKx9LgLvHc3GY9Mgxxw6mwiTnyd0rMQIciVdjoAQzwZ_0Lu_Xqrn4g6-zoIbjGgSFslWGQwHBTnrbI4NEYwLWSHj5VWK7GqQSOnXSpNutJ1icdhjaEtpS0wzo-qo/w400-h300/423105921_698332865532348_4356406171343155102_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick encouraging the public school kids</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDGZdaLPyv2GrsVMuoW2ECH7qcXO1zT3TdVBUrF_u2SupNSqbVnFED39GiXVOl2ZXjMPw_cwT9UG9BAv0EZasbDYZpem8pL3d_1L1an2hjgrngRXRvugwzFdGkOYg3ihryGJDbyMrAU52lK9vrSAdUbERk7FdEgjLcV5sxO7Te6FDmJOmAz0CSy5ZXM/s2048/423454758_3391550247756174_5633502596280912460_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDGZdaLPyv2GrsVMuoW2ECH7qcXO1zT3TdVBUrF_u2SupNSqbVnFED39GiXVOl2ZXjMPw_cwT9UG9BAv0EZasbDYZpem8pL3d_1L1an2hjgrngRXRvugwzFdGkOYg3ihryGJDbyMrAU52lK9vrSAdUbERk7FdEgjLcV5sxO7Te6FDmJOmAz0CSy5ZXM/w400-h300/423454758_3391550247756174_5633502596280912460_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick translating Francis' encouragement to the Lisu in Church</td></tr></tbody></table><br />stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-67439741377507351232024-01-13T18:21:00.001+07:002024-01-13T18:26:05.625+07:00Count Your Blessings! HNY 2024<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Count
your blessings, name them one by one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Count
your blessings, see what God has done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Count
your blessings, name them one by one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Count
your many blessings see what God has done.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
time for us to count the blessings that God has poured into our lives,
especially in 2023. Many times, it is easy to take blessings for granted. One
can fall into comfort from own achievements. We can be ignorant in the face of
His blessings and lack gratitude for His Grace which was demonstrated through
His Son, Jesus. These are the reasons we reflect on the year so that we can
capture and remember His work through our lives.</span><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKuoUSO1iurk9WBNyj-RXOXLdnK96IjYwJBvmiqgh3e8QJsP1QN67luNTPn8EB25ZPTBOHr9VZzHatJb7bFsqC0pa5Exgiv07HdCQHSRTxNYeJqcr0CLEglh-aeCdw_nQrB1pJBk47gBn_New_04tsyHnMPGiJ7OqPmOWCLk_igINq3RHbkjQPR-kQVM/s2048/410006900_912108403862983_642901265181260476_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKuoUSO1iurk9WBNyj-RXOXLdnK96IjYwJBvmiqgh3e8QJsP1QN67luNTPn8EB25ZPTBOHr9VZzHatJb7bFsqC0pa5Exgiv07HdCQHSRTxNYeJqcr0CLEglh-aeCdw_nQrB1pJBk47gBn_New_04tsyHnMPGiJ7OqPmOWCLk_igINq3RHbkjQPR-kQVM/w300-h400/410006900_912108403862983_642901265181260476_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving a sermon at the Christmas conference</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswpNC7UbDXkqi8WHhMEEPio5WdvWOYEicmdZZqGy7rcCIxBKm_mrSP4qmPRKlfPhzPXZQM6QKFJaHfL-ZGoEjiqKKpgTq37aXUKGfXUfL_0zNhgZlzo6VWOe-Jx3iULXCgXJ8uIXpvhgYyecW6grYVREX0FQ71QExIpeJwMZm3SzNDMlGrGddeYDy7o8/s2048/411268507_1149069476080030_3806275555337563015_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswpNC7UbDXkqi8WHhMEEPio5WdvWOYEicmdZZqGy7rcCIxBKm_mrSP4qmPRKlfPhzPXZQM6QKFJaHfL-ZGoEjiqKKpgTq37aXUKGfXUfL_0zNhgZlzo6VWOe-Jx3iULXCgXJ8uIXpvhgYyecW6grYVREX0FQ71QExIpeJwMZm3SzNDMlGrGddeYDy7o8/w400-h280/411268507_1149069476080030_3806275555337563015_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas conference in Chiang Dao</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
have been blessed beyond our imaginations. In each year, we are able to share
the Good News of Jesus who died on the cross on behalf of our sins to thousands
of people who are lost and have no chance to hear, read and study His Word, the
Scripture. Yes, people need to hear the Gospel of Jesus’ redemption. Without
Jesus Christ, there is no salvation! Sadly, we are short of Christian workers
and evangelists particularly those who are trained and rooted in the Word of
God. In the past year, we offered intensive classes for Christian workers at
the masters level both onsite and online, emphasizing God’s Word, the Scripture
so that they will be able to apply the Bible into their own culture and context
in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and China.</span></div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the students in Thailand earned two doctoral degrees: Buddhology (indeed, he
was a Buddhist monk) and Theology. But he felt that his Bible
knowledge was too shallow. In other words, he did not know the Scripture. So,
he requested us to teach him nothing else except the Bible. Now, he is very
enthusiastic in the mission works, evangelism in particular.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Besides
the class room setting, we (students and I) have formed an evangelistic team to
carry out the Great Commission to various remote villages in Thailand. In the
past year alone, we built one church, two are on the process of church
construction and two are gathering at houses. One of the villages in particular
is Lapatha. This village has been known to persecute Christian. Even many
non-Christians have lost their lives in this village with other reasons. It is
considered a dangerous village. They will literally stone any person who wants
to accept Jesus and severely threatened evangelists who tried to evangelize to this
village. Almost three decades, Christianity could not reach this village.
Praise the Lord! In the past year, our team started to target this village.
With much prayers and evangelistic efforts, many people have accepted Jesus
Christ as their own Lord and Savior, and many families from this village tore
down and burned their spirit altars and were baptized. Now we are starting the
process of planting a church in this village. This is the true blessing from
our Living Lord and God!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdH4y3qeGFwIhil_yFDvwrUhUKfVzptfrxOFpFDTfY5agZNrZ3W864QF35GPoil3F8ArVcEZtgBfPozoJn4sTeUkoxMmUcG47EsetKAWq4_jmVsjRnkgtI4sR4rDS2rsDid55Ji_MIPSw88dkddwbttvSMqrI_6l4kZsdMIg_oQ-MvtcNTDp6bmAfsWE/s2000/370056697_895863045263565_36388381664725044_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdH4y3qeGFwIhil_yFDvwrUhUKfVzptfrxOFpFDTfY5agZNrZ3W864QF35GPoil3F8ArVcEZtgBfPozoJn4sTeUkoxMmUcG47EsetKAWq4_jmVsjRnkgtI4sR4rDS2rsDid55Ji_MIPSw88dkddwbttvSMqrI_6l4kZsdMIg_oQ-MvtcNTDp6bmAfsWE/w400-h300/370056697_895863045263565_36388381664725044_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and the students visiting villages in the mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp6gmqrZdTrMnzPSkSdNdpfikhOr1BlFkqTS0oOXctRRyta-C9RPA5tkMc-KrlLSRWxWVSlY7BOwLc_jd2CeL0-hTT6d9Y_9KKdCCCf2ddH0PeRIIHdKiT9J-XFe4Yto900LHS7AuYUsSoeS8tRRmrpnUBmWxwNcVZrdHdrFsPHCtVHBbbLgKufEkhOQ/s2000/403410216_1588844698553888_6525864540109115867_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp6gmqrZdTrMnzPSkSdNdpfikhOr1BlFkqTS0oOXctRRyta-C9RPA5tkMc-KrlLSRWxWVSlY7BOwLc_jd2CeL0-hTT6d9Y_9KKdCCCf2ddH0PeRIIHdKiT9J-XFe4Yto900LHS7AuYUsSoeS8tRRmrpnUBmWxwNcVZrdHdrFsPHCtVHBbbLgKufEkhOQ/w300-h400/403410216_1588844698553888_6525864540109115867_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains get really cold</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gp4lved-8vN9FqzvVAiqJiMZxs7Zt8yoogx-LpXJK93_PE9RpxbkPVTbM_TUJjWArLi6KnAWAorQGbC4SNpe5ZVX1Yto5SKE6M4Z0P33YqRtDT4LvzvRZi9MswheE98HQ1g_xPT97H6XhTMBjpxk-MoAxkZKtJ05tVQdbm2jSwMowj73qocJYfPdNL8/s2000/370198865_363207392752054_858548944063981485_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gp4lved-8vN9FqzvVAiqJiMZxs7Zt8yoogx-LpXJK93_PE9RpxbkPVTbM_TUJjWArLi6KnAWAorQGbC4SNpe5ZVX1Yto5SKE6M4Z0P33YqRtDT4LvzvRZi9MswheE98HQ1g_xPT97H6XhTMBjpxk-MoAxkZKtJ05tVQdbm2jSwMowj73qocJYfPdNL8/w400-h300/370198865_363207392752054_858548944063981485_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the remote village </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Mission
works in Myanmar</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
many of you have known that Myanmar has been facing civil unrest. The fighting
is spreading over many parts throughout the country. In the midst of this
unrest situation, our online Bible class continues, in fact, it is growing.
Several prominent Christian leaders: pastors, preachers, evangelists, students
and even governors have attended this online classes. In addition, there are
about 70 preachers and evangelists from the Shan state of Myanmar who want to
take Bible classes with us. We are now in the process of discussing where to
hold classes and how many should enroll in each class.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the midst of severe fighting in the northern part of Shan state of Myanmar, the
ethnic group of people from the southern part of Shan state of Myanmar called
us. This part of Myanmar perhaps is among the few places where there is no
fighting. Two times this year, Mary and Stephen crossed the border at Maesai
into Tachileik of Myanmar to feed the disadvantaged children and orphans.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r0Uk20cJWrzW64CBzd_fRTTSmAdHcJ5l_g-Y-ZxvQfv9K5J93MncjxArISnqv0YXtW3wx2xVpUL2ouDn1EfoobiLDvsYNI1rvr2GRZZfLuZnlnSTzDm3ZhheLiuOl0w5KnZ6QOKfnQ7Vv6o5EFt7nJEz3SgKhEzWqaXGJbryMpyD7YOkt16AJpiVnGA/s720/411677470_879801187100549_8819013908290657298_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r0Uk20cJWrzW64CBzd_fRTTSmAdHcJ5l_g-Y-ZxvQfv9K5J93MncjxArISnqv0YXtW3wx2xVpUL2ouDn1EfoobiLDvsYNI1rvr2GRZZfLuZnlnSTzDm3ZhheLiuOl0w5KnZ6QOKfnQ7Vv6o5EFt7nJEz3SgKhEzWqaXGJbryMpyD7YOkt16AJpiVnGA/w400-h300/411677470_879801187100549_8819013908290657298_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothing ministry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDZjP43MociEse3oec7PEL_BBb2hGsGDIdp7UZUdQaTNZT_BsF04u38Fbd4lZ2i15FhgydVTzIiScDHyARDEeDtvJiz7pTCufRtZFnfQ7MTUZl0b8pVUHQJ5F3keDE3k50w5Krzusl9Iw-DN3A-nObSC2TepFN1g3pE7DoDal3hKQK7umUPjr0xBM_zc/s2048/411565950_885453269624302_6134753456643663722_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDZjP43MociEse3oec7PEL_BBb2hGsGDIdp7UZUdQaTNZT_BsF04u38Fbd4lZ2i15FhgydVTzIiScDHyARDEeDtvJiz7pTCufRtZFnfQ7MTUZl0b8pVUHQJ5F3keDE3k50w5Krzusl9Iw-DN3A-nObSC2TepFN1g3pE7DoDal3hKQK7umUPjr0xBM_zc/w400-h300/411565950_885453269624302_6134753456643663722_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villagers picking winter clothes for the cold season</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyivbk1cv3iwpL23Kjdz5MDwH-w-Bdt6iJbJti9ZHNbobgWGGG6vWDjuYchPgdZowbLy1Ln8MxLcWcphjN3ngYT4bRyZHzijoHc-OziXOfMF-A0_eik4M3Hj-wVbho7JKuMFoNEWVDitvqWujB2rKdHs_-aXxxuvSMZIQcmJRfjAo3HZ_RZoH3KsmF3YI/s2048/386856330_897599615315102_7109050180557374098_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyivbk1cv3iwpL23Kjdz5MDwH-w-Bdt6iJbJti9ZHNbobgWGGG6vWDjuYchPgdZowbLy1Ln8MxLcWcphjN3ngYT4bRyZHzijoHc-OziXOfMF-A0_eik4M3Hj-wVbho7JKuMFoNEWVDitvqWujB2rKdHs_-aXxxuvSMZIQcmJRfjAo3HZ_RZoH3KsmF3YI/w400-h300/386856330_897599615315102_7109050180557374098_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team reaching out to the Ahka tribe in the border<br />of Thailand and Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Mission
works Laos</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes,
God is moving in Laos! Our mission works is growing and the number of
Christians has increased. In each year, God has blessed our mission works
tremendously. Every village and town we went, God had already pathed the way
for us. Our gratitude goes to IDES who are partnering with Asians for Christ.
This partnership has opened people’s heart, even the local leaders to cooperate
in our mission works. Now, our campus ministry is constructing a house for
college students. We are hoping that such building will become, not only for
housing the college students, but also the place for reaching out many lost
students and neighbors, the place for training Christian leaders, and the place
for worshipping God.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDktt1RxU7sOTLp-ST_qTVXSLyc5U-by67UWVDmcrTeO1lwcuzNdIiMFZOMbRx0NesyLQVD_FgeMCNa9z54mBxkE0a8X79qb1WbJ1-ve1uZdorl4pKM8SnbdqytKDbExe9_YvHOy3yNF016oDYWyzPeIJ2RafZ7xgWkRSTrCedJw8jaPUQm9rk-LFzGE/s2000/367947213_1292358128142395_9125569719492644750_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDktt1RxU7sOTLp-ST_qTVXSLyc5U-by67UWVDmcrTeO1lwcuzNdIiMFZOMbRx0NesyLQVD_FgeMCNa9z54mBxkE0a8X79qb1WbJ1-ve1uZdorl4pKM8SnbdqytKDbExe9_YvHOy3yNF016oDYWyzPeIJ2RafZ7xgWkRSTrCedJw8jaPUQm9rk-LFzGE/w300-h400/367947213_1292358128142395_9125569719492644750_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The College Students planting some vegetables</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSUMSwfsC-hUe85eNa838bgpSSNxh_s933fN5mc5RvmYgRHjr3AD2dsMZjddWpxuosF28h8jT4hvRHLIAJadjxqt4RD0bYvC2V1NenPuSg8TfZg_f2Hyk3WY7nnkayypZVUIajj1WCn_BK6GdacTDeM46WIPT9Rj_8waZiYd0nli1QzvMoylTPOv0e5M/s2000/386868995_2109937339353560_139016752466092943_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSUMSwfsC-hUe85eNa838bgpSSNxh_s933fN5mc5RvmYgRHjr3AD2dsMZjddWpxuosF28h8jT4hvRHLIAJadjxqt4RD0bYvC2V1NenPuSg8TfZg_f2Hyk3WY7nnkayypZVUIajj1WCn_BK6GdacTDeM46WIPT9Rj_8waZiYd0nli1QzvMoylTPOv0e5M/w400-h300/386868995_2109937339353560_139016752466092943_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a little chicken coop</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46qfpcSOPfjtf0N9M-RUtKUXQT4VPmKvnS74cg1g0UaXT6fTCbK1BnBdEBTfbn5290W1dCdEgP_BvciZqO86i2F47cZqwiwiPcVvFdWZO5CPlC1FvA5GqZWYSSLa-Z0KdHUxW8gfjQiKFDu7nOTup3bX6tgXMdW9E8Jbb79vv5dfGeB3o_MLrwaFZokk/s2000/370200888_1316885065628875_536005141652005079_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46qfpcSOPfjtf0N9M-RUtKUXQT4VPmKvnS74cg1g0UaXT6fTCbK1BnBdEBTfbn5290W1dCdEgP_BvciZqO86i2F47cZqwiwiPcVvFdWZO5CPlC1FvA5GqZWYSSLa-Z0KdHUxW8gfjQiKFDu7nOTup3bX6tgXMdW9E8Jbb79vv5dfGeB3o_MLrwaFZokk/w400-h300/370200888_1316885065628875_536005141652005079_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The foundations for the new Campus Center in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Family</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mary’s
clothing ministry has created great opportunities for evangelism to various
ethnic people including Shan, Wa, Lahu and Ahka in Shan state of Myanmar.
Stephen is continuing to enjoy his biblical studys. After spending a year
studying Isaiah, he is working on Ezekiel while trying to complete his
commentary on Romans and John’s Gospel. He is also enjoying teaching and
evangelizing to various ethnic groups of people in Southeast Asia and China.
Nick has one more semester to complete his class before writing his thesis.
While studying, he also takes care of planning and organizing all the mission
works. Becky is helping Nick teach online classes and help her mom with the
house chores. Isaac is competing in an invention event in which he is making an
automated physiotherapy device for canine rehabilitation. Your faithfulness in
prayerful and financial supports for our family and ministry is much appreciated.
We are always counting them as God’s blessings and praise Him for providing
great partners!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxB8ekEvUg4DjeH6KfPau8YN28PW9DMNusjaey6v9DVounqpK5V-SChshqZ-2dGQwqM8TeDRfeev6aAQmy1hZCeUMWGtFW8dp1lTmjWkgrjjEhV48oH8phXvM2_m8PyQyHKs6_z5t2AFit0KIRGrwKta4oUYXAer5bqNVQ2igAAeNix7R2sOCjyOMzzo/s1702/Image.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1702" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxB8ekEvUg4DjeH6KfPau8YN28PW9DMNusjaey6v9DVounqpK5V-SChshqZ-2dGQwqM8TeDRfeev6aAQmy1hZCeUMWGtFW8dp1lTmjWkgrjjEhV48oH8phXvM2_m8PyQyHKs6_z5t2AFit0KIRGrwKta4oUYXAer5bqNVQ2igAAeNix7R2sOCjyOMzzo/w400-h300/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick giving a presentation on Mental health</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r9nhJL0g3S1vz4J6gYHyJeh4lZ6AnpGQ3Bh02d8XsvSLYQsqyBPc7fChPoCnWjFpf29XdVEGBm0UI9KglKGxRZP3JOPlGNXd2xmlZXWMJONWs03BJRmelYwjf-m62TkTtxYU4ByLxh1leWsXU25tHFCDug0J1epWhTUE1A-1kQk57ZwIgOPuOG8ORsk/s1630/371154978_210619152106825_5151016613428627218_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1630" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r9nhJL0g3S1vz4J6gYHyJeh4lZ6AnpGQ3Bh02d8XsvSLYQsqyBPc7fChPoCnWjFpf29XdVEGBm0UI9KglKGxRZP3JOPlGNXd2xmlZXWMJONWs03BJRmelYwjf-m62TkTtxYU4ByLxh1leWsXU25tHFCDug0J1epWhTUE1A-1kQk57ZwIgOPuOG8ORsk/w400-h375/371154978_210619152106825_5151016613428627218_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary and Becky spending time with the kids in the village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p></div></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-80706777349836083652023-11-12T20:30:00.077+07:002023-11-12T20:31:44.097+07:00Food, Community, and Worship<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As Thanksgiving season arrives, it is a time to praise God
and give thanks to Him for the many blessings. Many villagers have harvested
their crops for the year and it is time for honoring God. Thanksgiving is a large
community event in Asia, for example a whole village would come together and
worship God. The exact date may be different throughout the world, one aspect
of Thanksgiving that is common is the food. No matter what area of the world,
Thanksgiving is associated with a sharing of meal with others. It’s times like
this when everyone comes together and cooks, share unique recipes, and talk
about life. There’s something about people and food, eating together enhances a
sense of connectedness… not to mention the delicious food itself.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveIp5Ambf1iyKoAdsITiuEV_h8zxZRLdFD8oKzKfiKAfEaAbv4ebdDRGWfwhdLVKYzjKu7RLFn3fwA4SqpC0UAPxP1d8ODut52qpg7sI04xyTgsoaDtzLEjFn85Y43vJWdOK4INXZQfDMtyW8vyckso2Xg0Rbu45x93tAYDel4jGBpzKyWyVg81Sl9VU/s2048/384562329_3510327189209741_7303809474137214349_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveIp5Ambf1iyKoAdsITiuEV_h8zxZRLdFD8oKzKfiKAfEaAbv4ebdDRGWfwhdLVKYzjKu7RLFn3fwA4SqpC0UAPxP1d8ODut52qpg7sI04xyTgsoaDtzLEjFn85Y43vJWdOK4INXZQfDMtyW8vyckso2Xg0Rbu45x93tAYDel4jGBpzKyWyVg81Sl9VU/w300-h400/384562329_3510327189209741_7303809474137214349_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving party at our home</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ZEJeJQl3bLVlbIhYD2weHEgmrGrO0Y3pEZkeO3Ew0OCq_BX0gN_7cHU6mBLt7o3AK3ne_gO5ZzDCgR8tD4eavA-s6YnuuqZz7VD929xw-MJbSwsEQ2_TgjhFOAYuUBBUd1kZiEdLO8tfI4F40vzpzkH7YSMteQmmQDzktkRWRemks46BgJFunjt4u4/s2048/385531694_1334658310751846_2396116898508770405_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ZEJeJQl3bLVlbIhYD2weHEgmrGrO0Y3pEZkeO3Ew0OCq_BX0gN_7cHU6mBLt7o3AK3ne_gO5ZzDCgR8tD4eavA-s6YnuuqZz7VD929xw-MJbSwsEQ2_TgjhFOAYuUBBUd1kZiEdLO8tfI4F40vzpzkH7YSMteQmmQDzktkRWRemks46BgJFunjt4u4/w300-h400/385531694_1334658310751846_2396116898508770405_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many people came to worship God together</td></tr></tbody></table>Every year, we have a Thanksgiving party at our house and we
invite several villages to join us in giving thanks to God. The event usually
starts in the morning, beginning with a short sermon and then different
churches will come up and praise God through a song or a dance. Afterwards, we
would have a time of prayer and then everyone would gather around and enjoy
lunch together. We really appreciated the people helping us in the background.
A few ladies from a few hours north, came the night before to help prepare food
for 200 hundred people. Several men also came to set up tents to prepare for
the event. With much help, this event went well and all of us had many things
to be thankful. Praise God!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFAyNw3g4oSnJQc-tLJ-v9gji_FknvhX9oUAnR3zSeORxnBdckBRcipZ4LRonc_ybrKJwrL1xo9HNF4rOyGfcQGl5tAktAl5SBiTzrt28K9VolmdRMZxUxWfCcNAtWMZRHiEU5dwDvxSTeOMJ5lWb-XEJQhS8XcJkqnUl09S9xZ700-Wn1b21E_ue-fY/s2048/380742578_689509573146371_6130735303168001206_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFAyNw3g4oSnJQc-tLJ-v9gji_FknvhX9oUAnR3zSeORxnBdckBRcipZ4LRonc_ybrKJwrL1xo9HNF4rOyGfcQGl5tAktAl5SBiTzrt28K9VolmdRMZxUxWfCcNAtWMZRHiEU5dwDvxSTeOMJ5lWb-XEJQhS8XcJkqnUl09S9xZ700-Wn1b21E_ue-fY/w300-h400/380742578_689509573146371_6130735303168001206_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men came to help set up and tear down tents</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6riG3mrFcPAyZIeZ6lGQXi4i1LCtBGGEb7Mc0FvwQptrM1RdB7Xhv37VSB0eOi31Ww_sS7dy_LvHedTLVjWGW11Ng4C3ZHWN0kH5Ug36kA2jtRPur_QVzOfI4aDmiNKl6ALPfB6MkkK4A_2CJK4Hp51AmLQy55sV8YRbL807D2Wv6TzPtAmD8eJ8o_J8/s2048/380406930_360813406365966_3799249538223398635_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6riG3mrFcPAyZIeZ6lGQXi4i1LCtBGGEb7Mc0FvwQptrM1RdB7Xhv37VSB0eOi31Ww_sS7dy_LvHedTLVjWGW11Ng4C3ZHWN0kH5Ug36kA2jtRPur_QVzOfI4aDmiNKl6ALPfB6MkkK4A_2CJK4Hp51AmLQy55sV8YRbL807D2Wv6TzPtAmD8eJ8o_J8/w240-h320/380406930_360813406365966_3799249538223398635_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the women preparing lunch</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0fqdjUqLTYmmcx4Y6Ag9vPOCdLbHri2bd-i-3wC3C2qgSIG4OjLYuRaUjNlle3UNOs6Mcurj2izEb7_X2qbuNp8UIpV6tN-RYDOCsrNGCSx3LT0PUwHz4XPqEOChRdKfCAeHUB5SUQX0bnMiW_3SgXnK3Vg8Ia46ZId3beuuaxlkdccawbMfp_gt-Bs/s2048/380446164_1020612775777243_2199910500585426670_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0fqdjUqLTYmmcx4Y6Ag9vPOCdLbHri2bd-i-3wC3C2qgSIG4OjLYuRaUjNlle3UNOs6Mcurj2izEb7_X2qbuNp8UIpV6tN-RYDOCsrNGCSx3LT0PUwHz4XPqEOChRdKfCAeHUB5SUQX0bnMiW_3SgXnK3Vg8Ia46ZId3beuuaxlkdccawbMfp_gt-Bs/w300-h400/380446164_1020612775777243_2199910500585426670_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary helping pass out oranges</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWotALFSI_mhoX3iBCiaL708UJ1nPtvh_Q5q5uk7C7jLigGwCMIRzlSU5IsqD-uPx9u3QOGBfvI-K5kuOcZP9R5rg6Oa3CKrcQ35EAaqQ2R40lm68k0EFDOeaZc2OlnKnWm9MPzqdrAqm4Vroy15nTW7yplwKIhQC-kiiVPyl_7vctz522dDDoA8wNJY/s2048/384547501_815390587030896_8450006003918374888_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWotALFSI_mhoX3iBCiaL708UJ1nPtvh_Q5q5uk7C7jLigGwCMIRzlSU5IsqD-uPx9u3QOGBfvI-K5kuOcZP9R5rg6Oa3CKrcQ35EAaqQ2R40lm68k0EFDOeaZc2OlnKnWm9MPzqdrAqm4Vroy15nTW7yplwKIhQC-kiiVPyl_7vctz522dDDoA8wNJY/w300-h400/384547501_815390587030896_8450006003918374888_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of food to enjoy together</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-278K8vHAjejvO4sD2qhTjWQ7DnVwu1xBslO7uvbHKl2tZ2gSopLXV1vkTsaLS5kK_98Nd-rdHpvrPwBq5iFSziwVbEAzYGJbvKM48-WJAHacqHs3ImqQKFoiE2Ov77XyujsrQ93b_ee7yatwDyPKNXXOJFFW3JwCXtFK6Sg331DJ-iOtRaOih7gIak/s2048/380558682_609709097856643_68444786725620461_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-278K8vHAjejvO4sD2qhTjWQ7DnVwu1xBslO7uvbHKl2tZ2gSopLXV1vkTsaLS5kK_98Nd-rdHpvrPwBq5iFSziwVbEAzYGJbvKM48-WJAHacqHs3ImqQKFoiE2Ov77XyujsrQ93b_ee7yatwDyPKNXXOJFFW3JwCXtFK6Sg331DJ-iOtRaOih7gIak/w300-h400/380558682_609709097856643_68444786725620461_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neighborhood women's committee came<br />and performed a Thai traditional dance</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjspd6MDTEaCoLNEXFRMjuii8SzShMwl26d_9mKFOwhfNZX0mfheYqI_g4xtgFgoJfwvYLiXzf4fWstkoRnBTzz_MKzDNXrjnvzlApCKvfCCevg07rd4l93Msbt-OEVVmg_2EP-wuClPmtFdbP6wYAB3L8wj0r_I_Vh6bP34HwT0rxI7ZzwrAwIIQSz1k/s2048/385537956_288117614201390_6891358493615000525_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjspd6MDTEaCoLNEXFRMjuii8SzShMwl26d_9mKFOwhfNZX0mfheYqI_g4xtgFgoJfwvYLiXzf4fWstkoRnBTzz_MKzDNXrjnvzlApCKvfCCevg07rd4l93Msbt-OEVVmg_2EP-wuClPmtFdbP6wYAB3L8wj0r_I_Vh6bP34HwT0rxI7ZzwrAwIIQSz1k/w300-h400/385537956_288117614201390_6891358493615000525_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lisu sang an acapella worship song</td></tr></tbody></table>After this event, the recent church plant in Huay Lai also had a Thanksgiving event. Stephen was asked to give the main message at this Harvest worship. Many people from the surrounding villages came to worship God by singing songs and dancing. If you can see the pattern, Lisu people love music! Anyhow, this was a great time of thanksgiving for our God who provides everything, including all of our food.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ZQvqTNwZaq5CIp26hW9EOMuGbmitW7DI48orKDRbjNdhtAQXH5G2rk8dRLou67y5HP8wZl5ZDSRGbMWOCCBzavIG1BdnjrWl1HdUNxfS8bxOIJpnwsntC64pmQrbS-QzJpb63VJeD9cSiR8727x0PhH2PABpURnv5O5A2NJtBy5Pm9d0_z591H6Hho/s2048/384556224_356187106983549_3305878446737541609_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ZQvqTNwZaq5CIp26hW9EOMuGbmitW7DI48orKDRbjNdhtAQXH5G2rk8dRLou67y5HP8wZl5ZDSRGbMWOCCBzavIG1BdnjrWl1HdUNxfS8bxOIJpnwsntC64pmQrbS-QzJpb63VJeD9cSiR8727x0PhH2PABpURnv5O5A2NJtBy5Pm9d0_z591H6Hho/w400-h300/384556224_356187106983549_3305878446737541609_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Thanksgiving event at a new church plant, Tap Due</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR1iEu8KsXnuVMFKwrmY8UjdJW7CVxvUklCGEen5zwRdTsD5WTcYvWD95tESaF_Pu1-byypsDVKl0wPX78EwdyDlZSWgheD4RmZ0uupXik8UQW8uJhOtQsCSEsQAOdI39Q6-jyDXAZOvtPVb8aAXlLeTGhxmnYTduWum5uOiU6jONWLEUC-tfbr451HY/s1920/385525025_897689858633978_5112243239701922353_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR1iEu8KsXnuVMFKwrmY8UjdJW7CVxvUklCGEen5zwRdTsD5WTcYvWD95tESaF_Pu1-byypsDVKl0wPX78EwdyDlZSWgheD4RmZ0uupXik8UQW8uJhOtQsCSEsQAOdI39Q6-jyDXAZOvtPVb8aAXlLeTGhxmnYTduWum5uOiU6jONWLEUC-tfbr451HY/w400-h225/385525025_897689858633978_5112243239701922353_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The villagers brought their first produce as an offering to share<br />with those who need food</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGrb_krQwuVacqYJQ39Ztu37RXF2bbixeaC74w0rjGUr01F0vxDCKDhGC2k8muQYJBu6qgkaV-9LNgmnLXRwubM5UnzQgImzt-erHdWjZWnDB1jaZVLwRB3xVk8XkD1ewo4au_gpguNrieir6IwdUIY7jDAGgaxb4I1Frq-ji0R_RLS9XGjRUfu-RaDc/s2048/371471777_1274056439939298_4182579952444164564_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGrb_krQwuVacqYJQ39Ztu37RXF2bbixeaC74w0rjGUr01F0vxDCKDhGC2k8muQYJBu6qgkaV-9LNgmnLXRwubM5UnzQgImzt-erHdWjZWnDB1jaZVLwRB3xVk8XkD1ewo4au_gpguNrieir6IwdUIY7jDAGgaxb4I1Frq-ji0R_RLS9XGjRUfu-RaDc/w300-h400/371471777_1274056439939298_4182579952444164564_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen gave a message</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hIwGW31lG9EdwnAkqC6a4V7d-mQrVkRuJmNg8CVf00q9h4LhddL9nR_dQE0g1ZSg1GO6peUK5SxXO8UCb76EWJ2Jb_fLxntr6jYsSyBf4raeHEKj1sW15_sxu0he9VlC3g2DNEn79AaCpqL2OzA2sgMiXfx1K7Cm91K0knJ5d7peQvU9ltd7cVMzhfw/s2048/370269953_3502461553352792_3851091050067228630_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hIwGW31lG9EdwnAkqC6a4V7d-mQrVkRuJmNg8CVf00q9h4LhddL9nR_dQE0g1ZSg1GO6peUK5SxXO8UCb76EWJ2Jb_fLxntr6jYsSyBf4raeHEKj1sW15_sxu0he9VlC3g2DNEn79AaCpqL2OzA2sgMiXfx1K7Cm91K0knJ5d7peQvU9ltd7cVMzhfw/w400-h300/370269953_3502461553352792_3851091050067228630_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More great singing from the Lisu people</td></tr></tbody></table>Another new church plant, Nong Kio, Vieng Haeng has seen a lot of growth. This house church was established by Stephen and the group of leaders he's been teaching. God has done great things through this group since they've planted several churches already in a year; and these churches are growing in number and also spiritual growth because the members seek to study the Word more! Every week, a few of Stephen's students would go up and help at the church by training leaders and sharing the message with them. At this moment, they have been taught that God is the ultimate provider; He gives us much blessing and we too should give in order to support the needs of the church and help others. This was well received because many of the members have slowly becoming people who give. They will have their first Thanksgiving worship service in the next couple of weeks. If the number continue to grow as it has been, we are discussing about possibly building a church in this village. Please continue to pray for the church plants we mentioned.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Sxc12kaKQ9bVC16PtunXybYhJo9zm1C9qHxHTLT6m6pDB8-Zz1FRT8ROcGhW9wCYfmb0K4lTBTXZqEa8c9AP3_LLoUZ7Hc86yuEL1biK9jPawnD1RsJoWJKEnWSa47CS8DTjmQKKSUukAZdQ7E-jKrprrIeyJXkJeNdnbfXATFRIO9lY8RLM6d9AtQ/s2048/399876926_177327898790857_8957799562002577813_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1404" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Sxc12kaKQ9bVC16PtunXybYhJo9zm1C9qHxHTLT6m6pDB8-Zz1FRT8ROcGhW9wCYfmb0K4lTBTXZqEa8c9AP3_LLoUZ7Hc86yuEL1biK9jPawnD1RsJoWJKEnWSa47CS8DTjmQKKSUukAZdQ7E-jKrprrIeyJXkJeNdnbfXATFRIO9lY8RLM6d9AtQ/w274-h400/399876926_177327898790857_8957799562002577813_n.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen visiting the house church <br />at Nong Kio</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFp9OPItPTmQzEyR0A-xHPYo-teI5uO-9wIheGJeMORIb55aNlALooRZ7f8lRHed_3I12oDC0F41p53bm3Vao7Ziss8epma4NWY8yhfXJeyen-AeREcR0CqLwAolgtEpl_3W8e77fwuxLLsTtYq0gzhh2sP55g1l4aJo7S-9S4P4Bf8PfBZQgeWPf1vY/s2048/355980442_204442652562499_6535167311538735822_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFp9OPItPTmQzEyR0A-xHPYo-teI5uO-9wIheGJeMORIb55aNlALooRZ7f8lRHed_3I12oDC0F41p53bm3Vao7Ziss8epma4NWY8yhfXJeyen-AeREcR0CqLwAolgtEpl_3W8e77fwuxLLsTtYq0gzhh2sP55g1l4aJo7S-9S4P4Bf8PfBZQgeWPf1vY/w400-h300/355980442_204442652562499_6535167311538735822_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The numbers continue to grow, praise God!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div>Recently, Stephen and Mary also went to visit a children’s
home in Myanmar in order to provide some clothes, new cooking tools, and cook a
few meals for the kids. Before going there, they were a bit nervous because the
situation in Myanmar has been really bad. People are being kidnapped for ransom
and many have been threatened and harmed. Nevertheless, the guardians at the
children’s home asked us to visit them for many months now, so they prayed and
headed over to Myanmar. When Stephen and Mary arrived, they were greeted by
smiles from about 40 kids, orphans and destitute children, all living in very
small spaces. One of Stephen’s first thoughts were the living conditions was
not the best… it was very crowded and there were a lot of dust in the small
building. Mary saw the kitchen area and said she felt very sad for them; they
were using a broken rusted over spatula. The spatula was very short, so when
they tried to stir fry the food, they came very close to the fire. Mary and
some of the kids were very sweaty because of the heat and some of their arm
hair were singed as well. During the few days, Stephen and Mary both saw how
the kids worshipped with their hearts. They were both encouraged and blessed to
spend time with these children.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIty5od_3Gu83weA2D8ytfUMIpZ9eBA04laXaDW77xBwRxPaY0Np1esFAy3ZtM1SO9vNRDp3xn_9TYXwBdYhfVDDyq_BCsQaFGqi9FGr9INcZ9ByYSFLBi6l-PZ4WqFfAKed_D-iZ_NkZuf-5U7xuXa7kXTPtmxKkSEZ6-YE37UWN85HLvi4eDdN1XzE/s2048/370082261_992746071805242_3673446589863923917_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIty5od_3Gu83weA2D8ytfUMIpZ9eBA04laXaDW77xBwRxPaY0Np1esFAy3ZtM1SO9vNRDp3xn_9TYXwBdYhfVDDyq_BCsQaFGqi9FGr9INcZ9ByYSFLBi6l-PZ4WqFfAKed_D-iZ_NkZuf-5U7xuXa7kXTPtmxKkSEZ6-YE37UWN85HLvi4eDdN1XzE/w400-h300/370082261_992746071805242_3673446589863923917_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bedroom at the children's home</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='379' height='315' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdLMhW1gXyx3nStHUrJrJHBMaM2RmW-ghQQi5xrvA0nydvaAfkNUb6OOHkbl5o6g9ImRBbfjBClJk53IvTkA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRhEGBVaZw_dwahjPt9-FBJ_cbv7hbzTxGavJKguw83CBxYkMnRRiYCgVkExa82MYLOx47ZXR57pDeBakB1qoUxcdQa2yeWHiWThk3a-m0DWyKrQ9EHZMCVq7UdO4HwnNCF3PxhyphenhyphenjxvrHhIeuvBUtQ1FUQtZPpW8k5kgFlVwy1kEM0mR72Lp4U9QESf8/s2048/387326383_6538153406312703_2953261334912338344_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRhEGBVaZw_dwahjPt9-FBJ_cbv7hbzTxGavJKguw83CBxYkMnRRiYCgVkExa82MYLOx47ZXR57pDeBakB1qoUxcdQa2yeWHiWThk3a-m0DWyKrQ9EHZMCVq7UdO4HwnNCF3PxhyphenhyphenjxvrHhIeuvBUtQ1FUQtZPpW8k5kgFlVwy1kEM0mR72Lp4U9QESf8/w300-h400/387326383_6538153406312703_2953261334912338344_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary cooking with the boys, they were all<br />sweating from the heat of the fire</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfoZO1iM6y03HQoP-EogPrSM3aWNpD6Yw3fqDSQ5R8BvIqHOerRK4dR_SqtEOznCj4r6Uu71HYewukcYRyf_REiVF-c2LcRbMsSHBFaW7sxfAbevPbh4FTSsbuORTU1c7eyxsIMNDm8Fd7-inTkoiOJxT91-I40-4XUFU8ZU12Xsyih53QlMZtuAwnYA/s2048/387326504_174967175654426_6548361477613790718_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfoZO1iM6y03HQoP-EogPrSM3aWNpD6Yw3fqDSQ5R8BvIqHOerRK4dR_SqtEOznCj4r6Uu71HYewukcYRyf_REiVF-c2LcRbMsSHBFaW7sxfAbevPbh4FTSsbuORTU1c7eyxsIMNDm8Fd7-inTkoiOJxT91-I40-4XUFU8ZU12Xsyih53QlMZtuAwnYA/s320/387326504_174967175654426_6548361477613790718_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary and the girls prepping the ingredients</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUoSG6seeP29W_-S4PkGfHI4jckhcwCPML20w6hbFRkEzukR4rM9zTk0y3iX8DLvjXalYPax7eYAwBvoXPf5_sWkFbgVUG4DrYCjyGEXL6V343QEmudr9S35RQte4PJjn6jL-uMP_jIMeWa2jCzIOsIcJNSjbu49BY5yeusNoBFRFWvvOzipCTnxf7FE/s2000/387525088_1345461929407652_8621594511718821008_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUoSG6seeP29W_-S4PkGfHI4jckhcwCPML20w6hbFRkEzukR4rM9zTk0y3iX8DLvjXalYPax7eYAwBvoXPf5_sWkFbgVUG4DrYCjyGEXL6V343QEmudr9S35RQte4PJjn6jL-uMP_jIMeWa2jCzIOsIcJNSjbu49BY5yeusNoBFRFWvvOzipCTnxf7FE/w400-h300/387525088_1345461929407652_8621594511718821008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary giving new clothes to all the children</td></tr></tbody></table>Stephen also made a trip to Laos in order to help people
starving because of the recent natural disaster. Over 10 villages were affected
by the flood and many farmers lost their crops for the year. Such a travesty
especially because all of the villagers live under poverty. They plant enough
rice for self-consumption and when the crops are all dead then their livelihood
is affected. Many are struggling. Our local evangelists have requested for help
and so we reached out to IDES; IDES has always been a great partner in relief
works in Southeast Asia and China. We have worked on many relief projects
together and this is another one which will bring hope and the love of Christ
to the villagers in Laos. This trip was a success as Stephen coordinated and delivered food packages to the villagers with our local team. It is a blessing to be a part of the efforts to feed hungry people and to share the love of Christ with them. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdQqrKQJ5KGReV4e2nnTfo8pSVe_UQaUjfJphjFde3hshKvgRPTIyhhQaI3vYMnqdXQ8RXwi84vdk-WRcFDk46KflxIb0j-3Yaff0yP-UcQ0ZmY22mmL3VWJNAhyphenhyphendsk-mmTCc-sbBPVBESmMmT0-yGU1FgqfAPKD1Nj27U1h6Ym6W5bCkkm-2iP5bmwM/s2000/398308068_322113453768673_873248406739441606_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdQqrKQJ5KGReV4e2nnTfo8pSVe_UQaUjfJphjFde3hshKvgRPTIyhhQaI3vYMnqdXQ8RXwi84vdk-WRcFDk46KflxIb0j-3Yaff0yP-UcQ0ZmY22mmL3VWJNAhyphenhyphendsk-mmTCc-sbBPVBESmMmT0-yGU1FgqfAPKD1Nj27U1h6Ym6W5bCkkm-2iP5bmwM/w400-h300/398308068_322113453768673_873248406739441606_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice is the main staple food in Asia; it is the main need <br />for the people affected by the recent flood</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCi0vCZYhowutj4WhO7SoKmP_Jik21iC9sap6yzFkAzQ-KZikAs2obKsK4phLCUAGS4u0q4yWeH3AcJW58h5cKwXwToJADaSoln-tOSUqE48phj2nlYMhgo-csHv4k_dWNtCxjAk4dxM7m0jZfhdgNvTDUROOQ03QdjSOeVUCL8s5WqpPTc06uMdb3Fs/s2040/394369468_1340993156808956_2112322588755629628_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCi0vCZYhowutj4WhO7SoKmP_Jik21iC9sap6yzFkAzQ-KZikAs2obKsK4phLCUAGS4u0q4yWeH3AcJW58h5cKwXwToJADaSoln-tOSUqE48phj2nlYMhgo-csHv4k_dWNtCxjAk4dxM7m0jZfhdgNvTDUROOQ03QdjSOeVUCL8s5WqpPTc06uMdb3Fs/w400-h300/394369468_1340993156808956_2112322588755629628_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen with his team and the Laos government passed out<br />the relief packages to the school<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ty3vRgzW5_Y0wu7yCZSeEWywlW-QkHeoQk8gjojRxPJslAJQs9mLi_XXikQFekg6Xzt1FgDenmwLeTPACs9Xp4TZMEkHkFUgjxbIlb-fYPewEfCGKeg3MxIb4z5lYT8EbHb5Rc8ry6ndNJjITeBm7a4cNPLRb8psiqKAKhExpRpzWCdHKFUeGoyNXbs/s2040/398280835_740481441448520_1164843527183687473_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1530" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ty3vRgzW5_Y0wu7yCZSeEWywlW-QkHeoQk8gjojRxPJslAJQs9mLi_XXikQFekg6Xzt1FgDenmwLeTPACs9Xp4TZMEkHkFUgjxbIlb-fYPewEfCGKeg3MxIb4z5lYT8EbHb5Rc8ry6ndNJjITeBm7a4cNPLRb8psiqKAKhExpRpzWCdHKFUeGoyNXbs/w300-h400/398280835_740481441448520_1164843527183687473_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students at one of the village receiving <br />relief packages</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgSvQSFMLebKacqsQzOCwTXzJFT1vhHvuLMhUDStdFuXEmj2oAEi7BG0aaOl3C4lUfWV2aX1saHnuRFGJXwhiOCgAebtNXhxTEZtxLj4ELJTy21KZHLFbNPIMI9UGG9qJ2Sx1M4_HTu4QdNJ1xZ2wLHriU9IAvJJWTVjCU73tVyK3XMxdr3zm-Fo2w0M/s2000/398044945_1031714171358823_1773625058035062219_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgSvQSFMLebKacqsQzOCwTXzJFT1vhHvuLMhUDStdFuXEmj2oAEi7BG0aaOl3C4lUfWV2aX1saHnuRFGJXwhiOCgAebtNXhxTEZtxLj4ELJTy21KZHLFbNPIMI9UGG9qJ2Sx1M4_HTu4QdNJ1xZ2wLHriU9IAvJJWTVjCU73tVyK3XMxdr3zm-Fo2w0M/w400-h300/398044945_1031714171358823_1773625058035062219_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another team also with rice headed to several villages</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1uFNed5yHihRsuvuP0BO1ASR0W2t0yVyQfLrI2ytc22Tr4VjzuzF4uya2QsYvSWiAekRfJ3z-Kixct4r0pdGSkYTnTrG0ta67GX-XYpKICThuFHC8XPivRG93wZcn1Y3ltIgjcD_SJyk7QXbQYXRJn0SxmolRkidu3CQB1hiETwr08rCSEjPTiI0Mao/s1600/398308053_1499814277419268_6304006651946858543_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1uFNed5yHihRsuvuP0BO1ASR0W2t0yVyQfLrI2ytc22Tr4VjzuzF4uya2QsYvSWiAekRfJ3z-Kixct4r0pdGSkYTnTrG0ta67GX-XYpKICThuFHC8XPivRG93wZcn1Y3ltIgjcD_SJyk7QXbQYXRJn0SxmolRkidu3CQB1hiETwr08rCSEjPTiI0Mao/w400-h300/398308053_1499814277419268_6304006651946858543_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of families received food</td></tr></tbody></table>During the Laos trip, Stephen also visited the capital,
Vientiane. As you may recall, this is the area where we have set our outreach
center/dormitory ministry. We received generous donations from our partners and
are currently at 40% into our goal. The land has been prepared and some of the
fence has been constructed. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We have enough at the moment to start the first
structure. We hope that we can continue to add as we get more funds. At this
moment, we are praying that God will provide a building for worship so that
students and neighboring people could come and worship God. However, the
immediate need is drilling for a water-well and electricity. </span>Please lift
the remaining costs to the Lord with us.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHB17RRxP5Meaex7gtHsmfg0dNi2NSaSBGCkX6lwFhcj-ydBzwxvH8r13y11ZeqvqEwkRGzfHR5gZKq61E_cjGUk6XM9FrkSgNmRtgqiaKe3K9k1foH4Q48Cs53otfGH2yO63iiAoKGSzvwGzB5Y9OCYaVe0ji3GIPeIYoHLQWA_RmfztlK2jAsIsnIA/s2000/370270239_1308143686484109_5694476046532403417_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHB17RRxP5Meaex7gtHsmfg0dNi2NSaSBGCkX6lwFhcj-ydBzwxvH8r13y11ZeqvqEwkRGzfHR5gZKq61E_cjGUk6XM9FrkSgNmRtgqiaKe3K9k1foH4Q48Cs53otfGH2yO63iiAoKGSzvwGzB5Y9OCYaVe0ji3GIPeIYoHLQWA_RmfztlK2jAsIsnIA/w400-h300/370270239_1308143686484109_5694476046532403417_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fence posts were delivered</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79quPyXwweO3yCrT9ZbXOUZAqjsvxVcZLiIgsAAu6sV8vb1MT3UmCFqA4eKV9xUuzf9Vo6db-ATQAb9F2tYUE5a8WZEqvDL4qrAGexj-0WRRjMhBuy_7Zu_3Ua8-Gq9pitYvWpsEA6DIuSmw9xGiG8Wz58MubYxcYgov0JIn5diwH-dzegHBowMnKJKg/s2000/376541729_987823498950104_647763256586119466_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79quPyXwweO3yCrT9ZbXOUZAqjsvxVcZLiIgsAAu6sV8vb1MT3UmCFqA4eKV9xUuzf9Vo6db-ATQAb9F2tYUE5a8WZEqvDL4qrAGexj-0WRRjMhBuy_7Zu_3Ua8-Gq9pitYvWpsEA6DIuSmw9xGiG8Wz58MubYxcYgov0JIn5diwH-dzegHBowMnKJKg/w400-h300/376541729_987823498950104_647763256586119466_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The college students helped set up the simple fence for <br />boundary purposes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_PzEeOXZCo2_0BSMOuLDB5oQQEp5waukVNdcFc_lYRBHmyob4g_g2Sw12Ft7q4yazxcq2tlpCIwJ8N-FbXcDeSchyphenhyphenRJnJdK6mrCWTLvAH8g_f8hG21QpxS9zmw_C7iDxK55gjTwkUJEkC9FeAiteUL0_v-5LyWaofN98m9-2mHpdD3HJI9yqkJurG-o/s2000/394798373_182872948195567_6290191740508838284_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_PzEeOXZCo2_0BSMOuLDB5oQQEp5waukVNdcFc_lYRBHmyob4g_g2Sw12Ft7q4yazxcq2tlpCIwJ8N-FbXcDeSchyphenhyphenRJnJdK6mrCWTLvAH8g_f8hG21QpxS9zmw_C7iDxK55gjTwkUJEkC9FeAiteUL0_v-5LyWaofN98m9-2mHpdD3HJI9yqkJurG-o/w400-h300/394798373_182872948195567_6290191740508838284_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen encouraging the college students in Vientiane</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EbvapEGfeD1O0slJ2uZGAPQryzVm7FG94TjvcpwdZtZ2N1QvtZrBXgWxnni1vqWoRxhGSS2tkPYPuudYuNdXR2iR2oz6trqB23lrV9riWkAIJKcP5eqNzsVgBC-6kciOeuNsCcgQUjyCBjTXoiHFu2Y-1KpGub5cHuYOgVRmiEqRlYpQGSE9PR7frjk/s2000/370325175_6771667299566142_8307478320080198613_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EbvapEGfeD1O0slJ2uZGAPQryzVm7FG94TjvcpwdZtZ2N1QvtZrBXgWxnni1vqWoRxhGSS2tkPYPuudYuNdXR2iR2oz6trqB23lrV9riWkAIJKcP5eqNzsVgBC-6kciOeuNsCcgQUjyCBjTXoiHFu2Y-1KpGub5cHuYOgVRmiEqRlYpQGSE9PR7frjk/w400-h300/370325175_6771667299566142_8307478320080198613_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the evenings, there are small groups</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDacHhcRLiVHhkH4bVGVd1yOZd95UM39JCj4uiwJ87vE24E-a3DMMIpE63m61Ocw4C32GzqU9Ada8v-C9RxYN52suSN1L3Y9BlraVT5-nrBRciz7dgJTtadOpJSTKTPe9KfJ-ZI6lbiqMAuYUU_vEbBISBDt32CEKddFty80eZEbzV9XbN-a8kTyR5Swo/s2000/395038828_841407681059336_2331555453162296601_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDacHhcRLiVHhkH4bVGVd1yOZd95UM39JCj4uiwJ87vE24E-a3DMMIpE63m61Ocw4C32GzqU9Ada8v-C9RxYN52suSN1L3Y9BlraVT5-nrBRciz7dgJTtadOpJSTKTPe9KfJ-ZI6lbiqMAuYUU_vEbBISBDt32CEKddFty80eZEbzV9XbN-a8kTyR5Swo/w400-h300/395038828_841407681059336_2331555453162296601_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the students who would have a safe place<br />to stay once the outreach center/small dorms are finished</td></tr></tbody></table>More important than physical food is one of the spiritual
kind. Jesus said while he was tempted in the wilderness in Matthew 4:4, “Man
does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of
God.” This verse emphasize the importance of spiritual food. Therefore, these
past few months, Stephen has been teaching the Bible to various groups of
students from different locations. One particular instance was a Romans
weeklong intensive course at Huay Ko village, in Chiang Dao. The pastors and evangelists
in this village requested for Stephen to teach the Bible to them. We are
blessed to see many people requesting to study the Bible. This year Stephen has
already offered several of these weeklong courses which have all resulted in
increasing the Biblical knowledge of church members in various churches in
Northern Thailand. One of the most important things for the spiritual health of
church members is their understanding of the Truth. Praise the Lord that many
have requested to learn more. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fn6hZ6iBaN0J18vhnGUhPFmPeHF0f4QDkirQjBBnqg69tqV79VfOhy4gDOg6MpgyFBQNtRUj4RLfX68S8q3eH2V38fUuI7FctjHEh2nMeFpcdi6Voe7WUom9_OR49r62-iVbYih-oVoqrVHAfvB7fXuPp407RXJ-vt0xJQNqgLKi1jhY2FeR2t818Ow/s1477/393818682_197840419929870_6506805644603913607_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fn6hZ6iBaN0J18vhnGUhPFmPeHF0f4QDkirQjBBnqg69tqV79VfOhy4gDOg6MpgyFBQNtRUj4RLfX68S8q3eH2V38fUuI7FctjHEh2nMeFpcdi6Voe7WUom9_OR49r62-iVbYih-oVoqrVHAfvB7fXuPp407RXJ-vt0xJQNqgLKi1jhY2FeR2t818Ow/w400-h300/393818682_197840419929870_6506805644603913607_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching at Huay Ko church</td></tr></tbody></table><u><br /></u></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivncDMsAgjRnuNqc_KCm_aTIsEs4aDgnkrW-MgLlJIhyphenhyphenU7rV2QyYx0hh9KpIpcGhC2bJ9PyTvpv5gI_yrj2erEWo5paqjAqnMmRavIloV3AdoX5jGFhvkZOuMdpt_oYwykjZ8ynVjOPsbbW_qMI_lzrNlTysh8ON0mCNTkxEyTOuB0gp29EAEoVYwB0mA/s1477/393695223_3749691311935001_5574555497906853165_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivncDMsAgjRnuNqc_KCm_aTIsEs4aDgnkrW-MgLlJIhyphenhyphenU7rV2QyYx0hh9KpIpcGhC2bJ9PyTvpv5gI_yrj2erEWo5paqjAqnMmRavIloV3AdoX5jGFhvkZOuMdpt_oYwykjZ8ynVjOPsbbW_qMI_lzrNlTysh8ON0mCNTkxEyTOuB0gp29EAEoVYwB0mA/w400-h300/393695223_3749691311935001_5574555497906853165_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More teaching</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Family</u></div><div>Stephen and Becky celebrated their birthdays in August. We
cherish every year we have with the family, because as you already know with Becky’s
health history, we constantly praise God for giving us time to spend together.
After the celebrations, Stephen and Mary were both had to go to the hospital
because they had the flu and felt very weak. Praise God for their recovery.
Nick finished his first semester and had a few weeks of break before starting
another semester. He is currently planning on doing his thesis study on how
Christianity impacts mental health; this will be the first study of its kind in
Southeast Asia. Several professors at the university are interested in this
topic as well. Isaac recently received a science award for Thailand. We are
really proud of him for his many achievements at school. Please continue to
pray for us and our team (and their families) serving in Southeast Asia and
China.<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p></div></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-85601280749164050002023-08-21T17:30:00.041+07:002023-08-22T08:56:17.034+07:00Strength in numbers, Strength in the Lord<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is a saying “there is strength in numbers,” which is true in many occasions.
When people help each other, they could delegate work and be more efficient,
especially when everyone brings in their strengths and abilities. This was the
case, many decades ago, as the Lisu people migrated from China to settle in
Myanmar and Thailand. They traveled in groups and when they found a flourishing
area with a river and wild game, they would begin to build houses out of
anything they could find. After a while, when the village grew large and
resources were scarce for everyone, a small group of people would break off in
search for a new place. Smaller groups or unprepared groups have a hard time
surviving the wild, and many end up having to assimilate with other ethnic
groups and lose their Lisu identity; such is the case in Laos, for we know
there were several small groups who traveled into Laos from China, but the
contacts were lost, long ago (we are still searching for this lost Lisu groups
in Laos to this day). Other reasons groups would leave to find a new home would
be because of wars in the area, belief conflicts, and even internal politics. This
is why there are many Lisu villages spread out across the mountains of China,
Myanmar and Thailand.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnwdlc4hcE98HNojfLMEBbBIIhfpKKeH7AYthLdiDkeCEsXwMDZJkEIuCDeUGB9wwDLglVZD6iY14sOXL97_KDTtYxNEz2lsXSTMg2eFWXW_8BeKL6EHo9nUldUJOpFRbCKjsjVEFnkfwOKzaRt2m-uzdjch6SegEcRGeGFHmCCzC2srgBc-gRHmSSd4/s2048/331077925_198789166127872_6353818697548582870_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnwdlc4hcE98HNojfLMEBbBIIhfpKKeH7AYthLdiDkeCEsXwMDZJkEIuCDeUGB9wwDLglVZD6iY14sOXL97_KDTtYxNEz2lsXSTMg2eFWXW_8BeKL6EHo9nUldUJOpFRbCKjsjVEFnkfwOKzaRt2m-uzdjch6SegEcRGeGFHmCCzC2srgBc-gRHmSSd4/w400-h300/331077925_198789166127872_6353818697548582870_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Present day Lisu village in Thailand, <br />living on the mountain side<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
you may have known, Stephen began training up a new class of Lisu leaders. Yes,
this group contains member in their 50’s and 60’s, but they have been
diligently studying week long intensive courses each month. Nevertheless, God
is using these guys who are mostly retired in reaching out to the lost in
Thailand. One of the core requirements of Asia International Seminary, a grass
roots non-traditional seminary under Asians for Christ, is for the students to
go back to the biblical times in order to search for the original meaning and
then contextualize what they have learned on the field. In order to train up
and disciple these leader-students to evangelize and disciple others, Stephen
with these leader-students have been going and evangelizing to remote villages
of Thailand and converting many people each week. In the worldly perspective, our
team is a small and weak, perhaps; even this particular mission’s task is led
by a group of retire-aged people…oh! How many would say this is futile. But we know
we can accomplish great things when God is with us!</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUnffU2DCDOlCajTFdKJ3P2jCCP5SgmB5K6cy_rkDU81Z4saTQvBJW10_SViFev8zFeu-FRMOwYDSE59s2goHc4P888L-YmKAwPk1lRf6QK2VEJ2H8LMCnnxRDz592QtKbZwAmLHcn8WU4XgiLQIvJkajKn7pt_VGopuDR32Lqkek2oCUy-N94_4mPlI/s2000/364949199_9791135790958908_6788337613377084792_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUnffU2DCDOlCajTFdKJ3P2jCCP5SgmB5K6cy_rkDU81Z4saTQvBJW10_SViFev8zFeu-FRMOwYDSE59s2goHc4P888L-YmKAwPk1lRf6QK2VEJ2H8LMCnnxRDz592QtKbZwAmLHcn8WU4XgiLQIvJkajKn7pt_VGopuDR32Lqkek2oCUy-N94_4mPlI/w400-h300/364949199_9791135790958908_6788337613377084792_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen with the Lisu leaders ready to go evangelize!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWP2SbzKlwsy8FR6qx9YD1jjShEcRJxwlb4KNwl4Xwrnxfqp9gOH2cAk-vqsO_8mdR18ipl59L1a43o8-zR-0axIuvyAP32hPBoEtGeUpG0CUbyybZDgy75eIBsq_wFH_DBhZ_nZVhgRUrIvITLRm_VTKTLdn_6MoDkX_oDBwD5jaRDwoU6ZGRFXHrSI/s2000/364975400_2047202892309356_8620247908046085444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWP2SbzKlwsy8FR6qx9YD1jjShEcRJxwlb4KNwl4Xwrnxfqp9gOH2cAk-vqsO_8mdR18ipl59L1a43o8-zR-0axIuvyAP32hPBoEtGeUpG0CUbyybZDgy75eIBsq_wFH_DBhZ_nZVhgRUrIvITLRm_VTKTLdn_6MoDkX_oDBwD5jaRDwoU6ZGRFXHrSI/w300-h400/364975400_2047202892309356_8620247908046085444_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching New Testament Exegesis</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps,
you might be foreign to miracles or question if it still happens, because maybe
you’ve seen something suspicious on television. We would just like to share
this wonderful story of our powerful God. A lady in her late 70s arrives to
meet us one evening as we were talking with a few villagers. People could tell
there was something off about her. The way she would have ticks, moving of her
facial muscles. On top of this, she complained about some type of pain on the
inside. As she spoke with a frail tone, Stephen and the team offered to pray
for her. She accepted. Immediately after they finished prayer, you could see an
immediate change in the room. To everyone’s amazement, she no longer had ticks,
was able to communicate with more strength than before and even started
smiling. God moved to show His power in this place. After this incident,
several people wanted to learn more about Jesus, and some believed and were
baptized. From strangers, they became our brothers and sisters in Christ. God
is so good!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWH0zivpjdYIlCw2jQIwwq44G7rPc8lT-hE7HUjOuYOcaQKiBskzXLT9ebRkWmnYX0WXq60POw_Hf9LnsIRPJT-AC220VKvIco3QBNKohODp6-7cpYxzhiJdNGtgbmXYIfM7rsQeCIPtlQQw6XgsspYdMfwwbO1y0NKTnn7mmxdKdLYF9t62JxAo0U7A/s2048/360083023_294455072977617_3732851917924003820_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWH0zivpjdYIlCw2jQIwwq44G7rPc8lT-hE7HUjOuYOcaQKiBskzXLT9ebRkWmnYX0WXq60POw_Hf9LnsIRPJT-AC220VKvIco3QBNKohODp6-7cpYxzhiJdNGtgbmXYIfM7rsQeCIPtlQQw6XgsspYdMfwwbO1y0NKTnn7mmxdKdLYF9t62JxAo0U7A/w300-h400/360083023_294455072977617_3732851917924003820_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After this prayer, she was healed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9wuGBDPi757BX2tNSJjfrR2wuVyKu26hIqQ4kQ2qVPu91OmkrxTVXDGiy8BJdkpwfqccr8lPfZyiVaBi0ztv2pkT0PC9a2Oy4E3IXep11uMJV9SokibfqZULIgPDwjcaDV8pUsRtwAzrcvBgaZs6PTq5To4GzTVQi3a3alc7nLn-eIDBSy4tFYgrxtY/s2000/364540284_659895226049549_1702066676036911947_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9wuGBDPi757BX2tNSJjfrR2wuVyKu26hIqQ4kQ2qVPu91OmkrxTVXDGiy8BJdkpwfqccr8lPfZyiVaBi0ztv2pkT0PC9a2Oy4E3IXep11uMJV9SokibfqZULIgPDwjcaDV8pUsRtwAzrcvBgaZs6PTq5To4GzTVQi3a3alc7nLn-eIDBSy4tFYgrxtY/w400-h300/364540284_659895226049549_1702066676036911947_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She believed and was baptized in a water storage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlvJHnYAgKYTKcrLv6bRQ166TVJXeZHrI23mExYbV9OPU3-3O-1ovboBLulO8EMahXCsrlu_7hJgq58vJ8UDISF4akqIuJjqDW58il779sXrJ5R8xs8ZLnRClaG3ic4IcAi1SLndNmx5LsCUO9fYxRJ4dfnLNPFMw70nGj1J5Q3kJWMlwM-VJIbQxtmo/s2000/364538635_965692761370021_4855857768630151840_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlvJHnYAgKYTKcrLv6bRQ166TVJXeZHrI23mExYbV9OPU3-3O-1ovboBLulO8EMahXCsrlu_7hJgq58vJ8UDISF4akqIuJjqDW58il779sXrJ5R8xs8ZLnRClaG3ic4IcAi1SLndNmx5LsCUO9fYxRJ4dfnLNPFMw70nGj1J5Q3kJWMlwM-VJIbQxtmo/w400-h300/364538635_965692761370021_4855857768630151840_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several others were also baptized on that day. Praise Jesus!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the recent decades, missions to the ethnic minority groups in Thailand seemed
to have been over saturated. You would have thought that everyone would have at
least had a chance to hear the Gospel. Boy were we wrong! As we discussed
together about the potential area for evangelism in Thailand, several villages
came to mind. To our surprise, there are still Lisu villages in Thailand yet to
be reached. Several villages held heavily to their animistic belief in these
villages, evangelists were threatened by force to never show up in the town.
So, no one ever dared enter these villages because everyone there were openly
against Christianity. Through prayers, we finally decided to try and reach
these villages. First, we connected with the local in the town, and when the
other villagers saw us, they openly laughed and warned us to watch our backs.
But, the thing with unfamiliar places is that we need to rely on God all the
more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16px;">After a couple months of intensive prayer and frequent visitations, we saw the first villager in this small town accept Jesus Christ and was baptized. Oh how beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tiding of good things (Romans 10:15, NASB). These new converts are gathering at house churches, until they overfill the house; then raising money for a church building would be necessary.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD85NSqmiFx91A4qCKWJKZKYetcJYp7LB4FUgYIL_tfivB7L4Iz6gaKPLg9dOCp-FiE9zy1BJ9eQikeQSMgAIcImuQoAWWS39u-bRxbvwOPQgTH9tzK2kD27uWkRCeULV62zA__qwdwA1fqJt20TfBzDYF9ZGpJYJmGSISE_JP-hW9NFnTD8HFMit8FQ/s2048/361243068_672066647585473_1791198754711807249_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD85NSqmiFx91A4qCKWJKZKYetcJYp7LB4FUgYIL_tfivB7L4Iz6gaKPLg9dOCp-FiE9zy1BJ9eQikeQSMgAIcImuQoAWWS39u-bRxbvwOPQgTH9tzK2kD27uWkRCeULV62zA__qwdwA1fqJt20TfBzDYF9ZGpJYJmGSISE_JP-hW9NFnTD8HFMit8FQ/w400-h300/361243068_672066647585473_1791198754711807249_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary singing hymns and teaching the youth <br />in one of the villages</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Z3Yz5Q32Tw3T8d11Au4mXwUf_Wo1n-nfONRp5nWr8e7cfDfpSbLY_yIEGpsgRcxiSEg3jT7Z_a2kQNeBN2s8JiOgm6wxbaJAIrlW3lkl6GW_2WrDwyWRakLiTrHKENE1OMeMB7QF8kGyVxXTek3kikyFxcC6zP_kgW_DMwiZrho0e4Nu-YthOO2rS0/s2048/360792403_1019718809031330_3483970544439152769_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Z3Yz5Q32Tw3T8d11Au4mXwUf_Wo1n-nfONRp5nWr8e7cfDfpSbLY_yIEGpsgRcxiSEg3jT7Z_a2kQNeBN2s8JiOgm6wxbaJAIrlW3lkl6GW_2WrDwyWRakLiTrHKENE1OMeMB7QF8kGyVxXTek3kikyFxcC6zP_kgW_DMwiZrho0e4Nu-YthOO2rS0/w300-h400/360792403_1019718809031330_3483970544439152769_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In another village, they assembled a team<br />and went to teach the youth at another village</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRxn0qufyI3DfE8KmfMfOe0YEMz_4mArI6uT8b8Len5MeT38Cn8LgQvCX1n2BIuB91zDQxvLEBHAOUgPriQC_el_FEpPXN_Lp79aeI_67Ubu8bx_YPF2aUc-K0oVsrENqN5VCgRbR7kVt44uh_sqDEBfQVOe8kDaHSqybidqT0wI6gube4yCHO3KO3rQ/s2000/363744896_803894188099252_8372337720075871028_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRxn0qufyI3DfE8KmfMfOe0YEMz_4mArI6uT8b8Len5MeT38Cn8LgQvCX1n2BIuB91zDQxvLEBHAOUgPriQC_el_FEpPXN_Lp79aeI_67Ubu8bx_YPF2aUc-K0oVsrENqN5VCgRbR7kVt44uh_sqDEBfQVOe8kDaHSqybidqT0wI6gube4yCHO3KO3rQ/w300-h400/363744896_803894188099252_8372337720075871028_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and the team were asked to tell the gospel<br />at many houses<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Mission Field: </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
ministry in Laos has expanded greatly, almost daily people believe in Jesus
Christ. Praise God! Please continue to pray for this mission field as we work
with the locals in equipping and empowering them to evangelize in their various
communities. Please pray also for a group of local evangelists and their
families, particularly, their needs for filling gas in their motorcycle to
carry out the Great Commission to the lost souls.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhblGI7LfC8-npytCqA-RY6rJNPx_4ekuXsVCkFOuxEHMDviSpuvDkGNF7hcdpWtet23e-9GiA8M8X6SqiJWK3BwiZLHd1P-wmf16H6aYZ5oVa61w5o45I2fyS7xRMb5NabDpseXn-6XZjHp2f3vo9kl15V8WrZK3QA3F_VqHR8xfrFJbQVaJZ0BX5NbI/s2048/362212693_1507597816716385_1249885645608432274_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhblGI7LfC8-npytCqA-RY6rJNPx_4ekuXsVCkFOuxEHMDviSpuvDkGNF7hcdpWtet23e-9GiA8M8X6SqiJWK3BwiZLHd1P-wmf16H6aYZ5oVa61w5o45I2fyS7xRMb5NabDpseXn-6XZjHp2f3vo9kl15V8WrZK3QA3F_VqHR8xfrFJbQVaJZ0BX5NbI/w300-h400/362212693_1507597816716385_1249885645608432274_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many believe and are baptized in Laos weekly</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mgK8U5YnyMdkx0bW4gE4-hdQxEJiAvnexS_v3LjjxxempJUtz308_FYofMQXZu2_DcsqGo-1ULE2Mt4SRCc4MT0C17Jhcvn6EaI9KzFFDJKcUKrI-IVrpVWPV2OCfHvw8XWGYtjmFZ_YFT9bevxwcx2uXNwXA4QSvKhhHuuzWmCzAxMKCDnid59IrV4/s960/362228850_1806555783073066_9149661535046236831_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mgK8U5YnyMdkx0bW4gE4-hdQxEJiAvnexS_v3LjjxxempJUtz308_FYofMQXZu2_DcsqGo-1ULE2Mt4SRCc4MT0C17Jhcvn6EaI9KzFFDJKcUKrI-IVrpVWPV2OCfHvw8XWGYtjmFZ_YFT9bevxwcx2uXNwXA4QSvKhhHuuzWmCzAxMKCDnid59IrV4/w300-h400/362228850_1806555783073066_9149661535046236831_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New brothers and sisters in Christ, in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiSG4zbglOPrCskVmZUmKGiblh5H820Q4GdmwEln7b6hZm6fjZeSxNfbouhnZp0JzeUhOa29GTmofOCDdXI1D0I96hexSesxnViRwSR8RAwQIY4L6pEALrsSXpGwnBT1gw88Izs8wRjfhLfImnU6wEW1RNDqKn0eBKz514SRpHKxacIy_FBxJbog3snM/s2048/362217562_973154093834563_4068451403170492455_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiSG4zbglOPrCskVmZUmKGiblh5H820Q4GdmwEln7b6hZm6fjZeSxNfbouhnZp0JzeUhOa29GTmofOCDdXI1D0I96hexSesxnViRwSR8RAwQIY4L6pEALrsSXpGwnBT1gw88Izs8wRjfhLfImnU6wEW1RNDqKn0eBKz514SRpHKxacIy_FBxJbog3snM/w400-h300/362217562_973154093834563_4068451403170492455_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another group of new brothers and sisters in Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Myanmar, the war still tears through those lands. Unrest still remains. Help
from outside the country is slowly dissipating. We are still teaching and
encouraging the people in the country via online teachings/podcast.
Unfortunately, it is not safe for us to go into the country. Several of our
graduated students are still evangelizing in the north but it’s been tough.</span></div><div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
China, the bible class continues while the government continues to monitor with
CCTV inside church buildings. In the midst of such circumstances, many Chinese
Christians remain true to our Lord and Savior. Actually, a couple of the
evangelists in the area came to see us in the past month. By the way, Stephen
is still teaching the Bible for Christian leaders in Myanmar and China weekly
via podcast. He has 85 leaders who are studying with him at the moment.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEZ0au24PglspPPXZ0D6JHZh3NRgeMqSxBhRRs0xDyvkYP5bzGHmRVyJImC7wehDjO41QO1t8YMDwLyd06u0QlCtppXJUHLIGI_jIfMwGGJQm8kA7ix-xanaoWcRKTBIB05GuvSsli6_nnaaCTJHwR7fkPolD_DNkW4YprKCSKsPTD8LPa7g78KqgQtc/s2000/368044972_985457722730082_7695585808019285354_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEZ0au24PglspPPXZ0D6JHZh3NRgeMqSxBhRRs0xDyvkYP5bzGHmRVyJImC7wehDjO41QO1t8YMDwLyd06u0QlCtppXJUHLIGI_jIfMwGGJQm8kA7ix-xanaoWcRKTBIB05GuvSsli6_nnaaCTJHwR7fkPolD_DNkW4YprKCSKsPTD8LPa7g78KqgQtc/w400-h300/368044972_985457722730082_7695585808019285354_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group of Chinese evangelists came to visit us<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Spiritually,
many wander around exploring for a place to put their trust and hopes. Rarely
do people find Jesus, the true hope, unless someone goes and tells them. We
believe God is showing His Greatness, especially through obstacles. We continue
to reach out to every corner of Southeast Asia and China even if it is
potentially dangerous, because that’s part of the risk of evangelistic trips in
many of these areas. Surely, there are many potential challenges along this
spiritual journey. However, we believe that at the end of the day, it is
rewarding to serve God and to see life transforming in each individual who meets
Jesus Christ!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Family:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">August
turns out to be a celebration month for our family. In Thailand, mother’s day
is set in August. Stephen and Becky were born in August. Mary is busy on taking
care of daily needs not only for family but also for leader-students of the intensive
classes, even though they took turns in cooking and cleaning. Isaac got a
silver medal for the project of the Development of Hydrogel used as Mulch, which
can delay the decomposition of fertilizer for his project in Indonesia
International Olympian competition 2023. His other project for data sciences on
depression is at the national competition. On top of helping teach Bible
classes online with Nick, Becky started teaching English classes for little
kids up in the mountains each month. This has been a very great opportunity as
the little kids really like Becky’s classes. Nick volunteers in a youth
ministry with Khao a local church in Chiang Mai. They have been serving there
every other weekend and God is definitely working in the kids’ lives. The
neighboring kids also asked Nick to continue to coach their soccer team. Nick
has also dedicated his time to mentor to these high school/young adult age kids
in the neighborhood. It has been tiring for Nick to study his Master’s program
in mental health and to also do ministry, but he has now started to be able to
balance and manage his time very well. Please pray for God to give him strength
as he studies and serves the various communities.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA59qvaqGsVX3a98SPFLtcf3ZPztwQujPNeC4JZDP8vyxzXGSDA9k1Lbpl7al_bEuuLzxrXC-Kc5cnzUvcJr6VIIVAOfNnes8-cNBVG_OnJzDx-L9Wv9bTerzwuGPuWnDv320oA0PRB6bJSlXgN1sDpr9NOyUGIHxjMcDKg-jm5FPId2Z7eM6WrfHbJXA/s2016/367442005_198050953083823_8787044171083568583_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA59qvaqGsVX3a98SPFLtcf3ZPztwQujPNeC4JZDP8vyxzXGSDA9k1Lbpl7al_bEuuLzxrXC-Kc5cnzUvcJr6VIIVAOfNnes8-cNBVG_OnJzDx-L9Wv9bTerzwuGPuWnDv320oA0PRB6bJSlXgN1sDpr9NOyUGIHxjMcDKg-jm5FPId2Z7eM6WrfHbJXA/w300-h400/367442005_198050953083823_8787044171083568583_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick teaching the youth at a Thai church</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0YOhzE9kw18YaOgq7fJbHtzvJ_U0H51PWsYYjUYeabQTMsXv4ofq-lFE9mtxi6GCz7RZmAJvt2SJoCoDJsbKDrzyleEpEexqBgnvjFHpuxhXIBwbahYMU5i0SCO6gU3ggrtFFuMlKQED_lvEjr7-6NdXj4do2n01YkePoFv44MqnwslQXkVTMhPeocc/s2000/367999830_1082241369817881_8004280775222951669_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0YOhzE9kw18YaOgq7fJbHtzvJ_U0H51PWsYYjUYeabQTMsXv4ofq-lFE9mtxi6GCz7RZmAJvt2SJoCoDJsbKDrzyleEpEexqBgnvjFHpuxhXIBwbahYMU5i0SCO6gU3ggrtFFuMlKQED_lvEjr7-6NdXj4do2n01YkePoFv44MqnwslQXkVTMhPeocc/w400-h300/367999830_1082241369817881_8004280775222951669_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soccer students Nick coaches in a small league in town</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEomYdWpqPX9_ylxKWwRgxbQM0s8XfDFqVZxr-AV8S51GebrU8hV00DAMeArZNPXnTdjqBqPWXjOa9sp2dJ-C9FDGbBRpk0B26MNKykBO_ZHheJCgKdBKJeSjEa7EoJtQi2z5I4NCvtCZGJ12FxSLdHymhGIRMHxiwukQ6_fUfo_RwRbsb3dvoGt95rU/s1479/367513759_609372047761755_8165098140069479146_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1479" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEomYdWpqPX9_ylxKWwRgxbQM0s8XfDFqVZxr-AV8S51GebrU8hV00DAMeArZNPXnTdjqBqPWXjOa9sp2dJ-C9FDGbBRpk0B26MNKykBO_ZHheJCgKdBKJeSjEa7EoJtQi2z5I4NCvtCZGJ12FxSLdHymhGIRMHxiwukQ6_fUfo_RwRbsb3dvoGt95rU/w400-h300/367513759_609372047761755_8165098140069479146_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went out to eat to celebrate Thai mother's day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETwq3WyU7wsXeHX53KyhhozCcgYDM7_1uEfG8F-7Ga_Cq9to2cEPg-VH-vbC2adHPBNwygxtFxS6VR2tLtCAgv2sl-Xd198_9kNoZ2NZb_tcj-bAcq67Zx5so7Koi8a0OWBUt8PT2zorSwLOYNvd-Xn1JduIxklqTxS3trtdKzWPEzeQiU0EI2alraew/s2000/367494915_841015837664552_7664503235890007184_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETwq3WyU7wsXeHX53KyhhozCcgYDM7_1uEfG8F-7Ga_Cq9to2cEPg-VH-vbC2adHPBNwygxtFxS6VR2tLtCAgv2sl-Xd198_9kNoZ2NZb_tcj-bAcq67Zx5so7Koi8a0OWBUt8PT2zorSwLOYNvd-Xn1JduIxklqTxS3trtdKzWPEzeQiU0EI2alraew/w400-h300/367494915_841015837664552_7664503235890007184_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This month was also Stephen's birthday (Becky's soon to come)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
hope that you continue to pray for us as our ministry grows exponentially. We
are baffled by the wonderful things God is doing on our mission field. Please
take time to look at these pictures of all the things that has been happening!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">May God Bless You,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Wongs</span></p></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-50323789650709702492023-06-22T21:00:00.014+07:002023-06-22T21:00:00.152+07:00Knowledge is Power<p> <b><u>Ministry Updates</u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Knowledge (itself) is power” was first coined in the 1500s by the well-known
English Christian philosopher who made a huge impact in the advancement of
science by stating the importance of observation and reasoning. His original
intention was to promote scientific experiments in order to glorify God. This
has led to great advancements that we see today… well and the not so moral or
ethical. It is this “knowledge” that people can find amazing cures for
diseases, but on the same note, it can be used to deceive and hurt others for
personal gain. The bottom line is that, one can use knowledge for good or for
evil.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">In his letter to Corinthians, Paul contrasts the wisdom of this age
(world) to the wisdom of the coming age (God). The wisdom of God is centered on
the cross of Jesus Christ. According to 1 Corinthians, the wisdom of the cross contrasted
cultural norms for living, eating, conduct, worshipping, and faith. Likewise,
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew was countercultural to the norms by saying that he
came to fulfill the Torah and the person who wants to enter the kingdom of
heaven must have a righteousness which surpasses those of the scribes and
Pharisees. While the scribes and Pharisee practiced righteousness: almsgiving,
praying, fasting before men, rather than doing it for God. This wisdom of God
is the focal point of our mission works, therefore, we pay much of our emphasis
on teaching the Bible, the Word of God, in the mission field. It is the Word of
God, the Scripture that gives meaning, understanding, and hope to all.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJTQf4MWiKXzaT5pv20DeAZL6sC4ZmKpRJYTpHLDJXtwW6gcZ_rN3heLcLoSIIrrH4V7ZxWEvQ74J5BjDz6zhe-6xbIOPJwB6y2I0UzCNEvvbwM4WLG_me1W2A7VpcFe18Q5urxQcE-uCj4xyrwQcG99Umn2f9Vy2pfH8kIxU4yI0gMS1l5HZtF27YWc/s2048/354129366_178259061597033_5712156241437004417_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJTQf4MWiKXzaT5pv20DeAZL6sC4ZmKpRJYTpHLDJXtwW6gcZ_rN3heLcLoSIIrrH4V7ZxWEvQ74J5BjDz6zhe-6xbIOPJwB6y2I0UzCNEvvbwM4WLG_me1W2A7VpcFe18Q5urxQcE-uCj4xyrwQcG99Umn2f9Vy2pfH8kIxU4yI0gMS1l5HZtF27YWc/w400-h300/354129366_178259061597033_5712156241437004417_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching Matthew<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently, Stephen concluded his Matthew class with a group of Lisu
leaders in Thailand. As you may remember from our last update, there is a
revival within the Lisu community in Thailand; many village people have turned
to Jesus Christ. Some of those villages had been anti-Christians for a long
time. They went as far as barring many evangelists from coming to their
villages, and many evangelists have faced threats to their lives. Praise the
Lord! Now, some of these very people in those villages have turned to the
Living God and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, we
are very short of evangelists; at least 7 villages are in urgent need of
preachers and church buildings. For this reason, Stephen has been offering
special intensive Bible classes to a small group of leaders to study the
importance of focusing on the truth from the Bible. The plan is for them to teach
and train their peers and their congregations to carry out the Great Commission
to the lost souls. We believe that a church that is rooted in God’s word has
the power to transform the people, change their community, and help many
leaders focus on expanding the Kingdom.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nXgw3n5dkVZNj_VEZbFL-G6djAO1UMsO-KT9-4jf__HhfHFU3bcbOZ5a96DI_NoRxB0poVoU7x7YgHt7T_7ESN-K2emuRStNubo7lk804j-vry0NU1NnGQW0XMd8oiqsgqPdDjv7T12Nwguz6zjNK_SnDViwoLljlFyHrH6hHMf_fE48rh-XmERD-OA/s2048/352856018_611077890799340_7326851809754464892_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nXgw3n5dkVZNj_VEZbFL-G6djAO1UMsO-KT9-4jf__HhfHFU3bcbOZ5a96DI_NoRxB0poVoU7x7YgHt7T_7ESN-K2emuRStNubo7lk804j-vry0NU1NnGQW0XMd8oiqsgqPdDjv7T12Nwguz6zjNK_SnDViwoLljlFyHrH6hHMf_fE48rh-XmERD-OA/w640-h480/352856018_611077890799340_7326851809754464892_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen leading worship hymns<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqhQomlKpnyXGmcDF8nA0xNUpeWpEa-ixLgKxSeiBWhIo5rznHEcGbZU5ifqlj2ToKNAFLqbyt1fNEueXD_ZGzM4XLDfj1-xNFPO4UOsXiTh-lqx9yiVcwip4mSBp1N3IDAREWJvajmwOMvyonSx-QVV8eeLpkLcRGyNnK5VVdFcVzeQKEsz1s00kqJU/s2048/354084726_651850823036944_1092728951492858829_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqhQomlKpnyXGmcDF8nA0xNUpeWpEa-ixLgKxSeiBWhIo5rznHEcGbZU5ifqlj2ToKNAFLqbyt1fNEueXD_ZGzM4XLDfj1-xNFPO4UOsXiTh-lqx9yiVcwip4mSBp1N3IDAREWJvajmwOMvyonSx-QVV8eeLpkLcRGyNnK5VVdFcVzeQKEsz1s00kqJU/w400-h300/354084726_651850823036944_1092728951492858829_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving a communion message<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">We know that earthly knowledge is not comparable to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">heavenly wisdom, but we can still use it for the sake of His Kingdom. For instance, Nick was recently asked to be
the point man in the initiative to grow coffee in three small villages in Laos.
Coffee is considered a sustainable crop that can promote many things in the
society and environment. So, learning from his friends throughout these few
years, Nick gained substantial knowledge in farming, processing, roasting, and
even making coffee drinks. This knowledge about coffee will hopefully help villagers,
especially church members in Laos find a better cash crop and lead to more sustainable
churches in the future. This way we teach them how to fish rather than always giving them fish. By the way, our mission has been blessed to work with a
non-Christian foundation in this endeavor. Like God provides Elijah’s daily need
through ravens (1 Kings 17:5-6), this non-Christian foundation provided coffee
seeds and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-font-family: "Angsana New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TH; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">supplies to make a coffee plant </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">nursery, and
also other fruit-tree saplings (which cost about $100,000) for the villages in
our mission field. Praise the Lord for this provision!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRf6xLtQbgW9HvHuzv-LYGR_H597SWxgTpwxkohklUh3luQt7Pp0pb7W3kd5MG2VNI0d81lj8zAz-LZW33HmpzGyJ4OBn5kjLqkfbqNLM1GOBwmjJ3XiujAjFZFjNGrKY15gMptnuPpDxGibjL90daySI1MSXiYdxTWZrC8KuxXGbQ3mmH3h25uAhDZs/s1441/351447923_652088490212209_118506266317176845_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1441" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRf6xLtQbgW9HvHuzv-LYGR_H597SWxgTpwxkohklUh3luQt7Pp0pb7W3kd5MG2VNI0d81lj8zAz-LZW33HmpzGyJ4OBn5kjLqkfbqNLM1GOBwmjJ3XiujAjFZFjNGrKY15gMptnuPpDxGibjL90daySI1MSXiYdxTWZrC8KuxXGbQ3mmH3h25uAhDZs/w400-h261/351447923_652088490212209_118506266317176845_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking coffee seeds and seedling nursery supplies to Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2LqlSQxQhBuFmGaZPwBS1RlwClGSEpmx5rUbd_-0kleKCkTp2GUgfIN0E2QudH2rIXoSM1zUmAzj3rvh6EM-adnQUlFVd9oMksx7LYjEuvQ9-pWZF2z06VDhrCIdNhUtGEjrWY6JfuZ82YbZlQnjYoBdAXy5cdbrFmST4EXc7X0N33VuNIVatBGoVwg/s921/351099594_961912464850121_3372890694888902659_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="921" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2LqlSQxQhBuFmGaZPwBS1RlwClGSEpmx5rUbd_-0kleKCkTp2GUgfIN0E2QudH2rIXoSM1zUmAzj3rvh6EM-adnQUlFVd9oMksx7LYjEuvQ9-pWZF2z06VDhrCIdNhUtGEjrWY6JfuZ82YbZlQnjYoBdAXy5cdbrFmST4EXc7X0N33VuNIVatBGoVwg/w400-h343/351099594_961912464850121_3372890694888902659_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took us 5 hours to reach the border of Laos and Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc30DK2QQkAo_KgjritfTZcVI-DqxvCj3EMSqK1lHUn5_P8zytvTwkHK4IuQ-wXT_oEtEJplbtE_0j1_yI6dbbkq5BLaZYgf499qtzjcsbALddTOnyPVbjVstIFDR05KlDSSAulhBhjpxOF1iDoI2ixmOGBJX67sZ7E0QHoTDGs3E2k0wOKY1yrPLxRnQ/s1080/343354363_206519522201886_6293303690890151315_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1080" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc30DK2QQkAo_KgjritfTZcVI-DqxvCj3EMSqK1lHUn5_P8zytvTwkHK4IuQ-wXT_oEtEJplbtE_0j1_yI6dbbkq5BLaZYgf499qtzjcsbALddTOnyPVbjVstIFDR05KlDSSAulhBhjpxOF1iDoI2ixmOGBJX67sZ7E0QHoTDGs3E2k0wOKY1yrPLxRnQ/w400-h299/343354363_206519522201886_6293303690890151315_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it on the front page of Thai News!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are ever impacted by knowledge. History tends to be full of
people using knowledge to either advance humanity or abuse knowledge and claim power.
One example is our mission field north of us (specific name of the location
purposely excluded). This elusive, culturally-packed, highly-populated country
is full of people yearning for hope. In the past year, the government set up
cameras in every church to monitor the congregation. This has been a huge challenge
and it doesn’t seem like it will cease any time soon. In the meanwhile, we’ve
found a way around these obstacles so that Stephen is still able to teach Bible
to the church members. Knowing what’s going on can help a country retain power,
but having knowledge helps as we find creative ways to study and praise Jesus
amidst persecution.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Another country where people are having a hard time worshiping God
at the moment is Myanmar. People are having a hard time attending church, not
because of persecution but because of the continued fighting. Some of our
friends have told us that the fighting has now progressed into the towns (they
used to have a code of war where they would only have their battles outside the
cities). Many civilians have had to flee from the city and move to another
safer town. The people there have been requesting two main things from us
during the past several years: relief aid from Covid 19/war, and more biblical
classes. At this moment, even if we had resources to send to the people, it is
nearly impossible to cover those needs with all the battles going on throughout
the country. It is sad! As for Biblical knowledge, we are still providing Bible
classes to the people through online means. A few are still able to join while
many have gone dark because of the lack of electricity, internet, and safety.
Please be praying for all of our ministries. Pray for us to use knowledge that
we have to continue to further his kingdom.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx2RO2IRQbEOK01COoTtmZUVcnCErOkSCTcx37aHMA_k5wxH6GFQbeGLeYbkyIDoHyIJPLBscxm0TPRJyILqepAW_CpDrZkTcF6291m8Nv_6JC5c0d-tzVusyqq9isM6ZD0XL2ru9nen25AeoCJFR8Q4wnow2Zm794ZxgNU1bw9fzOKTiGGiGIHj1Rtc/s1479/349619065_770028887928831_8387300291802018648_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1479" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx2RO2IRQbEOK01COoTtmZUVcnCErOkSCTcx37aHMA_k5wxH6GFQbeGLeYbkyIDoHyIJPLBscxm0TPRJyILqepAW_CpDrZkTcF6291m8Nv_6JC5c0d-tzVusyqq9isM6ZD0XL2ru9nen25AeoCJFR8Q4wnow2Zm794ZxgNU1bw9fzOKTiGGiGIHj1Rtc/w400-h300/349619065_770028887928831_8387300291802018648_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special song in English for the Lisu to hear</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lj96zJcQDlICyzURW8LqH5JTXvmFnfiYC3IV7AuBwOmkqJ7XONzN-fwOvmc2dTsYjlyunUrEcLWE0MRdrxJGsmMWU_6_w69jIeV1dIl2wK5kULw3gd7QZfQ_lJiJSVv4dQ8sMfh19pRQWfVYLqAil53dbGfEympcazgexe9qqZuBpGOrdjsnuzlXZks/s1479/352866853_1448175622601697_6103576646657176059_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1479" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lj96zJcQDlICyzURW8LqH5JTXvmFnfiYC3IV7AuBwOmkqJ7XONzN-fwOvmc2dTsYjlyunUrEcLWE0MRdrxJGsmMWU_6_w69jIeV1dIl2wK5kULw3gd7QZfQ_lJiJSVv4dQ8sMfh19pRQWfVYLqAil53dbGfEympcazgexe9qqZuBpGOrdjsnuzlXZks/w400-h300/352866853_1448175622601697_6103576646657176059_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit from a Christian leader in Bangkok</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></u></b><div><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><u>Family Updates</u></span></span></span>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">All good things must come to an end. For us, it was the departure
of John, Anna, and Anna’s family. What a blessed time to be able to spend the
summer with John and Anna. On top of that, we got to meet and get to know
Anna’s family. We shared memories of fun and ministry together! It was a
bittersweet goodbye as we want to be with them for a little while longer but
it’s a bit easier knowing that John is loved and cared for in the States.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb_CaTNnL_D8IWxQV4fRZGDZ74mNq19dBGKFSrZa2jhjhrKxUrlw_UCrXz6ylHKSDL0U3Kilk_cKm0b9tLO_NeRLw4no4vW9ez_Loja1snx-bNtrFD5j27jmWLizfacdIOsiDcOIE5uRhlB1I5kHFXMlShZOFgPz1fIeqcEIUjTSOppNQIdtN2sP9_XA/s2048/352594184_283542547461745_4943855833816753181_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb_CaTNnL_D8IWxQV4fRZGDZ74mNq19dBGKFSrZa2jhjhrKxUrlw_UCrXz6ylHKSDL0U3Kilk_cKm0b9tLO_NeRLw4no4vW9ez_Loja1snx-bNtrFD5j27jmWLizfacdIOsiDcOIE5uRhlB1I5kHFXMlShZOFgPz1fIeqcEIUjTSOppNQIdtN2sP9_XA/w300-h400/352594184_283542547461745_4943855833816753181_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick teaching Anna and Jo how to roast coffee</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfozM2adXsAyRULMqkcTil3ZypDuGFqc_qIWW38bZelUpTfQxuRG-vH0GA72AznYXDr4suBENkFFXrvN9EHTapBeNdGkCQOiUZs3lJMfX9azdvK8RDEpZ52LsseXoAnpttPlN2AQF0a9mspD3K6OMkxe317jpcWXZZYqUdlbDDJ2HnAmQTisiKj04CAo/s2048/350367398_204913019135443_3669683113826044979_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfozM2adXsAyRULMqkcTil3ZypDuGFqc_qIWW38bZelUpTfQxuRG-vH0GA72AznYXDr4suBENkFFXrvN9EHTapBeNdGkCQOiUZs3lJMfX9azdvK8RDEpZ52LsseXoAnpttPlN2AQF0a9mspD3K6OMkxe317jpcWXZZYqUdlbDDJ2HnAmQTisiKj04CAo/w400-h300/350367398_204913019135443_3669683113826044979_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John giving a word of encouragement</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv29lj0BOailH7vHlk_mbXkGp9o6r4o1Wjln7Y1ndk21DlHEZANEbZQFhGe8V-5Rhojd95mdKoEdxlstglKufOrmdEcYYyVCYEqcurdZRLOTOPRrjoH1_DTsO_BF028dzvcP5-0L5s8OaLpPVc5o0pzXy7NVCOUiFtSzZ8tTOJhD2I3w1TJMiT1ZAicY/s2048/350686348_222281913929786_1694795595749571394_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv29lj0BOailH7vHlk_mbXkGp9o6r4o1Wjln7Y1ndk21DlHEZANEbZQFhGe8V-5Rhojd95mdKoEdxlstglKufOrmdEcYYyVCYEqcurdZRLOTOPRrjoH1_DTsO_BF028dzvcP5-0L5s8OaLpPVc5o0pzXy7NVCOUiFtSzZ8tTOJhD2I3w1TJMiT1ZAicY/w400-h300/350686348_222281913929786_1694795595749571394_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing a game in the airplane coffee shop</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawb8s69C3JZihCkSDWD_ptNjs8vwMPqxvQ7u9IRSExFKlTiC4nJFMkNx-dpQ5B-6oIjY1hBHxr3C0TuupoKVLXXbCMu3Ml2zbniAusVgYeUgq3yAK6Ar9VKygA94mb04_xqZQBW5A_p0UjtQtYkcsJNVjojKWJ9IlUovITagGr43V2u0yhdL9FvMXGqo/s1479/354101455_658534202761681_484748350537158672_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1479" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawb8s69C3JZihCkSDWD_ptNjs8vwMPqxvQ7u9IRSExFKlTiC4nJFMkNx-dpQ5B-6oIjY1hBHxr3C0TuupoKVLXXbCMu3Ml2zbniAusVgYeUgq3yAK6Ar9VKygA94mb04_xqZQBW5A_p0UjtQtYkcsJNVjojKWJ9IlUovITagGr43V2u0yhdL9FvMXGqo/w400-h300/354101455_658534202761681_484748350537158672_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving snacks to the kids at the school in our neighborhood</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Bg7Ym9GHlGS1yMUcjJoyHIGslHKtFW050Kfgy563TFV4EJD-MbVHWVm6nPYdMXsQjM7uTZq2UovwuNrOrkAsRxT6YLBN2w9D_Lg3CWVlbEU82oYY7HDQWcNENa8rP3UxnB_4x8j11Cgpl3tV9KZQXWcEWNDHXA2_h9Pzw3T8nfzy9hFNvqYTn8PN9oI/s2048/346099889_1184062415615885_2779158134528019522_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Bg7Ym9GHlGS1yMUcjJoyHIGslHKtFW050Kfgy563TFV4EJD-MbVHWVm6nPYdMXsQjM7uTZq2UovwuNrOrkAsRxT6YLBN2w9D_Lg3CWVlbEU82oYY7HDQWcNENa8rP3UxnB_4x8j11Cgpl3tV9KZQXWcEWNDHXA2_h9Pzw3T8nfzy9hFNvqYTn8PN9oI/w400-h300/346099889_1184062415615885_2779158134528019522_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Khao's first birthday as a Wongratanamajcha</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">After John’s family left, we continued to have lots of visitors to
our house. Everything is starting to be livelier as Covid fears are but a
distant thing. Our family is well as we continue to serve God. We just want to
thank all of you for your prayers, support, and even encouraging words. True,
lots of ministries around the world took a dip during the past several years,
but we can honestly say that we’ve had a great harvest as churches here are
booming, many are studying the Bible, and people are worshiping our God at the
top of their lungs! We thank you for being a part of our family and our
missions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInPdt3WCY5eIABNjNylDhoUTIj6RxMI1RPdihSQKVcMaRhrC3bZ6aH5Ll5bHAMGcyIp7sVvR2aWaBZ4fbD-ix47N8ZJgM9x3c68ZD0Ss7uFG5ioTmPzm690hTmMJTxvi3bfC412ZVvNxuwiYYF4ichcOjEw5Q_I4QT3d8imxiQimT265QYJ8hx1amz3c/s1479/353946686_655490366117013_7766640693205411889_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInPdt3WCY5eIABNjNylDhoUTIj6RxMI1RPdihSQKVcMaRhrC3bZ6aH5Ll5bHAMGcyIp7sVvR2aWaBZ4fbD-ix47N8ZJgM9x3c68ZD0Ss7uFG5ioTmPzm690hTmMJTxvi3bfC412ZVvNxuwiYYF4ichcOjEw5Q_I4QT3d8imxiQimT265QYJ8hx1amz3c/w300-h400/353946686_655490366117013_7766640693205411889_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our families visiting Huey Ko Village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Special Prayer requests:</u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">1. Resources in order to support more local evangelist</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">2. More teachers to teach to local leaders</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">3. Nick's Masters program</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">4. Family's health</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">5. Resources in order to plant more churches in areas that have a good amount of Christians</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">6. Political unrests in Myanmar</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">7. Our local teams</p></div></div></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-53058666261138454472023-05-10T20:00:00.004+07:002023-05-10T20:00:00.143+07:00Reunion and Transformation<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
years of being apart, we are finally reunited with John and Anna! This
long-awaited family reunion couldn't have come at a better time as we’ve spent our
time together making the most out of summer through various Christian
ministries, serving the community, and having quality family time. To add to
the excitement, Stephen started teaching a group of Lisu leaders at a Master’s
level, and their efforts have led to many families finding Christ. Furthermore,
our other ministries are doing exceptionally well in transforming individuals,
families and communities with love and hope. This summer has certainly been one
that will be remembered for years to come!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6trnCKzSWFwvYaPJ5_8cQzC5rgJK1kNbOfnjsy-Uxxs_VouDOT58X9rr2yxQmeKpi0D39a-lA4_Rnqquam0HVjkwg3hIUAeJzL-gXK_lQPwdK-0VP2sL04tgIvnzmq5_Ic8PT0SoisutswbMsuI5oxYuXtbqZt-7wfdXVOsxUsrM_QScfRxB0N-t/s1073/Inked343060790_195856849975372_8638680836760662157_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1073" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6trnCKzSWFwvYaPJ5_8cQzC5rgJK1kNbOfnjsy-Uxxs_VouDOT58X9rr2yxQmeKpi0D39a-lA4_Rnqquam0HVjkwg3hIUAeJzL-gXK_lQPwdK-0VP2sL04tgIvnzmq5_Ic8PT0SoisutswbMsuI5oxYuXtbqZt-7wfdXVOsxUsrM_QScfRxB0N-t/w400-h336/Inked343060790_195856849975372_8638680836760662157_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reunited!</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand</span></b><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
evident that the ministry in Thailand has been growing at an astonishing pace.
In particular, Stephen has been playing a crucial role in teaching a group of
Lisu leaders at a newly established church in a village about 30 minutes north
of Chiang Mai. The results have been remarkable as these leaders have been
going out to evangelize, converting several families to Christ in recent
months. Praise the Lord!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is particularly exciting in Thailand is the revival that is currently underway.
People are yearning to get back into the Bible. The Word of God is having a
significant impact in transforming the lives of those that seek its wisdom. To
take part in teaching the people who are hungry for the Word is absolutely a
blessing since that is what we have been praying for in our mission field.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU77sH8JFjG4Q1HHDgsF8jCLGS0ftUNjDmK1BW2BUud-Z5yKydNcz85gxLtYJgNrhwTgjVIUoRHoSVxJ-pXZ_TCjYE9HQZfmRYjDaQpJfNaImZmvaDdYTJtFkUyzi29HCHC9NWAD_yr3QttTV6IKQVtPfHJWsxaCuDfuPVIXuY5wWyY7-gR62RVPN/s4032/343774151_266470599064455_5547716308028752197_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU77sH8JFjG4Q1HHDgsF8jCLGS0ftUNjDmK1BW2BUud-Z5yKydNcz85gxLtYJgNrhwTgjVIUoRHoSVxJ-pXZ_TCjYE9HQZfmRYjDaQpJfNaImZmvaDdYTJtFkUyzi29HCHC9NWAD_yr3QttTV6IKQVtPfHJWsxaCuDfuPVIXuY5wWyY7-gR62RVPN/w300-h400/343774151_266470599064455_5547716308028752197_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 Corinthians class</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowOYu4khaXTL5zH09crkycOivO7qOlraPSsjXgLLN_tlBnZG36Nzo8UzLW0O84EMYSB5gpECS_7vUEMHMabbYWBvmqp4bym0JoffMyYSaodwOLIZ5QY96kk4E-bDJcrHfU0u9vXMO2X41zerXhBe7RriWfDtS204UI_icWFgSMLKtCL-iJU0fWZbP/s1493/339244508_151387460928658_4975602105607075289_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1493" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowOYu4khaXTL5zH09crkycOivO7qOlraPSsjXgLLN_tlBnZG36Nzo8UzLW0O84EMYSB5gpECS_7vUEMHMabbYWBvmqp4bym0JoffMyYSaodwOLIZ5QY96kk4E-bDJcrHfU0u9vXMO2X41zerXhBe7RriWfDtS204UI_icWFgSMLKtCL-iJU0fWZbP/w400-h390/339244508_151387460928658_4975602105607075289_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptizing locals they have been evangelizing to</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRh2gKmcWOadVnuw80IphKH6jzNfpN2G-pF9zptGQN29Xs1NJLTc6HSEbQ1lPooBh8RD1DruGMEoxhP5ed8LQTir1tXTpSrh6IrNGEOj0aqKkabg2v3igbI1TFaqU8SAuPcoODQqbjssl7zYnXfYBp7LYOyheXq0u5NJ0F7tmsh_G8yzGzqiU-zG1/s2048/343301329_783764059829693_1229816770972249039_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRh2gKmcWOadVnuw80IphKH6jzNfpN2G-pF9zptGQN29Xs1NJLTc6HSEbQ1lPooBh8RD1DruGMEoxhP5ed8LQTir1tXTpSrh6IrNGEOj0aqKkabg2v3igbI1TFaqU8SAuPcoODQqbjssl7zYnXfYBp7LYOyheXq0u5NJ0F7tmsh_G8yzGzqiU-zG1/w400-h300/343301329_783764059829693_1229816770972249039_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Baptisms in another village</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzwxUMeDqCeWk-BsZkiAigaR1ynBpuSK5_6xoGDbhSJHYX78ZQmr4AbdokMK0y9mBnLaxxZCt7xJB21xDcJ8LKU96uwqmDQTXkeU4Txi4KvRsMaPNe5MpjEdQjcLvaZ-4dRK56Ae7hd5ZuU3qyX9GS9cyG2-JvpzXaSt9VhHKzQv7c1_FXySRstQh/s1477/343027504_768171421558322_2951345728833671470_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1108" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzwxUMeDqCeWk-BsZkiAigaR1ynBpuSK5_6xoGDbhSJHYX78ZQmr4AbdokMK0y9mBnLaxxZCt7xJB21xDcJ8LKU96uwqmDQTXkeU4Txi4KvRsMaPNe5MpjEdQjcLvaZ-4dRK56Ae7hd5ZuU3qyX9GS9cyG2-JvpzXaSt9VhHKzQv7c1_FXySRstQh/w300-h400/343027504_768171421558322_2951345728833671470_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New family in Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">During
April 24-28, Stephen offered a week of intensive Bible study on 1 Corinthians
to a group of leader-students. Most of these leader-students have a very high
profile in their professions and educations. These leaders-students include a
person who earned their PhD in Buddhology (Buddhism), the other one has passed
the Bar test in Law and the other is heavily involved in Bible translation
works. Some are Christian song composers and others are church planters. Of
course, all of them took theology courses in Thailand. All of them have been
deeply in touch with the Scripture and are not wanting to miss a single class. One
of the students even asked his surgical doctor to postpone his surgery
appointment in order to attend this class! Oh how the people hunger for His
Word!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaWVm22uP3jrCEm_a-usPYsHdagiqRT2LOmtBnboo5ZPhbBheiO3N-mG5OXjtuFe9onqQRxWz4T4P8Eu4LyfWhKsMT_sSg7B5cHYBONsPMKubO1Fh5ezw_YYMAc6U08fH2wRTSQEwcCO_Eb6Cfb3-stQjxeXeD5V4RiZ6OT_7u1pFREOxLK9QfJLt/s2048/334908014_713856633857703_7394290998237964348_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaWVm22uP3jrCEm_a-usPYsHdagiqRT2LOmtBnboo5ZPhbBheiO3N-mG5OXjtuFe9onqQRxWz4T4P8Eu4LyfWhKsMT_sSg7B5cHYBONsPMKubO1Fh5ezw_YYMAc6U08fH2wRTSQEwcCO_Eb6Cfb3-stQjxeXeD5V4RiZ6OT_7u1pFREOxLK9QfJLt/w400-h300/334908014_713856633857703_7394290998237964348_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The class visiting sick elderly and praying for them</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Stephen
is planning to equip this group of leader-students to be his teaching team, rooted
in the Scripture, in order to reach out to many other leaders in Southeast Asia
and China. Our coming intensive course will be on the Gospels. Besides
teaching, sometimes Stephen goes into the mission field with this group of
students showing them how to apply the Word of God into different contexts and
cultures, particularly baptisms and memorial events. We greatly appreciate your
prayers for this ministry. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Laos, the ministry is thriving and growing! Recently, Nick made a visit to the
country and was able to catch up with some friends in the ministry. They spent
their time updating about families and ministry advancements, exciting news all
around! During their meeting, they additionally discussed strategies on how to
further spread the Word of God throughout the country. It's humbling to see
evidence of God's work in Laos as people are coming to Christ and giving Him
praise. With each week that passes, more people are coming to join His family;
making it clear that God is at work in Laos!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh_UfGTI_3hC-i9-tp6zF_nwRTpeFzQmfoBxbYc7WFwyS-NMY0VIloAciDOKCcn6QQrlsEBCnSJLx0hPBhw2aWNjVmx6diwbePGDctyW6WNaWGgTWPd_DiW_brnV_JnXQ2GDdbBbUcBun2lxC8bIt_voYL9nFQ-IUqCUtvGKcA3-Ld2dfhrglqgn8/s2048/342633570_969203871189211_6298993169544042710_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh_UfGTI_3hC-i9-tp6zF_nwRTpeFzQmfoBxbYc7WFwyS-NMY0VIloAciDOKCcn6QQrlsEBCnSJLx0hPBhw2aWNjVmx6diwbePGDctyW6WNaWGgTWPd_DiW_brnV_JnXQ2GDdbBbUcBun2lxC8bIt_voYL9nFQ-IUqCUtvGKcA3-Ld2dfhrglqgn8/w400-h300/342633570_969203871189211_6298993169544042710_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local bus ride from Thailand into Vientiane, Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Please
fervently pray for our college student ministry in Vientiane. This college
ministry has been very effective in evangelism in Laos as it offers safe
shelter for students who come from underprivileged backgrounds and also reaches
out to college students in the area (University of Laos and several smaller
colleges). Most of the students living in the center have now given their lives
to Christ and they are very active in sharing their new faith with their peers.
The communities in the area is being transformed daily as more college students
are coming to Christ.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6Q8I6bGbQQdUm1LxeSFqNnzMa23eX47kPNIar5pMZFvT1ITDTJO71IqzcKwq-747U5kuf-fgIfNY20sNmU-GkVOT81jXVPBnWRIhbSG28kdrZO-iaLtsaR1deo-XYSMKJjr53wMIaP3Ag7A42fYa30cv9clNQLZ-rQGtEOuvUHWYRO_KUDFYok7O/s2048/343274203_1288070001785612_4862202165441002720_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6Q8I6bGbQQdUm1LxeSFqNnzMa23eX47kPNIar5pMZFvT1ITDTJO71IqzcKwq-747U5kuf-fgIfNY20sNmU-GkVOT81jXVPBnWRIhbSG28kdrZO-iaLtsaR1deo-XYSMKJjr53wMIaP3Ag7A42fYa30cv9clNQLZ-rQGtEOuvUHWYRO_KUDFYok7O/w400-h300/343274203_1288070001785612_4862202165441002720_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the college student devotional groups</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
the place which we have used as the college outreach center, providing housing
for 30 college students consisting of 2 small houses (one for male, one for
females), will no longer be available for rent in a few months. The landlord
recently, out of the blue, decided that they would turn this house into a
different business. This is a big challenge because the college students will
no longer have a place to live in the upcoming semester. You can probably
attest to this, challenges tend to occur in the most inopportune times. This is
where we pray for Faith and know that God has got our backs because we have
witnessed it countless times before!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Of
course, AFC’s plan is to have our own outreach center down the road as we know
that challenges like these could occur, but we were blindsided by this sudden
news. Prior to hearing this news, we’ve made some progress in recently
acquiring a small plot of land, but we have not reached our fundraising goal in
buildings and constructions. In order to build a more suitable housing/center
we need to bring in electricity and water. In the meanwhile, we are asking for
your fervent prayers as we try to come up with funds and resources to build a temporary
wooden shelters for the students to at least have a roof over their heads until
we have the means to build a more permanent building.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4UmwlxjrNpzXgcbIP1vR4JFEkGITz3zECUjyw15KMJkMxayvi9O-yECOLXpwCWgXzB9T8gorOm9d2FVx18m8joZKWEK-9Xt6DtDG054uT5OD7c1sT4fmnUHnLFK5zqLlF3G9mhqC_Ko0XI7mYAtak36yBVDRLrhQm31icz8pBKfl6aUIQOjVEgFc/s2048/343271286_921988792454879_2988380307342946638_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4UmwlxjrNpzXgcbIP1vR4JFEkGITz3zECUjyw15KMJkMxayvi9O-yECOLXpwCWgXzB9T8gorOm9d2FVx18m8joZKWEK-9Xt6DtDG054uT5OD7c1sT4fmnUHnLFK5zqLlF3G9mhqC_Ko0XI7mYAtak36yBVDRLrhQm31icz8pBKfl6aUIQOjVEgFc/w300-h400/343271286_921988792454879_2988380307342946638_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick with our friends in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Myanmar</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Nick
and Becky are making a real difference in Myanmar by teaching English Bible
class to students with the help of a servant-hearted team of teachers from
Hawaii. The class is organized around popular Bible stories that many of the
Myanmar Christian students are not familiar with. As they go through these
stories, the teachers have found that many of the students lack a basic
understanding of some of the popular stories, such as the Tower of Babel, the
Israel and the Passover, and even Jesus the Messiah being explained in the book
of Isaiah. The students have asked great questions that resulted in very productive
discussions about the Bible. This is a ministry that has been a blessing for
both the teachers and the students. What was moving was the students have
voiced that this class is one of the highlights of their week as their country
continues to go through political unrest and war.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Stephen
is still continuing his online classes for Lisu leaders situated all over Asia.
With the rise of the students in his online class, it's sometimes alarming to
think if any of those students have sinister motives since some of the
countries where the Bible class is taught are not that receptive to
Christianity. Nevertheless, the majority of the attendees are grateful for the
knowledge they've learned and we believe that God is with us in all that we do.
Even though we may have fears, we have faith that many are benefitting from
these classes and that God is pleased.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
family is together for the first time after gaining two daughters! Nick
recently married Khao at the beginning of this year. John and Anna got married
a few years ago but unfortunately during Covid-19, the family could not attend
their wedding. Anyways, the reunited family is absolutely over the moon about
spending time together again. It’s been over three years of being apart, so
every moment feels like a gift. The family has been keeping each other
entertained by playing games, having meaningful conversations and even enjoying
the beautiful beaches in Krabi. Isaac was on summer break, so he was able to go
and thoroughly enjoyed swimming and seeing monkeys on the beach. For most of the family, Krabi was the first time they ever traveled to the beach in Southern Thailand. It's such a
joy to laugh and enjoy each other's company. Knowing that we have only have a
month together, we are determined to make the most of every moment!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhC0acwIih6wP_lTlumD5ezZXtYayr4y3MltoKKsccvbn17hzeDwIUCD41qG9bUgySWcQCbzVq6CJZspZXEZlw7F7pfCy3kgeslQ_oTvxubJVFfejuYPLl5YYHiYzMq8GEa3EvJdmlIPHL5G4hRLLMADNDjAj5BYcYC0ABAQlk9jKX-5R2u-2ZEC3/s1479/343981507_256263873470845_2592806599350465295_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1479" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhC0acwIih6wP_lTlumD5ezZXtYayr4y3MltoKKsccvbn17hzeDwIUCD41qG9bUgySWcQCbzVq6CJZspZXEZlw7F7pfCy3kgeslQ_oTvxubJVFfejuYPLl5YYHiYzMq8GEa3EvJdmlIPHL5G4hRLLMADNDjAj5BYcYC0ABAQlk9jKX-5R2u-2ZEC3/w400-h300/343981507_256263873470845_2592806599350465295_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time for many of them to visit Krabi, south of Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">John
has been visiting churches with Stephen and have even given several sermons to
encourage the locals. The people are very encouraged by the message and have
invited John back to preach a few more times before he travels back to America.
Anna has been taking some time every day to learn Thai language and connect
with the family of different culture. We are so glad to have Anna and Khao be a
part of this big family.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiWYrSOEbm8zYzTzgBGhgfhYvpKtyOhi8gpZyPjcDBJXHSCveaLnsKRlf0MvN80jJ1iVf3NkvCOV-9h0Z4P01gF2ZGk3SJ-lPw5iIkzatdhsHq30B6_YKrKrI2YzdUI_S2KLsXak4vu9ky6GPR_VhXUkY3FL4z35riJPX3Wv32IJB1_vWZtJfH_wz/s1706/342859410_709189614547177_3492879427531304920_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1706" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiWYrSOEbm8zYzTzgBGhgfhYvpKtyOhi8gpZyPjcDBJXHSCveaLnsKRlf0MvN80jJ1iVf3NkvCOV-9h0Z4P01gF2ZGk3SJ-lPw5iIkzatdhsHq30B6_YKrKrI2YzdUI_S2KLsXak4vu9ky6GPR_VhXUkY3FL4z35riJPX3Wv32IJB1_vWZtJfH_wz/w400-h225/342859410_709189614547177_3492879427531304920_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Stephen giving a encouraging sermon</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQB1tbwCIzRnuSl4InyB2fP_t31w2NozEJL398pKqbqb8K1Ug_1-8tuqDZdwxf57cd15K430dyBIX9l_sZxnQvz0tcn1Reynb0CvPUPAfSLC_9dYOXn3Cje1_mm5uQDfhS-uFa4lgq8IzYjXGVjD_fBYLOP13P2KXOKn3xIvb2C2bqSofIkFU37zt/s2048/343284151_753471082891535_3806761014761635195_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQB1tbwCIzRnuSl4InyB2fP_t31w2NozEJL398pKqbqb8K1Ug_1-8tuqDZdwxf57cd15K430dyBIX9l_sZxnQvz0tcn1Reynb0CvPUPAfSLC_9dYOXn3Cje1_mm5uQDfhS-uFa4lgq8IzYjXGVjD_fBYLOP13P2KXOKn3xIvb2C2bqSofIkFU37zt/w300-h400/343284151_753471082891535_3806761014761635195_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John preaching at a new church plant</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Chiang Dao, Mary set up a family get together in order to remember her father
who passed away last year. There was a small gathering as people prayed and
enjoyed a meal together. It has been easier for the family, especially Mary, to
have peace in Jeremy’s passing because we all have the same hope in Christ that
he did. On top of this, everyone sat around reminiscing the great works that
her father and the other missionaries have done in their lifetime. Because of
their dedication to God, many people have come to Christ.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Mti8Zw0Nu5x-5l7T5hO4zRUFridvqlwNUIXqvyR4KNrW2Ll94zq-1SGoOFGfC7JOkt2Yrth1R_sh5tnIIhVR5jUGn7uptXIlrEaoukXjJS2QoXle4nAu5HT0R6Bzb8Ayv2OlRGtPmQPLHULWcq3F2HebH0r4lDgwBifZbqHqYO-3FW3w_SUA_Kd/s2048/343257075_1235221390438947_8249534219869118275_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Mti8Zw0Nu5x-5l7T5hO4zRUFridvqlwNUIXqvyR4KNrW2Ll94zq-1SGoOFGfC7JOkt2Yrth1R_sh5tnIIhVR5jUGn7uptXIlrEaoukXjJS2QoXle4nAu5HT0R6Bzb8Ayv2OlRGtPmQPLHULWcq3F2HebH0r4lDgwBifZbqHqYO-3FW3w_SUA_Kd/w400-h300/343257075_1235221390438947_8249534219869118275_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fellowship meal at Mary's father's memorial event</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
growth and revival in these countries are inspiring, and it's heartwarming to
see how people are coming to Christ and spreading His love to others. Even in
the midst of challenges, we see God's hand at work and we trust in His
provision and guidance. Our family reunion is a joyful reminder of the
importance of relationships and the blessings that come from spending time with
loved ones. As we reflect on these recent events, we are filled with hope and
gratitude for the ways in which God is working. May we all continue to be a part
of God's transformative work!</span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-70672886607251527672023-03-21T20:00:00.016+07:002023-03-21T20:00:00.204+07:00Laying the Biblical Foundation<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
we go into public places, it is very obvious that the norm is back. Less and
less people wear masks as days pass. Sometimes, we take little things for
granted like a simple smile or a twitch of a mustache. We overlook a lot of
things in our lives; some things we have so much of that we sometimes don’t
feel that “wow” moment anymore. Like seeing emotion on someone’s face and it
disappears for nearly 2 years and then it comes back… we may have that “wow” I
didn’t know I missed being able to look at someone’s entire face as we
converse. Then, after a couple weeks, we get used to it and we take it for
granted again, thinking in the back of their minds, “what’s the chances of
everyone having to wear masks again?” Nevertheless, there are many things that
we hope will always give us joy and amazement. One, we hope that we never take
for granted all the blessings, miracles, and even last second act of rescue
from our amazing God. Second, we hope that we never get tired of the amount of
literal come-to-Jesus moments, decisions, and baptisms. Third, we hope that we
never stop serving and glorifying God even when facing challenges.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lc5Oo5FCX-ygjyW0O3Y6-YlETLr2O3EkP6nKeVq7O_GaZfI6K1WWtrqsWMaRGRA9a-GPwDWNiuQWAnyOfG9JBSF82uYTw6fu9TR7_bB8eFu3MaRElrZWllWy4oszuAMXYj4yT1nzWyZhE6kfsFl6wGcYlrlgHJqV5ud5GnXsy24Vx4DbmEGd7TBy/s719/Inked326511090_1350016855759254_1306641999638533927_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="719" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lc5Oo5FCX-ygjyW0O3Y6-YlETLr2O3EkP6nKeVq7O_GaZfI6K1WWtrqsWMaRGRA9a-GPwDWNiuQWAnyOfG9JBSF82uYTw6fu9TR7_bB8eFu3MaRElrZWllWy4oszuAMXYj4yT1nzWyZhE6kfsFl6wGcYlrlgHJqV5ud5GnXsy24Vx4DbmEGd7TBy/w349-h333/Inked326511090_1350016855759254_1306641999638533927_n.jpg" width="349" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More believe and are baptized in a communist country</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiiTrqCFKsfwZDDO8jgSpMlAO0cHkCiVhjiNqwRJFEhxGaIzyUy0fCd5Atd7YwfRXvDXmyiovBbJDElo_7j5gojY4nP2Uf0WESNGqHNm6jf4EKQUhFdMP9AEhW1VaJ88O8JwG3_GgYaw663Q_d5gNsljXGay6O9JBf4wTLp5GivChu7mO3UJmeBHn/s935/Inked326007458_916217036106798_8954454809408959053_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiiTrqCFKsfwZDDO8jgSpMlAO0cHkCiVhjiNqwRJFEhxGaIzyUy0fCd5Atd7YwfRXvDXmyiovBbJDElo_7j5gojY4nP2Uf0WESNGqHNm6jf4EKQUhFdMP9AEhW1VaJ88O8JwG3_GgYaw663Q_d5gNsljXGay6O9JBf4wTLp5GivChu7mO3UJmeBHn/s320/Inked326007458_916217036106798_8954454809408959053_n.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of a new life in Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
past couple of months, Stephen has been thrilled to actually teach some of his
students face-to-face. We believe through teaching, we lay the foundation of
Biblical knowledge for the leaders of Christian churches. As the students
teach/lead, they will be better equipped in following what God desires in their
life, family, church, and community.</span> As you may know, Asia International
Seminary is a school without borders, which means we are not bound to teach at
one setting/place. Asia International Seminary is set so that we bring
college/seminary classes to local church settings. Partnering with local churches
and even have classes in their church building, which is sometimes more
convenient for the students in the area. This is one of the major reasons we
have students throughout China, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia (hopefully soon in
Vietnam and Cambodia). This was especially useful during covid lockdowns and we
taught through zoom and other online means when we weren’t able to physically
meet with students. Without denominational discrimination, our requirements for
students are that they need to be currently active in ministry and focus on
studying the Bible exegetically.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSvtKBCxtTk97B7uu88VQRmTcKPdLYAzIuF26-5V_NVcjAxm-Qej4fnPPoa8uQwTd6auhhhZL5d-ntR6Y1jHbOd-Y61C8rH9rvbiz9gYMbxziQkHjvfEyb5Snf8PbB6iVUZnL5EL0RgvfkWqCN2w2uqG08CdL1YYSbf2gazKC8PZ-sJ_3uUhyGtJx/s2048/334909438_1580421062426599_4833614740757187812_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSvtKBCxtTk97B7uu88VQRmTcKPdLYAzIuF26-5V_NVcjAxm-Qej4fnPPoa8uQwTd6auhhhZL5d-ntR6Y1jHbOd-Y61C8rH9rvbiz9gYMbxziQkHjvfEyb5Snf8PbB6iVUZnL5EL0RgvfkWqCN2w2uqG08CdL1YYSbf2gazKC8PZ-sJ_3uUhyGtJx/w400-h300/334909438_1580421062426599_4833614740757187812_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first on-site classes of 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN_nDIBplNg8nrjBG53VE73LVtflpjaHFkwdLuIZmdidzlwdHPYAojvL1Phjapvd6X1ZVK0gKzXnhSEKQ3FFTpsrIe73GEs9p3DmHftYvUwvL8qz5ykUt8tXXIJB5Kor4TIqWP_WZUmlcFntNPmiqXhlv6R4xtW64Ha_rqFDOsASIz1YtWZyWgEK-/s2048/334888303_924513838968816_68299194683026302_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN_nDIBplNg8nrjBG53VE73LVtflpjaHFkwdLuIZmdidzlwdHPYAojvL1Phjapvd6X1ZVK0gKzXnhSEKQ3FFTpsrIe73GEs9p3DmHftYvUwvL8qz5ykUt8tXXIJB5Kor4TIqWP_WZUmlcFntNPmiqXhlv6R4xtW64Ha_rqFDOsASIz1YtWZyWgEK-/w400-h300/334888303_924513838968816_68299194683026302_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching a group of Lisu Christian leaders<br /> at Hui Rai Church<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
fact, the mission field is quite lacking in its native Kingdom’s workers. In
Thailand particularly, many churches have no preachers and many new converts
have no one to nourish them with His Word. At this moment, there are new
converts from 5-6 different villages where we will be able to plant new
churches. So, we are intensively teaching God’s Word and training a new group
of Christian leaders so that they will be able to teach others not only to carry
out the Great Commission, but also to shepherd those new churches. Within one
particular on-site class, one student’s presence caused a slight rock in the
boat for everyone. To be honest, we were a bit worried ourselves, but prayed
fervently because this one student used to be a Christian leader who had gifts
in preaching and worship, and then became a drug addict. In the past year, he
repented and is coming back to church, with frequent accountability and
support. This man has also recently been studying with Stephen. There is always
hope for anyone in Christ. Please join us in praying with many Christians from
China, Myanmar and Thailand for this repented leader in his physical and
spiritual recovery, so that God’s grace and His power may be exhibited throughout
this part of the world!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNwoaLHxcynrQmxj1U0glOwkyjx-9H0XdCNYxoPb_DoMj9uAfQ7Rt_VhTvcYKdj6GZ3xMBx3maTX5mLO90duFrnTLX93qo__EGG6tl_UHu9jS_VbwogP9NqiXM9DwU6wKPjJemQiU8uVHMmJ3uqYOarl8o_JahxfIPvNoT4ZnYtDiiug7NyVlCFiB/s2048/333095727_654922763070550_1616625778446682659_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNwoaLHxcynrQmxj1U0glOwkyjx-9H0XdCNYxoPb_DoMj9uAfQ7Rt_VhTvcYKdj6GZ3xMBx3maTX5mLO90duFrnTLX93qo__EGG6tl_UHu9jS_VbwogP9NqiXM9DwU6wKPjJemQiU8uVHMmJ3uqYOarl8o_JahxfIPvNoT4ZnYtDiiug7NyVlCFiB/w400-h300/333095727_654922763070550_1616625778446682659_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen traveling to a remote mountain village to evangelize<br />and teach the Bible<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Speaking
of classes, Stephen has now been requested by other ethnic groups, such as the
Lahu and Ahka people, to teach them the Bible. This has been very encouraging!
We are still deciding if we are able to extend our classes at this moment
because we simply need more teachers. If we can’t teach them at the moment,
we’ll wait until the current students are well versed in a subject and then
have them help teach several of the classes.</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even though there are many things on our plate – such as evangelistic trips, discipleship groups, relief works – we
believe that laying the foundation through teaching the Bible is one of the
most important aspects in Christian works. Please pray for the equipping of Christians in our
mission field.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGeFJCAsWW_992QAk_RFdPeRFXsdsWoPZvfqLArNGdAK6T49FUPaEssKWsxeZ7U9MBCsBjgGPsYtWHlFCyQTUbeg0LkNmTKVl9JimBD07k3NXDBNOvDWZPuq2k5_V68J5ZBPMHjCkv4fnKyzm1glOLL-xQPKthE6_huzuyDTO8DbBCRjtjxOCksB8/s1477/332921129_740590664234806_3600327137149979794_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGeFJCAsWW_992QAk_RFdPeRFXsdsWoPZvfqLArNGdAK6T49FUPaEssKWsxeZ7U9MBCsBjgGPsYtWHlFCyQTUbeg0LkNmTKVl9JimBD07k3NXDBNOvDWZPuq2k5_V68J5ZBPMHjCkv4fnKyzm1glOLL-xQPKthE6_huzuyDTO8DbBCRjtjxOCksB8/w400-h300/332921129_740590664234806_3600327137149979794_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They literarily burn their former idols to follow Christ,<br />throwing away their former life for the new</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2-c6WhYSeEI3Q8Xg0YvLOX0sWY1qnWHB80nI27_233j1cEHs4KadhRog4rwgAhNfir2ot2c6ceR-Kxf-NfCs_wo-OcWNZKy2tmP4tyCh8AhLACoN57SdECBpESm33OfY1QX6wpFMjrFiXESMbskETvMmuUU-CpOUe_PS0Vtda5FbfwuihA4aTRFh/s1672/333191393_755760369297352_6530068833075609178_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1672" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2-c6WhYSeEI3Q8Xg0YvLOX0sWY1qnWHB80nI27_233j1cEHs4KadhRog4rwgAhNfir2ot2c6ceR-Kxf-NfCs_wo-OcWNZKy2tmP4tyCh8AhLACoN57SdECBpESm33OfY1QX6wpFMjrFiXESMbskETvMmuUU-CpOUe_PS0Vtda5FbfwuihA4aTRFh/w400-h263/333191393_755760369297352_6530068833075609178_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a small dam, in the Thai jungle, <br />to prepare a natural baptistry</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0i1RymJUXokGxiylBq3pjO6yvtECkOepg-qHguP2q1ZvPDUBxOV_07jx1WL-bddoTNg5caGqdb1SQNV42sLiMO1wOiFDXkS62PF0SEflWz3pt6wjiV7zS18ZSHr2aWSjvWnTS1fEs8NhCTnYU6oE-R4C6522E07fh9XKLXFOEZWIWcVrhg5eQUCA/s1286/332960329_517672563879311_5199214746465610088_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1286" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0i1RymJUXokGxiylBq3pjO6yvtECkOepg-qHguP2q1ZvPDUBxOV_07jx1WL-bddoTNg5caGqdb1SQNV42sLiMO1wOiFDXkS62PF0SEflWz3pt6wjiV7zS18ZSHr2aWSjvWnTS1fEs8NhCTnYU6oE-R4C6522E07fh9XKLXFOEZWIWcVrhg5eQUCA/w400-h385/332960329_517672563879311_5199214746465610088_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism of a Lisu family in remote area of Thailand<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
year, we are planning to visit new converts, students, and churches in China,
Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam in order to mobilize them to expand His Kingdom to
every corner of those countries starting from their own families, villages, towns
and countries. In the past 2 years of lock down, we could only communicate with
them via electronic devices; some of them only heard our voices, and some have never
even met us face to face. The visit will be a great challenge for us, for
instance, Myanmar is still having political unrest. China, Laos and Vietnam are
communist. One thing is for sure is that our God is mighty and He is in
control.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></u></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
family is doing well. We currently have Stephen’s sister from France staying
with us. It’s been a real joy to connect and talk about how far God has brought
each and every one of us. She has asked Stephen to go to France to preach and
teach her children about Jesus Christ but that might be later in several years.
Mary’s working in her garden most days and she has had so much great produce to
share with neighbors and people in need. Every 2 weeks, Mary takes some of the
produce to an elderly lady with a rundown house on the side of the road; this
lady is able to make a little income by selling the vegetables on the side of
the road. Every time, Mary drops by, we hear joy from this widow. Becky and
Nick continue doing the English Bible class online with friends from Hawaii.
Sometimes, it seems like it’s a discouragement because only one student joins
because of the unstable internet and political issues in their country. We
continue the class because for each of these students, this is their only light
and what they look forward to during the week. Nick is planning to go to Japan
soon to visit his wife Khao who has been doing some skills training in Japan
for her work. Nick has also been accepted into a Masters program in Mental
Health. This field will be a great asset as we will equip evangelists to have
the ability to deal with mental health issues, which is a topic that’s not even
heard of yet in some of these countries. Isaac is currently on his summer break
so he has enjoyed sleeping in most days. He’s also been working on videography
and continues to improve in his video editing skills. John and Anna will be
back to visit us next month and we are super excited for that. Our entire
family will be together for the first time in over 4 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-54916528687111034242023-01-26T19:00:00.053+07:002023-01-26T19:29:59.413+07:00Happy New Year 2023!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Happy
New Year 2023! It is that time of year where we reflect on all of the challenges
and blessings we experienced during 2022. At last, we are so glad that the
covid lockdown is behind us. Now, we are able to finally visit churches,
meet people, and even host events; all of this with the slow transitioning of
unmasked faces as the year progressed. It is such a blessing to see peoples’
faces and their emotions, especially their smiles!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
three years of lockdown, churches began to celebrate Thanksgiving and
Christmas. Thanksgiving and Christmas here are huge communal events.
Particularly, Thanksgiving here is strongly related to harvesting crops; rice,
corn and etc. Therefore, many churches are still having Thanksgiving even in
January. We have been attending and preaching at countless Thanksgiving
gatherings and Christmas conventions during this season.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDaT76ogj1KxwQY7xqULhYKs9WNInMmMxqeCYxMDH4T90JfoUXAD8cwRkFGBIJamFuDnnEgep26G5IdPG8y_iLW-G3gUWgqhRUWQuwx_FVRAp6y9k3GMG8BgJM_B4tk7MyxCfIWEFOn7ukw0meDce0WXpjLhSDmoY7UM_ZJ0Kli_GDZL2KHbXlHhD/s2048/321397279_6068230873243555_914184367902898404_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDaT76ogj1KxwQY7xqULhYKs9WNInMmMxqeCYxMDH4T90JfoUXAD8cwRkFGBIJamFuDnnEgep26G5IdPG8y_iLW-G3gUWgqhRUWQuwx_FVRAp6y9k3GMG8BgJM_B4tk7MyxCfIWEFOn7ukw0meDce0WXpjLhSDmoY7UM_ZJ0Kli_GDZL2KHbXlHhD/w400-h300/321397279_6068230873243555_914184367902898404_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at Lahu Village Thanksgiving</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNfWW-ledhJwYr7M1vEnXkG3f_K7JPpIpqex91xSkChbSnh1fWdpoR1tRssvHfJ2P73q8zOib1lUUNL2osUtCT_8x_HZeeZ9eB1jSfK6_7bGy2sLoMVZSpfUdNyw88h07rXb0tR5naF_23SZ2gaoaGTMmNtmJJ_rFuP01i5hVm7DEvB_Y9q95B6I5/s2048/321952276_1841154796251223_8282579369173723132_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNfWW-ledhJwYr7M1vEnXkG3f_K7JPpIpqex91xSkChbSnh1fWdpoR1tRssvHfJ2P73q8zOib1lUUNL2osUtCT_8x_HZeeZ9eB1jSfK6_7bGy2sLoMVZSpfUdNyw88h07rXb0tR5naF_23SZ2gaoaGTMmNtmJJ_rFuP01i5hVm7DEvB_Y9q95B6I5/w400-h300/321952276_1841154796251223_8282579369173723132_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lahu Church in their beautiful colors during<br />Thanksgiving</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Reflection of 2022</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here
are some main highlights in our family and missions that we would like to share
so that you can join us in praising our living and mighty God. Yes, there has
been a lot going on in our missions! God is definitely working and we are
thankful to be a part of His Great Works. In 2022, over 400 people believe and
were baptized! From war-torn communities in Myanmar to poverty stricken
villages of Laos to new settlements in Thailand, people are coming to Christ!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wAsPzyWMO3VDtSyfjhzuRaYKyAGk9Y2AWmtDjUciqKzj3f3UceedGASMPcMZ9nxPMmWqMdx5JQF3VXoyrjf2IkIiZjQ4q7yBhjGJS1yE0wRom1FX4ssSDsLwI8_2OHky3LjBU_jxMnY66GrELibOm6B2-14AfL0WR_npqY2Yn8hAXpBmwQ0gUxph/s1365/321103163_501509642109629_7659765299078350359_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wAsPzyWMO3VDtSyfjhzuRaYKyAGk9Y2AWmtDjUciqKzj3f3UceedGASMPcMZ9nxPMmWqMdx5JQF3VXoyrjf2IkIiZjQ4q7yBhjGJS1yE0wRom1FX4ssSDsLwI8_2OHky3LjBU_jxMnY66GrELibOm6B2-14AfL0WR_npqY2Yn8hAXpBmwQ0gUxph/s320/321103163_501509642109629_7659765299078350359_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding scooters to a remote village<br />through muddy road- not easy!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX8laXkHUsd1Rimm32dc97MgpfkD57M6LrNMYNiWodOpx-TlkNZdX_p7iHyp_gLdCWY1QOR5niSXlrJhfT6DqJkDNn0llRJSP4xRPcrli8q0jm33NT2EDf7gnQxK2FbBIRw8tVg-C9LTv21rFRzkBunPZyTHb0jILbP8JW-p7x7GfUmOFIQGk5blV/s960/Inked325542201_5784248698325983_6911938834997019446_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX8laXkHUsd1Rimm32dc97MgpfkD57M6LrNMYNiWodOpx-TlkNZdX_p7iHyp_gLdCWY1QOR5niSXlrJhfT6DqJkDNn0llRJSP4xRPcrli8q0jm33NT2EDf7gnQxK2FbBIRw8tVg-C9LTv21rFRzkBunPZyTHb0jILbP8JW-p7x7GfUmOFIQGk5blV/s320/Inked325542201_5784248698325983_6911938834997019446_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local evangelist praying for <br />this family in Laos before their<br />baptism</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mary’s
clothing ministry to these destitute areas continue to be a blessing to many.
Our friends in those areas have been helpful in delivering the clothes to these
villages far from modern society. Many who received the clothes were shocked
and asked “Why are these strangers (talking about us) helping us? We aren’t
even their friends or family.” To these statements, we tell them about Christ
and because of His love, we are able to love “strangers.” Several believe and
are baptized after receiving clothes and the Good News. We are amazed by how
clothes, which many overlook, can make such an impact for His Kingdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
March 2022, Thailand fully opened its country, this brought about several
events which were put on hold during covid. First, we started having family
gatherings again. This led to several members of our relatives wanting to study
the Bible. This gave us joy because we have always wanted our big family to be
used by God, in the government and schools since many of their careers are held
there. The relatives are beginning to join us on our trips to visit churches in
Thailand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">During
the middle of 2022, thanks to IDES we were able to help thousands of family in
need as they transition out of the trying covid lockdown period. We helped many
Christians and non-Christians in Myanmar, Thailand, Southern Border of China,
Laos, and even Vietnam. We would like to thank IDES because they have been a
great vessel through their funds for us to reach and help the people who are in
very remote areas. Through this task, we were able to reach the people who
would have been overlooked. We saved many lives and also many spiritual souls
were won for Christ because of this effort. Praise God!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
successful project in 2022 was building a church in Tap Der, Mae Rim district
of Chiang Mai. We coordinated with our Christian friends from Korea who were
called to give to build a church in a village without a church building. Our
friends donated for the cost of supplies and tools, and the villagers gave
their strength and skills in constructing the church building. After the
completion of the church, the first worship song sung in that church brought
tears of joy as we see the beauty of the unity among different cultures all
singing to glorify God under the roof they built together. Now, this is church!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Towards
the end of the year, Asians For Christ held a week intensive Bible study to Christians
in Myanmar via Zoom. Over 120 attended the virtual class as Stephen taught from
Thailand. The following week Nick, in Thailand, with the help from teacher
David, Paul, and Grieg from USA, were able to provide a virtual course to leaders
in Laos and Thailand. This was the first time for Nick to lead the global conference
(Stephen oversaw it). He also did a wonderful job as he interpreted a class for
the first time. Many great positive feedbacks came from students and those in
attendance. Praise the Lord! During the weeklong intensive course, Christian
Leadership and Cults were the classes that were offered. The Laotian classroom
had almost 80 people (mostly Christian evangelist, and a few interested new
Christians). With these two classes, the evangelists are now able to acquire
evangelist card, which allows them to preach freely in their country, one of
the first of its kind. Praise God for this great step in reaching the lost in
Laos.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWvOh1V16-ZHlB0iER3b1b6ML95VoR1aDzyYn2jpcowsM0CB3ZjaaPzz7uQJ_gH9jATpUWzVQ1LXS7PXrCWxAYL5D96Tuf3cdm3q39l2vxlR3anXgaxlmFHrrEDR3jBMRw_7-LJEd65gtkQSn22jrLwRhOmF4mubX10uD0GmYj6jDyMLAZwZYtxwr/s1560/316985322_881816039657510_5923563712397473400_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWvOh1V16-ZHlB0iER3b1b6ML95VoR1aDzyYn2jpcowsM0CB3ZjaaPzz7uQJ_gH9jATpUWzVQ1LXS7PXrCWxAYL5D96Tuf3cdm3q39l2vxlR3anXgaxlmFHrrEDR3jBMRw_7-LJEd65gtkQSn22jrLwRhOmF4mubX10uD0GmYj6jDyMLAZwZYtxwr/s320/316985322_881816039657510_5923563712397473400_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's Virtual Class for the leaders in Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-8HCKlCrEGO2igtUuXG2ZzGa_lW0n4mGgj0op5n7fbAl3EQ3c3DFaMdhaJ33ERY0Rle2UaExxOUUM7Rgl-6rQwl_HjFak05Dhy9UQaBMuW9Oi_JwRArEzmqWygSanwHCnLrQGHsx2mUYLy5qIdiEiTj_X9XMDz40A5qeqYi00xK0F3ZwWPRSnhCe/s1560/321602412_855717945672285_2016084876188291724_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-8HCKlCrEGO2igtUuXG2ZzGa_lW0n4mGgj0op5n7fbAl3EQ3c3DFaMdhaJ33ERY0Rle2UaExxOUUM7Rgl-6rQwl_HjFak05Dhy9UQaBMuW9Oi_JwRArEzmqWygSanwHCnLrQGHsx2mUYLy5qIdiEiTj_X9XMDz40A5qeqYi00xK0F3ZwWPRSnhCe/w400-h300/321602412_855717945672285_2016084876188291724_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Myanmar Leaders studying in <br />Stephen's Virtual Bible Class</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO-gkrsYLlG4FrUw6M5rQg4fMPVySTn3vnotyW-_iAvHejessnPDkoiuLO4AqEl9LwDE5o0ICTTOuElzqJX4ABFmEkEKWnSe_2JCyM0KPKh-UvsdWhE39xvH0r1m84llPJfMAZEHTtdCrzlv32g3nTcWpzQtGOttJKtm27C6d7rlnh4GQAc_qOj4T/s2048/321781183_2061911720866033_6035641676338336384_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO-gkrsYLlG4FrUw6M5rQg4fMPVySTn3vnotyW-_iAvHejessnPDkoiuLO4AqEl9LwDE5o0ICTTOuElzqJX4ABFmEkEKWnSe_2JCyM0KPKh-UvsdWhE39xvH0r1m84llPJfMAZEHTtdCrzlv32g3nTcWpzQtGOttJKtm27C6d7rlnh4GQAc_qOj4T/w400-h300/321781183_2061911720866033_6035641676338336384_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evangelists studying in Laos as <br />we taught via Zoom (on projector)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
were many other great highlights of 2022 but that would take many pages of
writing and still wouldn’t capture the wonders of God! Although, with every
highs, there are some lows, as Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 says for everything there is a season-- a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> In 2022, Stephen lost his older sister and Mary
lost her father. This grief rocked the family a bit because it’s so hard to
imagine a life without someone close, especially family. Mary’s father in
particular was one of the pioneer native missionaries into Thailand. In 1958, he
and his team walked several months from China; climbed over hundreds of
mountains and crossed the Salween River into Thailand. In Thailand, they walked
from village after village proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the
Lisu people in Thailand. Then in the early 1970s, because of the hope to do
mission works in Thailand, he and his family permanently left his home, relatives,
and church in China and became a stranger in Thailand. Because of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, he lived with nonbelievers and worked in the farm during day time
to support his family, and taught God’s Word to those villagers in the evening. During the dry season, years after years he would make evangelistic trips to villages after villages. His efforts has led thousands of people to Christ! As both sides of the family work
through grief, we are all comforted in knowing that there is hope, the New
Jerusalem awaits! Yes, there is hope for those who follow Christ!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT0TlgRqAuZn3cUXsSEWKY35T1cdYo1aNoKVQ1x_kX70gdFIVjunpp8F_un_LOM1flg_ochFVZDzE5BAx-uoAUwyACQfPOcxFBoinHuzs5ZcLSXbvO2O8VgdngWnSypVFs_puVfadzlmqakE-x9z9qpH6XUTTkp63VmWvN1ZZVvWFSpoDAXGQkEm3/s1440/324466542_560931932318364_7019062629683036910_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT0TlgRqAuZn3cUXsSEWKY35T1cdYo1aNoKVQ1x_kX70gdFIVjunpp8F_un_LOM1flg_ochFVZDzE5BAx-uoAUwyACQfPOcxFBoinHuzs5ZcLSXbvO2O8VgdngWnSypVFs_puVfadzlmqakE-x9z9qpH6XUTTkp63VmWvN1ZZVvWFSpoDAXGQkEm3/s320/324466542_560931932318364_7019062629683036910_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary's father, Jeremy, a man devoted<br /> to Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2023</span></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">First
and foremost, we are excited that Nick and Kao were recently married! The
wedding ceremony was beautiful and many relatives and friends were able to
join. Much of Kao’s friends and family are non-Christian, and even they had great
feedbacks about the wedding in a church. Most of them have never even stepped
foot in a church building. Some expressed that they even cried as they listened
to hymns and worship songs during the ceremony. Nick and Kao, along with some
friends, continue to lead the youth group at a church downtown Chiang Mai. Kao
also works as an interpreter for a big Japanese company where she has been a
light to her coworkers! After their marriage, they plan to live near Nick’s
family. Please pray for them as they continue to serve the Lord!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1efa8lTVpu2MNhLcTRz6MHvenCzz0XpxdtSxyWiRrDqjFkVUp5y1-qN9-ThBdIplHCcB2FyEVmJju5CR2FfzLMiOTOtl2-_97BEBcnSQ913v_318UsWPzjevLCtR-87SWqmxr9LXHOcBQjTHUPsM0g4fOiKeiVkrZz7ZSdWSUgBmDEQe1b6ntan5/s5712/DSC01977.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3808" data-original-width="5712" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1efa8lTVpu2MNhLcTRz6MHvenCzz0XpxdtSxyWiRrDqjFkVUp5y1-qN9-ThBdIplHCcB2FyEVmJju5CR2FfzLMiOTOtl2-_97BEBcnSQ913v_318UsWPzjevLCtR-87SWqmxr9LXHOcBQjTHUPsM0g4fOiKeiVkrZz7ZSdWSUgBmDEQe1b6ntan5/w400-h266/DSC01977.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and Khao's wedding (Isaac was bestman)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2S4fWxC6q7Ov6HArrtHsDXe_C_QZImZpdOElZzEMbNXPeK8X-RPge_U1jehMbOIB4RaStu9c02NRvGX6wLbrT93NAvif1Ofy8HKlAB9klkJxWvSh_TnobdOL2LwTbaT63ei5BZ6G0Vi73tNNCf-ZNnAycfWZKveFhjrAZGts6ZQB0gdtFt3hjtzQ/s5661/DSC01704.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="5661" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2S4fWxC6q7Ov6HArrtHsDXe_C_QZImZpdOElZzEMbNXPeK8X-RPge_U1jehMbOIB4RaStu9c02NRvGX6wLbrT93NAvif1Ofy8HKlAB9klkJxWvSh_TnobdOL2LwTbaT63ei5BZ6G0Vi73tNNCf-ZNnAycfWZKveFhjrAZGts6ZQB0gdtFt3hjtzQ/w400-h266/DSC01704.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New member of the family!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Another
great news is that our mission works have officially expanded into Vietnam! We
have sent some locals to survey the area for interests and have sent clothes
and packages to some of their villages. They seem to be receptive (in the past
weeks, over 10 people were baptized) but please be praying because everything
can change last minute. Also, pray as we are planning to head into Cambodia as
well.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4bT0OSz8D2EySvYbft6wRs4-UiWaQaNrQTU8L3zM4QmXkZ47wuW5xRZ8WaWOIOPXNdA0HXvk2IUdrHzK4JUZyhoQNXuQUVBESsjskordxBLErb5rFCN779mAt3D_DjLPevpjusUbSGecadkOQmD9WvwaQytvnuROGfU8DpM75w7hGuEONlkIoZqm/s2000/315189706_892554835045384_1546709913263578681_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4bT0OSz8D2EySvYbft6wRs4-UiWaQaNrQTU8L3zM4QmXkZ47wuW5xRZ8WaWOIOPXNdA0HXvk2IUdrHzK4JUZyhoQNXuQUVBESsjskordxBLErb5rFCN779mAt3D_DjLPevpjusUbSGecadkOQmD9WvwaQytvnuROGfU8DpM75w7hGuEONlkIoZqm/s320/315189706_892554835045384_1546709913263578681_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New members of our <br />Christian Family <br />from Vietnam!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some photos of other events that happened recently:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCSwLBuVO8UcluAWsNHBpAchfXENmAkkJyzA-NjiXn_iePS43X7m512RPazz0cvScR0HjYqoyPAaEgdEpQgBUl4hgRm5u-SOvrKSi08SBpdcO58fBV4Y9NuQdD3I2wi-PVXnNTM8rW0_kt-TmILHfyIQKyI6CY_lIze5Jd0zFoSiuZClZK_Kv1tT8/s1835/323528176_491460633124276_3125121806015222852_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1835" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCSwLBuVO8UcluAWsNHBpAchfXENmAkkJyzA-NjiXn_iePS43X7m512RPazz0cvScR0HjYqoyPAaEgdEpQgBUl4hgRm5u-SOvrKSi08SBpdcO58fBV4Y9NuQdD3I2wi-PVXnNTM8rW0_kt-TmILHfyIQKyI6CY_lIze5Jd0zFoSiuZClZK_Kv1tT8/w400-h195/323528176_491460633124276_3125121806015222852_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen praying for a Thai Christian soldier's family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-1cHT9bg60mqopcJRg6E9Yi8PKDE9BZajdmDpiinL5ePnysfkD40551s71jyKPsYYK4oj1EJm3SCcgnnJb7QRlsj4EiQzCRBrp_McHqR616bSBTmXOlR-Xr1NyLPTOeHL83UbQAOK7sSVhU0fiHpTBdnDJBq3UFjxSdyJjlqj-bs2jkPuOEWtWuT/s2048/325371922_862607424953607_4492520248443739340_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-1cHT9bg60mqopcJRg6E9Yi8PKDE9BZajdmDpiinL5ePnysfkD40551s71jyKPsYYK4oj1EJm3SCcgnnJb7QRlsj4EiQzCRBrp_McHqR616bSBTmXOlR-Xr1NyLPTOeHL83UbQAOK7sSVhU0fiHpTBdnDJBq3UFjxSdyJjlqj-bs2jkPuOEWtWuT/w400-h300/325371922_862607424953607_4492520248443739340_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving event at our house was a success!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGED4XnK_fsV45ArpcHM20pdDkE1XHbPCmfvyMiG-1djgHFv8sxWePd7g-UJBUQ8E1P9ud2znTgCATW_EjWxbtMcljgbbzq27vPnoBlzHOH_lc-lLo57rc6M-V8gVLMKN-mUHE0DK4RwgQoYFAYe9zJC3vmv3EiFIxG_WIWucXALMZfvqvn4cREzFE/s1477/325858434_898457427837814_8605102770326106982_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1108" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGED4XnK_fsV45ArpcHM20pdDkE1XHbPCmfvyMiG-1djgHFv8sxWePd7g-UJBUQ8E1P9ud2znTgCATW_EjWxbtMcljgbbzq27vPnoBlzHOH_lc-lLo57rc6M-V8gVLMKN-mUHE0DK4RwgQoYFAYe9zJC3vmv3EiFIxG_WIWucXALMZfvqvn4cREzFE/w300-h400/325858434_898457427837814_8605102770326106982_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary giving out treats at the local school <br />during their Children's Day holiday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO5u6kSjtHLimBdkYloU0jTP0xxn89w4FW2HtoI-fd7Jfc3DInyqr94t2aNmsVzOiVlkUyURHlm3HiL1s-5gjpr3E8Z6zKnRqPeKgGnOYHRdY6Nq3kxlJusS97Nuq4qpzzx8xFr1xVbvVHSoZIuT77ws4V59GPT59pBznKDHS_30xtvZl2g0d_hDy/s2048/325626999_1243458779579722_6756856737946112367_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO5u6kSjtHLimBdkYloU0jTP0xxn89w4FW2HtoI-fd7Jfc3DInyqr94t2aNmsVzOiVlkUyURHlm3HiL1s-5gjpr3E8Z6zKnRqPeKgGnOYHRdY6Nq3kxlJusS97Nuq4qpzzx8xFr1xVbvVHSoZIuT77ws4V59GPT59pBznKDHS_30xtvZl2g0d_hDy/w400-h300/325626999_1243458779579722_6756856737946112367_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen praying for a high ranking soldier's household</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAcRp3YkXOGriG_-dwV3AWToDyHFJ233F3DIzkdRjP3cmodnB2dcnHQcVEEFypogEURe9TsEquh6NYN0d_KwHmCuk1AYDXolcit428ZC6h1UmqWXN35umehPYVZR7qoPklojY1_iwpmRlV6722eZdG_pwiRit8lIHpp3eckoKxaspXQ68x48zZLx6/s1479/325602730_708062687370443_668854415781786163_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAcRp3YkXOGriG_-dwV3AWToDyHFJ233F3DIzkdRjP3cmodnB2dcnHQcVEEFypogEURe9TsEquh6NYN0d_KwHmCuk1AYDXolcit428ZC6h1UmqWXN35umehPYVZR7qoPklojY1_iwpmRlV6722eZdG_pwiRit8lIHpp3eckoKxaspXQ68x48zZLx6/w300-h400/325602730_708062687370443_668854415781786163_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick having dinner at home with the students <br />on his soccer team before watching <br />the World Cup Finals!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIAUXR9nG__dALICLREH2ccYT14E4CFp9aENW4PFJr5nBIfvm9qi2K0YhVXENfvWkb0KjVbhrevqtIhL8bloXqrXwH8ylX8-jja-1RGWW0oKS1ZCDfS8c2F0zODVvZZYBj3y7j1QP0ASiUGXB9D1feVx2tFHYjTFI65diajjefrBsXe6oL9Kwx2on/s2048/320699258_688925846210475_4260630270583605438_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIAUXR9nG__dALICLREH2ccYT14E4CFp9aENW4PFJr5nBIfvm9qi2K0YhVXENfvWkb0KjVbhrevqtIhL8bloXqrXwH8ylX8-jja-1RGWW0oKS1ZCDfS8c2F0zODVvZZYBj3y7j1QP0ASiUGXB9D1feVx2tFHYjTFI65diajjefrBsXe6oL9Kwx2on/w400-h300/320699258_688925846210475_4260630270583605438_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick having dinner with a couple students whom<br />he's taught since they were very young</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-84959411394112055172022-10-29T19:00:00.040+07:002022-10-29T19:00:00.206+07:00Joyful Fellowship Meals!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Asia, one of the best ways to connect with people is through having meals
together. People will have meals together to make business deals, celebrate
success, build relationships, or even squash quarrels. During these meals,
people will see if they are able to work together and trust those who are in
attendance. It’s no wonder that many pictures on the phones end up being about
food or a group photo during a meal. Since borders have finally fully opened
up, these past couple of months was full of fellowship meals.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfG-5gH2eOLiBjlyKjKHwG1oemdU0DJVcyguKad4-YIUSq9F9hC7ZcQdTi_SJeWxMoOfR4ZMExGqJAF7mCbq1u1Xld58ipwBu3YkmA4VQFcafXW-DwCkyYaJxsguPJ0454prQDXF24575CKvEMcF9pZ6vwxP-uGqks4ieO-kAAU6bqUxfFEfdJoMq/s1093/310508389_2041317462719896_4969402087117741165_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1012" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfG-5gH2eOLiBjlyKjKHwG1oemdU0DJVcyguKad4-YIUSq9F9hC7ZcQdTi_SJeWxMoOfR4ZMExGqJAF7mCbq1u1Xld58ipwBu3YkmA4VQFcafXW-DwCkyYaJxsguPJ0454prQDXF24575CKvEMcF9pZ6vwxP-uGqks4ieO-kAAU6bqUxfFEfdJoMq/w370-h400/310508389_2041317462719896_4969402087117741165_n.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A meal with the Wong family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwibtvxDdM0aX9ISqU30FFvFXxJ513xiCubwOdW6aXdXd6xBQ46NWxWIOsnxKBZH4Am0TveA9ME0CjdflcQkhlJa_iCFUjS40zA9Chnudh5Xt1_Yi08aGRxA2efSUH8IdaSZle1uaQUo2Cp6Z6fjm75j9Fac8RMk8tCrdy0fK0NYyrNtkxCvEuVSRr/s2000/310460316_2087527284770981_3026100899216601614_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwibtvxDdM0aX9ISqU30FFvFXxJ513xiCubwOdW6aXdXd6xBQ46NWxWIOsnxKBZH4Am0TveA9ME0CjdflcQkhlJa_iCFUjS40zA9Chnudh5Xt1_Yi08aGRxA2efSUH8IdaSZle1uaQUo2Cp6Z6fjm75j9Fac8RMk8tCrdy0fK0NYyrNtkxCvEuVSRr/w400-h300/310460316_2087527284770981_3026100899216601614_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A meal with a guests from Germany and Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5GgtFONA_w3K6gjFZJs_I-1OL9ErbLOzHdnLDwEsPJyqWDnx7yVec0UEarUkcbiDVC9ePwQWxSCrC8jeoOpMDCNJA2TKpm-GJxdeUd1RcYQz2BlBfZUs-thCla5oZhk2a8DSlN5YVeiU1CJHcu3gLFrTV-GWbDIvw2NNNwMVOalQokXhbL5L47QX/s2000/311237738_6195449080471245_8090645548102377154_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5GgtFONA_w3K6gjFZJs_I-1OL9ErbLOzHdnLDwEsPJyqWDnx7yVec0UEarUkcbiDVC9ePwQWxSCrC8jeoOpMDCNJA2TKpm-GJxdeUd1RcYQz2BlBfZUs-thCla5oZhk2a8DSlN5YVeiU1CJHcu3gLFrTV-GWbDIvw2NNNwMVOalQokXhbL5L47QX/w400-h300/311237738_6195449080471245_8090645548102377154_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A meal with leaders from Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Stephen
taught a class on the Theology of the Cross to a group of Christian leaders
including his relatives who are high ranking retired Thai government officers and
doctorate persons from various fields: anthropology, theology and Buddhology,
whether from Thailand or from abroad. It was a spontaneous 2 day class, from
8am to 5pm. These Christian leaders called in a week earlier and asked if there
were any classes that they could attend. Moved by their interest in studying
the Bible, Stephen offered them this class. One of the things discussed in the
class is the importance of dying with Christ and picking up the cross daily.
For this gives us hope after we depart the world, we would head to paradise
which is often described as a “feast”. They all easily understood and connected
with the “feast” analogy since that’s a huge part in the Asian culture. The
feedback of the class was positive, many went away learning more than they
anticipated and felt that they need to study the Bible even more! This is
wonderful news because many Christian workers/leaders in Asia are involved in
great ministries but have very little Biblical education.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ9vuYvZWL4j8WG6ocPROfZVbiDBJl1Nbq1OrT8VoFK7LNBhf2hTr2wshOE5-OMdMH9mniq7dShRm3WGggqmhVcupkyZkWeyxF-XSZFwy9Rqcyu63n7fqKB_1v9kgdbD_BP8RM-pT7eAUm-df90yr5QlqyaG1ZFNb7OGgwRXAsx9gf4C85ZBXKC0z/s2000/311248653_1294659841339576_4074128732713383787_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ9vuYvZWL4j8WG6ocPROfZVbiDBJl1Nbq1OrT8VoFK7LNBhf2hTr2wshOE5-OMdMH9mniq7dShRm3WGggqmhVcupkyZkWeyxF-XSZFwy9Rqcyu63n7fqKB_1v9kgdbD_BP8RM-pT7eAUm-df90yr5QlqyaG1ZFNb7OGgwRXAsx9gf4C85ZBXKC0z/w298-h400/311248653_1294659841339576_4074128732713383787_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class on Theology of the Cross</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</u><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Abraham
is one of our field workers in the remote village near the border of Laos and
Vietnam. Whenever a new family wanted to accept Jesus Christ, he had to walk
several hours uphill because during the rainy season motorcycles and even cars
aren’t able to traverse the muddy terrain. Most villages in that area are on
top of mountains, so during the rainy season, they aren’t able to go down to
the river as easily. During any other season, they would be able to walk 2
hours down to the river at the base of the mountain and walk 5 hours back to
the village. So, during rainy season, they have to dig a huge hole in the
ground, line it with tarp, and then fill it in with water. This is such a great
image of Baptism as they have to actually dig a hole in the ground as if it
were a burial site. They would then be baptized in this makeshift baptistery.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pOtdZQkLQL7FHmtyYV9bZ6tTV0-5yxKwAwV6aFpCWXWWc6_qusNxPFTIGvfA_c1TJip8xBt7jrWKfP7OGuNQj55t7TrwF4fxApiT3d5b88sbWjLO_5UCbOEwwE6e6OJnfjWGZ1p57iKF1Go-WwbtqVhtoNauQi_rJtw-WtOfAzF-P6HdfPl2Ztb_/s800/311524179_638489234561002_2014175888319474727_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pOtdZQkLQL7FHmtyYV9bZ6tTV0-5yxKwAwV6aFpCWXWWc6_qusNxPFTIGvfA_c1TJip8xBt7jrWKfP7OGuNQj55t7TrwF4fxApiT3d5b88sbWjLO_5UCbOEwwE6e6OJnfjWGZ1p57iKF1Go-WwbtqVhtoNauQi_rJtw-WtOfAzF-P6HdfPl2Ztb_/w400-h180/311524179_638489234561002_2014175888319474727_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling on small motorbikes during rainy season is tough!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3smlsMJyYU00EfhdxU_KAs5kyDqzkJmmgWzJmdYiqiv6eN8hyhPQKbsX_UTaP3XzsEKViMUhFjimStXCMTnOzHH4-K888t84gqIjqiQ0pF8pwcXyF2lx8oOps5YKF3sNjrOm5x7vBOz8ZrJ6d3pNT07remZ2yxauvbJZ3BuHtAprgkQGDFiGC-TTW/s1167/Inked312360025_2383802105094534_6700864893769628253_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1167" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3smlsMJyYU00EfhdxU_KAs5kyDqzkJmmgWzJmdYiqiv6eN8hyhPQKbsX_UTaP3XzsEKViMUhFjimStXCMTnOzHH4-K888t84gqIjqiQ0pF8pwcXyF2lx8oOps5YKF3sNjrOm5x7vBOz8ZrJ6d3pNT07remZ2yxauvbJZ3BuHtAprgkQGDFiGC-TTW/s320/Inked312360025_2383802105094534_6700864893769628253_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a makeshift baptistry</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJzavNjrPMFKrCLfzPMYVLDcdp5Nx3XeAd9T3nTullTUDDa8e8wDD7qwWDgBlIULxTpl9yc3FcS-pqgvrTrlkO--BU1XhA_y2KbVPq8TrfZp4fa8d-0MhCL3jfMET-WxyViwMPD-Eja4dTJhaca5ahooMIoceak0yqUYtrTdAaFO-vonv8lPuLNih/s1560/Inked312877128_527850348673121_7666693578144425104_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJzavNjrPMFKrCLfzPMYVLDcdp5Nx3XeAd9T3nTullTUDDa8e8wDD7qwWDgBlIULxTpl9yc3FcS-pqgvrTrlkO--BU1XhA_y2KbVPq8TrfZp4fa8d-0MhCL3jfMET-WxyViwMPD-Eja4dTJhaca5ahooMIoceak0yqUYtrTdAaFO-vonv8lPuLNih/s320/Inked312877128_527850348673121_7666693578144425104_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baptistry is ready!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75BN0UK0JJezhQ2e3HTeqDJDaLPcx9xNwVxHTAuT6Hf47CX5093IitDQpLRF4Vc3PTT93Gd6ClOOXJ1e73rTgwUHgRq_D6lDMZDfTJbzTosagXSAVs1IkgIVXhXJiCv8XEtJzJdT1CGU8x6KcNx6uF0Kouvd5venysWaJc6RpfUQvezGed9JNxVL/s1560/Inked312828396_840885296918665_1533162777338653808_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75BN0UK0JJezhQ2e3HTeqDJDaLPcx9xNwVxHTAuT6Hf47CX5093IitDQpLRF4Vc3PTT93Gd6ClOOXJ1e73rTgwUHgRq_D6lDMZDfTJbzTosagXSAVs1IkgIVXhXJiCv8XEtJzJdT1CGU8x6KcNx6uF0Kouvd5venysWaJc6RpfUQvezGed9JNxVL/s320/Inked312828396_840885296918665_1533162777338653808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New brothers and sisters in Christ!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Like
Abraham, we have 10 field workers who are carrying the Great Commission to the
lost souls in the communist country. Praise the Lord! This group of native
evangelist has won over 400 souls so far this year (2022). Half of the group
has had a chance to study some books of the Bible with Stephen and they want to
study more. Therefore, Stephen will begin offering special intensive courses
twice a year so they would be rooted firmly in God’s Word, the Scripture.
Please lift up this group of native evangelist in your prayers! Without your
prayerful and financial support, their ministry of carrying out the Great
Commission to the lost people in the restrictive country would not be as
successful as it is today.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwESFX1GQS3C71DctxASbURFhaxAZYnVigGuC9H4xDTSpOhVW-23gYhsIiSltapIKujZlvWRsJblFTD1F3qWx9M15ZWK7a60YjJ3RiJv71b7ysTxK_locG2jIId87RNz_tJHmDHjCpW5Fur9EEEYrN6dqDffrm-qQkf-EO7UbTtGX-l-c7m1couB0r/s750/312810383_499553695376593_4409436732443068938_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwESFX1GQS3C71DctxASbURFhaxAZYnVigGuC9H4xDTSpOhVW-23gYhsIiSltapIKujZlvWRsJblFTD1F3qWx9M15ZWK7a60YjJ3RiJv71b7ysTxK_locG2jIId87RNz_tJHmDHjCpW5Fur9EEEYrN6dqDffrm-qQkf-EO7UbTtGX-l-c7m1couB0r/s320/312810383_499553695376593_4409436732443068938_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism at a stream</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMNsKHPn16qTNvyTG7iPMrtpMQ_5nQH_HauNoqPWeQ6KiWvB3VFm76vOELz8_jzwNhd9L_8kYbS4FnXqnN3XYN-wvu7HNPx9831msdjdLbAg_WSGFM1lqfm5wxg3yhcePqoP44aBl0jAnh3elDldO5xcGKDFPe_ZL7TWm22CBSgb-uBJdXVL488Z/s960/Inked312706545_1136588906998916_6047092284925668790_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMNsKHPn16qTNvyTG7iPMrtpMQ_5nQH_HauNoqPWeQ6KiWvB3VFm76vOELz8_jzwNhd9L_8kYbS4FnXqnN3XYN-wvu7HNPx9831msdjdLbAg_WSGFM1lqfm5wxg3yhcePqoP44aBl0jAnh3elDldO5xcGKDFPe_ZL7TWm22CBSgb-uBJdXVL488Z/s320/Inked312706545_1136588906998916_6047092284925668790_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism at a river</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV6Z5vFsJ9L87zAjcW48d-uwUV-bLI5DnwMwFsCK8sQP5nKQYM5gC2hsAhg5K3NmLlHifYjrN0HBa6tr0mNg4DFFkO9HzYvP2XN4g-1-gaLRCklJ26v0uAcnZsR8Wqp0QoAy-949BxJtZc-MlHS9A7SSiHhq71E2XGI9OD-_97qtptgCiG3-r0oW-/s780/Inked311926931_2084879548377120_3817140452268478943_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="780" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV6Z5vFsJ9L87zAjcW48d-uwUV-bLI5DnwMwFsCK8sQP5nKQYM5gC2hsAhg5K3NmLlHifYjrN0HBa6tr0mNg4DFFkO9HzYvP2XN4g-1-gaLRCklJ26v0uAcnZsR8Wqp0QoAy-949BxJtZc-MlHS9A7SSiHhq71E2XGI9OD-_97qtptgCiG3-r0oW-/w400-h180/Inked311926931_2084879548377120_3817140452268478943_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Believers</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
works in Laos is amazing! We are overjoyed to work with the locals there in furthering
His Kingdom. Recently, another great need just came up especially for medical
experts (doctors/nurses/anesthetists). The Laotian government asked us if we
had any friends or connections with any medical personnel as the government
hospital requested for any expert to come and help train them. They said that
their practices are outdated and would like a bit of medical training for their
doctors and such. The specific requests were for training in anesthesia dosage
and surgeries involved with the kidney, appendicitis, bile, ovarian tumor, and
possibly the brain. They would like to raise their treatment standards because
most doctors said that they don’t feel confident in their practice. If anyone
with a medical background would like to join a medical mission trip in the next
year or so, please let us know. The trip would be connecting with the doctors
in Laos and also doing medical clinic tents in villages with those doctors and
nurses. We believe that this would further our relationship with the government
as they would see Christians in a new light, pun intended!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Myanmar</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recent
air raid targeted a concert at village near the town of Hpakant, northern
Myanmar, killing at least 80 people including 3 popular singers and injuring more
than 100 innocent civilians. It is very sad news! The violence in Myanmar has
caused many common citizens, who don’t want to take sides or be a part of war,
to leave their homelands, farms, animals, even families and love ones in order
to settle down in foreign and often inhabitable locations; some villagers have
had to move from the far west, near India’s borders, to the far east, near
Lao’s border; others had to move from the villages on the mountains to suburbs
of the towns. Many have even fled to Thailand and Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
order to demonstrate God’s love, we (Asians For Christ with IDES) provided the
basic essential needs; rice, noodles, cooking oils to several thousands of hopeless
people. We also built hundreds of temporary shelters for them to go through
during this monsoon and winter season. Please continue to pray for our field
workers on site and for peace in Myanmar.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKTo7imCRxY1GyepJkeNfde5uAMgN_xDRO6MQLF7_EwUsh4soiMS6OtXZXQzGtOuIoyD__EoksVJd0FU-Zbtv8yVhOHW0r-nUsaSpNfQDil8QgtA9DSQ_smSp8-fEZ0jpC-Q9fokKZxkhgjjqbxc7Vlz4HOlBFHnjCD4BNW7MiuNKWAtBLZE6iZwQ/s960/312668658_430655945810077_2536821570224550956_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKTo7imCRxY1GyepJkeNfde5uAMgN_xDRO6MQLF7_EwUsh4soiMS6OtXZXQzGtOuIoyD__EoksVJd0FU-Zbtv8yVhOHW0r-nUsaSpNfQDil8QgtA9DSQ_smSp8-fEZ0jpC-Q9fokKZxkhgjjqbxc7Vlz4HOlBFHnjCD4BNW7MiuNKWAtBLZE6iZwQ/w400-h300/312668658_430655945810077_2536821570224550956_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden planks gathered for the temporary shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzkC8mPhIpKiblxH032j37ST8-v9HI9c4xqkHrFgWL59WuWcvCp2OxeWC8x1RnjC1l2yvc4OqUEnx4SES9Rsa7zlWHTjFA5t4mA4-QeIWVUbtuCnCITnD0Xb6c3TyPGS7V5dnKAY7hJUQDgn2PLaavwZycO49pgJaPjcLlzrzh9zcDn-y5LPbjybp/s1560/312464717_777919739953073_7348352206532040681_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzkC8mPhIpKiblxH032j37ST8-v9HI9c4xqkHrFgWL59WuWcvCp2OxeWC8x1RnjC1l2yvc4OqUEnx4SES9Rsa7zlWHTjFA5t4mA4-QeIWVUbtuCnCITnD0Xb6c3TyPGS7V5dnKAY7hJUQDgn2PLaavwZycO49pgJaPjcLlzrzh9zcDn-y5LPbjybp/w400-h180/312464717_777919739953073_7348352206532040681_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary Refugee Shelters</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiCoTx6OSxmsTpPPVS7BQVQOcVYnW2sgCaRMlVPLrHSKrB1gXFRbfz1irJkqRjb_8tdty92kbDrU7kscuploXVQv8oJT-SCTPY2eFHWJddIas5bb0zFGKzmlv25HJNIzEXaO3dETYA5oid25R-6_YuEUAiQNz8ZCx-4IOQgEyXsNHerW2ZM6w_yXy/s1560/312494379_506328051123479_4130274982279500161_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiCoTx6OSxmsTpPPVS7BQVQOcVYnW2sgCaRMlVPLrHSKrB1gXFRbfz1irJkqRjb_8tdty92kbDrU7kscuploXVQv8oJT-SCTPY2eFHWJddIas5bb0zFGKzmlv25HJNIzEXaO3dETYA5oid25R-6_YuEUAiQNz8ZCx-4IOQgEyXsNHerW2ZM6w_yXy/w400-h180/312494379_506328051123479_4130274982279500161_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczklLUgT3jMZ9VT9cnwqYEc0D51rgL6IZbFVm1DxFydX-Se0-_XJxGvGBwlJ_YkmnJLpleC90Elmr4C0u33tiZbGU6zLoRueYa47jU0sRWrmmdmUCKM-nP_aWUCCD59JzqyYeNM3mSSMKsIRrQCt43MN52MfOENZFF8lBaSjCVUHMixCOnt7JhiEY/s1560/312402623_2165346596958655_1555947489442857710_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczklLUgT3jMZ9VT9cnwqYEc0D51rgL6IZbFVm1DxFydX-Se0-_XJxGvGBwlJ_YkmnJLpleC90Elmr4C0u33tiZbGU6zLoRueYa47jU0sRWrmmdmUCKM-nP_aWUCCD59JzqyYeNM3mSSMKsIRrQCt43MN52MfOENZFF8lBaSjCVUHMixCOnt7JhiEY/w400-h300/312402623_2165346596958655_1555947489442857710_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food packages for the displaced people</td></tr></tbody></table><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></u>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Two
weeks ago, there was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake where the epicenter was only 10
km from our house and, unfortunately, our house faces some damages. This didn’t
stop us from hosting several groups of people coming over for lunch or dinner
and that’s been such a blessing in the midst of disaster. We were honored to
host a group of Christian leaders from Laos and enjoyed the time to pray and discuss
about future mission works in the country. Some of them are even willing to
carry out the mission works that we ourselves are unable to go at this moment
due to Stephen's unstable health. We also had friends and
family from Germany, France, New Zealand, and America come and visit us. Some
of them even studied God’s Word with us. Praise the Lord!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEISt5eB0AQn61P6ewzwD4CpaYssWaa8nPjc0z03h4j-0pwYQlhgNfTFU88fJdn81zcrEzkkXK64z-ipTPQN0jJC8Ll59y9ikTtn4VjT23iqYLtI087INsC2MGBS1Lez0v6Urq2hAb6Olhhqfm9xQ6VNHFDRdrOE73J5JOXxpzpWE0DlJeeqi1bMs/s2000/309620612_3428368927484018_2923256107507012482_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEISt5eB0AQn61P6ewzwD4CpaYssWaa8nPjc0z03h4j-0pwYQlhgNfTFU88fJdn81zcrEzkkXK64z-ipTPQN0jJC8Ll59y9ikTtn4VjT23iqYLtI087INsC2MGBS1Lez0v6Urq2hAb6Olhhqfm9xQ6VNHFDRdrOE73J5JOXxpzpWE0DlJeeqi1bMs/w298-h400/309620612_3428368927484018_2923256107507012482_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the several damaged areas<br />from the Earthquake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">During the middle of October, our family went out for a weekend for a camping vacation trip and a day of hiking. At one location, only Isaac and Stephen made it to the top of the mountain. By the way, Stephen’s health has improved greatly. He has begun to make church visitations and preach at different churches and villages. He is now teaching online class on the book of Galatians and completing his exegetical book on Isaiah.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If God’s willing, he is planning to go to Vietnam this November.
However, he’ll have off days where he is completely exhausted and lack energy.
After some rest, he would regain his strength. Please keep him in your prayers
as he’s on his way to recovery. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnVrD7qTWsdUM9fnnp8JbXGgu2HDxqc11D_L30yPKHPHS0hHoswMeeWWk-nO3HmOqTaA5tZ7Q1nl98k6dS_grmAC5l3hdnPt4-pRu5XbGyfKQTnawA7-26xHjdG2FSHSeLcQ_FGIQU3dwqmXx9Vbc-0acDmdIgfkCCqvn3FjJ1WveJDQgGYpLB7fh/s1477/310549205_794196985167325_2007381624794224030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnVrD7qTWsdUM9fnnp8JbXGgu2HDxqc11D_L30yPKHPHS0hHoswMeeWWk-nO3HmOqTaA5tZ7Q1nl98k6dS_grmAC5l3hdnPt4-pRu5XbGyfKQTnawA7-26xHjdG2FSHSeLcQ_FGIQU3dwqmXx9Vbc-0acDmdIgfkCCqvn3FjJ1WveJDQgGYpLB7fh/w400-h300/310549205_794196985167325_2007381624794224030_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preached at a small house church in the mountains.<br />(Praise the Lord! 3 people are interested <br />in becoming Christian, as a result)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCMw7eX0XbYlJZ-8YBFkdszBdZZPlcpkUBI_7ralfcDm5Q7KRNc9eRZKKHxMjemXilTYVkSON4gIFvkBjg_PwmINclaW9-gPmGYUxQ4pSw50g7QZMG84fe7xCwkaNP7gVA0r5GLaSJryT8uoiN3GvSW1ynfak8fz-3qdYfd5JcGXbZEUIgvf5THLI/s1479/312019069_645123343880768_2936852297964832737_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCMw7eX0XbYlJZ-8YBFkdszBdZZPlcpkUBI_7ralfcDm5Q7KRNc9eRZKKHxMjemXilTYVkSON4gIFvkBjg_PwmINclaW9-gPmGYUxQ4pSw50g7QZMG84fe7xCwkaNP7gVA0r5GLaSJryT8uoiN3GvSW1ynfak8fz-3qdYfd5JcGXbZEUIgvf5THLI/w300-h400/312019069_645123343880768_2936852297964832737_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen, Mary, and Isaac relaxing</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mary
has done amazing setting up and making sure everything runs smoothly at the
house. Becky and Nick have started a new class with the teachers from Hawaii;
the class is a Bible story telling class and the students are from Myanmar and
Laos. Nick’s soccer team had another game this month and were victorious! On
top of that, Nick and his friends enjoy working with the youth at a Thai church
in the city. Isaac has been selected from his school to attend an Olympic style
event to participate in language competitions. We have no clue about this
competition so we’ll see what it entails soon. Recently, John and Anna moved
from Idaho to Missouri. They are planning to settle down in Kansas. Please pray
for every one of the Wongs, that we will be a light to the people around us, maybe
connect with them more over a meal, and that they may see Jesus through us.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIBf_hB-pk8goG5kWDrwQnFDhcP6GQbfzvPf2lcyd3Mw0HumtwrrGF_LuOGzatWCqnf_t94f20omU5lRzvlvTiSRtdNoCPTcyMtL8JKu6n9Nsn3ZEhUXlDFP73VspcNF5mXjD5B7XF5xpeyVCT9sequ5RuZ7k2X2E2XLnUdeTy56vioExdjhnUlMu/s1884/Inked305874209_1164688584137170_5309628671099455889_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1884" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIBf_hB-pk8goG5kWDrwQnFDhcP6GQbfzvPf2lcyd3Mw0HumtwrrGF_LuOGzatWCqnf_t94f20omU5lRzvlvTiSRtdNoCPTcyMtL8JKu6n9Nsn3ZEhUXlDFP73VspcNF5mXjD5B7XF5xpeyVCT9sequ5RuZ7k2X2E2XLnUdeTy56vioExdjhnUlMu/w400-h205/Inked305874209_1164688584137170_5309628671099455889_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible Story telling class with the teachers from<br />Hawaii</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE34-rP8u_0oaaoc_dNiahkDKJtjcyQT0dF25xP4gfez8tV-HtB3_AaaBIIplhcUVIt97h7Hq5K0tYjObHOhZCJFgSXsi9hztiRimweP6SRaTx7Tj4K0AclE1DrhUqp_FZeYNyfaIE5R1n3AVJLGoxs3muRmyfMniRlrpf2U4eJUI3CD9rtyPwNwcm/s1479/310049664_1158677158089393_5165432913322414815_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE34-rP8u_0oaaoc_dNiahkDKJtjcyQT0dF25xP4gfez8tV-HtB3_AaaBIIplhcUVIt97h7Hq5K0tYjObHOhZCJFgSXsi9hztiRimweP6SRaTx7Tj4K0AclE1DrhUqp_FZeYNyfaIE5R1n3AVJLGoxs3muRmyfMniRlrpf2U4eJUI3CD9rtyPwNwcm/w300-h400/310049664_1158677158089393_5165432913322414815_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our soccer team winning another game!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrsMUJ2sgIAOwKEjzGeb9h1uNivoIlQkCz_Yw2Rjb58p5WJ3kWegTUNnlY6RkY6VTjNWlaza3fcFXWGIiP7MPEiDPl1YTIoFYwE5enf9JqvzAebvHTk-UlFTeaflhnoPy1FAYaagqyHGhLNcBQBD44TkSijvKe__QS0OQFhv32yLpOLg4OIKvfNQN/s2000/311938002_818406055944384_2783316531374947166_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrsMUJ2sgIAOwKEjzGeb9h1uNivoIlQkCz_Yw2Rjb58p5WJ3kWegTUNnlY6RkY6VTjNWlaza3fcFXWGIiP7MPEiDPl1YTIoFYwE5enf9JqvzAebvHTk-UlFTeaflhnoPy1FAYaagqyHGhLNcBQBD44TkSijvKe__QS0OQFhv32yLpOLg4OIKvfNQN/w298-h400/311938002_818406055944384_2783316531374947166_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took them out to eat after the game!<br />More fellowship!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-9392660633511704912022-09-22T23:25:00.032+07:002022-09-23T10:00:47.013+07:00God's Care<p>S<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">tephen
is on the way to a full recovery, slowly but surely. He takes a 4 kilometer (2
miles) walk almost every morning and 2 kilometers (1 mile) every evening.
Usually, he would do jump ropes but health experts suggested for him not to
jump so much in order to prevent his knee from going bad at his age. Many
friends and relatives keep telling him to work less and relax a bit. As some of
his close friends would know that he is a workaholic! In the past two years
(during the Covid lockdowns), he wrote 11 books, taught 3 online classes each
week, all this on top of conducting and managing the mission works in different
countries - Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China. One day his son John called him
from the USA and reminded him to go out and enjoy life once in a while. He
replied to John that to study God’s word, and travel through the space of the
Scripture, is his best enjoyment; nothing could replace this joy. Nevertheless,
he has reduced his online classes to once a week; he also spends more time socializing
with visitors that come to our house.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
Stephen received a call from a group of Christian leaders from Myanmar
requesting for him to offer them a special intensive course this upcoming November.
They told him that they didn’t want Stephen’s biblical knowledge to be lost if
he were to ever pass away. It sounds “rude”, but pure hearts and straight words
prove that they do deeply want to study with him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
“cultural variance” occurred when several high ranking Thai military Christian friends
came over to the house; as they were talking with Stephen, they asked about the
symptoms from when he was very sick. After Stephen told them all about the
several fainting episodes, they said, “oh there was a minister that had the
same exact symptoms… and he died 6 months later.” WOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a shock for us to hear. They didn’t
mean it in a negative way but culturally some topics are spoken frankly.
Stephen jokingly said he wasn’t sure if this was just a cultural shock moment
or was it a message sent from God. Please continue to pray for Stephen’s battle
with his health. Nevertheless, we have faith that God’s got everything in
control and we thank God that Stephen is still with us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Furthermore,
God has definitely been working even among our relatives. We started to have
family gatherings more often after the loss of Stephen’s eldest sister. We, as
a family, continually pray so that our whole extended family would be used by
God. It was during one of these dinners that we realized that God is answering
our prayers. One of our relatives had been struggling with anxiety and
depression for almost 18 years. On top of that, he struggles with low blood
sugar. During this dinner, he opened up and said that in the past couple of
years, there was a time that he almost died so he turned his life around and
has been really intentional in prayers and having a relationship with God.
Recently, he went completely off all his medication. Praise God for His great
works as several others have also recently experienced God’s work in their
lives.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEdY8ZMb-6YUjZmhHYftRUxIEj4U717Zrw2-BNID0H1SjO9MoTVJ1E8p7RYqiGZorQTzIWJW5Gjbp-z8ATElxVWa-YywgjCn1RFmmMpAQCH3qFrKVvAM3JrjkBterVjaVp8jGo39FiHLKI49wtozuwncoe5k5rbOS69xojhWioTi9W2fxY2fE_iva/s2000/301441622_465620741919420_4685809363572647567_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEdY8ZMb-6YUjZmhHYftRUxIEj4U717Zrw2-BNID0H1SjO9MoTVJ1E8p7RYqiGZorQTzIWJW5Gjbp-z8ATElxVWa-YywgjCn1RFmmMpAQCH3qFrKVvAM3JrjkBterVjaVp8jGo39FiHLKI49wtozuwncoe5k5rbOS69xojhWioTi9W2fxY2fE_iva/w400-h300/301441622_465620741919420_4685809363572647567_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying with relatives</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YKX3nYhLu8EJ7dhJL4Fk5_73k1fOIe5D7Ve9opcx5ciwW5rpMQEaEPXL62hOFh6ZRntutZYdSPxnXQpVHCEj1YHaUJEwkqyzZ2jSJI18ksf4mLWGivYuckujjwQAz_gU-2jQWvTST-7eJkPoyWAR1TSFBZVzxhmv8WR8QPEI8gcAlMUrS7SKMLR1/s2000/300452616_647059743205451_7025328478719140193_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YKX3nYhLu8EJ7dhJL4Fk5_73k1fOIe5D7Ve9opcx5ciwW5rpMQEaEPXL62hOFh6ZRntutZYdSPxnXQpVHCEj1YHaUJEwkqyzZ2jSJI18ksf4mLWGivYuckujjwQAz_gU-2jQWvTST-7eJkPoyWAR1TSFBZVzxhmv8WR8QPEI8gcAlMUrS7SKMLR1/w298-h400/300452616_647059743205451_7025328478719140193_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Get-together</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Praise
the Lord! God has opened wide evangelistic doors for us in Laos. Through our
faithful and generous donors, we have recently acquired a piece of land in
Vientiane. Our next step is to build a couple of dormitories and an outreach
center so that we can expand His Kingdom in the country of Laos. This is a
unique and probably one of the first kind of ministry in the restricted and poorest
country in Southeast Asia. Here are some facts and statistics of the college
age students. In 2021, 58,349 students graduated from High school. And only
39,337 are able enter college or university. Out of the 39,337 students, 70%
comes from rural areas. Since colleges and universities do not provide
dormitories, and in order to attend college, the majority of students has to
stay with a relative or rent a 3mx3m (9ft x 9ft) room which is shared with 6-7 other
students because of the price, or (what most do) is to rent a shack or a
rundown home. Many of these young students, especially the young innocent
girls, have to live in unsafe environments and they don’t have any options.
Sadly, some of them end up working in broth</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Angsana New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TH;">e</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">l or human trafficking business just to
afford a place to live and food to eat. This is why we started also focusing on
college age ministry.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IYnUS1lacFiTdyb1tiSrfAkTzcrEHusafnb_gArMyQ8A-lBxC9GHMfnKOS2WHdS1QOQdDRVt271yuMP0JZ_mNZhZa_SFkF7yK0RMXojh8NWfbHxlOzGZfVsmTJQ0Z5NTQR2Wq6s9U9EEnedUTNbIOGbodveiaT5cyrjZCQd04jJh2tJgcoszKagA/s1600/306888341_890676038986566_3291613343680091925_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1600" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IYnUS1lacFiTdyb1tiSrfAkTzcrEHusafnb_gArMyQ8A-lBxC9GHMfnKOS2WHdS1QOQdDRVt271yuMP0JZ_mNZhZa_SFkF7yK0RMXojh8NWfbHxlOzGZfVsmTJQ0Z5NTQR2Wq6s9U9EEnedUTNbIOGbodveiaT5cyrjZCQd04jJh2tJgcoszKagA/w640-h174/306888341_890676038986566_3291613343680091925_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">College students in Vientiane - Worship Time</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Currently,
we are working with roughly 30 college students. All of these students are from
the rural areas where their families work on farms and fields. In Southeast
Asia, farmers and field workers often live below poverty lines. More than half
of these students have met Jesus Christ in our ministry. They are now very active
in sharing Jesus to their peers. The students have set their own goals</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16px;">, if God’s willing,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> that
each one of them will reach out to at least 4 students each school year. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Please pray with us as we
are drawing out the plans and starting fundraising for building this outreach
center.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">IDES</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Special
thanks to IDES for their partnership yet again with our missions. During the
easing of Covid lockdowns, we realized that countless areas in Southeast Asia
and Southern China faced challenges. Families just didn’t have the means to buy
food anymore because it had been 2 years of instability during Covid. We
received requests from several villages saying that they really needed help
immediately. At the same time, IDES reached out and asked if we needed any
resources to aid in our mission field, and we immediately thanked God for arranging everything and providing in crucial moments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">During
our field team’s distribution, many called us telling us that God’s promise in
Matthew 6:25-26 “do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or
what you shall drink… Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow,
neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them” (NASB) had been fulfilled in their lives. Truly, they have witnessed that
God is faithful to his Words. Praise the Lord! The following are pictures from some of the areas where we are able to share photos:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZMXm6qodgrPUaQqfopitWyl2zLKTPHvq6MbhjIf9cjDbQvHvj2yb6vo_tBpTX4cQJUfEz3jfTTWYwPHLQLQaq_H1bBBqNVMK3A5dyGsCquswnufJuC8LdbFlrhizarXP0kSGfEeu5REaKSkAu_JUhV82WizAlT2TmZGVyeoavycV_wSA35iV5hrY/s1080/306156254_494548388811225_364240468369864614_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZMXm6qodgrPUaQqfopitWyl2zLKTPHvq6MbhjIf9cjDbQvHvj2yb6vo_tBpTX4cQJUfEz3jfTTWYwPHLQLQaq_H1bBBqNVMK3A5dyGsCquswnufJuC8LdbFlrhizarXP0kSGfEeu5REaKSkAu_JUhV82WizAlT2TmZGVyeoavycV_wSA35iV5hrY/w400-h300/306156254_494548388811225_364240468369864614_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsBbTiHmOw2J0ZiaFmtnjLdmJ-vLTUCklnfkf3TrWmt2SkwzNtkFZgblE7i_gIJsyN8COWjS55W6at83f_uoApjGmmYqaq7xDIl0RHIbkWLwmpJm1KpjSvk-f3ZmjnkY4hJt-MS9UyXOkCoTfTDU8_cDYaUtChxyJntrhKXz690BwTvM1HVp0KvDj/s1080/306218878_1292638784880144_6710484921073474958_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsBbTiHmOw2J0ZiaFmtnjLdmJ-vLTUCklnfkf3TrWmt2SkwzNtkFZgblE7i_gIJsyN8COWjS55W6at83f_uoApjGmmYqaq7xDIl0RHIbkWLwmpJm1KpjSvk-f3ZmjnkY4hJt-MS9UyXOkCoTfTDU8_cDYaUtChxyJntrhKXz690BwTvM1HVp0KvDj/w400-h300/306218878_1292638784880144_6710484921073474958_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcefp5AXqurnYMLobBKcVBf7gsiMOR_Pdt4oxFQb1BitgXTGmczpWzbrRh7kE3rrt6U6D1dWZHjttk1Goh31KocHQLAXBvMTWrSToyVUIZq-srVJHXVfu2J_r_Y0ZWiDsPiHl8EuRfPj20WtfVqE1OCLHs5MMtFGqSkLYR-NnFGXv-OoKllv7DdGOY/s1080/306671337_655927455666141_6295331060916560518_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcefp5AXqurnYMLobBKcVBf7gsiMOR_Pdt4oxFQb1BitgXTGmczpWzbrRh7kE3rrt6U6D1dWZHjttk1Goh31KocHQLAXBvMTWrSToyVUIZq-srVJHXVfu2J_r_Y0ZWiDsPiHl8EuRfPj20WtfVqE1OCLHs5MMtFGqSkLYR-NnFGXv-OoKllv7DdGOY/w400-h300/306671337_655927455666141_6295331060916560518_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_4sdChB5hXanmPC7YM5--S3Ekf9MIfScSElykeUpHEJU3tB1mTWI_bthgg7xqRzvO1jn4WmGfSmovP0KI6xWfLDFeYjZyUPQhC7oaXjS7IC8Bv_sJVXX4u0iHcGMi9nvxXwuCdwUfNx6OfxTmgE4rmMBoCcgqGnyr209KCgYMfm1UU1DwPGcdpCf/s1560/306872775_500565861470787_3389358130455609280_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_4sdChB5hXanmPC7YM5--S3Ekf9MIfScSElykeUpHEJU3tB1mTWI_bthgg7xqRzvO1jn4WmGfSmovP0KI6xWfLDFeYjZyUPQhC7oaXjS7IC8Bv_sJVXX4u0iHcGMi9nvxXwuCdwUfNx6OfxTmgE4rmMBoCcgqGnyr209KCgYMfm1UU1DwPGcdpCf/w400-h300/306872775_500565861470787_3389358130455609280_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling through muddy roads to get to some areas</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioCExk0WtIpKtEl1ByaHnHUowAJwTezvp2k7s5yvMA_sw6CyXJUr-xUI73l_heeaJvPCe637cKi0qdAbm-iKV3AWDFKe86dqPvv-OcovJU69rcbLRlDLeHfMo6KS5Eco9vVcOAFwcqTloDVpZc2egEep4V32DG8esGKbkfhpFvGVKfjZy8MHowuaA/s1706/307620866_1146081432950311_8858346800853103483_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1706" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioCExk0WtIpKtEl1ByaHnHUowAJwTezvp2k7s5yvMA_sw6CyXJUr-xUI73l_heeaJvPCe637cKi0qdAbm-iKV3AWDFKe86dqPvv-OcovJU69rcbLRlDLeHfMo6KS5Eco9vVcOAFwcqTloDVpZc2egEep4V32DG8esGKbkfhpFvGVKfjZy8MHowuaA/w400-h300/307620866_1146081432950311_8858346800853103483_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the elderly group</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0w4XdwknFoS9vnEY_cFLe0gyV1DXa-BsdZ1BN5_x-O-Z6_WOaO4eyUpX27J1GO7q2jETqwAdXpnHvcToTAOLtNkMFmrsC9HvysvLma-R0VrcdagUIbFceF5BNWPk08jYNB6liFPZGbx39RXR2M7d644_1Yzg7tOYrxDrPeOI4xnijmW04TFrhMnL/s1706/285148940_322365706590965_4678026801373309768_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1706" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0w4XdwknFoS9vnEY_cFLe0gyV1DXa-BsdZ1BN5_x-O-Z6_WOaO4eyUpX27J1GO7q2jETqwAdXpnHvcToTAOLtNkMFmrsC9HvysvLma-R0VrcdagUIbFceF5BNWPk08jYNB6liFPZGbx39RXR2M7d644_1Yzg7tOYrxDrPeOI4xnijmW04TFrhMnL/w400-h268/285148940_322365706590965_4678026801373309768_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS8S0V5TWVOO9wFYrD0s1FIL1veBk7HQ89IcBxqBM3WVWhYNnpY2b3x6unHgJZ4IKw9uuqy8rkLG5kdZwfvZT9LTo8M_MzNlraJ5PADnpiGa3oeCaQaReB2tsXT-8c2GI3MM0vICUFW1a08LCqAgHU72HyJaVOegvzFJUxpxoz53nxqt_ZMpRBcCR/s2048/285166412_1160088468119771_7591905410676679417_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS8S0V5TWVOO9wFYrD0s1FIL1veBk7HQ89IcBxqBM3WVWhYNnpY2b3x6unHgJZ4IKw9uuqy8rkLG5kdZwfvZT9LTo8M_MzNlraJ5PADnpiGa3oeCaQaReB2tsXT-8c2GI3MM0vICUFW1a08LCqAgHU72HyJaVOegvzFJUxpxoz53nxqt_ZMpRBcCR/w400-h180/285166412_1160088468119771_7591905410676679417_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many widows and orphans also received this blessing</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOStaz0ZDgkcXQpiMuXIF1cLt9OVZqfyPbQzzS7WUhkEhAzwTmQ_iOgOSKT4say8Gl01uieFz504VjI3D5elTmkujqY6IISps6-XAhZ8jSbyEczr6j_rkiF5eyqOhs9GBc0nDW0oToWvw5tEGigXR4gCN8F6wcQzSqdS_dEMAnOkFhXO-iW8AHkDF/s1706/307534202_479453463855214_5979275135652998004_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1706" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOStaz0ZDgkcXQpiMuXIF1cLt9OVZqfyPbQzzS7WUhkEhAzwTmQ_iOgOSKT4say8Gl01uieFz504VjI3D5elTmkujqY6IISps6-XAhZ8jSbyEczr6j_rkiF5eyqOhs9GBc0nDW0oToWvw5tEGigXR4gCN8F6wcQzSqdS_dEMAnOkFhXO-iW8AHkDF/s320/307534202_479453463855214_5979275135652998004_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to eat some rice!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks
IDES for partnering with us in carrying out the Great commission to the lost
people in Southeast Asia and China. While IDES helps with the physical needs,
we, Asians For Christ, focus on their spiritual needs, God's Word in
particular. Together, we have reached many unreachable places and people and
have won many souls for Christ. We are looking forward to reaching out to many more
places and people in Southeast Asia and China.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mary
continues working in the field; her papayas are finally starting to bear fruit. Recently, Mary made some food for the students at the public school near our house; they were able to enjoy a variety of food with lots of meat! There usual lunch is just rice and soup with some vegetables. Once in awhile, Mary likes to bring the kids special food to just love on them. John and Anna have recently moved to Missouri, please keep them in your prayers as they transition to the Midwest. Isaac just started doing Thai ROTC basic training with the school; every
Monday, he has to go to military base in Chiang Mai and do some training. This
is a Thai law. All males have to either give 3 years to ROTC training during
high school or become a soldier for 2 years when they turn 20. Becky has a
month break from teaching Myanmar students online so she has been enjoying the
rest. Nick’s soccer team is in the process of having their first match since
Covid, so the boys are very excited for that. On top of that, Nick works with
an awesome team to help lead the youth at a church in Chiang Mai, and there are
a lot of events planned throughout the rest of the year.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9JDabTPMFuvkjCLJqE-ctwGbuAzLbKgwfbzOvd5I2dWSjXFQamvlAo2m-z8WhU2KTNhhx71gO8OtoxJXr79Yz8iChGg8ZwEDOu1AnCthoz1MkhzD_3s7zi0aFfDsciOC9f_JFoPoCatKAXITkprGsq0oQEkIaa9YRcz5Uo7BGvETUQdWl8XI9Iyu/s2000/300459391_1219907141900140_995433345842739143_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9JDabTPMFuvkjCLJqE-ctwGbuAzLbKgwfbzOvd5I2dWSjXFQamvlAo2m-z8WhU2KTNhhx71gO8OtoxJXr79Yz8iChGg8ZwEDOu1AnCthoz1MkhzD_3s7zi0aFfDsciOC9f_JFoPoCatKAXITkprGsq0oQEkIaa9YRcz5Uo7BGvETUQdWl8XI9Iyu/w400-h300/300459391_1219907141900140_995433345842739143_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary making sure everyone has enough to eat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4jedx-cnAcqis8XOqfYOLjKEXK_YdWU_zDb30dD2Ptcg_h_St7-_p0InZp3n4WButn2Bj_lvcXhSdJ0EMHQRMS9id50-doC4MaR19sJ08EF6K0Luit0uezbpIyzJWqcYJjZ__PKyPU9RbnGe9NbVp_l43SAmuBbVG_QbQMl7c6DQLbKBE6l8L6Fw/s2000/300868206_750998946157622_7812666933973095035_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4jedx-cnAcqis8XOqfYOLjKEXK_YdWU_zDb30dD2Ptcg_h_St7-_p0InZp3n4WButn2Bj_lvcXhSdJ0EMHQRMS9id50-doC4MaR19sJ08EF6K0Luit0uezbpIyzJWqcYJjZ__PKyPU9RbnGe9NbVp_l43SAmuBbVG_QbQMl7c6DQLbKBE6l8L6Fw/s320/300868206_750998946157622_7812666933973095035_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The students loved it!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRf1flfF2nZyF1O7qCwWJEd3R6awPdcHpdnz9po4W7nVCQmv19DIYwAelLz49ldOwfeSUlHgy3PZ80z2TD8Gga6D1y-LYKzvTQprLWPTYfKK9WA66p2_4xsQjgepQMxg-p3VbdN7IDPZwtIK_JFnWc8BH7YYQstzCr4kBLlKhfoeCZ1jK7MpUbUX9/s2000/301687194_3457012851251824_1655070800825497567_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRf1flfF2nZyF1O7qCwWJEd3R6awPdcHpdnz9po4W7nVCQmv19DIYwAelLz49ldOwfeSUlHgy3PZ80z2TD8Gga6D1y-LYKzvTQprLWPTYfKK9WA66p2_4xsQjgepQMxg-p3VbdN7IDPZwtIK_JFnWc8BH7YYQstzCr4kBLlKhfoeCZ1jK7MpUbUX9/s320/301687194_3457012851251824_1655070800825497567_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick taught these students how to play<br />basketball!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRxo-TNbaSNA6K5Ry_Oxw4ogwDe7Hd1LsUCEGj1Y1J-dHS_CUw0NNA69ux3c6s7R4N8QlFsFPdSGg01mB3UMKB43a-n8BjmIBLAI-s4sJ0IW7Pgj7U8bNfgCS4b9oVYt0zCokgiWkfOE7clxqga4_0xQky7JSj26YS0J1ZLys2SANWtIKZNBTPjUL/s1476/300605528_1750692225306043_1150067696785425940_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1476" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRxo-TNbaSNA6K5Ry_Oxw4ogwDe7Hd1LsUCEGj1Y1J-dHS_CUw0NNA69ux3c6s7R4N8QlFsFPdSGg01mB3UMKB43a-n8BjmIBLAI-s4sJ0IW7Pgj7U8bNfgCS4b9oVYt0zCokgiWkfOE7clxqga4_0xQky7JSj26YS0J1ZLys2SANWtIKZNBTPjUL/w400-h300/300605528_1750692225306043_1150067696785425940_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick with the youth leaders and the youth</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt2WMI_6YaLo9-YckPKETvKZQBmQtyfYdEHwijm1uLqbwVFKCzywTxzAAFW1Wg-Ik6aDjVW7YwnXKvFWerPYz9cZQ-GgPmg9KRqOAgHRKAAVOu7PmNEqK9Ge0Isvg2To2WtgexlD2mkbVGGkC8SSU88meto-T7TXmIcooMUf8nS_d1yA5nf1USdp8/s2000/301195742_2545608355614439_6005785839536474922_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt2WMI_6YaLo9-YckPKETvKZQBmQtyfYdEHwijm1uLqbwVFKCzywTxzAAFW1Wg-Ik6aDjVW7YwnXKvFWerPYz9cZQ-GgPmg9KRqOAgHRKAAVOu7PmNEqK9Ge0Isvg2To2WtgexlD2mkbVGGkC8SSU88meto-T7TXmIcooMUf8nS_d1yA5nf1USdp8/w300-h400/301195742_2545608355614439_6005785839536474922_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, Stephen!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2dbZC02_ZK0Dqm578LY3bwIlAbMxq5fRo1Xq7CCZJjEoDoj8nLpHTa-n4Aay3BTEiaKMEEeE3l78bosuLf5z7_u97TOJjf5g-VrJRI5l_Q2V3tIbA4muyjOYNrXmOho8VvD1nr620WJccLGqVwKt6KmxuFMfB3ZVYmz_Auw6rClir1SzhzYHaLFB/s2000/301415535_2048193752237843_4141757431300418747_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2dbZC02_ZK0Dqm578LY3bwIlAbMxq5fRo1Xq7CCZJjEoDoj8nLpHTa-n4Aay3BTEiaKMEEeE3l78bosuLf5z7_u97TOJjf5g-VrJRI5l_Q2V3tIbA4muyjOYNrXmOho8VvD1nr620WJccLGqVwKt6KmxuFMfB3ZVYmz_Auw6rClir1SzhzYHaLFB/w298-h400/301415535_2048193752237843_4141757431300418747_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, Becky!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></o:p></span><p></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-72206991050369034882022-07-30T14:03:00.000+07:002022-07-30T14:03:03.773+07:00Full Steam Ahead!<p><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Laos</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
new high-speed railway (made by China) is now operational in Laos. This news
has been plastered all over Southeast Asia, and people, like flocks of bird,
travel from far and wide to ride this new advanced mode of transportation. We,
too, were excited! In Laos, it is now possible to take a 2 hour ride from the
capital, Vientiane to UNESCO World Heritage Town, Luang Prabang (310km,
190miles). In the past, this would have taken 8 hours by car or even worst 14
hours by scooter. This high-speed train is a game changer!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
early June, as countries opened their borders, Stephen and Nick searched for
plane tickets to Luang Prabang, which was how they usually went into Laos. The
tickets were almost a 1000 US dollars per person; it was way too expensive,
with that price, you could get round trip tickets to almost any country in the
world. We were in a predicament because we had to go there to teach and
accomplish several other tasks. As we prayed, we thought, why don’t we take a
more affordable domestic plane from Chiang Mai to Northeastern Thailand and
cross the land border into Laos? So, we packed our bags and headed out the door
to embark on our first missionary journey since Covid began in 2020.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
took the hour and a half plane ride from Chiang Mai to Udon Tani. From there,
we had to find a taxi that would take us to the border. Since this was the
first time on this route, we had no idea what to do at all. Running around the
Airport in Udon, we were looking for a taxi; we knew God was with us because we
found the last taxi that would take us on the 1.5hour ride to the border. At
the border, we ran into another problem, the whole immigration computer system
crashed so we had to wait in line for an hour. Nevertheless, we made it across
the border at 8:50pm just in time because borders close at 9pm.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYf1_3OIIgc9IHiWpcQ2gccttMZxRDhzEtZPvoEXW4Dlpx7wNwSmVSDOXgxKnMCtJphDW1Tbwjs7XTbbjEgN7YFadvz3M54iNEakG1eUrdW1rq0uV715s4kAF2IIipB9wQJt2DQQAUFHWXKfPPTMgY34xD8LQK7pvfAinst6-aAJf2-EwgtP0Yqzz/s1596/294915630_2217657685039603_8652693507289643732_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1596" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYf1_3OIIgc9IHiWpcQ2gccttMZxRDhzEtZPvoEXW4Dlpx7wNwSmVSDOXgxKnMCtJphDW1Tbwjs7XTbbjEgN7YFadvz3M54iNEakG1eUrdW1rq0uV715s4kAF2IIipB9wQJt2DQQAUFHWXKfPPTMgY34xD8LQK7pvfAinst6-aAJf2-EwgtP0Yqzz/w400-h225/294915630_2217657685039603_8652693507289643732_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the long journey to the border, the systems crashed</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oK1dFdFHIwe8JbLzTfbuJS0PjSNAGImRW1zwmiPIyaPJBTkG_CZfMjPDzZoxwOVKxKrwFDvUD-hQ6sL3GSv_UzKAoiNoGaEyRadZaQB7-JY9aiFNxKIusEbHQsN0HG1ijBabrPayjEENOi3TLWFjxFJtp4CXjt1w3JFltEaj9PDjKjPp1FhiP6bd/s1274/294872669_1358431894650493_7635986011975790172_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1274" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oK1dFdFHIwe8JbLzTfbuJS0PjSNAGImRW1zwmiPIyaPJBTkG_CZfMjPDzZoxwOVKxKrwFDvUD-hQ6sL3GSv_UzKAoiNoGaEyRadZaQB7-JY9aiFNxKIusEbHQsN0HG1ijBabrPayjEENOi3TLWFjxFJtp4CXjt1w3JFltEaj9PDjKjPp1FhiP6bd/w400-h300/294872669_1358431894650493_7635986011975790172_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our mode of transportation in Vientiane</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
was our first time in the capital city of Laos, and the reason we came to
Vientiane is because one of the evangelists, who has attended Stephen’s Bible
classes, invited us to go and visit them. I mean, we were going to pass that
place anyways, why not spend several days with them? He and his wife takes care
of several college students who don’t have a place to stay in the city. His
evangelistic center is a place of worship and also functions as a dormitory.
All the female students shared one room and all the men shared another room.
About 10 students live in this center. Many would probably view this as too
crowded or a fire hazard but this is better than where most students usually stay.
Most, if they didn’t have relatives to stay with, would rent a rundown tin
shack; this leads to lots of issues like rape, theft, and violence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This former student of Stephen has converted many
college students in the recent years. This ministry is definitely growing and
it’s very good to see the new Christian students take initiative in the chores,
church, and evangelizing to their peers. It was definitely worthwhile as we saw
the faith of these college students.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7CgaTmLUHlfXXh3RvNAGktGV5J9oDZIm7We43doQbMZJfk2Ga4SNkSXbDnBCbGMMlPAYw_oatED3qpnDSy_t76A8abRQLZ9-ulNaCwJx09Uz-H3nBS9oiD9CDiN0YbKa-1yWGekbWUTyBM8VPj-UoQhRgazzR3lqHpVbnYJR2kl_GrfKs7bx59q9/s2000/287931467_547826367066412_388509393711212713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7CgaTmLUHlfXXh3RvNAGktGV5J9oDZIm7We43doQbMZJfk2Ga4SNkSXbDnBCbGMMlPAYw_oatED3qpnDSy_t76A8abRQLZ9-ulNaCwJx09Uz-H3nBS9oiD9CDiN0YbKa-1yWGekbWUTyBM8VPj-UoQhRgazzR3lqHpVbnYJR2kl_GrfKs7bx59q9/w400-h300/287931467_547826367066412_388509393711212713_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying for the college students</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPHm2ziggN_k3yPn_NYf_348BHWn_8XwZnmy7jB-e0vljxVe0uBLGFxOvOvP4G5d3F6kZw6zmOKZ_4nBaIqkCc75Q7gEGZm2rF11jkOw6cxn4DQFbS5h4HoMIrUYdiO6DozCbA-A9k7crCxFn9MH1lbxqZ4CFG3CrM302maoMHWu9Cy7Tq0CI_nyI/s1600/289108735_406301578190809_1425303857891753454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPHm2ziggN_k3yPn_NYf_348BHWn_8XwZnmy7jB-e0vljxVe0uBLGFxOvOvP4G5d3F6kZw6zmOKZ_4nBaIqkCc75Q7gEGZm2rF11jkOw6cxn4DQFbS5h4HoMIrUYdiO6DozCbA-A9k7crCxFn9MH1lbxqZ4CFG3CrM302maoMHWu9Cy7Tq0CI_nyI/w400-h300/289108735_406301578190809_1425303857891753454_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We provided some needy college students <br />with relief packages</td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t3bDHN-EJDxwz96sQOqE3SGKkqH-7mqgyie-fx0zHOXZq2ZsGP-y2ZNZ7M3DuQCP-uR9bHs7pzZ9w6ct2olmjEMX7AWVIP17p3TQDGYu-S6Bv33EnLQoBOt-qa8hUJC7VqOcY1DyNMXJvz5LXGbdV5eVVpSUVA0sZHsEcX19iCvg4gKLSm0zkuBl/s2000/290138883_456149716336595_2912063240800433039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t3bDHN-EJDxwz96sQOqE3SGKkqH-7mqgyie-fx0zHOXZq2ZsGP-y2ZNZ7M3DuQCP-uR9bHs7pzZ9w6ct2olmjEMX7AWVIP17p3TQDGYu-S6Bv33EnLQoBOt-qa8hUJC7VqOcY1DyNMXJvz5LXGbdV5eVVpSUVA0sZHsEcX19iCvg4gKLSm0zkuBl/w400-h300/290138883_456149716336595_2912063240800433039_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at the center</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusmiF4JFWXJgU0VGeilFSbUiD8EBPqme3YJGG2p4gTPHhwxENen5g0bFedAQ6BPMwX-3OFGL4cEnodPNum1Fx06xTyQmuQN58ovLCdB_5BH6-0gFuokjCVO9R1SNxlQday513ZCAtkIdX3O1-aFhCkNXLGuOCaqeStMK5_3roXX2lJJui76bfYdrI/s1600/289618736_330963502575080_8314060880040086242_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusmiF4JFWXJgU0VGeilFSbUiD8EBPqme3YJGG2p4gTPHhwxENen5g0bFedAQ6BPMwX-3OFGL4cEnodPNum1Fx06xTyQmuQN58ovLCdB_5BH6-0gFuokjCVO9R1SNxlQday513ZCAtkIdX3O1-aFhCkNXLGuOCaqeStMK5_3roXX2lJJui76bfYdrI/w400-h300/289618736_330963502575080_8314060880040086242_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing a meal with the college students</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KNVl775x6n7N1n74pxihcfYdpP4AyuW0maYiMxQsF4IqPtZOF4RQrqSNc-l_GK8E9kyjxqf_-fSZI_Bd8LVXONfPgs7Mkeo-6Rzehxk5thyYL5ufUQ3n6ZqMt_-V244Kx_JSun_-zPLn5Db-txhNU8l21etMjebheEomfx9CChu7YuUDUb11iDjh/s2000/288189338_605213294075170_7214022476244141035_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KNVl775x6n7N1n74pxihcfYdpP4AyuW0maYiMxQsF4IqPtZOF4RQrqSNc-l_GK8E9kyjxqf_-fSZI_Bd8LVXONfPgs7Mkeo-6Rzehxk5thyYL5ufUQ3n6ZqMt_-V244Kx_JSun_-zPLn5Db-txhNU8l21etMjebheEomfx9CChu7YuUDUb11iDjh/w400-h300/288189338_605213294075170_7214022476244141035_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Photo!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16px;">Part of our time in Laos was dedicated to Luang Prabang, so we went to try out this new high-speed railway, which was the fastest way to travel between cities as mentioned above. Anyways, we sent a student there in the morning to reserve our tickets but the ticketing staff said to just come back later and get the tickets before the train departs at 2pm. We arrived there at noon. All sold out! What were we going to do? This would throw off all of our plans because have to be in Luang Prabang that evening in order to start teaching the next day to the evangelists and pastors in the area… it seemed hopeless. We thought to ourselves, are we being tested again? It seemed like so, almost every day, something would come up that would make anyone nervous or upset. We prayed to ourselves as we tried to figure out our next move, and as we turned to go back to the center, a railway staff ran out to us and said there’s two more seats! Our God is good! So, Stephen and Nick left for Luang Prabang.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Ngkl_wwoime4ixVS9HUeywyJcHPrnhlUJdmJ3nMjgCcN2hBZKamMIdML0RZOYF7Vfs80AgtHAB2JGzut_6toJTFITZPqMlDIk4ndVBTv0hc7d2gsOSPuE4xlQFk6Tsst2V5Rj_miue5PE2MJNOsH80bUsRR3CA_SZXE8-AYmaPst--zIbEIyd26/s1920/294545940_8076984385659883_6427734587830516882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Ngkl_wwoime4ixVS9HUeywyJcHPrnhlUJdmJ3nMjgCcN2hBZKamMIdML0RZOYF7Vfs80AgtHAB2JGzut_6toJTFITZPqMlDIk4ndVBTv0hc7d2gsOSPuE4xlQFk6Tsst2V5Rj_miue5PE2MJNOsH80bUsRR3CA_SZXE8-AYmaPst--zIbEIyd26/w400-h225/294545940_8076984385659883_6427734587830516882_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highspeed railway station</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8retTqKL0PWHeV6cOH290Uzc9Df9HSHyVUg3rMbIsQAZRU5Me7oCKTo1zrIwgx3BDggIwZ_PUvGibnPNtcb7sMNhhX5dEwC_X3OkeCwMaqQzloYmuxveuuJEmXNmZk_XY0IcJ6qAShtdxa5jNaw_G5NSk38kBXZo4Dg61RCR4d5z4Jqu-CJDaCkZz/s1920/295865327_1196890837774102_7687316010245205681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8retTqKL0PWHeV6cOH290Uzc9Df9HSHyVUg3rMbIsQAZRU5Me7oCKTo1zrIwgx3BDggIwZ_PUvGibnPNtcb7sMNhhX5dEwC_X3OkeCwMaqQzloYmuxveuuJEmXNmZk_XY0IcJ6qAShtdxa5jNaw_G5NSk38kBXZo4Dg61RCR4d5z4Jqu-CJDaCkZz/w400-h225/295865327_1196890837774102_7687316010245205681_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_Q3le3YjDJ3cvh5w28i97cHaF6qeX2ncTn2aPLgG3F-nGFCpKwr-ddzNwPTkzowqDyGL9c8RjxvNhpRF8W7JfB1yMn6PlcSh1j6_2Pwix3jSmy9Qzpb9ehomCtcV63Zv79SbmE6_bepdAfR-zIjmH3mrNbJHLC2R7LrFi4y6ukvrf_Y-X_QSOoQe/s2000/295474893_462791652384388_109174915584496359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_Q3le3YjDJ3cvh5w28i97cHaF6qeX2ncTn2aPLgG3F-nGFCpKwr-ddzNwPTkzowqDyGL9c8RjxvNhpRF8W7JfB1yMn6PlcSh1j6_2Pwix3jSmy9Qzpb9ehomCtcV63Zv79SbmE6_bepdAfR-zIjmH3mrNbJHLC2R7LrFi4y6ukvrf_Y-X_QSOoQe/w400-h300/295474893_462791652384388_109174915584496359_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view!</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
train was a wonderful! The ride was as smooth as silk and the view of the
countryside was a treat for the eyes. It was a great relaxing 2 hours. This is
going to change everything. If you’ve been to Laos, you may know that roads are
full of potholes and cracks. If someone were to travel from one town to
another, it would use up at least a day even if it were only 60 miles away.
What a blessing to have a new mode of transportation that would be more
efficient… and a bit more comfortable.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FsDwy4S3-V3SWFYulRJZg7hp9wmXfd6sqlRLtUaTcdtMwknIeC3W-LBMoH8NaVMWghVTs3ahBOWtdJdkiKVR31gDEQq1jDlB17m1atXpjZl38yijgC2RcPcIxeOJAd1M6lAhew31PRcdo1jStyaE3h_tYTH9kRb1O7JlcseXEErTBWGt7CpicJ28/s2000/290274455_1004495003572143_6443209557687909551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FsDwy4S3-V3SWFYulRJZg7hp9wmXfd6sqlRLtUaTcdtMwknIeC3W-LBMoH8NaVMWghVTs3ahBOWtdJdkiKVR31gDEQq1jDlB17m1atXpjZl38yijgC2RcPcIxeOJAd1M6lAhew31PRcdo1jStyaE3h_tYTH9kRb1O7JlcseXEErTBWGt7CpicJ28/w298-h400/290274455_1004495003572143_6443209557687909551_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends in Luang Prabang</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
we arrived in Luang Prabang, we felt a sense of joy because we finally made it
here after 3 years. Greeted by our local friends at the train station, we
headed north to a rural town (50km, 30miles) which took 2 hours by car. The
next day, we arrived at the classroom where we met about 40 Christian workers (pastors,
evangelists) all ready to study. Nick taught a bit about pastoral counseling
and also gave out personality tests so that they could find out more about
themselves. They all enjoyed learning and understanding things about themselves
like how some were introverted while others were extroverted. Stephen taught about
the theology of the cross – the focus is that our belief revolves around the
death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The death, burial and resurrection
of Jesus Christ is unique and the core of Christianity. Without the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christianity is no different from any
other religion of the world. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After the
short few days of teaching, we had to go back to Thailand. We received
feedbacks from the students saying that they learned a lot and wished that we
stayed and taught longer. During this trip, we didn’t have much time because
there were other ministries to attend to in Thailand, but we plan to stay
longer next time. Our trip to Laos was absolutely fruitful and encouraging!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGZcT7ZUOYFQ3uKjvJ0W2kT76PTmSgcLxSA1BDVzrELHGjtcJVsVmPAB2ysPc0qPCjKY3d8PkyUlsgKUfMhNnA6JIuHcWS8xRlI0DRZ3LWh9rqChvkp754aB3WOc5NF11bl1dUVGH9r3D3iSC9uTB51D_ReTRWf1z_JSvv4bfz5ZHo-559wBi7fgZ/s2000/288713891_1195891841250577_7940340440703371652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGZcT7ZUOYFQ3uKjvJ0W2kT76PTmSgcLxSA1BDVzrELHGjtcJVsVmPAB2ysPc0qPCjKY3d8PkyUlsgKUfMhNnA6JIuHcWS8xRlI0DRZ3LWh9rqChvkp754aB3WOc5NF11bl1dUVGH9r3D3iSC9uTB51D_ReTRWf1z_JSvv4bfz5ZHo-559wBi7fgZ/w400-h300/288713891_1195891841250577_7940340440703371652_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending time with the students in Luang Prabang</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk4icBo_QQUPMhynIN10FQlJlzZrRgadJ4mH1SjSgslK_JsIOZFMUal0XdRUHtlyim3TEizC1_xJHra0_k7RUymssQeoZYxiK_c6hlfwlwcE_FojsuF2lxCLah36UaaWJyo6PfweOTTSg5jkihzBgOeN4ctD8wBiwN18GAlvxKnCDSoHwZ-zmZTnx/s2000/288710975_430148522316289_2791746434275772910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2000" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk4icBo_QQUPMhynIN10FQlJlzZrRgadJ4mH1SjSgslK_JsIOZFMUal0XdRUHtlyim3TEizC1_xJHra0_k7RUymssQeoZYxiK_c6hlfwlwcE_FojsuF2lxCLah36UaaWJyo6PfweOTTSg5jkihzBgOeN4ctD8wBiwN18GAlvxKnCDSoHwZ-zmZTnx/w400-h297/288710975_430148522316289_2791746434275772910_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick teaching pastoral counseling</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6cOS9Vtt5APGLAVD6qacdxRxTLKWKCS4SdPkidh4ZRp3afjPC9S6IneUING45NtAOEi-YF68nH0Y-1O9UpOgbiv8OQvNQti02H0N2Gfa3uFoL9TPfAiey5WInHUK4JLZ50oGFtKjA-eXN0uZ1Mb1ly85r1Jr3Rzf6aUCcxNrEIO7K4Is7ggpddHb/s2000/287941399_1441673582959915_2069129691583525581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6cOS9Vtt5APGLAVD6qacdxRxTLKWKCS4SdPkidh4ZRp3afjPC9S6IneUING45NtAOEi-YF68nH0Y-1O9UpOgbiv8OQvNQti02H0N2Gfa3uFoL9TPfAiey5WInHUK4JLZ50oGFtKjA-eXN0uZ1Mb1ly85r1Jr3Rzf6aUCcxNrEIO7K4Is7ggpddHb/w400-h300/287941399_1441673582959915_2069129691583525581_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's class on Theology of the Cross</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iTfFWUP7K0wcWAe-LMSmCYSK9t3ay3kEB0mlA6M3KtnnSSl4EdIhKH7YQxaCnk2spaRELnPojKjIo7FEHykjzniDD9InIjwiX6XPL3ZODn5ZBLM1veLidXnNhRWbqKcfmEUFAsZYKjSmJiEEMP5zm3JMG9-dgOAHYA0yepXuxeTVf9LTekQMW2Y9/s1569/287482376_1203083607161710_2609683858146758454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1569" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iTfFWUP7K0wcWAe-LMSmCYSK9t3ay3kEB0mlA6M3KtnnSSl4EdIhKH7YQxaCnk2spaRELnPojKjIo7FEHykjzniDD9InIjwiX6XPL3ZODn5ZBLM1veLidXnNhRWbqKcfmEUFAsZYKjSmJiEEMP5zm3JMG9-dgOAHYA0yepXuxeTVf9LTekQMW2Y9/w400-h225/287482376_1203083607161710_2609683858146758454_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFxoO8xP1Pj3tahOxhIdkC_g7Z6xtH2YHjhXmDt2RvCoo8vSi7PrV5s1FY4L7xiYgsWKEe7GEL9n3c5DuGwbR0lXOGqMc5sGEgmjiea3nuSvEz35gQ7ftd7saqNezyeZxmsE2j2Xea8nagwlGXDwAD0NhovwdU_MH7Gn3b3UxD1RhZnn8sk10lQpM/s750/290710255_767424660954169_384835473553146206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFxoO8xP1Pj3tahOxhIdkC_g7Z6xtH2YHjhXmDt2RvCoo8vSi7PrV5s1FY4L7xiYgsWKEe7GEL9n3c5DuGwbR0lXOGqMc5sGEgmjiea3nuSvEz35gQ7ftd7saqNezyeZxmsE2j2Xea8nagwlGXDwAD0NhovwdU_MH7Gn3b3UxD1RhZnn8sk10lQpM/w400-h300/290710255_767424660954169_384835473553146206_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating with Laotian leaders</td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sNzX3d1xFZAH3F3MkpHSKzamPetJKv4WZUSC7UYclYQsYs-QOxwFNJkSnwNyoA4yu-7KngqL2e7l-0HUNNcmpIwNkmSscKRkjS_VM8qzjvEn4CHdCcYRUu-MQQ0d4vpD_JLhdKSlVRN8R_g0o_pcoQeHU9tPcvhHFSsJNU_ZD4aNG0xVsJUb9yHD/s2000/289021819_309800328030787_2874186436236310565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sNzX3d1xFZAH3F3MkpHSKzamPetJKv4WZUSC7UYclYQsYs-QOxwFNJkSnwNyoA4yu-7KngqL2e7l-0HUNNcmpIwNkmSscKRkjS_VM8qzjvEn4CHdCcYRUu-MQQ0d4vpD_JLhdKSlVRN8R_g0o_pcoQeHU9tPcvhHFSsJNU_ZD4aNG0xVsJUb9yHD/w400-h300/289021819_309800328030787_2874186436236310565_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick also got to meet up with some <br />of his online college students</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thailand</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
arriving back in Thailand, Stephen went to Pai, a town northwest of Chiang Mai,
in order to consult the Thailand Lisu Association. Another reason to drive 4
hours to Pai was for Becky to meet a rehab specialist because Becky’s weak arm
has been very tense. The Lisu meetings and therapy sessions for Becky in Pai
were very positive. But on the day, they were to travel back home, Stephen all
of a sudden felt faint and blacked out for several minutes. This occurred 2
times, so several of our relatives graciously drove Stephen and Becky all the
way back to our house. The next day, the family took Stephen to a hospital to
get checked up. The hospital did preliminary tests, and that’s when they found
out Stephen had Covid (which based on the timeline was from his trip to Laos).
Doctors don’t believe Covid caused the black outs but their policy was that
they would run further tests after he recovered from Covid. As he recovered at
home, we found out that Becky also got Covid. Fast forward 2 weeks of
delegating all the tasks to Mary and Nick, they recovered and Stephen went back
to do more tests and at this moment everything seems normal but the doctors
says its most likely stress induced and he needs to take more time to rest.
Further comprehensive tests are scheduled in a few months. Please pray for
Stephen’s health.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8v86e9ZAw7bqpWI3lTUzzEqkLvjupNWrbet0rpaMmpw2JCuj_TYINN6-LOFeg78Z3dZOwYhASt2baLDLc2UjzGX9G3JlK4FtRYdGLZ1qYgJCeMWXFvGpfWRpzSO8taWMkoyaODaB7M-qAMXQTSMoI-_uPPk-rzk_FtvEu6vw5_uIF1Em9uyU_hO-/s1872/290923897_10158598890286471_7112783109904665440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1746" data-original-width="1872" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8v86e9ZAw7bqpWI3lTUzzEqkLvjupNWrbet0rpaMmpw2JCuj_TYINN6-LOFeg78Z3dZOwYhASt2baLDLc2UjzGX9G3JlK4FtRYdGLZ1qYgJCeMWXFvGpfWRpzSO8taWMkoyaODaB7M-qAMXQTSMoI-_uPPk-rzk_FtvEu6vw5_uIF1Em9uyU_hO-/w400-h373/290923897_10158598890286471_7112783109904665440_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary at the hospital</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42T8RljTA9mNovN8DakO3ZTN_4-RyQV_4Us_gKHkvnzx6KAZw2qBGwV9-7AELW3LJl_oUXRSKaGfK1ejZaODM2NSYB24EbderbfAYqPNz-hdQnotEg4QbWE6ivCIWnA7YPFCEKAJzI09MbYkIJnRRP0TBhKtSo1-hAMaQc2Ddg-PbBkMlQRXpEyL-/s2000/295072812_421594389748213_3582144343776905927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42T8RljTA9mNovN8DakO3ZTN_4-RyQV_4Us_gKHkvnzx6KAZw2qBGwV9-7AELW3LJl_oUXRSKaGfK1ejZaODM2NSYB24EbderbfAYqPNz-hdQnotEg4QbWE6ivCIWnA7YPFCEKAJzI09MbYkIJnRRP0TBhKtSo1-hAMaQc2Ddg-PbBkMlQRXpEyL-/w400-h300/295072812_421594389748213_3582144343776905927_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Stephen recovered, we had a special worship service</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPqwCQg8QquQxjsWmoEnL3Gyvqjnz71fudPv2vBvlTm91VJfw6syYXtYE6hRNN6XmsHIKzphR7gJKLtfta0hjMQ_mRWxNnw8iRoLRITjsqGs28V3vLC7ZLzNF7DeUQmHbshr7MGqWY9BwTEckpH8CQCtEXibhn4WEg8TI9PzclKvUhJ9_ox_OWfEv/s2000/294799302_3440865399500906_4628038422984557557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPqwCQg8QquQxjsWmoEnL3Gyvqjnz71fudPv2vBvlTm91VJfw6syYXtYE6hRNN6XmsHIKzphR7gJKLtfta0hjMQ_mRWxNnw8iRoLRITjsqGs28V3vLC7ZLzNF7DeUQmHbshr7MGqWY9BwTEckpH8CQCtEXibhn4WEg8TI9PzclKvUhJ9_ox_OWfEv/s320/294799302_3440865399500906_4628038422984557557_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open fire pork BBQ</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20bQIdtrOXqj-sAEU4gCSb4ipPJ6rrf81emv19avVbzxSiylBeii-JTnQ0vrP6x-SxELniE7AtJ3amYND5n40DYTzWyvXbVVpoaMRSIBO3NtI8R7Pw28lLbHscrdan3hwyQzZptxzwQhAK0kkrMSIwrMY9tel1g0nIgHEqpBmgMvzqhs3_QgWuP-8/s2000/293794384_1433326860423932_1473424822480140830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20bQIdtrOXqj-sAEU4gCSb4ipPJ6rrf81emv19avVbzxSiylBeii-JTnQ0vrP6x-SxELniE7AtJ3amYND5n40DYTzWyvXbVVpoaMRSIBO3NtI8R7Pw28lLbHscrdan3hwyQzZptxzwQhAK0kkrMSIwrMY9tel1g0nIgHEqpBmgMvzqhs3_QgWuP-8/w400-h300/293794384_1433326860423932_1473424822480140830_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lunch, Mary handed out the leftovers for all to take home</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
Stephen continues to recover at home, several pastors from the western border
of Thailand asked for Stephen to go and teach the Bible to refugees from
Myanmar. Many of these refugees immigrated into Thailand because of the
escalation of war in their towns. Since Stephen can’t physically go, we prayed
over it and decided to try a virtual class which we plan to operate in Laos in
the near future. The idea was for a teacher (Stephen, in this case) to be able
to teach remotely; this is due to the fact that in some areas, foreigners
teaching Bible to locals are frowned upon. So, Nick drove 6 hours to Mae Sot,
the western border town of Thailand and Myanmar.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5VeacqJdbfXsfvt_jO1zWYprZeZzelcorluKudXjVKZH_M2fxRCdlqDV7OX5ZANhgggJJoQkHLe3qbwkdWmse-73LFS-noZ1h95ziBrvIytx0dKpitnr0MsIywiFg0GczbleD9_5l3Hx7I9MepF-se4RRdBoqIek-HFnQh9qGDLIoDDQGoBzoZEj/s2000/295050690_1089121538654846_4551768957615063407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5VeacqJdbfXsfvt_jO1zWYprZeZzelcorluKudXjVKZH_M2fxRCdlqDV7OX5ZANhgggJJoQkHLe3qbwkdWmse-73LFS-noZ1h95ziBrvIytx0dKpitnr0MsIywiFg0GczbleD9_5l3Hx7I9MepF-se4RRdBoqIek-HFnQh9qGDLIoDDQGoBzoZEj/w400-h300/295050690_1089121538654846_4551768957615063407_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching remotely in our first virtual classroom</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Mae Sot, Nick set up his computer, speakers, projectors and microphone in the
classroom. Connecting the setup to a wifi hotspot from a phone and calling
Stephen via Zoom, our first virtual class was in session! Stephen also taught
the theology of the cross in this class but at a basic level because most of
these students are new Christians. We are so excited to have this new tool in
our missions’ arsenal. In the future, it will be possible to have teachers teach
remotely as long as there’s an internet connection.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d4bjXI6d328r1zwal-1-30N9AAfWnm0RWWOvm2xJCcUnZ7FRjN3bU72OjG0569Rycs4FDAi9TuZdeC25LqtQjve8WARImI6C2M9xtCbJKOTIXFBxcLoW6rWcyhOMMzPOiRJ9io8Rfko8L9TBq-BBy8esTLlqVGfXQLywopo-dsKTEwNpFirr65Ip/s1824/292945202_1532252530561488_2575180591642428813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1824" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d4bjXI6d328r1zwal-1-30N9AAfWnm0RWWOvm2xJCcUnZ7FRjN3bU72OjG0569Rycs4FDAi9TuZdeC25LqtQjve8WARImI6C2M9xtCbJKOTIXFBxcLoW6rWcyhOMMzPOiRJ9io8Rfko8L9TBq-BBy8esTLlqVGfXQLywopo-dsKTEwNpFirr65Ip/w400-h300/292945202_1532252530561488_2575180591642428813_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great team at border town, Mae Sot</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERbpJkdtL_3mV_i1x-uJe6srlaX_fOEqeFRgFOsPL8rLGhl3n6E2zmN3AnCCpeEHlHO7GfRYbA1e3ebqnFqNPvNgVqvrNTzxaZvuMtnrNwROjzt5houBztRbuJXU0ugauHGPcwHQyXnaKSgk2YZGc_SxpjOqY6nNCaiBcNEa4WJdjOYhd6AWFZ-pM/s2000/294518531_600338561686232_8237401332587397468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERbpJkdtL_3mV_i1x-uJe6srlaX_fOEqeFRgFOsPL8rLGhl3n6E2zmN3AnCCpeEHlHO7GfRYbA1e3ebqnFqNPvNgVqvrNTzxaZvuMtnrNwROjzt5houBztRbuJXU0ugauHGPcwHQyXnaKSgk2YZGc_SxpjOqY6nNCaiBcNEa4WJdjOYhd6AWFZ-pM/w400-h300/294518531_600338561686232_8237401332587397468_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buying food to prep relief packages for the refugees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS1dY5q5ZoWIQg_xNWITQ3PckmxFzbTXa1vDqStmufPLIADfLZrmLT0JrfLBkl2YOfBn09uTpUHGRO_Ylds1aI4wdda7eFq20P7DrJfdT1UWr61fKHPDS06tCJ0DDKBwIycAp2GMPxYCEY7Htc1R3YPrk_gidoZBufhj08oK-aJPCdho5cGDE7fv5/s2000/294511708_1349120382248241_5433801591844309230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS1dY5q5ZoWIQg_xNWITQ3PckmxFzbTXa1vDqStmufPLIADfLZrmLT0JrfLBkl2YOfBn09uTpUHGRO_Ylds1aI4wdda7eFq20P7DrJfdT1UWr61fKHPDS06tCJ0DDKBwIycAp2GMPxYCEY7Htc1R3YPrk_gidoZBufhj08oK-aJPCdho5cGDE7fv5/w400-h300/294511708_1349120382248241_5433801591844309230_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-8_c80z4pJwAfz1Q16pvrj2_KQJlupQoV_iM2JeYba-0FP58grYH7r-Ko13L5wtjJ84kJVfS8dGiAWteWhf8AuNqYFyrApv4pKF1eCeLKRmn2bfBmPYKAqhYZx7cmbNgVoXfp9pyp6aULda_k9e-YzEfTwyyPunaCXb5cqhtggiITEHIvZEXrmVp/s2000/293752201_5333755720039761_5418030276921095798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-8_c80z4pJwAfz1Q16pvrj2_KQJlupQoV_iM2JeYba-0FP58grYH7r-Ko13L5wtjJ84kJVfS8dGiAWteWhf8AuNqYFyrApv4pKF1eCeLKRmn2bfBmPYKAqhYZx7cmbNgVoXfp9pyp6aULda_k9e-YzEfTwyyPunaCXb5cqhtggiITEHIvZEXrmVp/w400-h300/293752201_5333755720039761_5418030276921095798_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to help 100 families at the border</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
Updates</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
early June, Stephen lost his older sister. This was a great lost for the whole
Wongratanamajcha clan because she is the oldest among Stephen’s siblings. It
was her husband whom everyone thought would pass away because several weeks
earlier, he fell very ill. Stephen and Nick traveled up to their village (6
hours northwest of Chiang Mai) and prayed for him; several days after,
Stephen’s brother in law made a great recovery while Stephen’s sister passed
away suddenly. Please pray for Stephen and his relatives as they are still
going through grief.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRLcGYn8_0CexKUCwdJ4xdeYSUQYzdacdtce_eTDSSKt1nJ7haCEEiuHBpHsM2iNyQwDLakhV1M0MdA4pwrkWyz5s91nSsmz9L0IrkwXm4oGzsUziu_9gfmQ0POIjhAfz2SJLhL1_9G4663cskHBZOrsacuuzysgCrXztzA3jsLnYb12rjwEeMQMw/s2000/280403249_754201719293487_3832018015521071487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRLcGYn8_0CexKUCwdJ4xdeYSUQYzdacdtce_eTDSSKt1nJ7haCEEiuHBpHsM2iNyQwDLakhV1M0MdA4pwrkWyz5s91nSsmz9L0IrkwXm4oGzsUziu_9gfmQ0POIjhAfz2SJLhL1_9G4663cskHBZOrsacuuzysgCrXztzA3jsLnYb12rjwEeMQMw/w400-h300/280403249_754201719293487_3832018015521071487_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's brother in law recovered after getting really sick</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kkUSBWYIA91v7r8_j2IoJh-MBdZbltmJpL7lQXn75081SYtzmlHNhqBfIVbsWjOS3ROe8KHVuwv0PyQR2g0sgK89PgPtSoyZRFV802HRmYo4WO6_N8W-FIXXbo0xCe6oUdhaGsEnM596kSW9Qqe_WQKZyAuG9o6o6igHaW1h-PWL47AQXXlfED-g/s2000/279598197_538218847675170_7978324034939764275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kkUSBWYIA91v7r8_j2IoJh-MBdZbltmJpL7lQXn75081SYtzmlHNhqBfIVbsWjOS3ROe8KHVuwv0PyQR2g0sgK89PgPtSoyZRFV802HRmYo4WO6_N8W-FIXXbo0xCe6oUdhaGsEnM596kSW9Qqe_WQKZyAuG9o6o6igHaW1h-PWL47AQXXlfED-g/w400-h300/279598197_538218847675170_7978324034939764275_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's last visit with his older sister</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9jdfRt3EcghMQ4rO9827xGkxTMKJ7iBBxaIcUOkHl8nZZ0XBQEzv3EqQ8e0E2iDVdhOgfSq0_TbptdtKcIbaDK8O2UTh5HWksgJb9VAu2W9gOW7o-dT1HSABDQnz3z9VjhVK2xshhXOBcJThdGkjL_6ykmZF6iatWunQFk6FB9SZL0KgTm2O7E4J/s2000/285527446_3036501066660388_4721928821661920187_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9jdfRt3EcghMQ4rO9827xGkxTMKJ7iBBxaIcUOkHl8nZZ0XBQEzv3EqQ8e0E2iDVdhOgfSq0_TbptdtKcIbaDK8O2UTh5HWksgJb9VAu2W9gOW7o-dT1HSABDQnz3z9VjhVK2xshhXOBcJThdGkjL_6ykmZF6iatWunQFk6FB9SZL0KgTm2O7E4J/w400-h300/285527446_3036501066660388_4721928821661920187_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen gave a sermon of hope in Christ<br /> at his sister's funeral</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are some of the other events that occurred in the past 2 months:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPbhpypPoY4KUpJf5rLF8D6Ke4DiHJUvi1Q_6BsHpeP86SAXj3DLMt9rKk39YLWjUkmoTyZKifttPgS5RhG-h_0uS7G7-ECECg4Vl39kYRF6Jfajlzsu_bLA4OLMIOekn_xqQeJWugkjw1jVJvsUoF80PbviDmxxVHISiTVdleTm-FhC6BZRkWbkg/s2000/285455443_1483461775444991_8265892265357003249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPbhpypPoY4KUpJf5rLF8D6Ke4DiHJUvi1Q_6BsHpeP86SAXj3DLMt9rKk39YLWjUkmoTyZKifttPgS5RhG-h_0uS7G7-ECECg4Vl39kYRF6Jfajlzsu_bLA4OLMIOekn_xqQeJWugkjw1jVJvsUoF80PbviDmxxVHISiTVdleTm-FhC6BZRkWbkg/w400-h300/285455443_1483461775444991_8265892265357003249_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen meeting with Lisu leaders in Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvi_F8C379dsqXIvZoYobMeomG3U-4JUoBQoEYo1waS9z1Brn2FILR6GXJChBKM7K4hgBD73NT3JokobzPZFId8DHA_PlXpRuOS5ckUQPot0u1ZmNAv8EzOYSUvm2xW3NtbMbjwut7WWDCZ8lxjrhDPPx6gZSVGHZgkJr3JaBFvJUQWeWRRUBSkTz/s1080/280374908_1003101963912984_146285732290510171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvi_F8C379dsqXIvZoYobMeomG3U-4JUoBQoEYo1waS9z1Brn2FILR6GXJChBKM7K4hgBD73NT3JokobzPZFId8DHA_PlXpRuOS5ckUQPot0u1ZmNAv8EzOYSUvm2xW3NtbMbjwut7WWDCZ8lxjrhDPPx6gZSVGHZgkJr3JaBFvJUQWeWRRUBSkTz/w400-h225/280374908_1003101963912984_146285732290510171_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac's mentor welcoming Isaac to high school</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY-aNTf6ZTfF41LejPMnt_bormov6AQNSIUw4tAgvb-JdQb08JjNyg4S6jIeihM0vjv8EhvLn-ItpkEvI4000_akdzv8O0APpugPLKEZ3-UGMXbUTj2kb-Qp2Unf5plre_kPBV7pKRtOgkLXtg-v6esMnPoZPzesNJdUfPXhZvrcUyzfA_CyjBdha/s2000/288071672_565063218359142_464719826937034335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY-aNTf6ZTfF41LejPMnt_bormov6AQNSIUw4tAgvb-JdQb08JjNyg4S6jIeihM0vjv8EhvLn-ItpkEvI4000_akdzv8O0APpugPLKEZ3-UGMXbUTj2kb-Qp2Unf5plre_kPBV7pKRtOgkLXtg-v6esMnPoZPzesNJdUfPXhZvrcUyzfA_CyjBdha/w400-h300/288071672_565063218359142_464719826937034335_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relief packages given to the needy in Shan State, Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD1Proat4N7AQH9CrtUSBSoGt3CZnut-hpIyx9o5ctJPPWkO7wAKTv0sbe3AOHIQ9C1SPxluIVtSOD_03J3AnqUuLcQU4c88xQePRjd32jslEjR-VnLr0VrLu1hihx9AnKWbeJ_XGPI1hWCsKuR9kV7BH1SPb_UHe1oCI0PBmvBseAbDF3GGXOo39/s1706/285047825_1181039629398590_3986239708929326878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1706" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD1Proat4N7AQH9CrtUSBSoGt3CZnut-hpIyx9o5ctJPPWkO7wAKTv0sbe3AOHIQ9C1SPxluIVtSOD_03J3AnqUuLcQU4c88xQePRjd32jslEjR-VnLr0VrLu1hihx9AnKWbeJ_XGPI1hWCsKuR9kV7BH1SPb_UHe1oCI0PBmvBseAbDF3GGXOo39/w400-h266/285047825_1181039629398590_3986239708929326878_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relief packages to the needy in Southern China</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL6i93f2jXDIasn2QM9usPNOvmhDLYXCN4tuk3JNwoFKus8o8_W45PImU3oAJIpDzcnfv93P3A_TeJih6UhBplwdwyQoe_IynAKS5l-fkTjG_uyFrB1SUOwuO1TYUr9DJIOA41HqV2ynJEmD_fchNDRfsEkkkvEeCnU_OZNBybDnOZHgA9NIriq62/s1478/292712452_1416306745448155_2164293568080721791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL6i93f2jXDIasn2QM9usPNOvmhDLYXCN4tuk3JNwoFKus8o8_W45PImU3oAJIpDzcnfv93P3A_TeJih6UhBplwdwyQoe_IynAKS5l-fkTjG_uyFrB1SUOwuO1TYUr9DJIOA41HqV2ynJEmD_fchNDRfsEkkkvEeCnU_OZNBybDnOZHgA9NIriq62/w300-h400/292712452_1416306745448155_2164293568080721791_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching soccer on the projector with<br />the soccer team</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sNcCRIkl0c1qi8i0dyKZedDU7TqyJmBew9j7j0nmJ11x6EyjrRNE8rb3w1Jm0_gEVyZHAhtIMXZcaQWuUq_fC7iOcU09bzA3_C4_H2cNyVqjPuTPDID1VLSLr0kvRP-Ruff-BdiF2PzjX3RrN9buqRPID28rLkZ8k9QaEIrr9mI7OYj-v41srMni/s1478/291400139_1636293190075907_9214102881385064261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sNcCRIkl0c1qi8i0dyKZedDU7TqyJmBew9j7j0nmJ11x6EyjrRNE8rb3w1Jm0_gEVyZHAhtIMXZcaQWuUq_fC7iOcU09bzA3_C4_H2cNyVqjPuTPDID1VLSLr0kvRP-Ruff-BdiF2PzjX3RrN9buqRPID28rLkZ8k9QaEIrr9mI7OYj-v41srMni/s320/291400139_1636293190075907_9214102881385064261_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlinYqNV-UmV9eDG4558jvdh2qcXFO779yq9SFcsyLmYC0klYIDF8KWCsdrlYtRvvVH5uhEC6PDaYQ5QdSxA1aiWRp_A-SWT0-mUHUHccx00ps2ezOnoqNaiCVmt9KHowkqQsnG1VsISD8i9CFfNJXqahKNJdpB2f-rUXcuW0cMtKi89o-5lMzhMvA/s2000/288442996_592180252224807_7177225004027270880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlinYqNV-UmV9eDG4558jvdh2qcXFO779yq9SFcsyLmYC0klYIDF8KWCsdrlYtRvvVH5uhEC6PDaYQ5QdSxA1aiWRp_A-SWT0-mUHUHccx00ps2ezOnoqNaiCVmt9KHowkqQsnG1VsISD8i9CFfNJXqahKNJdpB2f-rUXcuW0cMtKi89o-5lMzhMvA/w400-h300/288442996_592180252224807_7177225004027270880_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soccer season has begun!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucTrN_lUIYTUA-yvlGTMCEPhZ1AJzKG8v8Z_kHUzfPiUKMzyN8pcXOh8viSSJEfZNKi4FmEfnWz-4Umywrd9lcxMlq2_jDILHHzN5Sr34cE3jK7bX6a5H2CjbiX1YVaaBS3ieR7NSFRnTn7_Zp0lvzRbDENpEqKa8yPbyZ7vSNoZH7H03gIdkuR0U/s960/294046235_5228681763905506_7803133775292608808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucTrN_lUIYTUA-yvlGTMCEPhZ1AJzKG8v8Z_kHUzfPiUKMzyN8pcXOh8viSSJEfZNKi4FmEfnWz-4Umywrd9lcxMlq2_jDILHHzN5Sr34cE3jK7bX6a5H2CjbiX1YVaaBS3ieR7NSFRnTn7_Zp0lvzRbDENpEqKa8yPbyZ7vSNoZH7H03gIdkuR0U/w400-h225/294046235_5228681763905506_7803133775292608808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More baptisms</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9QiLq7BWb6LyjHkK6UK1fHOUi4ITR0pDuME651mwpJRJ6-x5pp3vs1omYfjqMz82E_Aykgf7TcS--dQlXfoRbVKF7aRbiHvZE0UWB8sDalO9u6178voCoJUleVM4onNnGTfzwtjLGjfDi4iGOI9k_DP9j7guQIH0HalphHlTnqm9kikfhj6kxqhY/s960/292910832_619490816051884_394523630188416686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9QiLq7BWb6LyjHkK6UK1fHOUi4ITR0pDuME651mwpJRJ6-x5pp3vs1omYfjqMz82E_Aykgf7TcS--dQlXfoRbVKF7aRbiHvZE0UWB8sDalO9u6178voCoJUleVM4onNnGTfzwtjLGjfDi4iGOI9k_DP9j7guQIH0HalphHlTnqm9kikfhj6kxqhY/w400-h225/292910832_619490816051884_394523630188416686_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New brothers and sisters in Christ!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At
the moment, everyone is doing well. We are really glad that Stephen is getting
better. When Stephen and Becky both got Covid, Mary and Nick had to take care
of all the chores and daily tasks. This has been an absolutely trying couple of
months. Through highs and through lows, we praise God for always being with us.
As countries open up, with God by our side, our team all ready to go, and powerful
prayers and support from our faithful friends and family around the world ---
it’s full steam ahead!!</span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-65154101611311204422022-05-30T10:53:00.000+07:002022-05-30T10:53:14.681+07:00(Countries) Opening Soon!<p> According to the Lisu traditional culture, once a year, non-believers
would set a special day for the past love ones, even worship and pray to their
ancestors. This is one of the most important days or events for the Lisu
people. This event has caused division among the Lisu Christians across the
board… from China to Myanmar to Thailand. There is no decisive solution on this
issue: for some, they believe this event should be considered as an
evil-worshipping day, others view it as a memorial day. Non-believers have
labeled Christians as being no-gratitude-having descendants; for Christians, it
is about worshiping God alone. What should we believers do for this day? Since
the Wong’s family was one of the first Thai Lisu families to become Christians,
many people have always been watching them closely. The Wong family has
contextualized this event into a memorial service, not only to remember the
dead one, but to Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead; not only
looking back to the past, but putting hope to the future, that one day every
dead will rise and be transformed into the heavenly body. So each year, the
Wong’s hold a church service at the tomb. This year, Stephen preached on 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18 at his father’s tomb. In the midst of Covid crisis, it
turned out to not only being a fellowship time but also an evangelistic event.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UgxwaxS5IrhNHdH_Dw8D9cjsStHmFU2NV2zq4rmi-dZA4nEQKo8ntRriambw2nLEt4dnVo8T-pSUe5_eRLHBN7oNrcmCd-soZZLP014mV6FC0bvK40jyqQps_vzIwDEQ7iXhCtYnHbiwvK6OzUZPkTflqO8MSu6zIEDYQ2FGzwwUTQXvkxKR9bgy/s2000/281136826_794732608572440_686776273619471987_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UgxwaxS5IrhNHdH_Dw8D9cjsStHmFU2NV2zq4rmi-dZA4nEQKo8ntRriambw2nLEt4dnVo8T-pSUe5_eRLHBN7oNrcmCd-soZZLP014mV6FC0bvK40jyqQps_vzIwDEQ7iXhCtYnHbiwvK6OzUZPkTflqO8MSu6zIEDYQ2FGzwwUTQXvkxKR9bgy/w400-h300/281136826_794732608572440_686776273619471987_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving a sermon at his dad's memorial event</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Vytnv81GigbeJF1u6uzxAJGfTJ1qq_TDOtTMxYlKGyOxiZpD-gOXTPuCS6xYKJn_Z8LuPa9pSxwQKHNlOPIwxzWo59T910Q2VzrwXxHXCtLyj7YO9OEaRyYr7RIGhRqiV5UF5Y-C0gkcegWtaHr30oxle4jGgIaPtjgt6uyOgyjmdEB2VFKuwlu/s2000/282132265_409622507454018_8504087505544930179_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Vytnv81GigbeJF1u6uzxAJGfTJ1qq_TDOtTMxYlKGyOxiZpD-gOXTPuCS6xYKJn_Z8LuPa9pSxwQKHNlOPIwxzWo59T910Q2VzrwXxHXCtLyj7YO9OEaRyYr7RIGhRqiV5UF5Y-C0gkcegWtaHr30oxle4jGgIaPtjgt6uyOgyjmdEB2VFKuwlu/w400-h300/282132265_409622507454018_8504087505544930179_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 80 people attended the event</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48yM3x2NG22EGjfFIauyDkgCFXePNF36oN7Ks_rD6opD2B-kdBRhK-H9PIOT6Jrb8DWxyRmh0W2imCw62J1fqRchLU03swwyLu2pfX5-b8nTDC5s3gltGcM8tkM0BfXAR4N1oYMFZ7yy74n_iHaUU93j9r96M5tR-XqRbIHAUjuvzQ1B7fummpqus/s1478/281039291_717829389458928_255848899006382663_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48yM3x2NG22EGjfFIauyDkgCFXePNF36oN7Ks_rD6opD2B-kdBRhK-H9PIOT6Jrb8DWxyRmh0W2imCw62J1fqRchLU03swwyLu2pfX5-b8nTDC5s3gltGcM8tkM0BfXAR4N1oYMFZ7yy74n_iHaUU93j9r96M5tR-XqRbIHAUjuvzQ1B7fummpqus/s320/281039291_717829389458928_255848899006382663_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following government regulations, Nick<br />was in charge of testing for covid</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x3XIEjcczsfFTbws0MSIIjLryhUmBOeFegBqjRAvVLb9aJYJnRkhU2ZtR82dcrxgDdvDC8_ZnRRDiGEg3R1XRD4C6HiFAh4j_lizdu4T05HBKbSuXp40tqo_6Yolf1L10cSIFFN6Ks05xxcx2GU-YYjNrHub86Udf6-yvBVgqnSwANmsR7Pnis5i/s1478/279878632_1620279191671127_7128567023689058493_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x3XIEjcczsfFTbws0MSIIjLryhUmBOeFegBqjRAvVLb9aJYJnRkhU2ZtR82dcrxgDdvDC8_ZnRRDiGEg3R1XRD4C6HiFAh4j_lizdu4T05HBKbSuXp40tqo_6Yolf1L10cSIFFN6Ks05xxcx2GU-YYjNrHub86Udf6-yvBVgqnSwANmsR7Pnis5i/w400-h300/279878632_1620279191671127_7128567023689058493_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisu tradition of blessing the elders at the event</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpx8V5DuK-8LH829xrRbEnH9VYyfrLZEr74QQ9_1eSuNidsM1qyAErvABFAe95-awQ8jQOPEQesks0XMxc1K0MFdFwSvkbjlyf5SgsZL8igLAkEIRiFaySXlAm5GtIIcTALLOT9YFpIpooMkmfOCp3zk70Bk5PjD2dsk5xFzgH2ip8Qie35md-zDT/s1478/278384570_733245004671751_9219316858775967783_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpx8V5DuK-8LH829xrRbEnH9VYyfrLZEr74QQ9_1eSuNidsM1qyAErvABFAe95-awQ8jQOPEQesks0XMxc1K0MFdFwSvkbjlyf5SgsZL8igLAkEIRiFaySXlAm5GtIIcTALLOT9YFpIpooMkmfOCp3zk70Bk5PjD2dsk5xFzgH2ip8Qie35md-zDT/w400-h300/278384570_733245004671751_9219316858775967783_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wongs (Fish clan)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>During Easter, Stephen was invited to preach at several
churches. However, he and Mary decided to go to Bangkok, the capital of
Thailand, to preach at a church which is located in the middle of an impoverish
neighborhood. The members of this church are primarily migrant workers from
other countries. These people fled their homes because of war and lack of work
in their countries. Many of them live in fear because they don’t have the same
rights as Thais. They are facing many challenging issues in a foreign land and
country. With this context, Stephen encouraged them to live a resurrected life
with Jesus Christ in this chaotic world, being different and living different
from the rest of world because of our faith in the Resurrected Messiah. Stephen
and Mary had a great time with these Christian friends. However, after two and
a half years of lockdown and strict regulations, they were a bit nervous when
they saw large crowds. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a fruitful and blessing-filled
trip for them.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVUMacxSkFsXS7mDB5j7tRrixEa-ZlpzUnth4Fu8vykbZe87ToZ4dxDfocDmBW_OR9n9bvVIF0V2pzJu-Y-HqRv_KwyAbNsMwjl0gsyiogBdFhbeGIRxbTWPzHS99lF2LySbQaVjR_qtu7H4jRXDXJu2P73iRTPt7qn57iu5LAjF9HGsHFBU0HE7b/s1728/278053694_2649463985189440_7488854929617227244_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVUMacxSkFsXS7mDB5j7tRrixEa-ZlpzUnth4Fu8vykbZe87ToZ4dxDfocDmBW_OR9n9bvVIF0V2pzJu-Y-HqRv_KwyAbNsMwjl0gsyiogBdFhbeGIRxbTWPzHS99lF2LySbQaVjR_qtu7H4jRXDXJu2P73iRTPt7qn57iu5LAjF9HGsHFBU0HE7b/s320/278053694_2649463985189440_7488854929617227244_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary's first flight together since covid</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfncDrDHgXoxzkmXcbCUlPRtkADAQlaMFqQ6YatHR_edkeiumal1LJiPbq-xUKY2f_GdArideDp5sW6pAMiBlS43WOZhVYnim55aL1nRouEwUEqSjziL_QMSuzrOV7Ur2xa98F-sMpqnGdCy8y6PzwGR_9WHJBTfaBC2KKDJjcNDFfFhkQkAEWq0fr/s2000/277892071_378057930894872_1784951255065741202_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfncDrDHgXoxzkmXcbCUlPRtkADAQlaMFqQ6YatHR_edkeiumal1LJiPbq-xUKY2f_GdArideDp5sW6pAMiBlS43WOZhVYnim55aL1nRouEwUEqSjziL_QMSuzrOV7Ur2xa98F-sMpqnGdCy8y6PzwGR_9WHJBTfaBC2KKDJjcNDFfFhkQkAEWq0fr/s320/277892071_378057930894872_1784951255065741202_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church in Bangkok is a rented room<br />in a building</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE26p4mjT_zoBEnzb9PG2-8MxVPA6C0B61Jdn7OTigPsJ0di4-cD5RNS09fQZF-AVD--aKEkcOpMuQNXRDNiCFs6WCK-JlATvonYglI9z1PUJA94wLjjJhQi_VhQ-rhdXCsx0KeEr2AGlaRSW9e5cxfDKA96kf4c-ennOFL2O8-RyNw1nDE5uu6Bb/s2000/277593200_242412334741287_8539958255667934034_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE26p4mjT_zoBEnzb9PG2-8MxVPA6C0B61Jdn7OTigPsJ0di4-cD5RNS09fQZF-AVD--aKEkcOpMuQNXRDNiCFs6WCK-JlATvonYglI9z1PUJA94wLjjJhQi_VhQ-rhdXCsx0KeEr2AGlaRSW9e5cxfDKA96kf4c-ennOFL2O8-RyNw1nDE5uu6Bb/s320/277593200_242412334741287_8539958255667934034_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's sermon on Easter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Asians For Christ has worked with several mission
organizations; God has blessed us to go to places other could not go, to
accomplish tasks and projects other could not do. There was a Korean missionary
who focuses on building church in small villages as their ministry. This Korean
missionary helped the village in Mae Taeng build a new church building by teaming
up with Asians For Christ in this specific task. After several months, at this
point, the church building is about 80% completed. Recently, their missionary
team invited our family to have lunch with them to discuss about this ministry;
we all rejoice at the success of this specific project at Mae Taeng. If you
read a previous post, you would see how God works in wonderful ways, especially
with this project. When Stephen and Nick made a visit to the sick in Mae Taeng,
the people asked if Asians For Christ could help them build a church because at
the time they were meeting at a grain storage building, which after harvest
season, had no room. Stephen and Nick prayed for them and went home. As we
pulled up to our house, the Korean missionary called us out of the blue and
said their team wanted to help build a church and if we had any recommendations.
We were surprise at how quickly God answered our prayers. God is good indeed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3ImgAHE7wSq5CFZI5dkoNHI-_n_cwhRw4GZDi1D5fdwywjzk1WziglsBYdACldVQL2ss5VlMeQ806BFRGb-ZcAUEwNWAVNCY3tmaGkLSidrBGSS6E6pizI0mNDPVYKCou3_y2hRcSe30P4XOs0TyeDW3FAro8UePSPf3tlQi7dcP-1O-Bk0TT_M6/s2000/281516601_736877230664191_1894819368329713978_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3ImgAHE7wSq5CFZI5dkoNHI-_n_cwhRw4GZDi1D5fdwywjzk1WziglsBYdACldVQL2ss5VlMeQ806BFRGb-ZcAUEwNWAVNCY3tmaGkLSidrBGSS6E6pizI0mNDPVYKCou3_y2hRcSe30P4XOs0TyeDW3FAro8UePSPf3tlQi7dcP-1O-Bk0TT_M6/w400-h300/281516601_736877230664191_1894819368329713978_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church building is 80% complete!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other ministries<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After hearing our evangelist team’s report, Mary packed up
some clothes and shipped her recent lot to help the people in Shan state,
Myanmar. The clothing ministry continues to grow as the needs grow on the
mission field. We can see God providing in this ministry because some clothing
stores have given more from their excess clothes on top of what we buy,
logistic employees have given some discounts, and people have stepped up to
help distribute the clothes. The most important thing is that the clothes made
it to the people who really need it and they are able to see Jesus’ Love
through this.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmhVEEpkdQuPtrxzS5NqqoI1yae2ERVl2NXqhdih4YQRMEn6ONMFG0wNksvRtN09ToyTbMtqTaIv9nBu2iFW_X1TAFUcx6T5P5E0dmI_C0ncUrM6kyOJvCtU7PyNE1No6pdKnCFKC4jQsA0WdYwMuiTeF1Y1YJfdQTbriRcZGgqjJNzjp4bY2_WZg/s2000/280849682_734321754257317_215632880699094266_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmhVEEpkdQuPtrxzS5NqqoI1yae2ERVl2NXqhdih4YQRMEn6ONMFG0wNksvRtN09ToyTbMtqTaIv9nBu2iFW_X1TAFUcx6T5P5E0dmI_C0ncUrM6kyOJvCtU7PyNE1No6pdKnCFKC4jQsA0WdYwMuiTeF1Y1YJfdQTbriRcZGgqjJNzjp4bY2_WZg/s320/280849682_734321754257317_215632880699094266_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary and Becky packing clothes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh3elLh7efAEEONS0ZV0gxnV19qRlTe4XvqAOB0bctS0eR7jue_XfUMK7PwRDAjiluE5BdcsQtCOwwgc5CbQvvXcawzEokEzU9jV1-j1w4mBFyAi4dAn40DU_IIfkZs5p0Py37CFFCFqdxQqaT77L5NNaT1GSiRX99kdgR8grFlh3M4hQXr-eYTtY/s960/279654153_969391216998057_6660372117983534576_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh3elLh7efAEEONS0ZV0gxnV19qRlTe4XvqAOB0bctS0eR7jue_XfUMK7PwRDAjiluE5BdcsQtCOwwgc5CbQvvXcawzEokEzU9jV1-j1w4mBFyAi4dAn40DU_IIfkZs5p0Py37CFFCFqdxQqaT77L5NNaT1GSiRX99kdgR8grFlh3M4hQXr-eYTtY/s320/279654153_969391216998057_6660372117983534576_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends delivering the clothes<br />to several villages</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIM823tq2-xfdWu6Pe5uXzdnL80yux1UUGvOTj9uvmF2kGsJPomXtbEY7hnB9n-2XaiW2atq3jydYD3hSmwZ731tG4fICSuxldSgEZJD7torHSXu939UKHMkHRzTGuv2hiSFeOXn7Qjhj3WXlVYvsBaTcyw833ECLGgU9UQIunTijEtRAJvGHabrW/s960/279501204_4852415984880809_5968504754663358705_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="960" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIM823tq2-xfdWu6Pe5uXzdnL80yux1UUGvOTj9uvmF2kGsJPomXtbEY7hnB9n-2XaiW2atq3jydYD3hSmwZ731tG4fICSuxldSgEZJD7torHSXu939UKHMkHRzTGuv2hiSFeOXn7Qjhj3WXlVYvsBaTcyw833ECLGgU9UQIunTijEtRAJvGHabrW/s320/279501204_4852415984880809_5968504754663358705_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They received the clothes and started<br /> wearing them on that day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxJwql3QzfJZiPTiI8aquLwqF__QAKHJzyIRzcPAVQDWMC0A06r3LbwzdKlUYNwRCAls9g4rRhEh6SXLrA7KNahFU_2Z3IjOUtpFP-fso5DxDo3Ao6Aim0hb0Imp242XgqrJGyNb36cvllQb0K0q4BuOJWeCP-NE9M_LZ2fUifACz02bYwfBqtdzB/s960/279574369_908632217201228_1333344535214586383_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxJwql3QzfJZiPTiI8aquLwqF__QAKHJzyIRzcPAVQDWMC0A06r3LbwzdKlUYNwRCAls9g4rRhEh6SXLrA7KNahFU_2Z3IjOUtpFP-fso5DxDo3Ao6Aim0hb0Imp242XgqrJGyNb36cvllQb0K0q4BuOJWeCP-NE9M_LZ2fUifACz02bYwfBqtdzB/s320/279574369_908632217201228_1333344535214586383_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This boy really likes this shirt!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjkOMhfVz4GgOU1J6TCB1kpZ6yOzAvTj01i8NI_chCDOBITwQNJlihTTfMW6D7mgm8StFqhmds5qTLuGPyRJWzA8sgT9afoYviyw3DMwg30L6BH0n2-7LCO2G5zgk8__5OTbi2clHhNaiNdvzZJKJrf5KP8SYyDXQq2StnUMTngV9YwO4dF3b52ON/s960/279560263_717500675957914_2142387644554604363_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="960" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjkOMhfVz4GgOU1J6TCB1kpZ6yOzAvTj01i8NI_chCDOBITwQNJlihTTfMW6D7mgm8StFqhmds5qTLuGPyRJWzA8sgT9afoYviyw3DMwg30L6BH0n2-7LCO2G5zgk8__5OTbi2clHhNaiNdvzZJKJrf5KP8SYyDXQq2StnUMTngV9YwO4dF3b52ON/s320/279560263_717500675957914_2142387644554604363_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is another village that received clothes</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Stephen, Nick, and Becky continue to teach online through
zoom. The Christian leaders studying with Stephen from Myanmar, Thailand, China and
even Malaysia have all expressed wanting to learn in an intensive setting; so, Stephen
plans to have an actual in-person course in the near future. At the moment, we
are figuring out the location and the time to have this weeklong class.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3_pzQWA-rTug5eYVKIDgKocMUIT0lIUGido4xDKnk1MpUyExJzTjaChVc2_KUOC4EF_5SULks27k_D3VPdDlfKFskzaMquu1mIPBR0tQaWkw6v8ojH33xgkjffcWCdL34KunPc2ClbirsIdLfhOi-6oHnWnEhnqAB6tEDe4IOV3M4P-3DMkQzgTT/s1920/280406008_555021209529676_1170801589683418894_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3_pzQWA-rTug5eYVKIDgKocMUIT0lIUGido4xDKnk1MpUyExJzTjaChVc2_KUOC4EF_5SULks27k_D3VPdDlfKFskzaMquu1mIPBR0tQaWkw6v8ojH33xgkjffcWCdL34KunPc2ClbirsIdLfhOi-6oHnWnEhnqAB6tEDe4IOV3M4P-3DMkQzgTT/s320/280406008_555021209529676_1170801589683418894_n.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are going through the book of Matthew<br />with the students in Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Since countries have been opening up more and more, we are now getting ready to
go into other countries. After so long, some of our passports have almost
expired. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing to see that tourism in Thailand is
increasing and that more planes are beginning to open routes to Laos, Myanmar,
and even Vietnam. Recently, thanks to IDES we have the funds to help the people
struggling in our target countries and now we are planning our trips to these
areas. Prayers for the tasks to be accomplished successfully would be greatly
appreciated.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Family<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The family has had a great time finally being able to spend
time with relatives and friends. We are slowly building courage to go out into
the world again. When we do go outside, we feel out of place because it’s been
awhile since we actually ate at a restaurant or traveled to a gathering. Ultimately,
we are super happy to finally get to spend time with people in person. <o:p></o:p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZnBIcPNeuOlIO_fYtHtP2n75ad1NophKpFP53y86s55R0FuWBZVVm58bPbCnk7Ot_kg_yEa_1AY-KR0mn22acju1_tTCV2Jvv8y63NQ1rr52SpbdLxLJp6oLboegQBk5bTGTxQKC33yDYkvVUa_kaq3uLtlELRvSQBV5Bz--N33z1w4FlzVB4pdn/s1027/276130648_1353581665154441_652196629217847762_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1027" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZnBIcPNeuOlIO_fYtHtP2n75ad1NophKpFP53y86s55R0FuWBZVVm58bPbCnk7Ot_kg_yEa_1AY-KR0mn22acju1_tTCV2Jvv8y63NQ1rr52SpbdLxLJp6oLboegQBk5bTGTxQKC33yDYkvVUa_kaq3uLtlELRvSQBV5Bz--N33z1w4FlzVB4pdn/s320/276130648_1353581665154441_652196629217847762_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick having dinner with some of the members <br />from his soccer team</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ6L2qwzw3jHWG47G6gFeNgLBug3D6i_dE64dE-Zy4HD2Wle4xCgNZvUEFipIiUqZkNh3JQ1qiCeAqvkx8GIh2uaQWmsXAfbuXYU6XAVndk3R-S-dsAFM9wdEZiojdzKkssT29V-e3uTSq7mQPT-zHk4vx31CvYBikoZJM29CrqLD7FcM08vGxlrx/s2000/277371272_714214926371912_6813123828180189442_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ6L2qwzw3jHWG47G6gFeNgLBug3D6i_dE64dE-Zy4HD2Wle4xCgNZvUEFipIiUqZkNh3JQ1qiCeAqvkx8GIh2uaQWmsXAfbuXYU6XAVndk3R-S-dsAFM9wdEZiojdzKkssT29V-e3uTSq7mQPT-zHk4vx31CvYBikoZJM29CrqLD7FcM08vGxlrx/s320/277371272_714214926371912_6813123828180189442_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small church service at our home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TVEfwPxKGtQfaYn-5TAdYgVXspHwn1cpVA4Jew_X46OdbE9kNApDXaw3wKRGnquHqgY0JGR3m7tuBe-Fg3wEss44UII-hV19kSCdQI1CwIqtYVPbAqKSWuP6h0FuzA8c4vp6KyPGWNrXmCfLmuBcfzUYcoBZE_vJYvyseaMRtszhB4eiiBN6oTFx/s2000/279912498_397310395624859_4557523643550625353_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TVEfwPxKGtQfaYn-5TAdYgVXspHwn1cpVA4Jew_X46OdbE9kNApDXaw3wKRGnquHqgY0JGR3m7tuBe-Fg3wEss44UII-hV19kSCdQI1CwIqtYVPbAqKSWuP6h0FuzA8c4vp6KyPGWNrXmCfLmuBcfzUYcoBZE_vJYvyseaMRtszhB4eiiBN6oTFx/s320/279912498_397310395624859_4557523643550625353_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with our Korean friends</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">A great news is that Nick is engaged to his fiancé named
“Khao” (nickname – meaning rice). They plan to get married in January or
February of 2023.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzPEYPpHFPfeio8VwH27ea2ssFXA8wv-YN4LG8VoH9pdifgfGmBL4O1wKrtr8HrT-lDRIq9xi9cIRBsRspdObwqN7ifHnxFgb0a8j3BSotQNTuniw8ecvbK0YAumN786FFSKHiCl5j0r-EQ9uXOqpqB8A5fPg9U4CYwvgNyMI8nCcMAjSxE2_DXdT/s1478/279645976_547881090180218_2741625714164414211_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzPEYPpHFPfeio8VwH27ea2ssFXA8wv-YN4LG8VoH9pdifgfGmBL4O1wKrtr8HrT-lDRIq9xi9cIRBsRspdObwqN7ifHnxFgb0a8j3BSotQNTuniw8ecvbK0YAumN786FFSKHiCl5j0r-EQ9uXOqpqB8A5fPg9U4CYwvgNyMI8nCcMAjSxE2_DXdT/s320/279645976_547881090180218_2741625714164414211_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick with Khao</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">As we wait for Jesus to return, we encourage other
Christians to remain strong in Christ and we share the Gospel to the non-Christians. We thank you for being a part of our missions in Southeast Asia and China!</p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-43528638854325446102022-03-17T19:15:00.002+07:002022-03-17T20:32:24.436+07:00The Challenging but Rewarding Narrow Gate<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The construction of roads and highways can be the mark of an established civilization. Rome constructed most of their roads in a straight path so that travel could be done quicker and the U.S. established the interstate highway for the convenience of traveling from state to state with little congestion. So, why not take the highway? It's bigger more convenient and gets you to the destination faster. In the spiritual aspect, we know that in the book of Matthew, the Christian path is often viewed as the narrow path with a narrow gate where few will want to take. Why would someone take the small challenging road?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even with obstacles, many more are coming to Christ and our God continues to open doors for us. We praise
God for what He has done and what He continues to do.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are always reminiscing of all the great
things God has done in our lives.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some
of you may know the story of how Stephen’s family came to Christ, but many do
not so we’d like to share about how that happened. From an Animist (evil spirit
worshipping) village to living as a Buddhist monk, God called Stephen and his
father’s family.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
story was way before Stephen met his wife Mary and started his ministries. Here
is his story:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">My name is Stephen. I am Lisu, a minority people
group in Thailand, Burma and China. I was born in </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thailand, in an evil-spirit worshipping
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was three days old, my
parents offered me to be a son of evil spirits, or to be a shaman at due time. Throughout
my younger days, I grew up in a Buddhist monastery and in fact I was a Buddhist
monk and my destiny was to be the next shaman of the village.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In those
days, the Lisu people grew opium as a cash crop so we lived in a very
restricted society. Living in a closed society, we hardly encountered any
visitors in our village. At the same time, the villagers would very rarely
travel into “civilized” towns. We had to walk two full days, including sleeping
in the jungle at night, in order to reach the nearest town. Therefore, when I
was growing up, the gospel of Jesus had never reached any Lisu villages in
Thailand.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nevertheless,
one afternoon, my father, a leader, saw a vision of the narrow and wide gates, with respective narrow and wide paths, and heard a
man say the word “repent.” The word “repent” in Lisu literally means to
transplant your heart. With a very limited medical knowledge, my dad responded
in his vision to that man saying, “How could I survive after taking my heart
out?” Then, he heard a voice saying “go and find Jesus.” In order to find the
man named “Jesus” and the meaning of “repentance,” my father sent one of my
brothers and me to a Buddhist monastery. Unfortunately, the word “repent” and
“Jesus” were not found in Buddhism.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">One day
my father and my eldest brother came down to town to visit us. While they were
waiting for a taxi on the side of the street, they met a missionary. The
missionary told them that he came to tell them about “Jesus.” The word “Jesus”
clicked in my dad’s heart and made him remember his vision. So, he asked him
the meaning of “repentance” and the vision of the two different gates. Right
after the missionary explained the word and the vision from the Bible, my
father and my eldest brother invited the missionary to go to the temple, where
my second eldest brother and I lived. When my dad entered at the door, his
first words were, “I have found someone who can tell us about Jesus.” Right
there, my second eldest brother accepted Jesus.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">After my
second eldest brother had accepted Jesus, he kept coming to visit me at the
temple informing about Jesus for over a year. I kept telling him that unless I
had studied about Jesus for myself, I would not accept it. Back in those days,
there was a very limited number of missionaries in our town. The closest
missionary was several hundred kilometers away: a full 24-hour day bus ride.
One day my brother invited me and one of my sisters to go to this missionary
and study the Scripture with him for about a week. After a weeklong Bible study
with this missionary, my sister and I finally accepted Jesus. Then my brother,
sister and I went back to our village to tell the people about Jesus Christ
from the Bible. Not long after, my family burned our spirits shelves and
accepted Jesus Christ as our true and living Lord and Savior. Indeed, my family
was one of the first groups of people among Lisu tribe in Thailand who accepted
Jesus Christ.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">However,
my mom kept resistance for a year. You see, my mom was an alcoholic. She would
drink one bottle in the morning and another bottle in the evening. She would
even brew her own whiskey in our backyard. A year later, she came to me asking
whether God could redeem her from her alcoholism. I told her that I can’t
answer on His behalf but I knew one thing that if it’s in His will, he is able
to do everything. So, my mom asked me to baptize her. The moment she got up out
of the water at her baptism, she was totally released from her alcoholism.
Praise the Lord!</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were many challenges as soon as we became Christian. First, we had to stop growing opium. Instead, we grew rice, and rice doesn't grow well in the mountains because the water that the rice needs to sit in would flow away. For several years, the family were often hungry because rice was a filler and they didn't produce much at all. On top of this, because our new faith brought change to the community, many people wanted us dead, especially my father. There were many attempts but none were successful. There were countless challenges but through our conversion, many other Lisu also became Christians. Praise God!</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Throughout
my life and ministry, I have always experienced God’s presence and His power.
On the daily, I keep finding reasons to praise our Living God who is in
control.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Praise
God for His deliverance and for using Stephen in spreading the gospel to others
in Southeast Asia and China. With the Good News, we are breaking the chains
of the evil on the lives of the people. People are choosing the narrow gate! In the past month, 39 people in Laos
came to Christ. As soon as they believed, they destroyed their idols and got
baptized. In many parts of Asia, if you become Christian, it often comes with
challenges. Many will face persecution, rejection, and harassment because of
their faith. Internally, they may have to give up lucrative businesses because
of their faith. For many, following Jesus is not an easy road. Like Stephen’s
family, after finding Jesus, they gave up every comfort in order to follow
Jesus because Jesus brings real hope and freedom.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0bL5PLNP32k8FZAaqy_fvyPTngXrFfcZoB9MrPZtkKGCB6tQeR63JdRSjpL-ehKuBmHLBEvVvYUXqueykVDYt_nBjMCXmqU9-PCA4ivb6zy9qaGawHtew4j95QI3faT6Mc39WL3s_RMJ5fgO_Y6LHYhSHammm6sdeFnNp_E7yEBabu0alvOtRmbIG=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0bL5PLNP32k8FZAaqy_fvyPTngXrFfcZoB9MrPZtkKGCB6tQeR63JdRSjpL-ehKuBmHLBEvVvYUXqueykVDYt_nBjMCXmqU9-PCA4ivb6zy9qaGawHtew4j95QI3faT6Mc39WL3s_RMJ5fgO_Y6LHYhSHammm6sdeFnNp_E7yEBabu0alvOtRmbIG=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilkEefS4ba3c-LjqfEIxKlt_0iCyYP7pdD-zRUmP2JYFMYlTu0PEAVNIOegbGuSsR5YaQR95c5AJffDSg73Jcf8r2Y73BhLoTr-pgB3Tif0LuRZp0BWCtxYOYJ8VdGdnDEPQtrbo-XjtbCelL-CegA08qywR4_0cWambOjx23jc3AWmRW8hHd13jVD=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilkEefS4ba3c-LjqfEIxKlt_0iCyYP7pdD-zRUmP2JYFMYlTu0PEAVNIOegbGuSsR5YaQR95c5AJffDSg73Jcf8r2Y73BhLoTr-pgB3Tif0LuRZp0BWCtxYOYJ8VdGdnDEPQtrbo-XjtbCelL-CegA08qywR4_0cWambOjx23jc3AWmRW8hHd13jVD=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tearing down evil spirit shelf and idols</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs_CwJLmT1FnpvJ-hckxjWCPussNB6O8FByjeNEuiqihmOdZublBtXCbZfx4Xh7mkDkMaepZOch7p9Q-wWADusBs6io0DUSsKjnMO5bDE8ltbefJq-zDoJQvMAFRgNr_8TfeziA_36LqKOTZl1dmVeVJj1-_SLOGCK9bLIugMm4RcDw4kQIg38TIf_=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs_CwJLmT1FnpvJ-hckxjWCPussNB6O8FByjeNEuiqihmOdZublBtXCbZfx4Xh7mkDkMaepZOch7p9Q-wWADusBs6io0DUSsKjnMO5bDE8ltbefJq-zDoJQvMAFRgNr_8TfeziA_36LqKOTZl1dmVeVJj1-_SLOGCK9bLIugMm4RcDw4kQIg38TIf_=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burning the evil spirit shelf</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1GTQA3Q0VSsJ4CvQL6niizeE7x8SOLAVgbVSWHyTUnC-Uhl2YfMPLSRijT4ZKn29ctvr2dd2GoWQw_o0vRhBvl0prX5h6hXGbQxZlpTT2R4TQKwN0UdhV41OeozIko7nOLVTfZCAgI6LQQEAOAEED77ZRDFgRKMj2pWwkePO0oeoVlWrSDUOeY-sj=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1GTQA3Q0VSsJ4CvQL6niizeE7x8SOLAVgbVSWHyTUnC-Uhl2YfMPLSRijT4ZKn29ctvr2dd2GoWQw_o0vRhBvl0prX5h6hXGbQxZlpTT2R4TQKwN0UdhV41OeozIko7nOLVTfZCAgI6LQQEAOAEED77ZRDFgRKMj2pWwkePO0oeoVlWrSDUOeY-sj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Believers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfpyK6wOpLZuNYvCGNscL_djUtHoH6pmtU50-TGK2wSjE_QywAhliDmTaP_I1pXIJkr2w1_7nUWrp5kaCIgZCt1ibKx0a6-Zzlj-IpzUvOtvT8FBnIKtlBPzCmoKrThiLZSNjmqjMpe-1ojiFvFRVmFExghSpzP19scKyUGfeMqO9J-_AFY50Ro4Ln=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="960" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfpyK6wOpLZuNYvCGNscL_djUtHoH6pmtU50-TGK2wSjE_QywAhliDmTaP_I1pXIJkr2w1_7nUWrp5kaCIgZCt1ibKx0a6-Zzlj-IpzUvOtvT8FBnIKtlBPzCmoKrThiLZSNjmqjMpe-1ojiFvFRVmFExghSpzP19scKyUGfeMqO9J-_AFY50Ro4Ln=w400-h194" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKq3pdKdzuyaNQa7wMskNQiKNJOv7v83Q-OBYsp9FqBLMzMv1E7z_im6IfBYsBpnwU7n_Nq6UiW-EUVMTKzxqES8r-FFNqsk64ecwY3yTmDAaZeQhutV1RiCb_ccUT56NIfzTjWG5gTqjjuEDwlqkAC9SN1CrIhtrccVM7sjlG_wAfLdgcU5Z9RSqI=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="960" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKq3pdKdzuyaNQa7wMskNQiKNJOv7v83Q-OBYsp9FqBLMzMv1E7z_im6IfBYsBpnwU7n_Nq6UiW-EUVMTKzxqES8r-FFNqsk64ecwY3yTmDAaZeQhutV1RiCb_ccUT56NIfzTjWG5gTqjjuEDwlqkAC9SN1CrIhtrccVM7sjlG_wAfLdgcU5Z9RSqI=w400-h194" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom in Christ!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At
the moment, there are around 20 other people wanting to be baptized but due to
the village lockdowns, they aren’t able to. Many of the people living in
villages on the mountains do not have a water source to be able to get baptized
so they have to walk down the mountain to a river or a pond. Please pray for these
people and also pray for our partnering field workers who are carrying out the
Great Commission by making new disciples in their communities and country.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEpo1aYTMVBGAR8-fQbZne2RaRJLe4bTH0k-U8a3Ooe4wEBHU93RyOrgT-4EjB0n9sVOrMJlF7N6crzN3y2507hllYeU7qXxiw5fkWwpWMlSr2I3Lw-uzovBa4TKKmYD0M7oK1SnxYNX3V8DGiDYwlW9XnAhESkZF9xwiMVvyLg_uCMslbNVcruErH=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEpo1aYTMVBGAR8-fQbZne2RaRJLe4bTH0k-U8a3Ooe4wEBHU93RyOrgT-4EjB0n9sVOrMJlF7N6crzN3y2507hllYeU7qXxiw5fkWwpWMlSr2I3Lw-uzovBa4TKKmYD0M7oK1SnxYNX3V8DGiDYwlW9XnAhESkZF9xwiMVvyLg_uCMslbNVcruErH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evangelist/leadership course in Laos continues when<br />there isn't a lockdown</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
February, a Thai church, where Nick volunteers at, set up have an event for the
kids at our neighborhood, on the outskirts of Chiang Mai city. It was a
Valentine’s Day themed event where we hung out with the elementary school kids
to show them the love of Jesus. As we’ve mentioned before, our neighborhood
used to be very much against Christianity when we first moved here. They would
ignore us and rally for people to avoid us. Slowly, we were able to build
relationships with our neighbors and now they are very respectful to us and our
faith. So, during this Valentine’s Day event for the kids, they welcomed us to
come and hang out with the kids and allowed us to tell the kids about Jesus. It
was such a great event! Thank you to the Thai church for their efforts for the
kids in our area.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB_d727QY-ydi3Wsi8CPDXRidwgE-mZ8GoBkF1S43SLZr_E1StKCxkcq_sIh-Ko9rF8ulU3ZAlp098mhn92Jjddq5eevKCPACTM3pmoAgtCMYmXwJ7ZuR8DrkW7Ia8Nl_XOO5Otn3jqG5T0C5UbSotUa_eouA-jilZ6A-j-juC0f3AqjW_HJmPL-UG=s720" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB_d727QY-ydi3Wsi8CPDXRidwgE-mZ8GoBkF1S43SLZr_E1StKCxkcq_sIh-Ko9rF8ulU3ZAlp098mhn92Jjddq5eevKCPACTM3pmoAgtCMYmXwJ7ZuR8DrkW7Ia8Nl_XOO5Otn3jqG5T0C5UbSotUa_eouA-jilZ6A-j-juC0f3AqjW_HJmPL-UG=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's Day event at Hua Fai Government School</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDkx3dFEnWkLiEj_A1NEQH_DGBG2x0xJgvLiwcHBKjOzHlfjimQZCYcWmP-v6VtxGQWGsScagSVmUw3ECNSZC4S0LJKedThQ2WrjHAfbkcrwwJjupGIUEk6R-7mKr_p0DtGLIGRL8jAoSLHV4Pgh0IcKpb12ltWVImVyQ5K-FPjmbZ_qTh3LFGKkAD=s2000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDkx3dFEnWkLiEj_A1NEQH_DGBG2x0xJgvLiwcHBKjOzHlfjimQZCYcWmP-v6VtxGQWGsScagSVmUw3ECNSZC4S0LJKedThQ2WrjHAfbkcrwwJjupGIUEk6R-7mKr_p0DtGLIGRL8jAoSLHV4Pgh0IcKpb12ltWVImVyQ5K-FPjmbZ_qTh3LFGKkAD=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack time!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpmdigyhVvcZE1UX57rGYSPefp4_ksePaQVr0_NW8_DY5yI94gzUv8Fhoiy7OEQh6-hZcw8eEKJ7NihQS_xPUqomvvCTNhBEvnsUE2K_wj5QMFVrH3oJM8eqvRKKYz7Oxd3j0GD0dRp45mD48PJ3BtacRL46y34zPjtqQ2yF4BXKOswrc2ccmFh5LA=s2000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpmdigyhVvcZE1UX57rGYSPefp4_ksePaQVr0_NW8_DY5yI94gzUv8Fhoiy7OEQh6-hZcw8eEKJ7NihQS_xPUqomvvCTNhBEvnsUE2K_wj5QMFVrH3oJM8eqvRKKYz7Oxd3j0GD0dRp45mD48PJ3BtacRL46y34zPjtqQ2yF4BXKOswrc2ccmFh5LA=s320" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS9FwAOsRxHTfJir1p5HuukF76KciFhgcGXnw-82so9gPd9DJFB9jKShVNM3qbHert9Pr4LjOB8oCt6j-whWI6kntQwIwnhY9f-TBfWpriHVZrY2-DPQSy_r_8yDW3cFpxgoAf1b-oVqqWLWsVDHv0jx7J_KBSK0zKf-hxnTWy3RjKl_VIyWAPUYha=s1432" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS9FwAOsRxHTfJir1p5HuukF76KciFhgcGXnw-82so9gPd9DJFB9jKShVNM3qbHert9Pr4LjOB8oCt6j-whWI6kntQwIwnhY9f-TBfWpriHVZrY2-DPQSy_r_8yDW3cFpxgoAf1b-oVqqWLWsVDHv0jx7J_KBSK0zKf-hxnTWy3RjKl_VIyWAPUYha=s320" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzI08hJg5VM9QctQ35CcS5tBnniS897ov7Wmc64mBaBlqP-RRkQQ6ZGmzTiuAxPwTbKwUKfRCKLIqJYS940togxvuT01KUpl1h2reYfsJXjty9Mkg-MPHJ-_7Ximo5l4sG3YEMiYbYw5jRwLpPBMr_Hd28_1zUYfWGiJPjQv-y_DduLIo01I2CfMAS=s2000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzI08hJg5VM9QctQ35CcS5tBnniS897ov7Wmc64mBaBlqP-RRkQQ6ZGmzTiuAxPwTbKwUKfRCKLIqJYS940togxvuT01KUpl1h2reYfsJXjty9Mkg-MPHJ-_7Ximo5l4sG3YEMiYbYw5jRwLpPBMr_Hd28_1zUYfWGiJPjQv-y_DduLIo01I2CfMAS=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gifts for the kids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjytsRv7ZHQUfq1SOmOTicayH1lTBUm8GILO1Zg4wpyKPwCaeJIh80Klc1Nx7wvkerUTCZ7NqcBdYjZ29p04wXvH-uMlO38jLYb902YUoLkL7MbguaiLECFnJfGUnR6KXt2I7DN6yv_vGsv2MuO8AFnjXjvtWBfks3WShX2w67mW76QM2vcoJgySADS=s1568" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjytsRv7ZHQUfq1SOmOTicayH1lTBUm8GILO1Zg4wpyKPwCaeJIh80Klc1Nx7wvkerUTCZ7NqcBdYjZ29p04wXvH-uMlO38jLYb902YUoLkL7MbguaiLECFnJfGUnR6KXt2I7DN6yv_vGsv2MuO8AFnjXjvtWBfks3WShX2w67mW76QM2vcoJgySADS=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great day!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Moreover,
Thailand still has strong covid restrictions. In several places in the
mountains of Chiang Mai, villages banned entry or departures of outsiders
because many people were infected with covid. With the travel restrictions,
people didn’t have enough food or water. After hearing this, we sent some
relief packages to the village leaders and they were able to distribute food
and water to the people in several villages. We also sent some relief packages
to our neighbors and to the people struggling in neighboring countries.</span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDOUG-6KaeX5xm8yeqXnFYNAKAk5b9S1g6Jky_0gNMveVq07dlAPDHesl7laaltDK2l1u_8IVtk37HAO6eQAJp9yYCV-7r7kEgxTMXzPt4DSvJL4I81NVqIPEhX6xrfLA3HA4KLfxJmOFdsAwm97AvAnzKm6Re2lGQSrxKD8bU0jfzB7YymKIzlL5=s1560" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDOUG-6KaeX5xm8yeqXnFYNAKAk5b9S1g6Jky_0gNMveVq07dlAPDHesl7laaltDK2l1u_8IVtk37HAO6eQAJp9yYCV-7r7kEgxTMXzPt4DSvJL4I81NVqIPEhX6xrfLA3HA4KLfxJmOFdsAwm97AvAnzKm6Re2lGQSrxKD8bU0jfzB7YymKIzlL5=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abe, Stephen's nephew, delivered the packages<br />of food to the people in the quarantined village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ZwKdbpz0fqV35oNTjCinbyCzzy1ldUFu-zyHQAgBnJ3S7OeBZiJdzqSI-Bvae1PGHx-VAd8OsgaT3WDjaXH2lP-VID1srfTzGGLMeFY9qvdutnBVmP3-WElOJ2DkQxwByhJFsQMUtC3oj0ZH9B1wrrZ1CdzZC2jjuAlO9i8HDiXa98JIMcZxHNZr=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ZwKdbpz0fqV35oNTjCinbyCzzy1ldUFu-zyHQAgBnJ3S7OeBZiJdzqSI-Bvae1PGHx-VAd8OsgaT3WDjaXH2lP-VID1srfTzGGLMeFY9qvdutnBVmP3-WElOJ2DkQxwByhJFsQMUtC3oj0ZH9B1wrrZ1CdzZC2jjuAlO9i8HDiXa98JIMcZxHNZr=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEcH4Fmz1vgCwEeNbLpRQXTaCF2xarIEirnPVqbrflJ7sGsXxnDRzWYnmguFREv0Uf6Kwdx8lmTVLh4gxeCP0TelPdBknyarxe6LdxMGwAy61Tjbwkn262BJmA5RIWET8cv-JeNluuN6lRUnKpHzcGd0S7tDIy9h7g3A0VLfCDnxRlFb8VvZxahLaY=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEcH4Fmz1vgCwEeNbLpRQXTaCF2xarIEirnPVqbrflJ7sGsXxnDRzWYnmguFREv0Uf6Kwdx8lmTVLh4gxeCP0TelPdBknyarxe6LdxMGwAy61Tjbwkn262BJmA5RIWET8cv-JeNluuN6lRUnKpHzcGd0S7tDIy9h7g3A0VLfCDnxRlFb8VvZxahLaY=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At another location, snacks were sent to <br />encourage kids at the border</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Myanmar-China</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Since
we’ve started online Bible classes, many of our students are primarily from
Myanmar and China. Stephen’s class continues to increase in number as more
people want to join to study the books of the Bible exegetically. We have seen an
increase in interest and attendance in our classes since we started offering
classes online, even more than when it was onsite. The only times the students
aren’t able to join is when their government turns off their electricity or
their internet providers. This challenge still persists because of the ongoing
war within Myanmar and the recent laws in China. Please pray for the students
as they hunger to learn more of God’s Word but face many challenges.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Several
places have requested Stephen to go and teach at their Summer Bible camps. Due
to safety concerns, he is currently unable to travel into some areas. So, he
asked some of his students who are locals to go on his behalf. It is very
dangerous at this moment even to cross the border at the Golden Triangle in
order to offer a special course to those new converts. The tension between the
Myanmar militaries and the Shan ethnic army has escalated. The fighting could
break out at any moment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isaac
is getting ready to head into high school at Varee School because his current
school (Sarasas School) doesn’t go up to high school level. He’s a bit nervous
but glad that there are a couple of old friends that are also going to Varee.
This is a big step for him because this school will prep him on the course for
computer programming/engineering. Many times, he has stated that he wants to
major in Physics but there is no course that will prep him for that career in
Thailand. Mary continues to take care of the crops that she has planted. In the
past several months, she has been collecting green beans and giving them to
people who don’t have anything to eat; there are people out there eating just
rice with salt/peppers because they don’t have the means to buy groceries.
Stephen continues to teach and study almost every day. His students really
enjoy the classes and have asked great questions which go deeper in theology. Several
of his works are waiting to be published in Lisu when the countries are fully
opening. Besides teaching, Stephen loves taking care of his wild roosters that
he has in the backyard. Becky has been diligently prepping and teaching her
classes with great content and games. All the students have improved
significantly. Nick continues to volunteer at the local Thai church, in the
preaching rotation and also working with the youth. The youth group will
hopefully be able to start meeting next month. On top of his regular online
Bible/English classes, he has met up with young Christian men in Myanmar to
discuss about the Bible and encourage each other to grow in the faith.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIa_x7-_C3l8C_Xy3T5SMF6_wMrVZ1R-8T4_i2rcQWbjUQsOUY8fn02fq_UTSZ47dzXR6xbguqHfkCFAxCDcrDI92LuPnie8H2w2YyvqwImqFhu9-ETH4OweY6ZWN_vo780M2-CTk7mlQnOMV4eytO_78INsGads1bHlgcVxZj55Gn-7zM5q1qUVb=s1477" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIa_x7-_C3l8C_Xy3T5SMF6_wMrVZ1R-8T4_i2rcQWbjUQsOUY8fn02fq_UTSZ47dzXR6xbguqHfkCFAxCDcrDI92LuPnie8H2w2YyvqwImqFhu9-ETH4OweY6ZWN_vo780M2-CTk7mlQnOMV4eytO_78INsGads1bHlgcVxZj55Gn-7zM5q1qUVb=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac's last day with his friends at Sarasas School</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
Mary’s mother has come to live with us for some time. Mary’s mom is in her old
age is becoming forgetful. Once in a while, she would come stay with us for a
week or two before going back to stay in the mountains of Chiang Dao. Another
person that is staying with us currently is Stephen’s nephew “Deer.” Deer moved
to live with us because he recently got a new job in Chiang Mai. He has asked
Stephen to pray for him because he and his wife are trying to have a baby.
Please pray for them.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4pH0k_DcO7rwpOqPowbo8yTHEPvQ5vV0GZSPLHIEEM25RdCSIxxtbBdNNTx_uv894PirvA_AQT80D63xbqK53NugROmqXv2y5BMzN6TuEuEksx08H_Vo7ctggQ3LS9-FRvwEYE8jzwNP6Q4bcBZOyzoQROqWaj-viJf16nBoLf4VwVe57kHB5qpA0=s1728" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4pH0k_DcO7rwpOqPowbo8yTHEPvQ5vV0GZSPLHIEEM25RdCSIxxtbBdNNTx_uv894PirvA_AQT80D63xbqK53NugROmqXv2y5BMzN6TuEuEksx08H_Vo7ctggQ3LS9-FRvwEYE8jzwNP6Q4bcBZOyzoQROqWaj-viJf16nBoLf4VwVe57kHB5qpA0=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary loves spending time wither<br />her mom</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9qCDzBMTnaavB5zrQtx1SIRg0ucmNEq8AUFLos8d3MAEfcICIYWUkDeAhSjtdiN-HLGhp9_f39fRxC_P2m_S9KYjIG4ngzcdVzM6ENgvKf2BKj9fIqYm7Ob_gtSHFmgKnGHht1vsEFPswc7PItUmV7ksQlIu0CPFdJJ4hTfe5iTBoM2D9oBplo7sM=s1773" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1773" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9qCDzBMTnaavB5zrQtx1SIRg0ucmNEq8AUFLos8d3MAEfcICIYWUkDeAhSjtdiN-HLGhp9_f39fRxC_P2m_S9KYjIG4ngzcdVzM6ENgvKf2BKj9fIqYm7Ob_gtSHFmgKnGHht1vsEFPswc7PItUmV7ksQlIu0CPFdJJ4hTfe5iTBoM2D9oBplo7sM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary's birthday at the end of January<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz9xor7yCzm6VCJH1K1EI9jztoeplWKr7f7k94e8QcxiSAjTU9DDYvqFt1UzeH4l_crGDodx2-gxvlCp_zyqmqkwYA0QGB9s89wB2LjsLw7bVPqX4e5bnvAsNjPdc8ovpX_8-qlNa9NX8IGOPH3zeN-XNgOYVUV2Z6vDoRqZPJ2kQ37RQWeF3Ju4dz=s2000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz9xor7yCzm6VCJH1K1EI9jztoeplWKr7f7k94e8QcxiSAjTU9DDYvqFt1UzeH4l_crGDodx2-gxvlCp_zyqmqkwYA0QGB9s89wB2LjsLw7bVPqX4e5bnvAsNjPdc8ovpX_8-qlNa9NX8IGOPH3zeN-XNgOYVUV2Z6vDoRqZPJ2kQ37RQWeF3Ju4dz=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Wongratanamajcha family gathering<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We thank God for delivering
Stephen's family from the chains of Satan. Even though it’s been many decades
since Stephen's father passed away, Stephen is proud of his dad for listening
to God and choosing the narrow gate with its narrow path. It was not easy, and
there are still challenges every day. Nevertheless, we are glad to be able to
also tell others about this challenging yet rewarding path.</span>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-22891691982813397212022-01-26T12:26:00.000+07:002022-01-26T12:26:05.955+07:00God and His Mysterious Ways<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">“God works in mysterious ways”. Have you ever heard this
phrase? Or maybe you’ve used it before? Maybe you’ve personally experienced
this in your life? Things just happen that you can’t explain or even imagine;
when it all works out for the best, hopefully, it leaves you in awe and praising
God. For us, it happens often. Sometimes, we face huge challenges that gives us
a sense of hopelessness but then God comes to the rescue at just the right
time. In other cases, something happens to us and we found out at a later time
that God was in control the whole time. Also, sometimes we do something very
little and God uses it and turns it into something amazing!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We often think of the time when our oldest daughter Becky
became very sick in the states. It was in the fall of 2005 in Lincoln,
Illinois. Stephen had just completed his dissertation and we were several
months away from going back to Thailand to start AFC’s missions in Southeast
Asia. We were very much on the verge of packing up and making our transition.
One particular night, Mary had to get up and grab some water, it must have been
around 1am, and for some reason she just felt like checking up on the kids. As
she opened Becky’s room, she saw Becky seizing violently. That night, the
ambulance lights lit up just about every room in our small apartment. Everyone
was shocked and all our plans were put on hold.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Initially, no doctor could diagnose what was going on. They
prescribed meds and put her through many tests but nothing helped. The family
was in bad shape; everyone was depressed and tired. Becky, struggled the most,
because she could no longer hang out with friends or play soccer. During that
time, she would have seizures every 20 minutes. On top of this, the family had
to split up. Nick lived with his friend Cody’s family who graciously took him
in so that he could continue high school, John had to live with members of the
church at such a young age, while Mary and Stephen took Becky to the hospital
every week. This went on for 2 whole years, until one of the very few doctors
in the world was able to diagnose this disease of the brain. This disease was
Rasmussen's Encephalitis which dominantly affects young children under 10 but
Becky had it when she was a young adult. At the time, there have only been 4000
cases in the whole world! Surgery was the only option to curing the seizures
but Becky would end up having physical limitations.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were times during those several years where we just
could not see the light. Everything was gloomy. Crying and nightmares were an
everyday occurrence. We made it day by day with the support of great friends
and brothers and sisters in Christ; we are very thankful for these people and
how God put them in our lives. When we did end up moving back to Thailand, we
realized if Becky had the disease here, it would have been impossible for her
to get the same treatment as she did in the States. Her story has always been
an encouragement to many on the mission field. This story has many more details
but the bottom line is that God is working in ways we can’t even imagine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thailand</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These past couple of months, we witnessed God working in His
mysterious ways. The first instance was when we visited a Lisu village in Mae
Taeng, which is about an hour drive from Chiang Mai city. This trip was
spontaneous; Stephen and Nick met with a villager who happened to be Stephen’s
brother (cousin according to the western culture). He and his family came out
of Animism many years ago and he remains a strong Christian believer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this trip, Stephen’s brother asked if
we would be praying for the village because they want to build a church but
struggle to find funds, especially during this Covid pandemic. At this moment,
they hold church service at a member’s small storage shed. We prayed for them
and left the village in order to return home with the heartfelt compassion for
the people because they just want a bigger place so that all the members can
meet and gather in one church building (currently, some of the members have to
stand outside).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigoRHwKEFuws7BZBKjmHl-cA3vpKlwUlYPZVSaSeUSQS6By_Eq20nBgOHoOJKd3ZHYLIc5eWP7mqUv8aXG4acYF8yyJlNX7x6E6Pw77JdjwWHWJU5dtcLMXdFtW_4asfds5uKom-IJLkWhxICXdkLQuqOsS8R9Lo1NCRblQringvNSjPw12gBcb678=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigoRHwKEFuws7BZBKjmHl-cA3vpKlwUlYPZVSaSeUSQS6By_Eq20nBgOHoOJKd3ZHYLIc5eWP7mqUv8aXG4acYF8yyJlNX7x6E6Pw77JdjwWHWJU5dtcLMXdFtW_4asfds5uKom-IJLkWhxICXdkLQuqOsS8R9Lo1NCRblQringvNSjPw12gBcb678=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Stephen's cousin</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">To our surprise, as soon as we pulled up to our house,
Stephen received a call from a friend. This man is a Korean missionary who came
to Thailand to evangelize with his group of acupuncture doctors. It had been
over two years since they last spoke. They greeted each other and asked how
each were doing but, I kid you not, the next words that came from Stephen’s
friend’s mouth were “do you know any place that needs a church building?
Because my Christian business friend in Korea would like to donate some money
for that.” We were in awe of how God is working. Now the planning of the church
building is on the way!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjanoO8pbqIitYVc-Ba8VFnQxVRyrOeqiWDjQ19ImmscPJ2Ffn2LoKUJopg1WJ5qbBU2nXZWDZYpYjgL0BqiLfrTAAZGZnIcIQRrhWIIfjEJ3X5IaoeGyKkHF_C3zkoGbH8drpVRdPHLDUDw_N-QppNwGH2c49kmLX0-GiOwfh7-WdYq-fYogowaVtf=s1477" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjanoO8pbqIitYVc-Ba8VFnQxVRyrOeqiWDjQ19ImmscPJ2Ffn2LoKUJopg1WJ5qbBU2nXZWDZYpYjgL0BqiLfrTAAZGZnIcIQRrhWIIfjEJ3X5IaoeGyKkHF_C3zkoGbH8drpVRdPHLDUDw_N-QppNwGH2c49kmLX0-GiOwfh7-WdYq-fYogowaVtf=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen with his Korean friends visiting the church<br />(Currently held in a storage shed)</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">In another instance, we witnessed God’s working through our
clothing ministry. As you may already know, Mary started the clothing ministry
many years ago. This particular time, Mary prepared clothes for a Lahu village
at the Golden Triangle, the area where Mekong River converges and Thailand,
Myanmar and Laos meet. The Golden Triangle has a well-known history of being
the center of drug trade because this river reaches international waters quite
easily. Some of the villages still grow opium to this day. As for the clothes,
it wasn’t easy because there were many conditions we had to meet in order to ship
these across the border and carrying them along the Mae Kong international
River. Clothes for many of us is our least concern, but it’s such a big deal
for people who only have one or two pairs of clothes. While they were preparing
the clothes, Stephen’s Bible student has been evangelizing in this area in
advance. This month, Stephen and Mary took the clothes to the border and
delivered the clothes across the border into Myanmar. A couple days after they
returned, Stephen’s student called him saying that 19 of the villagers accepted
Christ and were baptized. They have been learning the Bible and now they have
experienced the love of Jesus through the clothes. Praise God for how things
work out!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSGhy-XMFZHfApWC-kTH0NqHbfNEr2QcPU3tJVFYBKlrOtkXG3lbSrnXPOCX8tYLi5Z_rX_SIIS2WZo7aE9799FbmXTM6oH3pubCRFZE70mOMrL720Ytf2TVPoT3vxAFDXqAIKuYRAMXOCLVzh8TD10yChsvmHWfPqaCLgsJzm5fBQO2decsM4AXL8=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSGhy-XMFZHfApWC-kTH0NqHbfNEr2QcPU3tJVFYBKlrOtkXG3lbSrnXPOCX8tYLi5Z_rX_SIIS2WZo7aE9799FbmXTM6oH3pubCRFZE70mOMrL720Ytf2TVPoT3vxAFDXqAIKuYRAMXOCLVzh8TD10yChsvmHWfPqaCLgsJzm5fBQO2decsM4AXL8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary sending clothes across the border</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK6yQQrsqTrR5K7yWutGHLUNYuecsR_GIl7EB6kEFwaO84xtDYXDBAnsGiMqyvMeX-FgfX1aaboG4-XZtfWdkb20ifweNWd4YLjFArtnEl1-lOeViySZOK3L2twMdA7lHNFeOoOrVCOooP5HSg_J33mN8HPe5tZU_R3Tgp03j8bl3QwxrQM8U9bN2A=s1125" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK6yQQrsqTrR5K7yWutGHLUNYuecsR_GIl7EB6kEFwaO84xtDYXDBAnsGiMqyvMeX-FgfX1aaboG4-XZtfWdkb20ifweNWd4YLjFArtnEl1-lOeViySZOK3L2twMdA7lHNFeOoOrVCOooP5HSg_J33mN8HPe5tZU_R3Tgp03j8bl3QwxrQM8U9bN2A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing Worship Songs at the Lahu village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCBN1htEvMnV-TLvxaHuW7bpyRNuTRI7I8ri6TZyNZv_vQL1tqW1MKcjW89eq9Hr0LE1ZUQDj-YbDPSXo6lGe2GVIjSRfX-l4yO332ILeEiZ-v9p8iemn-i-_I4HwVBLP7kWcGAqYy82SAYA1JyL-XIKhRicBDQM-vSTtAqsXcnEClgCthxH3ptbm4=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCBN1htEvMnV-TLvxaHuW7bpyRNuTRI7I8ri6TZyNZv_vQL1tqW1MKcjW89eq9Hr0LE1ZUQDj-YbDPSXo6lGe2GVIjSRfX-l4yO332ILeEiZ-v9p8iemn-i-_I4HwVBLP7kWcGAqYy82SAYA1JyL-XIKhRicBDQM-vSTtAqsXcnEClgCthxH3ptbm4=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJgnBUgVovDKvLyhgx6dEPSYPO4rdLYBvxuzJ0zW-xkGjCO1JCGECZu0f4XbMSACJ_9fTP-nZKX1uaLUYt_Be6mn4CoCGo3xSvUZqdFvH4sggRbIfbQDRIrVudifuWb64UsknhKBjLapj9jOf9pqxd14bDuv44xoLqKY5l6832k8YRnHPkF174FAL=s1125" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJgnBUgVovDKvLyhgx6dEPSYPO4rdLYBvxuzJ0zW-xkGjCO1JCGECZu0f4XbMSACJ_9fTP-nZKX1uaLUYt_Be6mn4CoCGo3xSvUZqdFvH4sggRbIfbQDRIrVudifuWb64UsknhKBjLapj9jOf9pqxd14bDuv44xoLqKY5l6832k8YRnHPkF174FAL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 were baptized at the Golden Triangle this past month</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Online Classes</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our online classes continue to be a huge success. Stephen’s
Bible class is going through the exegesis of the four gospels. All of Stephen’s
students are Christian leaders from various countries such as China, Myanmar,
Thailand, and even Malaysia. The whole class is discussing, after Covid, they
would like to have an onsite learning course. So, the planning stage has begun.
As for Stephen’s classes for the Chinese Christian leaders, it is now facing a
challenge. In China, recently, there is a new law that states that religious
teachings online (especially Christianity) is now considered illegal. It is
being enforced in the capital but has not reached the rural areas yet. Please
pray for this situation because the students in China are many and are hungry
to study the Word every week.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nick’s Laos class has been great. At the moment, he is
teaching how to write an essay, which is a bit difficult especially for Asian
students but they are all trying very hard. During the Christmas season, Nick
was able to share about Jesus, and a brief overview story of the Bible. The
students were pretty interested, especially the novice Monk who joins the class
every week. Now, one of the students, after every class would say “thank you,
Teacher. God bless you!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nick and Becky’s Myanmar class are also going really well.
This past December, one of the students decided to get baptized. When asked why
he decided to get baptized, he replied, “after studying more, I want to live
according to God’s will.” Praise God!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Family<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This past New Years, our family had the opportunity to
travel together to visit relatives in Chiang Rai (about 5 hour drive). It was a
great trip, as we had quality family time and were also able to
survey how to send clothes across the border. At home, we also had our yearly New Year's party for Nick's soccer boys. We couldn't invite all the neighborhood kids because of the regulation that limited the amount of people at a gathering. They had a great time; Nick and the kids miss meeting and playing soccer (currently, the local government wont allow large physical activity groups). It has been over a year since we last had practice but hopefully we can this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Mary and Stephen have been
planting green beans in the back yard; these green beans are for the family to
enjoy and also for helping out the villagers in the mountains. During this
latest Covid outbreak, the big fresh markets, where everyone buys vegetables in
bulk, are all closed. The vegetables that we grow are shared with the people in
our community and the villagers in the mountains. Praise God for giving us this
way to help our neighbors. Becky continues to help around the house. On top of
this, she is doing an awesome job teaching her class and also coming up with
great ideas for games in Nick’s class. Isaac is almost done with his schooling
for the year. He will then have to do summer classes (not because of his
grades, most students take summer classes in order prep them for high school).
We still can’t believe he’s going into high school! John and Anna are doing
well in the States but they face some challenges. Several of the staff members
at John’s work have covid during this recent covid surge so that means more workload
for the remaining staff. Additionally, the church where John occasionally
preaches at has not been meeting for many weeks now because most of the members
are elderly. We really want to see John and Anna but with the current
situation, it might be awhile. It’s been tough, but for now, video calls will
have to suffice.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqi9lo650Dtp-Dl3X-Dr4_RxEeXpYUbPFCu54VriP-T1MCXh8g4zaR9EG3gVXM6bJMdk_X7TVHGtLwgxwcNu88msO267CltgH3FnYwkXlWnzpHgxROWc2IyguTmIoQQi3JKKUDpTvSwKsvObWEUDKph9I5Bejt0Jei4xVmDLzki9KAMojIh7zI5W5l=s1109" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1109" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqi9lo650Dtp-Dl3X-Dr4_RxEeXpYUbPFCu54VriP-T1MCXh8g4zaR9EG3gVXM6bJMdk_X7TVHGtLwgxwcNu88msO267CltgH3FnYwkXlWnzpHgxROWc2IyguTmIoQQi3JKKUDpTvSwKsvObWEUDKph9I5Bejt0Jei4xVmDLzki9KAMojIh7zI5W5l=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family trip to visit our relatives with friends </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEillxllEHAWn_GljPTHtOsfB4jUGTxXCKfpb913rMUGFJADrex017c45P7Bagb_X3EOGj2Xrz9rTnZ-7b2f5JQdzFYDVZ8XZIoipFnXc8lvoG9IMflXhvnqOwHfnlte5OFZjGLtL5RtXm8Tm5iPxVffm2FSSPz16Wn1kQVed5Rpi6yJG64rU7bunJhy=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEillxllEHAWn_GljPTHtOsfB4jUGTxXCKfpb913rMUGFJADrex017c45P7Bagb_X3EOGj2Xrz9rTnZ-7b2f5JQdzFYDVZ8XZIoipFnXc8lvoG9IMflXhvnqOwHfnlte5OFZjGLtL5RtXm8Tm5iPxVffm2FSSPz16Wn1kQVed5Rpi6yJG64rU7bunJhy=w295-h400" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating Lanterns is a Thai tradition</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVB9xQCUpytU4lorF1jIjvYoH9PtxsiK2SzySE4yCTMbsbVHnxwx9j3WiUY-FEvfg8XLr497eh7dD4M4eZVdAtD0kPe8x8JVKS66OMX12ErLxeYSIJZLRTrA54W1h67xY6YvxtbrEi2k_HwGvZblmUFdFQF_wbi-GSzdnRX-zW7GusnRn4L06T1DY_=s1109" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVB9xQCUpytU4lorF1jIjvYoH9PtxsiK2SzySE4yCTMbsbVHnxwx9j3WiUY-FEvfg8XLr497eh7dD4M4eZVdAtD0kPe8x8JVKS66OMX12ErLxeYSIJZLRTrA54W1h67xY6YvxtbrEi2k_HwGvZblmUFdFQF_wbi-GSzdnRX-zW7GusnRn4L06T1DY_=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At home, we had a New Year's Party<br />for Nick's soccer team</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-wpxZ_M52hHROtekGUl0c8XupkiVP39Hq2KtVDQApib-WPeLAcsqm9khdEpoENq2o-Kgt4VULvPxYzDFSQFwWF90yor0Vl8xzsCBiNm5-Mdc_YFXF4l-NgE_L4yLhoMyrqwFfT587uEubUxn22kJBvah18ERD3TQaHohMhzQy9GlmHyYU4aIeqT0i=s1109" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1109" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-wpxZ_M52hHROtekGUl0c8XupkiVP39Hq2KtVDQApib-WPeLAcsqm9khdEpoENq2o-Kgt4VULvPxYzDFSQFwWF90yor0Vl8xzsCBiNm5-Mdc_YFXF4l-NgE_L4yLhoMyrqwFfT587uEubUxn22kJBvah18ERD3TQaHohMhzQy9GlmHyYU4aIeqT0i=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick gave a little encouragement talk<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">As we look back at our lives, we really see how God works in
his own mysterious ways. Mysterious in the sense where we don’t really
understand how anything would turn out. It’s a mystery how Becky is still able
to be with us today and also how millions of dollars in medical expenses were
paid for by someone we don’t know. It’s a mystery how something as mundane as
clothing can help lead people to Christ. It’s a mystery how our small missions
is impacting in so many places where we never imagined we could go in our
lifetime. It’s a mystery for us, but for God, it’s part of His plan.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-55374197808783831232021-11-18T16:24:00.002+07:002021-11-21T14:51:41.624+07:00Our God Has No Limits!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
we live our life in such a limited capacity. Everything is always subjected to
change but at the same time we often love our limited comforts and often value
everyday routines. Sometimes, we are forced to be limited because of politics,
circumstances, and even a pandemic. Thankfully, our God has no limits and we’d
like to share of the wonderful things He continues to do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Once in the mission field, Stephen met a pastor who was very dedicated to his calling. He served at a
little bamboo-built church in a small remote village where no one would want to
go and serve. Serving God in this very remote village, he had only one pair of
pants and a couple shirts. Even though he did repair them on several occasion,
after about three years, those pants simply wore out. There was a tear in the
rear! Understandably, that whole week, he hid in his hut because he was so
embarrassed, but he kept praying fervently to God for His provision for he knew
that he would not be able to preach that Sunday with those “hole-y” pant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
a lot of people in remote underdeveloped locations, this situation is very
common. For many, the fear of not having anything to wear because of the lack
of clothes is a far off concept; often, people don’t know what to wear because
they simply have too many choices. For this servant of God who lacked decent
clothes to preach on Sunday, God answered his prayers. On that Saturday, a
merchant made his way up to the village to sell clothes, which was extremely
rare for anyone let alone a merchant to be gallivanting in those remote areas.
The merchant made his way from house to house selling his clothes and on his
way out of town, he stopped by the pastor’s hut. Needless to say, the merchant
left him a brand new pair of pants in front of his hut as a gift. With a new
pair of pants, he was able to preach on that very Sunday. Oh how great and
faithful is our caring Father!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
you may know, Asians for Christ is a wholistic ministry. We want to invest in
people’s spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional growth because we know it’s
crucial in this broken world. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 “whatever you did
(feed the hungry and thirsty, clothe the naked, cared for the sick, visited the
captives) to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did to me.” Thanks
to many who partnered with us, we are extremely grateful in these two years of
covid to be able to provide hundreds of care packages (food, clothes, medicine)
to the needy in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. This past month, Mary’s clothing
ministry has been a blessing to many. We were able to send clothes to several
locations, even to the very north of Myanmar, Putao. In one case, we sent
monetary funds to purchase coats and clothes for an orphanage in a hard to
reach town called Mogok, Myanmar. In Laos and Thailand, we sent packages of
barely used clothes to the really needy. The wonderful thing is that God even
provided clothing donated by non-Christian clothing store owners. Some of these
store owners have seen our posts and decided to also donate because they see
that we actually get the items into these impoverished areas. We are in the
process of sending out more clothes this month. Praise God! We hope through
this ministry, we are able to answer prayers of people like the pastor with the
torn pants.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9YK0MLE8AS5PeZKoN1ng9efVB286Bka8kP67FpcPCqOx5KJiqx-_ZYCGB0HUBWVBIick4jFCPUPnAoKaSDxs94toVXivtsGaIt7hM9UQjnjabocFT1iI2xGRDSfNvT97nRFmvO4FZUY/s2048/253739633_314726910191066_8101669748549060075_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9YK0MLE8AS5PeZKoN1ng9efVB286Bka8kP67FpcPCqOx5KJiqx-_ZYCGB0HUBWVBIick4jFCPUPnAoKaSDxs94toVXivtsGaIt7hM9UQjnjabocFT1iI2xGRDSfNvT97nRFmvO4FZUY/w400-h300/253739633_314726910191066_8101669748549060075_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary selects the best ones before delivering them</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKaCVQG59oG02lFfc8CMlaHG9fsxcVrFh4HbXZXrnwAJsj5Wd1OYoonxQPSOpACa3p7aP3zpG7jCWN73V45fdIydxtrM8aGzvQxNHql3Bu2XQy6T2qsHI5LJ3o_WTa1fj9DK6Y7YdKm0/s2048/253542730_636239940869667_4734594350042560218_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKaCVQG59oG02lFfc8CMlaHG9fsxcVrFh4HbXZXrnwAJsj5Wd1OYoonxQPSOpACa3p7aP3zpG7jCWN73V45fdIydxtrM8aGzvQxNHql3Bu2XQy6T2qsHI5LJ3o_WTa1fj9DK6Y7YdKm0/w400-h300/253542730_636239940869667_4734594350042560218_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick's friend Laith, owner of an airsoft sports field,<br /> donated 50 packs of water bottles</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaLs_qPONHk3DYv_V6GSKxsG8raufXkeoB15bySO3lBH65wU_C3v5ZLuAoOAQIgxcpPsMCCZBl8j-Gvmk1-X4N2ZTqgJiYVXsYiHaXcSAsxvqWk9ZreAmtkEAxEzJLFi-npkRU6YdHxg/s960/247731023_570481424038728_5181010904353338309_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaLs_qPONHk3DYv_V6GSKxsG8raufXkeoB15bySO3lBH65wU_C3v5ZLuAoOAQIgxcpPsMCCZBl8j-Gvmk1-X4N2ZTqgJiYVXsYiHaXcSAsxvqWk9ZreAmtkEAxEzJLFi-npkRU6YdHxg/w400-h300/247731023_570481424038728_5181010904353338309_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orphans in Mogok received new coats for the winter!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbyH65u4vGBarrq_6UfhyphenhyphenIQnwBzg5BK1xnTMD3mgvig7n3FToMIISfzFVfhsLz_T-QR-1DOw_d2XozmovneiD6zNOT8P1Zg-e6yUvQ61TV8WUNg-stt5QXyNIKeOPoywWtHMxmubZfCs/s960/257842005_3188797581354319_9148266368952096374_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbyH65u4vGBarrq_6UfhyphenhyphenIQnwBzg5BK1xnTMD3mgvig7n3FToMIISfzFVfhsLz_T-QR-1DOw_d2XozmovneiD6zNOT8P1Zg-e6yUvQ61TV8WUNg-stt5QXyNIKeOPoywWtHMxmubZfCs/w400-h300/257842005_3188797581354319_9148266368952096374_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids at a different location received new mattress <br />so they can sleep more comfortably</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WkTAJanWxfLq773e2sPBd_hZmWKG0s58wITgbFKT5GwL91M4SQFrOp33OTGZ6NE66t4GbWU90tvhpXQ19JlOROYxUA7UE267jTMuov5s0LWsMwBZ7deO7zPqiqw6Q-W5MZKTvrtdL6s/s960/258281188_4681401941880683_7991098640556314045_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WkTAJanWxfLq773e2sPBd_hZmWKG0s58wITgbFKT5GwL91M4SQFrOp33OTGZ6NE66t4GbWU90tvhpXQ19JlOROYxUA7UE267jTMuov5s0LWsMwBZ7deO7zPqiqw6Q-W5MZKTvrtdL6s/s320/258281188_4681401941880683_7991098640556314045_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Originally, they slept on thin mats!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><div><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9_ZvxS7VNa80rtzbzIg712z0jHfvNN7jvd-ja1IA9BuWqdiEhE4-KANSbELgoMzhN5xFKPBBPqchUufrA3fH6_0m_KHXIyHJQT1fMvQieXxTeD2vwT_tB4Uv8EH1FasoZByiRI3zIhM/s960/257500947_595121131727656_6912193420372907887_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9_ZvxS7VNa80rtzbzIg712z0jHfvNN7jvd-ja1IA9BuWqdiEhE4-KANSbELgoMzhN5xFKPBBPqchUufrA3fH6_0m_KHXIyHJQT1fMvQieXxTeD2vwT_tB4Uv8EH1FasoZByiRI3zIhM/s320/257500947_595121131727656_6912193420372907887_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now they have thick mattresses!</td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div><br /></div>Online Teaching Ministry</span></b><br />
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Besides
the random power shortages and internet connection issues, our online classes
are going really well. It has been almost a year since we began teaching.
Stephen teaches Bible 3 times a week to Christian leaders living in China,
Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong via programs such as Zoom and Wechat.
He has over 90 Christian leaders not only from different countries, but also
different denominations to study the Bible with him. He is very happy to share
God’s Word to those leaders so that they will be equipped as they teach others.
We have a special prayer request for Stephen’s teaching team. Due to health
problems and other circumstances, most of his team of local teachers can no
longer teach alongside him. He truly needs to build a new team of Bible
teachers. Once the borders of Southeast Asian countries open up, we are
expected to have students enrolling in our seminary level Bible program not
only from our usual countries of Myanmar, China, Thailand but also from our new
mission fields of Laos and Cambodia.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0un8QmJOejlBApD0AGrhmJihodYZtZUQgSkyeHmHBl9eBMvniECYvQmHC-HRXgAkRg-f_J8UvWRD1Mu7y34sYfLUn73w_1lgaf3Kt1GlVF8bAApyA_YxQxVW19Ld_nH1Q1uO5zhwnDT8/s1125/252208109_1108748749662747_4233346653506648343_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0un8QmJOejlBApD0AGrhmJihodYZtZUQgSkyeHmHBl9eBMvniECYvQmHC-HRXgAkRg-f_J8UvWRD1Mu7y34sYfLUn73w_1lgaf3Kt1GlVF8bAApyA_YxQxVW19Ld_nH1Q1uO5zhwnDT8/w400-h300/252208109_1108748749662747_4233346653506648343_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's Thursday evening Bible class</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Nick
teaches a Bible Study English class (with the help from David and Becky in
Hawaii) to Myanmar students and an English class to Laotian students, and Becky
teaches a Beginners Grammar English class to several students in Myanmar. Many
of the students have been joining the class since the beginning and several
aren’t able to join at the moment due to political issues in their country. We
have really enjoyed getting to know all of our students. (We want to start
highlighting some of the students each blog post so that you can get to know them a bit) For
this blog post, we’d like to highlight a couple of our students.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Novice
Thongphein is a 20 year old Novice Monk in Laos. In total, his family numbers 5
and he is the eldest with 2 younger siblings. Interestingly, both of his
parents are Christians. When he was young, he loved studying and as he finished
elementary school, his family couldn’t afford to pay for his high school classes,
so he decided to be a Buddhist monk in order to continue his education. He
really enjoys studying English with us because he wants to be either an English
teacher or an English tour guide in the future; he wants to “thank you for
opening such a class for people to have the opportunity to study for free.”</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Dee is a 17 year old Lisu
Christian young man living in Myanmar with his family; he lives with his
parents and his 5 siblings. He loves playing games and wants to pursue a degree
in Pharmacy. He says it wasn’t easy passing high school but God helped him
through it, and now the English classes will hopefully give him an advantage in
Pharmacy school. One thing that he really liked about studying English with us
is the fact that he “can improve his English to be able to read the Bible in
English.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
has been such a great opportunity to build friendships, evangelize, and invest
in the students. Every one of our students comes from different backgrounds and
it has been such a joy to see their faces every week. Some have stated that our
classes are what they look forward to all week and it has gotten some of them
through political issues and even depression. Special thanks to David and Becky
in Hawaii and the church there for their partnership in starting the English
classes through Zoom with us. We are planning to expand and offer more classes
but we need more English speakers to just hang out, talk, and invest in these
student’s lives. You don’t need a teaching degree. All you need is to be able
to speak English, have a desire to impact the lives of students like these, and
a dedication of 2 hours a week (and a computer or phone with the Zoom program
installed). Thank God for being limitless and giving us the opportunity to do
ministry online during this pandemic.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhCVTTopNpZd4EVO7R1Y7vblIVn-SCZx88o83BI8_Vu-bBcG24g_cJaWHQYSg9FqIrl-Vj1RVOMq_dF52Nu_Koogja_Aoi5jhs7ODk9TDXgJUfUqJAYULswhku5jns2K4MfiMroYCb_I/s1080/Inked249858407_602214757491478_8138039788676830919_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhCVTTopNpZd4EVO7R1Y7vblIVn-SCZx88o83BI8_Vu-bBcG24g_cJaWHQYSg9FqIrl-Vj1RVOMq_dF52Nu_Koogja_Aoi5jhs7ODk9TDXgJUfUqJAYULswhku5jns2K4MfiMroYCb_I/w400-h400/Inked249858407_602214757491478_8138039788676830919_n_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick's Laos English class</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNDeiwgvwRuQI-hGVGX-nKy7YopdJQBP8P7NOfSfV55MbIv9RbSVCIsUK-Mp_viVnh83lsh4ms5Jn_a0DVXu6X1LttCzSLQyGZQHLuTxPgm5I_pIHmQwFuH4ZlMljAJjkwnij7hbK6hU/s673/248999654_2264045910410075_1334805081823329295_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="673" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNDeiwgvwRuQI-hGVGX-nKy7YopdJQBP8P7NOfSfV55MbIv9RbSVCIsUK-Mp_viVnh83lsh4ms5Jn_a0DVXu6X1LttCzSLQyGZQHLuTxPgm5I_pIHmQwFuH4ZlMljAJjkwnij7hbK6hU/w400-h211/248999654_2264045910410075_1334805081823329295_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky's Myanmar Grammar/Beginners English class </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Again
we are very thankful for our ministry in Laos. God is really opening doors and
moving in the country but there have been some setbacks due to the pandemic. As
you may remember, earlier this year, non-Christians in Laos complained that the
Christians at a certain town were meeting at homes and that goes against the
regulations of the country; so the governing authorities compromised with the
Christians and said if they have their own specific building (a church) then
they can continue to meet or else they would have to be disbanded. We have raised
the majority of the money needed to build the church and have passed those
funds to our team in Laos. Unfortunately, due to the recent lockdown, the church
building has been paused because building supplies can’t be purchased at this time. On
top of this, the Christian Leadership/Evangelist Certification Course also has
to be put on hold. The lockdown has been so strict that even the farmers aren’t
allowed to go to their fields to harvest their crops!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
for the evangelism in Laos, many are still coming to Christ and being baptized.
The gospel is being preached even during the lockdown! In one particular
village, the new converts requested to be baptized. In Laos, the law states that only those who are authorized and registered by the government may do baptisms. Because of the lockdown, no one is allowed to travel so this became an obstacle. After praying and asking God for wisdom, we finally advised a local Christian in the village to baptize those new converts while the authorized evangelist connects to them via video call and pray for them. Several people
were baptized that day! Praise our God who is a radical God! The methods and ways
of evangelism continue to change but the core message is the same!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Situation in
Thailand</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Can’t
believe it’s been almost two years and Thailand is still in a state of
confusion. Recently, Thailand has opened the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, foreigners can come to Thailand but
they will have to pay a very expensive insurance premium. Moreover, only those
who have been vaccinated may come; upon arrival, passengers are tested for
covid followed up by one day quarantine at the hotel. After this, they may
travel to only 3 or 4 designated small towns. As bad as it sounds for tourists,
Thais, themselves, are not allowed to travel in their own country unless they
have been vaccinated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
us we are hoping to be vaccinated because of all the trending mandates of
traveling. Stephen and Nick will definitely have to be fully vaccinated in
order to enter Laos, Myanmar, and China. We are open to receiving the vaccines
but it has been a huge challenge. Many of the “good” vaccines slowly trickle
into Thailand due to politics and regulations. Private companies have ordered
Moderna but it has been several months and the shots are delayed because public
sectors take the majority of the lot entering into Thailand. Nick is the only
one who is fully vaccinated by the Chinese made vaccines; there are no other
options because he was invited to be a groomsmen in his church friend’s
wedding. Isaac has now received a shot of Pfizer because he has an American
passport. We are waiting for the Moderna shots. Please be praying for it to
arrive soon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt8iQyfNBXaLrtSdZvev3cRBiZRzeaOCmffki0mQu-uCZzUZymynajaj3RmHQyguvba5Q59Ea0z7nx6NV_nfbhoU43AAVShc5zL6uxh0ln9U3xYwhp5kkXNh6sYz-LMbs55rCdO2HZnw/s536/257939664_189601309997883_5214642697956074729_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="536" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt8iQyfNBXaLrtSdZvev3cRBiZRzeaOCmffki0mQu-uCZzUZymynajaj3RmHQyguvba5Q59Ea0z7nx6NV_nfbhoU43AAVShc5zL6uxh0ln9U3xYwhp5kkXNh6sYz-LMbs55rCdO2HZnw/s320/257939664_189601309997883_5214642697956074729_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to watch John's sermon!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">John
and Anna live in the states and are doing well. Anna works with at-risk girls
and John was promoted at his car wash job. Occasionally, John would preach at a
church and the family in Thailand would watch the recorded sermon the following
day. We are proud of John and Anna as they serve in their community in Idaho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaac continues to do online school; the
school may switch up to having regular classes once everyone has had full doses
of the covid vaccines. Mary continues to work in her garden. She has planted
various vegetables and fruits and we have enjoyed the harvest weekly. Most of
the time, we don’t even need to buy any vegetables! Becky really loves teaching
online, and she has helped many of the students improve in their English. Nick
has also enjoyed teaching both the Myanmar and the Laos classes. Lately, he has
built great friendships with several of the members of the local Thai church.
Their group meets up to study the Word and pray together every week; recently,
Nick was asked to be one of the groomsmen at his friends’ wedding. Now, just as
a precaution, he has self-quarantined himself from the family because they have
not had their vaccinations. As for this year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas event
for the neighborhood youth, sadly, they may have to be cancelled because of
covid regulations.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16U-l5TYrFU6RxaO_wj3j55_mxC6chTeu76LHpKTKxVS-qOMxBWOE4l2g2DbMZXY5J1DyIaTojUMzUi8GZlQ9UHRNN19JcIpgMp48E0prOVvs8tY5tYujro_KS8vj89GF6cYRKXyz8Gs/s1372/256109651_3045331429067786_7179049813169035805_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1372" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16U-l5TYrFU6RxaO_wj3j55_mxC6chTeu76LHpKTKxVS-qOMxBWOE4l2g2DbMZXY5J1DyIaTojUMzUi8GZlQ9UHRNN19JcIpgMp48E0prOVvs8tY5tYujro_KS8vj89GF6cYRKXyz8Gs/w400-h266/256109651_3045331429067786_7179049813169035805_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick was a groomsmen at his friend Ee's wedding</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbD1QdpgsA7ELe8f4L8tjeocsnv2cFUcMtg6N2epASvNOZyP9r5PO3_VGle7Wn6v4Sdl04Kvw8vrQZkjjNmue8CAdutYyGD7R3DBKJbSTM9BSXxttTH0RZz-wbFKcK9czwx-kpYs_B70/s1125/246077762_599412624636987_3185732792001425641_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbD1QdpgsA7ELe8f4L8tjeocsnv2cFUcMtg6N2epASvNOZyP9r5PO3_VGle7Wn6v4Sdl04Kvw8vrQZkjjNmue8CAdutYyGD7R3DBKJbSTM9BSXxttTH0RZz-wbFKcK9czwx-kpYs_B70/w400-h300/246077762_599412624636987_3185732792001425641_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary prepared and handed over food packages <br />to the district chief so that they could deliver them<br /> to covid-infected refugee families in the area<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Whatever
joy or obstacles come our way, we praise God for all that He does and continues
to do. Even though we have limits, HE does not! We have comfort in knowing we serve
such an awesome unlimited God!</span><p></p><br />stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-53230539673470992562021-09-21T12:44:00.000+07:002021-09-21T12:44:14.321+07:00Storm Clouds, Be Gone!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
the monsoon season is at its peak in Thailand, once in a while, lightning and thunder
will also accompany the rain. It’s so common to be woken up in the middle of
the night to flashes and ground shaking thunder. This natural phenomenon
reminds us how Jesus’ disciples would have felt out at sea on a small boat when
they faced the storm and Jesus was fast asleep. Normally, we tend to read it
and brush off the fact that storms are simply terrifying…. Seems the storms,
literal and metaphorical, are brewing up all over the world. Many of us might
even wonder if Jesus is “asleep” as we face civil war, famine, political
unrest, and this pandemic. Is Jesus with us during this Covid pandemic? Is
Jesus with us during the civil fighting in Myanmar? Is Jesus with us during the
lockdown which has caused many people to lose their jobs and go without food? Ultimately,
we have faith that Jesus can and will calm of these storms. Yes, indeed, in the
eye of the storms, God has demonstrated His saving power. In Laos, many more
souls are coming to Christ! We are super excited every time we get the news
that many are choosing to follow Jesus and are being baptized weekly. God is
working wonders in many ways. Praise the Lord!</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93gV1OwxGcCi5FapxzPSdVUe5BZtPKVdIEOekgtZnm-L_MhfNTLe5BOvkjvO19uZKKxTQu3xUufuGmAC9wcYI9rcoY4CkzzgzZSPjr1meMFQlQrQlfZvB1CxHGJwPnKwue5CBVh-237M/s1124/Inked234296242_998679897369519_4933949629251700895_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1124" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93gV1OwxGcCi5FapxzPSdVUe5BZtPKVdIEOekgtZnm-L_MhfNTLe5BOvkjvO19uZKKxTQu3xUufuGmAC9wcYI9rcoY4CkzzgzZSPjr1meMFQlQrQlfZvB1CxHGJwPnKwue5CBVh-237M/w400-h300/Inked234296242_998679897369519_4933949629251700895_n_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Believers in Laos!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ministry</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">With
the cloth ministry, Mary put together a cloth drive; she would go and buy some
clothes and on top of that others would donate some barely worn or even new clothes.
Then, Mary would go through the clothes to see which ones are useable,
appropriate, and nice. After this is done, we usually ship them out to the
needy in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. For many of us, we don’t think much about
clothes because we have more than enough. For some, clothes are hard to come by
and so they wear the same shirt or pants for many years (the same shirt or
pants that have holes and patches). Realize that Thailand has been under 3
lockdowns already, and most people are without a job. Many are struggling to
even put food on the table let alone clothes on their backs.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlPBfD7IIC-E7ftvwYmGGcbWnvpguqt9dnqZILrTfylrU8dN00GmEy7_2v6RnC-L5GyqP0bBg8utS4kGgwEbdLW29Savz1ibGHD4_zDWLKGHdMbvbqlCYfUI-zbgC8EqEdgAFqwv8I60/s2048/227350222_543947496752523_3915628115918806212_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlPBfD7IIC-E7ftvwYmGGcbWnvpguqt9dnqZILrTfylrU8dN00GmEy7_2v6RnC-L5GyqP0bBg8utS4kGgwEbdLW29Savz1ibGHD4_zDWLKGHdMbvbqlCYfUI-zbgC8EqEdgAFqwv8I60/w300-h400/227350222_543947496752523_3915628115918806212_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary organizing the clothes</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
instance really brought tears to Mary’s eyes. At usual, in the past month,
Stephen and Mary went to Chiang Dao to hand out some clothes, and other goods,
for the needy. During this clothing ministry, one particular man named Asa came to
choose a shirt. This young Christian man was diagnosed
with terminal cancer last year. So, Asa and his friend come and there weren’t a
lot of choices left because many had come before him, but there was one
particular striped buttoned shirt that he really liked and as he tried it on,
you could see joy in his face. He was all smiles that day.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RpVDfIrnttafLYU8xbFbpBwNd195sg0gkvCVVkvkVKFQ87Qit11mhHV8xnDEnUymzLkkrcgxzSUHVDqBOHlLm1NYdzqfhA3zOSeft02utMFSOUD6Ys1BeZxHcvqodbNbxLXuKHnq1BA/s960/234025254_1255293568247363_7850695971800699214_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RpVDfIrnttafLYU8xbFbpBwNd195sg0gkvCVVkvkVKFQ87Qit11mhHV8xnDEnUymzLkkrcgxzSUHVDqBOHlLm1NYdzqfhA3zOSeft02utMFSOUD6Ys1BeZxHcvqodbNbxLXuKHnq1BA/w300-h400/234025254_1255293568247363_7850695971800699214_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa really likes striped shirts</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">About
two weeks later, we found out that he had gone to be with the Lord. In this
village, there have been several deaths already this year. All the villagers
have been going through one grief after another. During the funeral, there
weren’t many people because of this lockdown. Many were saddened by this loss
but felt a little joy because he was no longer in pain. What was very
surprising to us was that in his casket, as he was laid there, he was wearing
the striped shirt that he chose! Praise God for giving us the opportunity to
give a little dignity and joy to others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our
teaching via Zoom and Wechat has become a very successful ministry. Stephen is
teaching on the First Corinthians and the Hebrews Epistle for three days a week
for three different groups of Christian ministers, pastors and leaders from
Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and even from main land China. His
classes are overloaded with almost 90 Christian leaders from different
countries, backgrounds, and denominations. On top of this, many more requests
to study are still coming in from Cambodia and Laos; we have to really review new
students before accepting them because some might have ill intent so please
pray for that as well. Overall, it’s a huge blessing to have people from
different countries and denominations come together and focus on the Word of
God. Even though some have had to wrestle with what they were taught growing up
versus what the Bible says. It has been a huge blessing because many are now
coming to learn and actually focus on studying the Word. As a matter of fact,
Stephen is searching for teachers who could teach along with him whether via
electronic devices (can start ASAP) or in person (in the future when the Covid
situation gets better). If you want to join this blessing and feel God’s
calling, you are welcome to contact us directly.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY54bWgg-uBbFELGYlf_MevSBla9PCPvLVjhjg8R7fCqmR_C7FvkHm74M_0uqbJKpXNmROAnmVjUHlNgQP76KU_CDeEaI4-5wx4iPbPAsMp69bBC6WS9MJtI6afcU-P00LwE5lETlcA0/s2048/241761408_529316954827642_1249165825787972680_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY54bWgg-uBbFELGYlf_MevSBla9PCPvLVjhjg8R7fCqmR_C7FvkHm74M_0uqbJKpXNmROAnmVjUHlNgQP76KU_CDeEaI4-5wx4iPbPAsMp69bBC6WS9MJtI6afcU-P00LwE5lETlcA0/w400-h300/241761408_529316954827642_1249165825787972680_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's Zoom class</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Becky
and Nick have been teaching online every week as an outreach ministry. The
number of students has increased in the past month. In an online class offered
to Laos, one Buddhist monk has now joined the class with Nick. This has been
quite the surprise because Nick’s English class often implements the passages
or teachings from the Bible. Furthermore, Nick has also had the opportunity to
preach from 2nd Timothy at a small Thai church where he volunteers as the Youth
Pastor. It has been tough for him to find extra work teaching English because
of the lockdown.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJxP55TAoF4gcRyf39RLW4Vn0DqDOra3Ep_oNciCzGA91ZggCLlx38e0KRoz-2zrAbOd-oQYdTBB9JdGlBVg7HpwKr1oMLl_Hgj2dTmhoKYJVZSv0KNo7FW-XEtZQWZ0vFnyvnIfrEiQ/s2048/240968897_382425876842823_5868184655936303805_n+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1423" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJxP55TAoF4gcRyf39RLW4Vn0DqDOra3Ep_oNciCzGA91ZggCLlx38e0KRoz-2zrAbOd-oQYdTBB9JdGlBVg7HpwKr1oMLl_Hgj2dTmhoKYJVZSv0KNo7FW-XEtZQWZ0vFnyvnIfrEiQ/w278-h400/240968897_382425876842823_5868184655936303805_n+%25281%2529.png" width="278" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick's English Class for students in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jZSKc3zf6RTS5VV9ccrIGBJiVgXbTczodag2yUkWsQttB0cY6lEdbdSy2Ziq1YHFXCjbZ0klmsoQ8SNcjbayd6FxmxyI5ucjXH75yczFvl1AJUA0YzL1LMVJ0VGpKesder38DJtJEes/s1366/241279751_382064863375667_1574679040928403786_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jZSKc3zf6RTS5VV9ccrIGBJiVgXbTczodag2yUkWsQttB0cY6lEdbdSy2Ziq1YHFXCjbZ0klmsoQ8SNcjbayd6FxmxyI5ucjXH75yczFvl1AJUA0YzL1LMVJ0VGpKesder38DJtJEes/w400-h225/241279751_382064863375667_1574679040928403786_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Bible Study class for students in Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lxapHF7ZcjxIokVndfAd4u8N_ENaFpXGwsTqs8wf9hsgzmirV9d7g2kRmkz4p4MxMxKrE01H99sEY67jHp-sgbGQt5ycFxCa_Csykdz8nXEc90VCanZghFtuYfO_XzwlPhRt4b9uEGk/s1049/241130137_2721589874813148_4099920995530220369_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lxapHF7ZcjxIokVndfAd4u8N_ENaFpXGwsTqs8wf9hsgzmirV9d7g2kRmkz4p4MxMxKrE01H99sEY67jHp-sgbGQt5ycFxCa_Csykdz8nXEc90VCanZghFtuYfO_XzwlPhRt4b9uEGk/s320/241130137_2721589874813148_4099920995530220369_n.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick preaching at a small Thai Church <br />(and also online)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
Myanmar, political unrest still dominates our news feed. Due to this hectic
situation, many people are going to the streets to protest, some peaceful and some
not. On top of this, Covid cases are on the rise. Several church members have
died in the past couple of weeks, including one of our friends, a pastor of a
church in Northern Myanmar and his father passed away two weeks later. In two
particular areas, Myitkyina and Mogok, many people are getting sick while rooms
in the hospitals are full, and emergency services are working beyond their limitations.
The pastors and evangelists in the areas have become the key people who take
care and pray for the sick in these towns; on top of that, these Kingdom
workers are also the ones to bury the dead during this time because everyone is
too afraid to do it. Therefore, Asians for Christ decided it would be best to
provide medicine for over 745 patients, 600 sets of protective outer layer for Kingdom
workers in these two areas including 10000 protective masks, 3000 gloves and 20
gallons of disinfectant alcohol. The protective equipment has been used even for
reaching out to the sick among the nonbelievers. We truly praise the Lord for your
support in this cause and thank to you all for being a part of this ministry.
With your extra monetary gifts, we are able to support many Kingdom workers in
their ministries and to share God’s blessing to countless during these dire
times.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSH3MLrYGi1ivaHXX7Acc9Tzu_zYEl_P7GZ6d2uEmX_qw6CtAyX82Jvr-a53-DotukiAiGDL-qTkgc0pR70_ssk25Myopei1VbcbE06SprEin-bl87p5PCNLU9Ly10N1_nlQB3HLN4lo/s960/240785258_547720993232901_1574573791584499344_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSH3MLrYGi1ivaHXX7Acc9Tzu_zYEl_P7GZ6d2uEmX_qw6CtAyX82Jvr-a53-DotukiAiGDL-qTkgc0pR70_ssk25Myopei1VbcbE06SprEin-bl87p5PCNLU9Ly10N1_nlQB3HLN4lo/w300-h400/240785258_547720993232901_1574573791584499344_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen going through the protective gear <br />before shipping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaGggAhq7gaUVT9VNPdb8x1dCPcyTgGcBJI3MDujq469c24c68tSbZ4t814aura1xHezSfyl7giEHYEAYqi96es3NiftTfY5qJlV6MROHGgjYg6TPQqsaKWeOv3ce95sxyKHUzA0u-2Q/s960/240981606_592128788623252_9090238209549443900_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaGggAhq7gaUVT9VNPdb8x1dCPcyTgGcBJI3MDujq469c24c68tSbZ4t814aura1xHezSfyl7giEHYEAYqi96es3NiftTfY5qJlV6MROHGgjYg6TPQqsaKWeOv3ce95sxyKHUzA0u-2Q/w400-h300/240981606_592128788623252_9090238209549443900_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One part of the shipment journey was done on <br />a scooter pulling a wagon</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiqPAQfXlkZD_2fpEYGJ2JOX_Yxz_x5UAMi0ZHXBCFNEGkfqb-BR6wim6f-CucEHIklzkO74n2zvjdq5YevNXR0FJLntHaRSk-Jw9L1uw1DII3qMjdvj4VcZGe7FXGhCFwDNmA0jF-zw/s960/242086834_815230749157084_7534382627716006553_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiqPAQfXlkZD_2fpEYGJ2JOX_Yxz_x5UAMi0ZHXBCFNEGkfqb-BR6wim6f-CucEHIklzkO74n2zvjdq5YevNXR0FJLntHaRSk-Jw9L1uw1DII3qMjdvj4VcZGe7FXGhCFwDNmA0jF-zw/w400-h300/242086834_815230749157084_7534382627716006553_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kingdom workers in Mogok have received <br />their protective gear</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOViqdqkI3AGfAI27u5d2mGagH6S1wC9c2RCd5z6VM-JDKU1QRzkztkC43_4t_gupylbHCoPZIkXBbxyaHlyZ3IPwJEXcVnzJgM50RMRno12CjF-Yk7M8YO33jwozM5Tq5ZoLkBqMYau8/s1500/242107243_282065630105685_5489786628973407931_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOViqdqkI3AGfAI27u5d2mGagH6S1wC9c2RCd5z6VM-JDKU1QRzkztkC43_4t_gupylbHCoPZIkXBbxyaHlyZ3IPwJEXcVnzJgM50RMRno12CjF-Yk7M8YO33jwozM5Tq5ZoLkBqMYau8/w300-h400/242107243_282065630105685_5489786628973407931_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Kingdom workers in Myitkyina have</span><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">also received their protective gear<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kEG8lAWHS3bK_SrnN9oDqHV3zfzJf3fLc9iPLHSjrY60mfkMGf4mdEaMIa5v4uMXlOrePHRcNiBBO2SvC-V_erL8mOVbw3giLq_rjVTAiSBzrngtz-iUlxZGga0W7L-vsfAeyfP6Lag/s555/Inked242190057_3023101301341251_639178399012938975_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="538" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kEG8lAWHS3bK_SrnN9oDqHV3zfzJf3fLc9iPLHSjrY60mfkMGf4mdEaMIa5v4uMXlOrePHRcNiBBO2SvC-V_erL8mOVbw3giLq_rjVTAiSBzrngtz-iUlxZGga0W7L-vsfAeyfP6Lag/w388-h400/Inked242190057_3023101301341251_639178399012938975_n_LI.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They started going around helping the sick</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q89_kRLcOQmV09xQMDbGoXMymI7YF4uuVonQUxG-fBUbS86mTX_eISQjC_6_aePsRPPv0RmRVyyzO2XpZ4MpNcrNkCD53ttvB7bD4N6vhUmS3SepfVfaRrWS7k-oP6uCIQ8TKxy96rY/s539/242315223_145454534454384_2275831354314753449_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="539" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q89_kRLcOQmV09xQMDbGoXMymI7YF4uuVonQUxG-fBUbS86mTX_eISQjC_6_aePsRPPv0RmRVyyzO2XpZ4MpNcrNkCD53ttvB7bD4N6vhUmS3SepfVfaRrWS7k-oP6uCIQ8TKxy96rY/w400-h296/242315223_145454534454384_2275831354314753449_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying the caskets to the burial site</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdbST2xoDWgSabdhDUtUCdfND2EUt8vHvd1N1e3mzFyy8jGG9ClUmilYACe5Z_ORs_vfPVLTM8BxKiJw8uGEp8TS5DG7JwU0C1EaTdQZIusL-RCwUZAHHI34JhVfMQx8tQ6UQD3SMIpE/s960/241777205_617447949241844_1041326124652137398_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdbST2xoDWgSabdhDUtUCdfND2EUt8vHvd1N1e3mzFyy8jGG9ClUmilYACe5Z_ORs_vfPVLTM8BxKiJw8uGEp8TS5DG7JwU0C1EaTdQZIusL-RCwUZAHHI34JhVfMQx8tQ6UQD3SMIpE/w300-h400/241777205_617447949241844_1041326124652137398_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying and providing food for the needy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiml8NA1IuHS04joJpZ3UDeABXQHWHiYrafzkoA4LXZ4Zq7eTWw0tLInDzhKz3QVL1MBrnwvmkB27i-EY30IaF4vblZDyVIjDhFbeQotYa4bIlx72JqkTLUVDiu4dnIqw4eSVCLSTOOE/s848/241564445_207281811461370_7385229557236692077_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="848" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiml8NA1IuHS04joJpZ3UDeABXQHWHiYrafzkoA4LXZ4Zq7eTWw0tLInDzhKz3QVL1MBrnwvmkB27i-EY30IaF4vblZDyVIjDhFbeQotYa4bIlx72JqkTLUVDiu4dnIqw4eSVCLSTOOE/w400-h294/241564445_207281811461370_7385229557236692077_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small Christian school has also received masks and alcohol</td></tr></tbody></table></span><p></p><br /><div> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></b><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Isaac
continues to study online. Most of the time, he has been prepping for an
entrance exam to high school. We are currently trying to find a high school
that would fit him and that he could enter but most schools are either very
expensive or not up to educational standards so that is one of our challenges
at the moment. Please pray as he is preparing for exams and for God to provide
the right high school for him to attend.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuYTo7E7erGO_CJO1qTXZ2Hv_Z9uSnj9Bmx9EpNuHJcCP8ykNmJPxr22EvlD_Z2aq7GaN4uomXlQlW1mJmtVToD_kEjvP1GGec3txEO5GnN-3eIEx1sL_m79CoAzW5D-boSp6hFZXBeo/s849/242418577_920704945510645_6423978679104565126_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="849" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuYTo7E7erGO_CJO1qTXZ2Hv_Z9uSnj9Bmx9EpNuHJcCP8ykNmJPxr22EvlD_Z2aq7GaN4uomXlQlW1mJmtVToD_kEjvP1GGec3txEO5GnN-3eIEx1sL_m79CoAzW5D-boSp6hFZXBeo/w400-h191/242418577_920704945510645_6423978679104565126_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac studying online<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kSY6ubhN6DPjYobrJo8eFqo8V0EQ-qp2SlgnLQBavz19k_yHjTOlxRyXA6VTpLtj7LCzu3I_3wAJiwzG42gjxHfJ2yf8ATQ1RqGoSFkRJ-67vczkek-o8du_pikipxe-g3O_zIgVOZ8/s750/241853443_2906930832889991_8367897219153895414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kSY6ubhN6DPjYobrJo8eFqo8V0EQ-qp2SlgnLQBavz19k_yHjTOlxRyXA6VTpLtj7LCzu3I_3wAJiwzG42gjxHfJ2yf8ATQ1RqGoSFkRJ-67vczkek-o8du_pikipxe-g3O_zIgVOZ8/w400-h300/241853443_2906930832889991_8367897219153895414_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Church with some relatives</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3iibyEjtGwnGGG1dkEfmf-mYvCK0Ao_lW2_j8M9I2rE5I0Tt5eqb6xgpysfz0rXhgBjoZHCH0k03diBWImYP5adwc-pe4YK3ppM06nZSO2jgEuef0Hq9LHyhgIKL_WDynZnBHGSkbI0/s1000/241224356_254589633334201_7074828949003628594_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3iibyEjtGwnGGG1dkEfmf-mYvCK0Ao_lW2_j8M9I2rE5I0Tt5eqb6xgpysfz0rXhgBjoZHCH0k03diBWImYP5adwc-pe4YK3ppM06nZSO2jgEuef0Hq9LHyhgIKL_WDynZnBHGSkbI0/w295-h400/241224356_254589633334201_7074828949003628594_n.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky's Birthday!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9_XMmRa4d2z9EJamnlKutKwaHfYvmtwPtNM8Kh0VtBXp2Zd49OWdsqVa1BKK3bL2RaJ8jF3Iu47tRCrztM8S9PhHsXmgoGhyphenhyphenmzOIW2Ng5fgBLJgMViCi_xo6ZCkipWStPks22_7xSEE/s1109/240994482_807507836611798_3969778257524685941_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9_XMmRa4d2z9EJamnlKutKwaHfYvmtwPtNM8Kh0VtBXp2Zd49OWdsqVa1BKK3bL2RaJ8jF3Iu47tRCrztM8S9PhHsXmgoGhyphenhyphenmzOIW2Ng5fgBLJgMViCi_xo6ZCkipWStPks22_7xSEE/s320/240994482_807507836611798_3969778257524685941_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick receiving first dose of<br />Sinopharm<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mary
has been working on the garden every day, and the garden is producing lots of
vegetables that we have been enjoying. Because of the constant lockdowns, in
order to stay healthy we often play some basketball (when it isn’t raining) and
also help Mary’s gardening.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
stated in our last update, the tropical storm came early this year and caused
some concerns at our house. The water rose and flooded our fields behind our
house. Moreover, the water almost reached the office which would have caused
water damage to many of Stephen’s books and computer. Praise God that the rain
stopped for a week so that the water could dry up before flooding our house!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Every
day, we hear of many storms brewing around the world. From political unrest to
this pandemic, sometimes we fear the storm because we feel we have no control.
Indeed, we don’t have control on many things in our lives… but God does. We
have seen many of these storms disappear and know that God is in control. We
have faith that one day Jesus will say, “peace, be still!” and all these storms
will be silenced. May His will be done!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-27974491527026701622021-07-19T09:52:00.001+07:002021-07-19T09:52:16.333+07:00Until He Returns<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
we face hardship in our everyday lives, we have more and more anticipation for
Jesus’ coming. Everywhere we turn, it seems like calamity trumps calm. We see
lots of political unrest in many countries including our own. Diseases seem to
loom around waiting to pounce and cause another streak of fear. On top of this,
natural disasters could not come at a more unfortunate time. Oh how we look
forward to the day when we finally have peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
we wait for that day, we are called to be a light in this world. Recently, even
with all the chaos, we have been encouraged by the comments of many people.
Some have given remarks such as “life is hard right now… this (online) class is
the only thing I look forward to all week”, “the good thing about COVID is that
we have time to study Bible (online) with you”, “you help me grow closer to
God.” Oh how we thank God that we can give people peace and hope even when the whole
world seems to be falling apart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the countries we are really focused on is Laos. Even though the borders are
closed, we are coordinating with our teammates on the ground and oh do we have
good news! In Laos, several government officials have accepted Jesus Christ!
Many believe and are baptized! As we follow many of these stories from our
friend on the ground, we are overjoyed by what God is doing in the country.
Many of these government officials including a village leader, a police captain, a district
deputy, a provincial vice-governor and even a member of the house of representative
have accepted Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior. Some of them even have
expressed that they are willing to give up their position and income to follow the Lord.
They are willing to sacrifice their governmental office position if their government
chooses to go after them for their newfound faith. Aren’t these new believers’
faith encouraging for us to hear? We think so. If you are also encouraged by
this, please pray for these new believers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqNPrSMAsoHsKr-fwU78RIEUWbLMaMmyOrnHZILDTHZC-qywcia_8ce6vY-Ok4qDAUG2zkIxNTsFHxXi9cEQ8U8vzAhF8WzMXVS6z2UBxkOHKCu0oMItsgVAVN8pgr_2vlov-7BJPhc/s960/Inked189931906_817183625895520_3277976640841657906_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqNPrSMAsoHsKr-fwU78RIEUWbLMaMmyOrnHZILDTHZC-qywcia_8ce6vY-Ok4qDAUG2zkIxNTsFHxXi9cEQ8U8vzAhF8WzMXVS6z2UBxkOHKCu0oMItsgVAVN8pgr_2vlov-7BJPhc/w400-h300/Inked189931906_817183625895520_3277976640841657906_n_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several families in a village hearing the message <br />from the evangelist.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember,
several weeks ago we asked you and many of our prayer warriors to pray for a
police officer in Laos because of his sickness. Through prayers, God has
answered. This man was healed! Now, he has asked our friend to go to his home
in order to tear down his spirit shelter because he has decided to follow Jesus
Christ! Praise God! The problem is that our friend cannot cross the provincial
border due to the COVID lockdown.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is one more thing we ask for your prayer for in Laos. In an entirely different
area, the new Christians in a certain village in Laos is facing threats from
the locals. The locals threatened the new Christians by reporting to the
government that the Christians have been worshipping in unauthorized locations,
house churches. The authorities agreed that they must have a church building in
order to gather; church buildings can be monitored, so the government is not
too fond of house churches. The authorities have made a deal that the 294 new
Christians in this town should build their own church or seize to meet. They
have approximately 6 months to build a new building. Please continue to keep
this in your prayers as they lack building materials!</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SKjSZ2KqPiDY9z6oZ4bfzbe_7ZAKQei39z57Se2fc2Yc49MvdvQoMkHRV5YC-Vb4c85sDzlkp59fi46S5CKIplq58pQUyAxL06EEkorG2PLqjG90OqzNavDPmwAHP-kw7hMXWWOvvm0/s1500/Inked216714710_551549189211258_8750630639654084552_n_LI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SKjSZ2KqPiDY9z6oZ4bfzbe_7ZAKQei39z57Se2fc2Yc49MvdvQoMkHRV5YC-Vb4c85sDzlkp59fi46S5CKIplq58pQUyAxL06EEkorG2PLqjG90OqzNavDPmwAHP-kw7hMXWWOvvm0/w240-h320/Inked216714710_551549189211258_8750630639654084552_n_LI.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyW61vYJusp7M5mnk_JohfvRrPpO44YAz8ipfrtbs58hkkhmtsoGeF0apu4VpFev1dNVjgTtgeHSIwM4ri21sTEyQOQcyZsqb2h1r8K4tzmwuKghEf7Ap2YDfQVXr4dt8WVKB_3nuHbs/s1500/Inked214696681_234035545218825_5979307191802607290_n_LI.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyW61vYJusp7M5mnk_JohfvRrPpO44YAz8ipfrtbs58hkkhmtsoGeF0apu4VpFev1dNVjgTtgeHSIwM4ri21sTEyQOQcyZsqb2h1r8K4tzmwuKghEf7Ap2YDfQVXr4dt8WVKB_3nuHbs/w240-h320/Inked214696681_234035545218825_5979307191802607290_n_LI.jpg" width="240" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBXR6oXF1qthzPfJcuoX4t-RXsAC34bnI2_NIb5D4S851pN2REcX9WHNfKbkm6v2dg9k0OEV5fQfN8SM41GkAnjbBI3fEuswjJtwbVxSoBf4grtdNrK29Gm5OM7gltWwL-4-_eb5qZTU/s1500/Inked216411119_338157401179622_7484053676688047599_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBXR6oXF1qthzPfJcuoX4t-RXsAC34bnI2_NIb5D4S851pN2REcX9WHNfKbkm6v2dg9k0OEV5fQfN8SM41GkAnjbBI3fEuswjJtwbVxSoBf4grtdNrK29Gm5OM7gltWwL-4-_eb5qZTU/w240-h320/Inked216411119_338157401179622_7484053676688047599_n_LI.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More and more believe and are baptized</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There
are many great projects in Lao in the works. One of the projects is to teach
Bible to the local evangelists (and those who are interested). This is a really important task because most
Christians in Laos do not have any Biblical background. Some of them are even
illiterate, making this task a bit harder. It is extremely dire for them to
learn the Bible so that they would have a sound doctrine. Some of Stephen’s
students have been teaching what they learned to the locals, and many are
asking for more classes. We are very thankful for many of you who are a part of
the many great works in Laos, and we are seeing great outcome! More are being
baptized weekly… yes even during COVID lockdowns!</span><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9OKBpGbOICso9mTyPfsin2bDQfgzJbcSfOko01Bqlbl9XYJVBECtLGDcGs5vafZaT44YSN8h9y_9cVQ-W-xSBQ6BmQoiMjhlNuCZ6ivUyOcOROc4vP6hXqn5CRYfx5m5qHUJ_32IdKw/s960/Inked207187107_604652680905114_7843437847688902922_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9OKBpGbOICso9mTyPfsin2bDQfgzJbcSfOko01Bqlbl9XYJVBECtLGDcGs5vafZaT44YSN8h9y_9cVQ-W-xSBQ6BmQoiMjhlNuCZ6ivUyOcOROc4vP6hXqn5CRYfx5m5qHUJ_32IdKw/w400-h300/Inked207187107_604652680905114_7843437847688902922_n_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bible class in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Myanmar
and China</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
situation in Myanmar with their government continues to persist and not much
news is coming out of that country. Our students and friends in the country
continue to live in fear. Not only do they have to live with the fear of COVID,
but also with abrupt battles starting. The university students are taking their
time to study English with Becky and Nick (and our wonderful friends in
Hawaii). All of the students are really enjoying the classes and are excited
every week. Furthermore, Stephen continues to expand his online classes. He has
roughly 60 (and counting) Christian ministers and church leaders from China and
Myanmar studying with him on Wechat, and about 6 in Zoom from China, Myanmar
and Thailand. These people are very glad to be learning Bible with Stephen.
They love being able to get deeper through this exegetical based lessons.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgima3SWbpTdDTlGzYeKxFePVg2l2_wAcunJZw43mNqJQSJfDHsUxkQfI7HJa78pad0Htg88rH5zymr2rqz0piHuoV_hgzl6nEa6ufqkiF2AlIVdpoNn7NTv05jZ5CU4usXaKL-EJlzd_Y/s2000/184416716_163794269014132_9040101265182432338_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgima3SWbpTdDTlGzYeKxFePVg2l2_wAcunJZw43mNqJQSJfDHsUxkQfI7HJa78pad0Htg88rH5zymr2rqz0piHuoV_hgzl6nEa6ufqkiF2AlIVdpoNn7NTv05jZ5CU4usXaKL-EJlzd_Y/w300-h400/184416716_163794269014132_9040101265182432338_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen teaching Christian leaders from<br /> Myanmar, China, and Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
for Thailand, it is more evident that we will be locked down for longer than
anticipated. The spike of cases in this 3<sup>rd</sup> wave with the delta
variant has approached our doorsteps. The district we live in has a cluster of covid
infections that are being watched at the moment but more are popping up. To add
insult to injuries, our country does not have any effective covid vaccines.
People are not happy that in order to get quality vaccines, one must pay over
100$ US to reserve Moderna, which still isn’t guaranteed to arrive. We are
unvaccinated (sounds strange to say) and are hoping for better vaccines. Please
pray for this situation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
couple months ago, before the initial onset of this 3<sup>rd</sup> wave,
Stephen and Nick went up to Mae Tae village about 5 hours North of where we
live. Stephen’s nephew, Abe, invited them to come and join in a house worship
service. Stephen gave a sermon on how important it is to have God at the center
of a family. Moreover, Stephen and Mary headed to several villages when they
had the chance. One of the places they constantly go to is Mary’s village
called Huay Ko. During the two weeks that this village was locked down, Stephen
and Mary delivered food so that they would be able to get through it. This
village houses the first Christian evangelist from China back in the 70s. This
year, a couple members of this group of evangelists went to be with the Lord.
Stephen and Mary are sad to watch their mentors pass away one by one but have
joy and comfort that they are going to be with the Lord.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1mNcIDqe03vMWhyphenhyphenXBerSKkt9Zlns8YU-3q7qeArq2swMVHgPRvAtNyQkVhvBhmOUYedQP454csFPJN1mF6xozdsTuxRNooAU5f9UMsS_S1vuexueStgbpgxrKB_c6ovG9EcUC1qV2t8/s2000/189121063_226193285691370_3943601251543285839_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1mNcIDqe03vMWhyphenhyphenXBerSKkt9Zlns8YU-3q7qeArq2swMVHgPRvAtNyQkVhvBhmOUYedQP454csFPJN1mF6xozdsTuxRNooAU5f9UMsS_S1vuexueStgbpgxrKB_c6ovG9EcUC1qV2t8/w400-h300/189121063_226193285691370_3943601251543285839_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen praying for Abe's family as they move <br />into their new home</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0ySmqwuolKqiS50HGUfogAPDVfYlaEhfB7gZvmaFPK8s6hCXdS1p-oDeglRzBmrWihdFBDLyALpSgPoP3YhPUp1v1JDQj11s8MT6ZelkTDXmyRDiRTE5UajkDRmVrzldul_BGR3iAOI/s2000/189980318_1181405782305369_3537404250600152006_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0ySmqwuolKqiS50HGUfogAPDVfYlaEhfB7gZvmaFPK8s6hCXdS1p-oDeglRzBmrWihdFBDLyALpSgPoP3YhPUp1v1JDQj11s8MT6ZelkTDXmyRDiRTE5UajkDRmVrzldul_BGR3iAOI/w238-h320/189980318_1181405782305369_3537404250600152006_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen spending time with his great nephew</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebXgpJEpcqCPLKhdYiVrpYIJAbxr4tZOf1fFjJ-DufbPhLFPzeTJRabbdWAgInwi94fuiR5A9mPGeG6n2tN_KN6Xo9J6Rc-cgfIAi8jfW10J6L3eYFfTfp15wOKoo-zZgLKxNwKpk_J0/s2000/190638659_308133774299325_5801505634350241838_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebXgpJEpcqCPLKhdYiVrpYIJAbxr4tZOf1fFjJ-DufbPhLFPzeTJRabbdWAgInwi94fuiR5A9mPGeG6n2tN_KN6Xo9J6Rc-cgfIAi8jfW10J6L3eYFfTfp15wOKoo-zZgLKxNwKpk_J0/s320/190638659_308133774299325_5801505634350241838_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with villagers on the field <br />where Nick will grow coffee</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tNFCixVZc9apAfzHYXfYAlKZUmC_oJMslykxurjB2OofpUqSRtbCNrk8zE4MBQed9UkE7QItweM2xjGJvUe7HGCAQNpDBgMRCNdGZac3l9NyftDxL8Jl4h4sQA0SCai40bz61Y30wx8/s2000/187288032_814228609447277_6817359801334559843_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tNFCixVZc9apAfzHYXfYAlKZUmC_oJMslykxurjB2OofpUqSRtbCNrk8zE4MBQed9UkE7QItweM2xjGJvUe7HGCAQNpDBgMRCNdGZac3l9NyftDxL8Jl4h4sQA0SCai40bz61Y30wx8/s320/187288032_814228609447277_6817359801334559843_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary (and Stephen) delivering food <br />to a locked down village</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Home</span></u></b></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This year, Stephen was supposed to go to America to teach at a missions camp in Oregon but unfortunately he wont be able to make it because, like most people in Thailand, he has not had the covid vaccinations. This is the second year that he will not be able to attend this camp. If Lord willing, we are hoping to get vaccinated by the end of the year. Mary
and Nick started planting papaya trees in the backyard. Early mornings and late
evenings are the best times to work because of the midday heat. During the past
week, rain season began and we had torrential downpour for almost a week
straight. The water in the field rose and almost flooded our home but thank God
the rain stopped for a moment, as we pumped the water out of the house. We are
praying that as we approach the peak of this rain season, that there wouldn’t
be a flood. In any case, we believe God is in control.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgnRFLNlB5ESUxwjvT_KmO2adITp1C9rRb6HBME3S9hnptTNrLTeCUgIKJ9OZUTbi7b7MYG1jDWIK1GWkwfrvTDy31cQE8rbNrGmzqGoiCfzW0cLFktULhdIrNGGu98QOCErXmXtQkU4/s1000/212555390_834881523887920_8925717480452875435_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgnRFLNlB5ESUxwjvT_KmO2adITp1C9rRb6HBME3S9hnptTNrLTeCUgIKJ9OZUTbi7b7MYG1jDWIK1GWkwfrvTDy31cQE8rbNrGmzqGoiCfzW0cLFktULhdIrNGGu98QOCErXmXtQkU4/w400-h300/212555390_834881523887920_8925717480452875435_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water rose, and almost entered the office area.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
couple weeks ago, Nick had a youth event in the city. He coordinated with his
friend, who owns an airsoft field; they had an event where the youth invited their
friends over to play airsoft together. About 20 youth came together for an
afternoon of competitive fun. Isaac also got to join this event and he had the
most points! This past week, Nick took a trip to Sam Muen Village, to finally
grow some coffee. It has not been easy because he had to ride the scooter up
the slick dirt roads to the farm… He took several tumbles. In several days,
Nick and few villagers planted about 350 coffee plants this first year. Please
pray for him as he meets new challenges along the way as the “new coffee guy”
in the village.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Z61H6Wf_Vw2Iz8XQyded-eej3eDJhrZZv9ggW51IB2t1WpC_cX-d7sa9olmeuADgqyzqrDLyvyNogykJ1kH4Lh33NUnWnpIyFjz2fAJTkHP333vRDz0QIDAWd2RpOGyoaeuNMqNGPI/s960/210294542_841054083467401_3708872975355960626_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="960" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Z61H6Wf_Vw2Iz8XQyded-eej3eDJhrZZv9ggW51IB2t1WpC_cX-d7sa9olmeuADgqyzqrDLyvyNogykJ1kH4Lh33NUnWnpIyFjz2fAJTkHP333vRDz0QIDAWd2RpOGyoaeuNMqNGPI/w400-h190/210294542_841054083467401_3708872975355960626_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youth airsoft event in Chiang Mai</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9LnWq65m5iNEu6UcP7gyK9kyRwN7NgiL_O6YWzVAO1abhVrjt0zRcpIYQm0vN2Uu8ZKDKvH6JOUAfflEGeH5D0WnUCte4o13tTfurNQCCAf78WIN0qAGQINx8pn1j4u_F3ym68Uu5B4/s887/211191119_2299464703523192_3364257857367894012_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="887" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9LnWq65m5iNEu6UcP7gyK9kyRwN7NgiL_O6YWzVAO1abhVrjt0zRcpIYQm0vN2Uu8ZKDKvH6JOUAfflEGeH5D0WnUCte4o13tTfurNQCCAf78WIN0qAGQINx8pn1j4u_F3ym68Uu5B4/w400-h300/211191119_2299464703523192_3364257857367894012_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac with his cousin Jay planning how to win!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzg9VSEuUni7AcZ5b37p-6ML1GNMPOHT-tdCezGFdT3__2VrEmvwxnKd9ccZjjqEDE-xOrtgx0Y782HokohRth8CIkp0OHg9G1FPmAUWVibQXUhRsqZN63SBH5BCQka98OCFBIoO0cDM/s912/211049577_1068446717022015_7054415364117530053_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzg9VSEuUni7AcZ5b37p-6ML1GNMPOHT-tdCezGFdT3__2VrEmvwxnKd9ccZjjqEDE-xOrtgx0Y782HokohRth8CIkp0OHg9G1FPmAUWVibQXUhRsqZN63SBH5BCQka98OCFBIoO0cDM/s320/211049577_1068446717022015_7054415364117530053_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching the soccer kids <br />how to play basketball</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykG-8JKdWeIOTD7aAbM7EU0yi__DXGcExNT66ggOyLTwZHyAj9CnurL2ZD-6o-q00_jOevpOItESYCNimhUc6iPD0qgfgul52cY3E6AjrLr3e0UBOyhOV7fySXtpI_Ko2iXoHGg1zLPc/s1152/218830953_530406648008077_7368228593286503780_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykG-8JKdWeIOTD7aAbM7EU0yi__DXGcExNT66ggOyLTwZHyAj9CnurL2ZD-6o-q00_jOevpOItESYCNimhUc6iPD0qgfgul52cY3E6AjrLr3e0UBOyhOV7fySXtpI_Ko2iXoHGg1zLPc/w300-h400/218830953_530406648008077_7368228593286503780_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and his helper Pateep digging holes <br />and planting the small coffee plants</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR2gyyvQGIuZHoClzVhNbuD1RSsajKodt-KoHKNzJUH2P2Nsg68wFs3Cm9JxU4t87OQ_1kDtlFNq6igLg8vDF-IfUhqB4R8F-TJ4wHsq6PZQ1haOo_FChiMur9r3qHF3bg-j-d0Nl-04/s1000/212607902_390841162669786_2791539305318123627_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR2gyyvQGIuZHoClzVhNbuD1RSsajKodt-KoHKNzJUH2P2Nsg68wFs3Cm9JxU4t87OQ_1kDtlFNq6igLg8vDF-IfUhqB4R8F-TJ4wHsq6PZQ1haOo_FChiMur9r3qHF3bg-j-d0Nl-04/w295-h400/212607902_390841162669786_2791539305318123627_n.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-3 more years before these coffee plants<br /> will begin to fruit</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
thank God for giving us peace and comfort in knowing that He is almighty and in
control. So even with all the negativity in the world, we will continue to be a light. Continue to pray for us as we give some hope to the hopeless, some peace to the chaos, some confidence to the fearful. Until He returns, we will continue to expand His Kingdom on earth! <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-85655614330152777312021-05-12T10:41:00.001+07:002021-05-12T10:41:57.973+07:00Third Wave, but High Spirits<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Covid
Alert! Covid Alert! We are now facing the 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">rd</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> wave of Covid 19. Every
province is under lockdown. Restaurants are only allowed to serve take-away orders,
no more gatherings (including church), and masks are now mandated with
violators facing up to 700$ fines. We rely on and know that God will help us
through yet another period of lockdown. Praise God that we still have a garden
where we can get our vegetables and a chicken coop where we can get our eggs and
meat. Even though we are facing another challenge, we have joy in Christ. We do ask for prayers for others in the area that are facing depression
and hunger during this time. Before this 3</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">rd</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> wave, we had many
productive months! So, let’s talk about that!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Since
Thailand has been on and off with lockdowns due to Covid-19, Stephen’s
ministry has shifted accordingly. Whenever the lockdown was lifted, he would
visit different villages and preach at different churches on the weekends. Whenever
there was a lockdown in effect, he would spend his time in his office and study God’s Word; this
is the reason which he considers as the positive of a lockdown. No matter what type
of conditions we may face, he continues to teach God’s Word online to a group of 30
evangelists and preachers who live in Thailand and Myanmar. He then sends the
recorded audio lessons to the Christian leaders in China. Among these
preachers, Wan Bosi is a preacher-pastor at the biggest church among the Lisu
church in Thailand. Wan Bosi has never had a chance to study in any Bible colleges,
but because he wants to preach God’s Word faithfully he enrolled in Stephen's international Bible class for ministers. Lamephu is another leader whose
ministry focuses on drug addicts. He is working with over 300 drug addicts throughout Myanmar.
He believes that God is able to heal these dark forces so his ministry emphasizes on teaching God’s Word and prayers for these drug addicts to be
healed. Many of his students were once addicts and now serve the Living God and
Lord in several areas in Northern Myanmar. Another leader, Ahli serves at one of the county
churches of the three self-movement in China. Stephen sees his potential to be one
of the next generation leaders in the Yunan province so he has been training with
Stephen for many years. While studying God’s Word via online with Stephen, Ahli has been invited to study at Yunan Ethnic University. As he continues in his further studies, he needs some financial help for his family needs. Isn’t it worthwhile to invest in these leaders and their needs for the sake of God’s Kingdom? Please lift up these
leaders, particularly Ahli and Lamephu, and their ministries in your prayers. Overall,
Praise God for allowing us to teach and invest in His Kingdom’s workers even when we
are locked down in our homes!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpougRKXaMelLKufWhIdtEE-9N0506xrP4scqXjRNOJks00tV3yhEpEsS2k5CJZ2_RMFqcS1zfFBAw-aW9-sUWk4gVwq4K_WoHT3ENShssbXyrWOost-n9ir7lsWtkR3-Zpu8kvDUOkY/s2000/163617264_283422203308070_5022338634053007288_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpougRKXaMelLKufWhIdtEE-9N0506xrP4scqXjRNOJks00tV3yhEpEsS2k5CJZ2_RMFqcS1zfFBAw-aW9-sUWk4gVwq4K_WoHT3ENShssbXyrWOost-n9ir7lsWtkR3-Zpu8kvDUOkY/w400-h300/163617264_283422203308070_5022338634053007288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team photo after a victory!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nick
has been working with the youth at a local church in Chiang Mai and also the nonbelievers
of Shan youth in our county. Since, the lockdown, he has not been able to
physically meet up with the youth, but has been encouraging and spending time
with them online. Nick’s sport ministry, soccer in particular has reached
another phase. Now, the program has roughly 20 regular players. As we progress, there will be a need for more equipment and connections to teams that will be willing to compete against an "unofficial" club. Nevertheless, every practice
begins and ends with prayers and discussions about soccer and life. After 3
years of practice, the boys had official matches in March (before the 3rd wave of Covid). They hold a record of 3 wins and 0 losses so far! They have all
grown up to be great players on and off the field. Nick is really encouraged by
the fact that they actually come to Nick when they have problems and sometimes
even ask for prayers. These boys are very dear to us, and we are very proud of
them! The sport ministry has not only transformed the life of the children, but also the
society particularly in our neighborhood area. The neighborhood has seen the
impact in the kids’ life. Our neighborhood has become safer than ever before.
Most of all, God’s Name has been lifted up among the lost people in our areas.</span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRB23bwfqMfqvCqLPTDNZZQjEJgsXH_-AbfDZte8z4soEfF57PxoiBQnAQAxLrzWxZs2ct-xCaq2X0Xg_zXgqpFObtSN3lwe4Z7kZdXtu8ZwjMe6XmZvc7KPFpaYvfQxrytuRXsn43k8/s1807/181125543_288922202956034_69891748591476163_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1807" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRB23bwfqMfqvCqLPTDNZZQjEJgsXH_-AbfDZte8z4soEfF57PxoiBQnAQAxLrzWxZs2ct-xCaq2X0Xg_zXgqpFObtSN3lwe4Z7kZdXtu8ZwjMe6XmZvc7KPFpaYvfQxrytuRXsn43k8/w400-h270/181125543_288922202956034_69891748591476163_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the match, photo with the college age team. Our<br />boys did great!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMV8z6X46Nv4w0ND9sKFW3NMJ-82yDG9CeI2eOYKnp0enKoNW6yy90tUCwy8Zt5zoS_RAMbD0Ynqha1Etr8U4IndcRw65H-vBN6sQ4DhwzLmzdtdkcK1agm2TlfHaQxtIpG-udwaBNWc/s2000/180127934_525636005486445_4550522564703781223_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMV8z6X46Nv4w0ND9sKFW3NMJ-82yDG9CeI2eOYKnp0enKoNW6yy90tUCwy8Zt5zoS_RAMbD0Ynqha1Etr8U4IndcRw65H-vBN6sQ4DhwzLmzdtdkcK1agm2TlfHaQxtIpG-udwaBNWc/w400-h300/180127934_525636005486445_4550522564703781223_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team helping with our garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxlPRiYkiwn2VvKW8twOYc7iVCVjZZnpQS4NG-czvCzi8tIQjGfAYPMsi7v3CsJ1RHGSEUhExegvcRDHMnQj7BDtFxTNxRVkkdWHoGpyT_d8Q-29HZr26e29KdpwhWHvMu4hRA42-MSs/s2048/160685452_188199206158986_8527984647719344557_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxlPRiYkiwn2VvKW8twOYc7iVCVjZZnpQS4NG-czvCzi8tIQjGfAYPMsi7v3CsJ1RHGSEUhExegvcRDHMnQj7BDtFxTNxRVkkdWHoGpyT_d8Q-29HZr26e29KdpwhWHvMu4hRA42-MSs/s320/160685452_188199206158986_8527984647719344557_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together as a team, we prepped for <br />a new row of green beans!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Since 2020, Nick and Becky has been teaching online to students in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Becky primarily focuses on teaching grammar, and has had great feedback from the students each week. Becky continues to teach online and really enjoys it. She is doing a very good job. Nick has been teaching conversational English, using the Bible as the main text, to students in Myanmar and Laos. With the help of David, Becky, and Lisa at a church in Hawaii, the class for the Myanmar class has been a big hit. Special thanks to Kiamuki Christian Church’s Board of Missions and those involved for their great support in this ministry. This has been a real big encouragement for the Christians in Myanmar as they are facing political unrest within their country. In Laos, the majority of Nick’s university-level students are not Christians, but they have really enjoyed reading the Bible and learning who our God is.</span><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98QOpxkKyst5o1DquavT9qblNtHwrZYdXistOHwLS-3bGEtyohlXDxGcmpR-HPsQ-U_Ldx1gGjQ_QqVP6iqmnmQzZFYlOuswKmdXrm8Vv51H-UEyDmwNpT9SMKV3TicHR5l-kjJt-bws/s1325/185361228_844999106369808_2334681450004945072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1325" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98QOpxkKyst5o1DquavT9qblNtHwrZYdXistOHwLS-3bGEtyohlXDxGcmpR-HPsQ-U_Ldx1gGjQ_QqVP6iqmnmQzZFYlOuswKmdXrm8Vv51H-UEyDmwNpT9SMKV3TicHR5l-kjJt-bws/w400-h217/185361228_844999106369808_2334681450004945072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky's grammar class for the students in Myanmar!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Myanmar</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
March, Stephen went to the border of Thailand and Myanmar, where there is an ongoing intense fighting between Burmese soldiers and Karen, to meet with the
displaced people. These people have to leave their love ones, their homes,
their villages, their farms because of the bombs from planes. They are all scattered
in the forest around the border without basic life necessities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
this area, the western border of Thailand, ethnic Karen refugees have made
camps right on the riverside that divides the country of Myanmar and Thailand.
Conflicts have escalated in Myanmar due to internal politics. The Burmese
military and ethnic Karen military (among others) began fighting since early
March. This resulted in a great migration of civilians coming to the edge of
the river because technically they cannot cross into Thai borders. After
meeting with some of those displaced people, we decided to send help in the
form of food packages. Prayers for the political unrest in Myanmar would be
appreciated because it is escalating at alarming rates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8OduNICvTLH2ecmjPe4kkekGlXv3SC9-JzvkX9mlhz8voKHQxhbgpSRtfizg3o4-RSZsABvq6t85TCB7ZC7gmE8PxEqLUEWTKYyrrfalYlQtLOjLD0mGz5fS22uTOuJOlN8PjoxEEdw/s2000/165867793_137774771620370_8860353745028783548_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8OduNICvTLH2ecmjPe4kkekGlXv3SC9-JzvkX9mlhz8voKHQxhbgpSRtfizg3o4-RSZsABvq6t85TCB7ZC7gmE8PxEqLUEWTKYyrrfalYlQtLOjLD0mGz5fS22uTOuJOlN8PjoxEEdw/w300-h400/165867793_137774771620370_8860353745028783548_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen helping load a truck to send mosquito nets<br />and necessities for the displaced at the border</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4jE0Uhj2lS4aSe9I_OGjFsU2guQUk8IDA6xc9COrf6cPmDhdXuvk0ZJDaX68745O7Mkx0oY6lGShUq8kNcvU6Cez1jfooPABhmFG73AMNwvEeTio0y8jv5znegGbnt26XLDGnIShbxI/s1560/183366020_370749544324384_8741349112146930430_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4jE0Uhj2lS4aSe9I_OGjFsU2guQUk8IDA6xc9COrf6cPmDhdXuvk0ZJDaX68745O7Mkx0oY6lGShUq8kNcvU6Cez1jfooPABhmFG73AMNwvEeTio0y8jv5znegGbnt26XLDGnIShbxI/w400-h300/183366020_370749544324384_8741349112146930430_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our packages reached the displaced at the Myanmar border</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos</span></u></b><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Laos, we are so excited to announce that many more people have accepted Christ
and were baptized in the past couple of months. Many are tearing down and
burning their physical idols from their houses because of their new found
faith. God is moving in Laos even during this lockdown and we would like to
acknowledge our partners on the ground for their wonderful work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Laos
has many different ethnic groups and many of them are considered to be
unreached groups: no converts, no bible and etc. In one particular county,
there are 27 different ethnic groups living there. In the previous newsletter
we asked you to pray for these unreached ethnic people. Praise the Lord! He has
answered the prayers. Not long after, the first family (9 of them altogether) from
the Seeda tribe walked into the house of the on-the-field evangelist (who took
the New Testament course with Stephen) and asked to follow Jesus Christ. As
Jesus said in Luke 15:10 “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner who repents” (NASB), we are so happy to be a part of a
history-in-the-making moment. This is extremely encouraging especially in the
field of missions. We hope to see these new converts trained up to become
Kingdom workers who will carry out the Great Commission to their own people, one
day. Isn’t this exciting? Would you like to see more unreached people groups
come to Christ? If you would, please join with us in prayer for these new
converts and our mission field.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTdU43vlPt85r6WK-OMoZtUYfU9w2aL7YzzI_qmnyv-lNK0CP7O1QP0IO0cU9PrM3JlOKTRLHHy9AHPZ87j6SS_SCmysUcRbnM94nbFb_zfXBTPMITXK603fCttq-WyRqjUNV7kmwbLc/s1001/183331897_381727149758067_920473385262428129_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTdU43vlPt85r6WK-OMoZtUYfU9w2aL7YzzI_qmnyv-lNK0CP7O1QP0IO0cU9PrM3JlOKTRLHHy9AHPZ87j6SS_SCmysUcRbnM94nbFb_zfXBTPMITXK603fCttq-WyRqjUNV7kmwbLc/w323-h400/183331897_381727149758067_920473385262428129_n.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More baptisms in Laos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcEHRRcu0n1_czNMURuiT8JKjznGDjEDS7OVBtaERHADoLmq4j5mG9YO7ju8i4hcf1XzaMdJ2VHBRlnMSEatn_IFw3moqhaxOWdoEIzmSvojI4h9xp111Uk1MwxTN9XZgPvw_ddVJAUg/s986/184485176_162182752576389_7812693523192437142_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="986" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcEHRRcu0n1_czNMURuiT8JKjznGDjEDS7OVBtaERHADoLmq4j5mG9YO7ju8i4hcf1XzaMdJ2VHBRlnMSEatn_IFw3moqhaxOWdoEIzmSvojI4h9xp111Uk1MwxTN9XZgPvw_ddVJAUg/w400-h383/184485176_162182752576389_7812693523192437142_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More believers in Laos. Praise God!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
early April, our family headed up to a family reunion and memorial of Stephen’s
late father. Every year our family and relatives would go up to the burial
grounds of Lawu (Stephen’s father) and have a worship service. Over 100 Lisu
people, both Christians and non-Christians, will come to join and pay respect
for Lawu. This was a great day for Stephen not only to meet up with his
brothers and sisters who live in various parts of Thailand, but also to
evangelize to them. It seems there is no better place to deliver Jesus’
resurrection and the hope of Christians’ resurrection than at this memorial
gathering. In fact, it was the similar context of 1 Corinthians 15 when Paul
delivered his gospel of Jesus’ resurrection to the Corinthian church. This
event was a couple days filled with family and friends enjoying meals together, playing soccer together,
and also worshiping God together.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzw2FBPim_3ePFb49Qp1JYDXQrmy7k6zkCrpOHO_eQlM6QcUarE6-F21bQE2NpqbgCQDSusxd9yoqVTEm05vpyQB8ZSN6FU5mG8dBaUA0F59n9B6NzkU83RaLMGg2fKnqDv0jUE-6198/s1478/181334238_509311097107577_1502801196280363806_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzw2FBPim_3ePFb49Qp1JYDXQrmy7k6zkCrpOHO_eQlM6QcUarE6-F21bQE2NpqbgCQDSusxd9yoqVTEm05vpyQB8ZSN6FU5mG8dBaUA0F59n9B6NzkU83RaLMGg2fKnqDv0jUE-6198/w400-h300/181334238_509311097107577_1502801196280363806_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men of the family talking about life<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegJqF542nVCSGeqxdG_AXV9LZG5o4_ydFzM0dlr5CLf9KnjxgiJSy_bql0iF7vcluAW7vqcVaOYzX5YVZ404TcdkopDWXlU2prWOm4cBTGQpqB5sjXgTzyErH6DqM1FUjXRvjjd_SMho/s2000/179440345_480573566700340_4305135948687228582_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegJqF542nVCSGeqxdG_AXV9LZG5o4_ydFzM0dlr5CLf9KnjxgiJSy_bql0iF7vcluAW7vqcVaOYzX5YVZ404TcdkopDWXlU2prWOm4cBTGQpqB5sjXgTzyErH6DqM1FUjXRvjjd_SMho/w400-h300/179440345_480573566700340_4305135948687228582_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving a quick message of encouragement to pursue<br />the Heavenly Kingdom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDd6hNdYjn0WVCy_xRSqbzY4kBE88n-fNAurjSFrLNekg55XBjhGG4Gir7JneNUS1B4xj1KXQqh7EYBroBkvvrYRAy1sVxpWakPu0bUsL2jak48H31tR1b3CtdYunI7iX1YeCI4b9p4/s2000/180686680_600957417971620_641793064503094694_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDd6hNdYjn0WVCy_xRSqbzY4kBE88n-fNAurjSFrLNekg55XBjhGG4Gir7JneNUS1B4xj1KXQqh7EYBroBkvvrYRAy1sVxpWakPu0bUsL2jak48H31tR1b3CtdYunI7iX1YeCI4b9p4/w298-h400/180686680_600957417971620_641793064503094694_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, as a family clan, we gave out a few scholarships <br />to students pursing different levels of education</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZykg1eDqv4WpSa_Bs2jAbcGIQI4RNUzX81mUkBYyPjnpcCw-QppgFuBmg0t2zC5AZe79nwD7VofE6dqvvgNseZLnN5RFzCJNYprjbmoKGtbYAt17SPr4TVjj49wRKHnKOM8dGjrDRcA/s2000/182092713_271982494626334_8353912322523704761_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZykg1eDqv4WpSa_Bs2jAbcGIQI4RNUzX81mUkBYyPjnpcCw-QppgFuBmg0t2zC5AZe79nwD7VofE6dqvvgNseZLnN5RFzCJNYprjbmoKGtbYAt17SPr4TVjj49wRKHnKOM8dGjrDRcA/w298-h400/182092713_271982494626334_8353912322523704761_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary in front of Lawu's grave</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl2x7zGccU6aqx_dxZjY2ySwo9LYLQdjkgOdGtJg4toplIhmRqX9cNY8652l968mCrWdlM_lSF95Sdl0ZY0zWbjd8MfWyslzxjDKCXAkxyAwiM8S4VlNJ7aV1aIXSxGAIWcFZIVM5R4k/s2000/181287821_220203263239227_7306772343369053416_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl2x7zGccU6aqx_dxZjY2ySwo9LYLQdjkgOdGtJg4toplIhmRqX9cNY8652l968mCrWdlM_lSF95Sdl0ZY0zWbjd8MfWyslzxjDKCXAkxyAwiM8S4VlNJ7aV1aIXSxGAIWcFZIVM5R4k/w400-h300/181287821_220203263239227_7306772343369053416_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family lunch followed after the worship service!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the home front, Mary’s pumpkin hasn’t been easy to take care of especially with the random storms that come in because pumpkins love rain for only a limited amount of days. If there is too much water, then the pumpkins go bad. We are praying for a good harvest so that we can either help provide jobs for local Shan people in our neighborhood or give them as food to people who need it. Isaac is on his summer break. During his free time, besides playing games with his friends, Isaac has been learning piano and chess on his own. During this third lockdown, Stephen has revisited his doctoral notes and has spent much of his office time on researching the Gospel of Luke. He is considering to convert those research notes into the form of commentaries in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWaXTsbhw8BaX9cIcyzwAFmgkeUKag4afawTtAHiE-KoY7fGKv9Qb6HLiq-scVDDrAy2QrbY1L4h2tILhDma-Owr-F6wCYy3ARXGILzj2o9JueaxqYHm4yI9QXxr1J3SYDGi1joTM-k4/s2000/168851979_291307212624111_4262653911371116322_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWaXTsbhw8BaX9cIcyzwAFmgkeUKag4afawTtAHiE-KoY7fGKv9Qb6HLiq-scVDDrAy2QrbY1L4h2tILhDma-Owr-F6wCYy3ARXGILzj2o9JueaxqYHm4yI9QXxr1J3SYDGi1joTM-k4/w400-h300/168851979_291307212624111_4262653911371116322_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's old friend visited us. He and his wife are political<br />leaders in Eastern Thailand.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgbeQSUDHhw8V6AM7sQ_S7ohZBZPSZBvsul46H-FYCuMQdk43cQyGvyZmtNzdCeT2SJ73LyF7ZDi1NeeZ052sH4XlbIKM8BSfbfdsLCJGzZsmifJgy-YUAZTHat6qpW2EWMVmuuqj19k/s2000/174834489_302469531276002_5734544500522248906_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgbeQSUDHhw8V6AM7sQ_S7ohZBZPSZBvsul46H-FYCuMQdk43cQyGvyZmtNzdCeT2SJ73LyF7ZDi1NeeZ052sH4XlbIKM8BSfbfdsLCJGzZsmifJgy-YUAZTHat6qpW2EWMVmuuqj19k/s320/174834489_302469531276002_5734544500522248906_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sent some clothes to a village in Thailand.<br /> The kids love their new clothes!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjj4-O_28W7EU5WzDyzu3p-7N0ieT7GUx3kkBJNqK_pM06zMdV4TMSATPy1rJG7_gUNqSkfOX0iRe_NeEHSBtjuIIlL7zjoYBGFr7t2k6WeQABuG5VRGfzexuw3Mp2fgqLutruHdvz9s/s1560/175072190_2678772775746082_4046628799932591542_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjj4-O_28W7EU5WzDyzu3p-7N0ieT7GUx3kkBJNqK_pM06zMdV4TMSATPy1rJG7_gUNqSkfOX0iRe_NeEHSBtjuIIlL7zjoYBGFr7t2k6WeQABuG5VRGfzexuw3Mp2fgqLutruHdvz9s/s320/175072190_2678772775746082_4046628799932591542_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many were able to come and get new clothes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As always, thank you for your faithful partnership with us. May the Lord bless you all abundantly!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-58405937295718557132021-03-15T16:04:00.000+07:002021-03-15T16:04:08.318+07:00Glimpses of Hope<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">People
in Myanmar and our mission works need fervent prayers more than ever before. Besides
Zoom classes, most of our mission works in Myanmar is on pause. The ministry of
teaching English on Zoom for students in Myanmar and Laos is going very well.
Sometimes, we face unstable internet connections, but overall, it is a ministry
that has blessed many students. Our gratitude goes to the mission board of
Kaimuki Christian Church who has dedicated their time, and even paid for the
cost of Zoom this year! Because of this ministry, some students in Laos have
passed their university entrance exams in the recent months. These entrance
exams are required here in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in order for students to
attend public universities. Speaking of Zoom classes, we also started offering a
class for preachers in Thailand, Myanmar and China every Thursday evening in
the Lisu language. The goal of this class is to help prepare those preachers to
preach God’s Word from the Scripture faithfully. During class, Stephen would share
his research findings, exegetical works and present the text and its contexts
to the group, and then everyone would discuss and talk about applications.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Um5NhlzGHYlyedUhf5RKbODMqOE4iZYa4bRR6p6irdlHQkrwkbQs1njpVBmJW7Wkn9WS2tIi_yVGykYjH7Z63laiqr68ukk0OtomL3SZGJ7kFRTfVOaAXoC-Zni-zMMnWymIFtUooI/s978/159535834_434489257830522_8110080079704948741_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="978" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Um5NhlzGHYlyedUhf5RKbODMqOE4iZYa4bRR6p6irdlHQkrwkbQs1njpVBmJW7Wkn9WS2tIi_yVGykYjH7Z63laiqr68ukk0OtomL3SZGJ7kFRTfVOaAXoC-Zni-zMMnWymIFtUooI/w400-h266/159535834_434489257830522_8110080079704948741_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Bible Zoom Class (Myanmar)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIRGkzZuGDAK-jcJ912-rQTzUGdfAmucB69_U-C5i6mCJly9ijbj-24sFvr-_Wn-lQy6Rn4NMbkVQ4rIdQORZUayLaRx9WBSHXxsU0cn4iDkuL0AmRCGznb-Ldmj5C05izS1x-JAxy5g/s1154/159490755_770088100584002_8554239882612317677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIRGkzZuGDAK-jcJ912-rQTzUGdfAmucB69_U-C5i6mCJly9ijbj-24sFvr-_Wn-lQy6Rn4NMbkVQ4rIdQORZUayLaRx9WBSHXxsU0cn4iDkuL0AmRCGznb-Ldmj5C05izS1x-JAxy5g/s320/159490755_770088100584002_8554239882612317677_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen class with the preachers <br />in Myanmar, Thailand, and China</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
the evangelistic works in Myanmar remains on hold due to the travel
restrictions and also ongoing political issues. Just before the lockdown due to
the Covid 19, Stephen and his teammate were prepared to go and evangelize to one
of the very remote areas in the Northeastern part of Myanmar to the people who
are still growing opium as their main cash crop. These people are so remote,
not only have they never heard the gospel, but they don’t even know how to say
“thank you” in their own language. Perhaps, when we go there, it would be like 1960,
when Stephen was young, and when people took a bath once a year, only on New
Year’s Eve because it’s a custom to change into new clothes on New Year’s Day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Covid 19 vaccines are being rolled out, glimpses of light at the end of the
tunnel seems to be brighter each day. In Thailand, many in the hotel and
tourism business are waiting for costumers to come back. Students at schools
are tired of having to constantly shift between online classes and going back
to school. It is strange to think that we have been in this situation for over
a year. Since Covid cases dropped to 0 in Chiang Mai, while many other
provinces still are at high risk, we traveled to visit many different churches,
different villages, and the elderly; on one occasion we visited the earliest
group of Thailand Lisu Christians, who live 5 hours away from Chiang Mai. They
have not had visitors since the beginning of 2020. It has been a blessing for
them and Stephen to meet, pray and have dinner for this group of Christians. Stephen
has a long memorable story with this group of Christians. Together, they went
through various times of suffering and persecution because they were the first
group of Christians among their villages who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord
and Savior. The persecution began with the stoning of their houses (this is an
expression of hate), excommunicating them, burning their houses and the worst
was hiring a hit-man to kill them. Praise God for protecting Stephen along with
this group of first Christians. Finally, they had to move out from the village
and they started a new village, at the place where nobody would dare to live.
According to the faith of non-believers the new place was doomed with curse, but
God has been faithful, as they are prospering and are living long enough to
show those unbelievers how mighty our living God is and how he blesses his
people. Not only did they have to move to their new place and start new because
of their faith, but they also had to change their main cash crop. As you may
have known that prior to their conversion, they would grow opium as their main
cash crop for several generations. This was the only crop they knew how to grow.
After their conversion, they stopped growing opium and turned their poppy
fields into rice paddies. Without any experience in growing rice, they harvested
nothing for the first two years. Many of them starved to the point of near
death because of this transformation. But praise the Lord! Today this village
has become a model for our mission in helping new converts in other countries,
for instance, Laos and Myanmar, to change their cash crop from opium to other
positive and sustainable crops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeOYypONw3iAugZF-ZSsykTd5qKsLId5XwD7d1B0ZZ4iQMjK2rhVsMtUjlRhFV9WqJYs7vTr00ocgurDKlaMqNChby4ZX88ROY8FUHsKsAWHtyEE8a5uCs8CAYrJOIr8aSOsLHiTyBP0/s2048/144196800_466729351014865_6847615613235854484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeOYypONw3iAugZF-ZSsykTd5qKsLId5XwD7d1B0ZZ4iQMjK2rhVsMtUjlRhFV9WqJYs7vTr00ocgurDKlaMqNChby4ZX88ROY8FUHsKsAWHtyEE8a5uCs8CAYrJOIr8aSOsLHiTyBP0/w300-h400/144196800_466729351014865_6847615613235854484_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving one of many sermons <br />since the beginning of the year</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDJx3Q7peuE89hOYJxgLSnJPa6G1Z7p81CsGyojCajWWKuR8lHrhHGPO8tSnEwgNJVgEACIJMB-6D0LxU5RWm94enPfZY2706Pc_eUV-32LTjZVGFV9IhmtjkMsGQr7YjE9yYtmFPlsU/s2048/144736053_744869149784763_8083538391714829236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDJx3Q7peuE89hOYJxgLSnJPa6G1Z7p81CsGyojCajWWKuR8lHrhHGPO8tSnEwgNJVgEACIJMB-6D0LxU5RWm94enPfZY2706Pc_eUV-32LTjZVGFV9IhmtjkMsGQr7YjE9yYtmFPlsU/w300-h400/144736053_744869149784763_8083538391714829236_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary visiting a church <br />in Chiang Dao<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZYcYRQXUztHpUPEtmKEUbW9d8wSrxjb7IV0GU3SwP9naCXYU3iBfCJRCYCvjGjenTFozr8ZgizRiefbvFCNLhn5gwDoYX1YiPUneeWgpckFVfxZAx8crjvMkZrH7R0GGDpegSO8o1pU/s2000/158938875_174289681002217_827623430810015999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZYcYRQXUztHpUPEtmKEUbW9d8wSrxjb7IV0GU3SwP9naCXYU3iBfCJRCYCvjGjenTFozr8ZgizRiefbvFCNLhn5gwDoYX1YiPUneeWgpckFVfxZAx8crjvMkZrH7R0GGDpegSO8o1pU/w400-h300/158938875_174289681002217_827623430810015999_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen, Mary, and Nick visiting and praying for Mary's father<br />and mother, as they are still both very sick</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCQCYoSpcViTLRKdGRe31p7Tnyze5BdCSOkqXosiWt4IWR7mWxNpL8mGrHOdA3uxbFcNLscc1y0kxMJx8k2xX0-vvfIvluMCIhx0L4iW3iy6eZ6ugYVAbX6rfqeZB54hO9xgvSXK7p9A/s2000/140654096_1097595194038340_6301275553920555752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCQCYoSpcViTLRKdGRe31p7Tnyze5BdCSOkqXosiWt4IWR7mWxNpL8mGrHOdA3uxbFcNLscc1y0kxMJx8k2xX0-vvfIvluMCIhx0L4iW3iy6eZ6ugYVAbX6rfqeZB54hO9xgvSXK7p9A/w400-h300/140654096_1097595194038340_6301275553920555752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Mary with the earliest group of <br />Christian Lisu in Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmhmSl68IOcUdfCT8tS7hq3ejttxCL3mOjb4PmzTzx0qQy-ToYPKiH8zSNpNoRwTaY5-pYyPIfiGFdXmktTViF_DWEXdPcmSZZnpYevY8wnIPEojtjlDsjr7xQ5wOUYwW5frwI3Bdkh4/s1824/140004445_812859462628082_1239193283347847412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1824" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmhmSl68IOcUdfCT8tS7hq3ejttxCL3mOjb4PmzTzx0qQy-ToYPKiH8zSNpNoRwTaY5-pYyPIfiGFdXmktTViF_DWEXdPcmSZZnpYevY8wnIPEojtjlDsjr7xQ5wOUYwW5frwI3Bdkh4/w400-h299/140004445_812859462628082_1239193283347847412_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen, Mary, and Nick (with A Be) <br />having lunch with the Elderly<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
our last newsletter, we requested your help in covering the cost of food and
study equipment for the two year Bible and Leadership training in Laos. We are
happy to say that we have already received 500$ designated for this ministry
from Parkview Christian Church. We need $3,500 for this year and another $4000
for the next year for the first 30 students. This is a first-of-its-kind event
in such a closed country and we believe this training program is the game
changer in bringing hundreds of thousands of people in Laos to Christ. We plan
on going into Laos to teach leadership and Bible classes as soon as Covid clears
up. We believe it is worth it. Will you continue to pray about this?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking
of Laos, though many people are turning to Christ in Laos, especially the Hmong
and the Khamu people, however, there are still many unreached groups of people,
for instance, Bik, Seeda, Phusan, Muchi and etc. There are no Christians or Bibles
in their language, to our knowledge, among these people. We, along with our
friends in Laos, are praying for a way to reach these people. There are several
challenges, for instance the language barrier because they speak only their languages; they can’t communicate with the evangelists from the other ethnic groups. Please keep these unreached ethnic
groups in your prayers; pray for us to find a way to reach them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>Family</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
another note, Nick has started volunteering as the youth minister at a small
house church in Chiang Mai. Before this, the church didn’t have a youth program
for at least 5 years. This has not only benefited the youth at the church but
also help Nick grow as well. Every other week, Nick has to prepare a message
for the Youth and also set up events. Most of these kids will have their first
youth lock-in ever this month. Nick misses the days when he was in youth group
as a high-schooler; it was super fun, and he wants to bless and encourage the
kids here. Furthermore, Nick also works with another group of students
(unbelievers) near our house by coaching them soccer. This month, they started
to pray together as a team. This is a huge step because the soccer team has
been asking for prayers for their family, education, and even for their future
wives. Please continue to pray for Nick for wisdom and continued growth.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r0QkgerpmlggIlrnkmoJCLcNUChPhVsz8J3hktKR1Dj20ulRnbKccQfQHfN6sS8JOM6rPugO67BGkvtzhQEIM-T9cNDiGvjaM5rFjHf4JWgZrhbrxxe-NpkPmHO7qdsbd-fLYVVslMY/s1478/159846354_434809774477007_7661538210823034610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r0QkgerpmlggIlrnkmoJCLcNUChPhVsz8J3hktKR1Dj20ulRnbKccQfQHfN6sS8JOM6rPugO67BGkvtzhQEIM-T9cNDiGvjaM5rFjHf4JWgZrhbrxxe-NpkPmHO7qdsbd-fLYVVslMY/w400-h300/159846354_434809774477007_7661538210823034610_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick giving a sermon at the Thai church in Chiang Mai<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPC0AVZlydqKYFqFAJuBH_5glujKDAkU6_fVZvRDGmSrWtfLt-D-B93RhPL9n-NyscJN1DupJvOiyPegXu6g_yOfPV_Ez7Uyc1dvhAldW_9J8lFOGZRgyyXo3jnHWdbGvhhqJjh3OnqQ/s1840/158044917_277837143700230_3923589626774490269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPC0AVZlydqKYFqFAJuBH_5glujKDAkU6_fVZvRDGmSrWtfLt-D-B93RhPL9n-NyscJN1DupJvOiyPegXu6g_yOfPV_Ez7Uyc1dvhAldW_9J8lFOGZRgyyXo3jnHWdbGvhhqJjh3OnqQ/s320/158044917_277837143700230_3923589626774490269_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and the soccer team defeating their first<br />opponent, the teachers from a catholic school <br />in Chiang Mai<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for Mary, she started to grow pumpkins behind our house. Some of you may know,
in the past, Mary helped provide work for the Shan community by growing rice.
In the past year, the two harvest seasons were less than profitable because of
the price drops on rice. All the work, without any income, especially for a
couple Shan people who work here part-time was especially tough. The rice
farming community in Thailand is also struggling from the Covid Crisis--farmers
live below the poverty line, have very little education, and are highly
undervalued in the community. We live in one of the biggest farming communities
in Chiang Mai, and we have seen and even experienced the struggles that farmers
here face. Because of this desire to impact the community, Mary has and continues
to open up opportunities to work with the farmers and refugees in our
neighborhood.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKr0q0iVioQpV-Qv7BuqPFonNuQkRpsPXrtDC0zJGp_cjuKIfv_IX6TCzCPcMpl3Nnth8DjR5clCUrAWPJ5_Jw0yf_-yfcKBhCpfISr-T6AK_TyH7CzMyXP5PSq6YYn217GdVWBbon74/s2000/159980224_446820093224744_3136969532335233369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKr0q0iVioQpV-Qv7BuqPFonNuQkRpsPXrtDC0zJGp_cjuKIfv_IX6TCzCPcMpl3Nnth8DjR5clCUrAWPJ5_Jw0yf_-yfcKBhCpfISr-T6AK_TyH7CzMyXP5PSq6YYn217GdVWBbon74/s320/159980224_446820093224744_3136969532335233369_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary's pumpkins are growing<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Becky
is doing well with her beginners English Zoom class for the Myanmar students.
The students who speak little to no English are all in Becky’s class. Every week,
she goes above and beyond and preps new power point presentations for the
students. Her 8 students have really improved and are now able to read simple
sentences. We are very glad and proud to have Becky give her all in this
ministry. Isaac has been studying for his upcoming exams next month. He has
been doing exceptional in his studies and has even picked up the game of chess.
Within a couple of weeks, he was able to study the game and even beat Stephen
and Nick!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ6hIDApDs1tgn8E7c5roHgKVpcocBfsepw-21szbTc74hIGZl16nFXvTGUSfsx873ro4Sk60e9bYYWFhqEidxg7qiGqHpBWMVHQdxHJmkvQZ8r1PBrdlUGddrF8u-p49PJMMsv9rFxc/s2048/139652707_242304020639646_4612143970815802023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ6hIDApDs1tgn8E7c5roHgKVpcocBfsepw-21szbTc74hIGZl16nFXvTGUSfsx873ro4Sk60e9bYYWFhqEidxg7qiGqHpBWMVHQdxHJmkvQZ8r1PBrdlUGddrF8u-p49PJMMsv9rFxc/s320/139652707_242304020639646_4612143970815802023_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky taking an afternoon break</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
thank you for joining us and make an impact on the mission field in Southeast
Asia and China. Even though we are all facing this pandemic and political
unrest, it is clear to see that His Kingdom continues to advance. May we
continue to share the Good News and give people hope because Jesus is coming
back!<o:p></o:p></span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-30965186390801010952021-01-13T10:52:00.002+07:002021-01-13T10:59:52.036+07:00Happy New Year 2021! We made it!<p><u>Looking Back at 2020</u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Happy
New Year! It is the time of the year where we reevaluate our previous year and
plan for the future. Of course, 2020 was a year where we had to put many of our
plans on hold because of the pandemic. As you may know, Stephen was supposed to
go to America to speak at a camp and visit churches but that was cancelled.
Stephen and Nick were supposed to go to Laos to teach and evangelize but that
fell through. Furthermore, the family was supposed to go to John’s wedding, but
sadly it was not possible. Even though many of our plans didn’t come to
fruition, we tried to make the best out of the situation. We thank God that
there are many positives even though the whole year was full of trials. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
start of 2020, Stephen was invited to teach New Testament survey at a seminary
in Chiang Mai. Many of the students were leaders or evangelists in Southeast
Asia. The class was a success and many of these students want to learn more
from Stephen. In the meanwhile, Mary and Nick joined a Children’s Day event at
Hua Fai Elementary school. This school is where the majority of Nick’s soccer
players study or have studied. It was awesome to see some of them enjoy their
first ever donut. During the earlier months, we were also able to send mosquito
nets to Laos because many people in our mission field are facing problems with
Dengue Fever. Soon after this, many countries were experiencing Covid 19
outbreaks and Thailand began to lock down the country to prevent further
spread. Due to this pandemic, many people lost their jobs. In July, with the
help from IDES, we were able to help several hundred families in Thailand,
Myanmar, and Laos. Through these many efforts, many people experienced the love
of Christ and many people believed and were baptized.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Due to
the lockdown and social distancing, Nick and Becky began to teach English
online to students in Laos and Myanmar. We are so thankful for a church in
Hawaii for partnering with us to teach to the students. Together, we are incorporating
the Bible and using this as an avenue for evangelism. So, this is one way we
can still do ministry even while in lockdown. Praise God for useful technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Thailand
did a wonderful job dealing with Covid 19, because towards October 2020, local transmissions
were brought down to zero. So, we were able to visit churches and do trips to
the mountains. This was a relief because we got to see friends, family, and visit
churches in the mountains. During this time, Stephen and Mary visited the sick,
the widows, and several churches in the mountains. Nick took his Chinese
student, who is interested in Christianity, to the mountains and worked on the
coffee farm. The coffee farm is to be a project in order to study and develop
sustainable agriculture so we can exchange information and help education
farmers on the mission field. Nick also headed to a remote village with a Thai
church to help evangelize to the ethnic Karen group for a week. At around this
time, our friends in Yangon, Myanmar running an orphanage said that 18 of their
30 children are in the hospital with Covid 19. Immediately, we at AFC decided
to help with the cost of the food while the kids were in the hospital. After
several weeks, the kids all were discharged and are doing well. Praise God!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvf9XT9ER7FDFh1A2GRzX0VlF9FbyOi0ifPFPTkjk3bFNuK45-AyfRkDktSB0RntTqffGrHHQa18r_oX6MOkcozY_7ZVOip-nhs-4RAxZUXZNlCRaB4eJJ2hV5-UiP7WIUCw1JW71LZo/s1478/135827643_218745096651984_7760905680489111635_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvf9XT9ER7FDFh1A2GRzX0VlF9FbyOi0ifPFPTkjk3bFNuK45-AyfRkDktSB0RntTqffGrHHQa18r_oX6MOkcozY_7ZVOip-nhs-4RAxZUXZNlCRaB4eJJ2hV5-UiP7WIUCw1JW71LZo/w400-h300/135827643_218745096651984_7760905680489111635_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick with the Thai church on the evangelistic trip<br />to a remote area in Thailand</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMPOoWcuncKelWLt6_IomHiZUiEEW8ZaXY4yx6J4k3lHNncSgUsgV8rUb1hdB1tir_4sXUTMWGD8ApPqpMJLnGMBYIm9HsDeMxcLfCRS4nX9ndE9DZNG5YXXJHHTIpXpFJvxx9YxAs8E/s1280/134933477_400847707842985_1275802211044474327_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMPOoWcuncKelWLt6_IomHiZUiEEW8ZaXY4yx6J4k3lHNncSgUsgV8rUb1hdB1tir_4sXUTMWGD8ApPqpMJLnGMBYIm9HsDeMxcLfCRS4nX9ndE9DZNG5YXXJHHTIpXpFJvxx9YxAs8E/s320/134933477_400847707842985_1275802211044474327_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick practicing a skit where he is the father<br />in the story of the prodigal son</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Towards
the end of the year, we harvested our last rice crop. We will not be able to
continue growing rice because the water canal has been closed by the neighbor
down the road so we can no longer control the water levels in the rice patties.
This is unfortunate but we know that God will continue to provide. After we
harvested the rice, it was Thanksgiving time and so we headed up the Huay Ko
Village where Stephen delivered a message for the people. After the
Thanksgiving event in the mountains, we had our yearly Christmas party at our
house for the students in the neighborhood. Several of Nick’s friends from the
Thai church came and helped lead worship and games during the bonfire Christmas
party. Stephen then ended the night with a word of encouragement. The soccer boys got their jerseys as a surprise Christmas gift. We all had a
great time!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsm2FfbXIO7RIVEEJhYnCLOIF8hl8RV3fnjIVk_jMtyCLnZbUiO5P8r4QClynWOjSQLy3aqp_oAMBDxKnze_5t2gAB3WXk2o5REaHkQSoO_1Jb6ntUuIxoscDu4KdwJ2s41wJgVetKB4/s1478/134733203_770817343777485_6121352155129793321_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsm2FfbXIO7RIVEEJhYnCLOIF8hl8RV3fnjIVk_jMtyCLnZbUiO5P8r4QClynWOjSQLy3aqp_oAMBDxKnze_5t2gAB3WXk2o5REaHkQSoO_1Jb6ntUuIxoscDu4KdwJ2s41wJgVetKB4/w400-h300/134733203_770817343777485_6121352155129793321_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soccer boys receiving their jerseys</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArc-nKGaqveLSeWWDMvccyfPc9r9HVKIcW7m_lXW7N1fi_Yar2X-eWBsN5BPi_EiroINsS-WJOQYuwfcVhLrYiiMpXPUC84t-VEyleh_xYjW15f8E4wUKYPKQzssxJtf50_X6zMcW91o/s1478/134738639_986772031846679_7618643663502825210_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArc-nKGaqveLSeWWDMvccyfPc9r9HVKIcW7m_lXW7N1fi_Yar2X-eWBsN5BPi_EiroINsS-WJOQYuwfcVhLrYiiMpXPUC84t-VEyleh_xYjW15f8E4wUKYPKQzssxJtf50_X6zMcW91o/w400-h300/134738639_986772031846679_7618643663502825210_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christmas party with the soccer boys (thanks to Nick's <br />friends for helping out)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZmMRlALv27buTrbfpijfCyZLrYaqxquncDUiynP7gecUpw-94FXtDbAVGqeKVyzHjOJpAS3OzyVDJcC6LNvigMG701h2K9cw8qcoD_IQsrky5eyFsjBbSzbzPFZOSp43zQdoCHsaVU/s2000/135551952_424806868665212_8818561649690250509_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZmMRlALv27buTrbfpijfCyZLrYaqxquncDUiynP7gecUpw-94FXtDbAVGqeKVyzHjOJpAS3OzyVDJcC6LNvigMG701h2K9cw8qcoD_IQsrky5eyFsjBbSzbzPFZOSp43zQdoCHsaVU/s320/135551952_424806868665212_8818561649690250509_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small gift exchange at the Christmas party</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTAWrPIhOpI1JuExKQLBvDO7eSQmC2XOnaLw5JBoB3QOFibMNy_Y3xHusPZJZ5KucD6VIPvY9jQoaUGToH-vsMNVUKIJvWIelfsJwuEygPTxozF-F705XsFOx-8czC4qRoSEtyWJB0LM/s2000/136931225_445819003301142_6459879547740915098_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTAWrPIhOpI1JuExKQLBvDO7eSQmC2XOnaLw5JBoB3QOFibMNy_Y3xHusPZJZ5KucD6VIPvY9jQoaUGToH-vsMNVUKIJvWIelfsJwuEygPTxozF-F705XsFOx-8czC4qRoSEtyWJB0LM/w400-h300/136931225_445819003301142_6459879547740915098_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen gives a short message at the Christmas party</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">During
New Years, our family went to village and spent time with Mary’s mom and dad,
who have been through physical difficulties throughout the year due to their
age. Mary’s dad specifically is ready to be with the Lord any day. We want to
spend as much time as we can with them. Indeed, we had a great time at the
village because they celebrated New Year with a communal worship service for
welcoming the year of 2021. The villagers asked Stephen to give the message at
this service (this is a very common occurrence wherever Stephen goes). This was
his first message for the year of 2021. What a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMN4UzTkSS2FdWPIjIP0k17U9QZVhgq8IApQHbGO6Aj0WbU3SwwtA8pJsBtqkvJh7cbbZ80g2iS6LpgBO24ABNvHLJvNZrgKuSHCbs_WMtZxMxo_S_6xdxNIAyJgKc_vkHbgyTOWqZHqQ/s1359/136688055_1506853889506361_9092907187013363010_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="908" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMN4UzTkSS2FdWPIjIP0k17U9QZVhgq8IApQHbGO6Aj0WbU3SwwtA8pJsBtqkvJh7cbbZ80g2iS6LpgBO24ABNvHLJvNZrgKuSHCbs_WMtZxMxo_S_6xdxNIAyJgKc_vkHbgyTOWqZHqQ/w268-h400/136688055_1506853889506361_9092907187013363010_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac playing a game in the village<br />(blind folded<br />pig catch)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">During
this visiting, our family treated some of the last evangelists who pioneered
the way to bring Christianity to the Lisu in Thailand and some of the widows of
the late evangelists among this group to a special meal to pay our gratitude
for their sacrificial lives in order to expand His Kingdom. They were the
ground breakers and the frontier workers for evangelism in Thailand. All of
these pioneer evangelists came all the way from China, passing through Myanmar
and have evangelized to almost every Lisu villages in Thailand for the past 60
years. Some of them (over 80 years of age) are still very active in the
evangelistic works. They are our living model for our mission works in carrying
out the Great Commission to the unknown people and places in Southeast Asia and
China.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcohSD5k_iko2kXcN1wtiLL8tHDiWn1ChaLXIOBb1p2obnQEMz36NwuO9uBWC3XMGLgaqEmqXSozNDrttAMqq_oRMNkQ8MaRhXFbO6MXkl6GIXOJ75o4eLxTG84dJHk5VmkOCTcriLULQ/s910/136729138_222582926155203_2404939084470515634_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="910" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcohSD5k_iko2kXcN1wtiLL8tHDiWn1ChaLXIOBb1p2obnQEMz36NwuO9uBWC3XMGLgaqEmqXSozNDrttAMqq_oRMNkQ8MaRhXFbO6MXkl6GIXOJ75o4eLxTG84dJHk5VmkOCTcriLULQ/w400-h236/136729138_222582926155203_2404939084470515634_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary having BBQ with the ladies at Huay Ko Village</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwWr2l8N6hqSBMPjFEiVD5Pro-PDPki2gqCjS4u8yheLtu6AMQqyzEFlpr7LMFYH8xmu9aCd8ALzAXuUkc4eAteFuEm4rSM1KFpRabgRGhb0GU0wUAzuVPFk8X9wwahFs2nVAnGHKSSk/s2000/130546236_1185258551869428_5200004191453274085_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwWr2l8N6hqSBMPjFEiVD5Pro-PDPki2gqCjS4u8yheLtu6AMQqyzEFlpr7LMFYH8xmu9aCd8ALzAXuUkc4eAteFuEm4rSM1KFpRabgRGhb0GU0wUAzuVPFk8X9wwahFs2nVAnGHKSSk/w300-h400/130546236_1185258551869428_5200004191453274085_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating with the first Lisu evangelists <br />in Thailand<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As 2021
began, Thailand now faces the second wave of Covid 19. We are now in a partial
lockdown again. Please continue to pray for us as we try to get through the
rising cases again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2021<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Our plan
for 2021 continues with many more English classes online. We are also working on more media content in order to release more videos of our ministries online so that you can enjoy what it's like here; we will also work on more video teachings so that the people in Southeast Asia and China can have more study tools and also be encouraged. Stephen continues to teach
and preach online and working on his Lisu Bible commentary in order to be an
asset for Biblical studies for the Lisu in Southeast Asia and China. He also
has prepared several class notes for the coming years. For Stephen, studying
the Word is a blessing in the midst of the pandemic. Recently, Nick was asked
to be a youth minister at a small Thai church in Chiang Mai. Please pray for
him as he takes on this voluntary role on top of helping AFC with its various
ministries. The mission fields in Myanmar, China, and Laos are continuing to call
us to revisit or to evangelize to nonbelievers, but all the plans for traveling
is up in the air.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkbYQ130WDgdp4YvC6qK-hCIHTd6ezUANsSPqF8flOxeo32zCtrv3jKs6zAwCUmo7kruJT4SY38q1O_4ZxbvKd7w18kqS-IdovOJb09bw6JICRzv5KEhZY0SS7gH3IBW60PVryZF-vgM/s1352/136100953_399551831311043_2363030241166195699_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkbYQ130WDgdp4YvC6qK-hCIHTd6ezUANsSPqF8flOxeo32zCtrv3jKs6zAwCUmo7kruJT4SY38q1O_4ZxbvKd7w18kqS-IdovOJb09bw6JICRzv5KEhZY0SS7gH3IBW60PVryZF-vgM/s320/136100953_399551831311043_2363030241166195699_n.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick teaching English Class for <br />the university students in Laos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1lq7_L1LpM8TRE6jU7cFhAsbPdVNxlvwilyF1pGkKnJM7VuLybwmiBR0iRp964N00zYK66m2RwpzTzPAlC3DS8EOqVThwfk7wAGiz64WVgk01FuVCkeqLYLLGCJDhpQpTu7HP1ifJ0k/s2048/137317636_153825516299026_7044722154455951867_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1lq7_L1LpM8TRE6jU7cFhAsbPdVNxlvwilyF1pGkKnJM7VuLybwmiBR0iRp964N00zYK66m2RwpzTzPAlC3DS8EOqVThwfk7wAGiz64WVgk01FuVCkeqLYLLGCJDhpQpTu7HP1ifJ0k/w300-h400/137317636_153825516299026_7044722154455951867_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky with her students</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">At the
moment, Stephen and Nick have been invited to teach at the church leadership
training program in Laos. This will be the first Christian leadership course
and will start soon. The two-year-leadership training program is initiated by the
local churches and leaders in Laos. One of the goals of this program is to help
the Christian leaders have a solid foundation in the Word. Importantly, the
Laotian government will certify those who finish this 2 year course by issuing
Christian evangelist license (which has never been done before in the past). It
means that they will be able to evangelize or to do any ministry legally in
Laos. Thirty leaders from several different churches from Luang Prabang
province in Laos have already registered on this training program. Throughout
the 2 year period, each church will commit to support their leaders with
personal needs, traveling expenses, accommodations, rice and etc. However, because
of the poverty rate of Laos, there are some essential needs beyond their
ability, for instance, books and class materials, vegetable and meat beside of
rice. This training program needs $4000, each year (8000 for the full two year
course). If you would like to be a part of this ministry in such a closed
country, please designate your giving’s as LTPL (leadership training program in
Laos! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ-sy5GL2-5k-VaX_NJcS2Rl7t0vAVHfEoWzEcCXlwnfwa3FSce0l_oobM6Yhg2qRDamSP7dvFYlXF3-IIFD98YUaQQMJ8b1XqHT4HwtHbz_VO2QFw5fgSMAgSSdqJSMBuEoAPtA5Q54/s960/Inked136749183_421431105952294_3086193818411799268_n_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ-sy5GL2-5k-VaX_NJcS2Rl7t0vAVHfEoWzEcCXlwnfwa3FSce0l_oobM6Yhg2qRDamSP7dvFYlXF3-IIFD98YUaQQMJ8b1XqHT4HwtHbz_VO2QFw5fgSMAgSSdqJSMBuEoAPtA5Q54/w400-h300/Inked136749183_421431105952294_3086193818411799268_n_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the people who will join the <br />first class of this training program in Laos<br />(we want to protect the identity of these people <br />as their country slowly accepts Christianity)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Stephen
and Nick are very eager to go into Laos to teach at this leadership training
program in a week intensive course setting on the topics of leadership, Bible,
how to run various ministries, and others. We would like to extend the
invitation to church leaders, ministers and friends in America to this new
mission field. If anyone feels this call, please come and join us in teaching
at this training program. Without a doubt, we believe God has opened the door
into Laos for us. We are so excited for this blessing from God because as you
may know, Laos is the most Christian persecuting country in Southeast Asia.
Praise the Lord!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We thank
you for your continued support even during such a hectic year. May God bless
you all abundantly. Let’s make 2021 another great year, full of fruit! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is a brief story of how Stephen, his father's family, one of the first group of Lisu in Thailand became Christian many decades ago. Feel free to watch.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="402" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IpE3z7coBbU" width="483" youtube-src-id="IpE3z7coBbU"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-33362511906027954912020-11-27T14:11:00.000+07:002020-11-27T14:11:41.000+07:00A Time of Thanks and Joy<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
we get to the end of the year, people are becoming more cheerful and festive.
Harvest season is at the peak moment; churches are busy having their thanksgiving
or harvest celebration events. As usual, each village will invite their
neighboring villages and churches to celebrate thanksgiving together. Similar
to every other year, Stephen had been invited to share the message at some of
those thanksgiving gatherings where over 500 people attend. At one of the
Thanksgiving gatherings, Stephen, with Mary, Isaac went up to Huay Ko village,
where they invited over 30 different churches (of course from different
denominations and groups) from 3 different provinces. Because of the
agricultural background of the village churches, it is easier to link
Thanksgiving to the Feast of the First Fruits in the Bible. As usual, after the
message some people came up to Stephen with tears of gratitude for the message;
sadly, a rumor also went around against Stephen saying that he’s wrong to not
be under a specific denomination. What should we do? To whom should we
represent? This was the only thing that was discouraging about the trip. However,
overall, it was a great trip. Isaac really likes these trips! At every village,
we feel very blessed to see many faces which we have not seen for many months.
A great sigh of relief and a sense of joy as we see many people in good health
and safe from Covid. On the other hand, there are many cases of Chikungunya
going around in these areas. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that affects
the joints and causes fevers. Many will be bed ridden until the body can fight
it off. There are no standard treatments or cure for Chikungunya except for
rest and pain relievers. Unfortunately, Mary’s mother has this illness at the
moment, so please be praying for her. This year we will not be hosting a
thanksgiving event at our home because traveling for many people is still a
challenge.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW0ZPm3bcbbOqZOPl8MMHkNkUUWBEU9olqCgCZdOImZIrcLR7bPAm_c6qkyNWdsqo4a9Z9c1zttZemY7M40AQjbFSgGKZuzpDUM-9Lc75X4TCIQOJrGTlxZuvZD0C3ZTIaSr7U79RIi4/s2000/125186526_3601395279920678_7762111084671522222_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW0ZPm3bcbbOqZOPl8MMHkNkUUWBEU9olqCgCZdOImZIrcLR7bPAm_c6qkyNWdsqo4a9Z9c1zttZemY7M40AQjbFSgGKZuzpDUM-9Lc75X4TCIQOJrGTlxZuvZD0C3ZTIaSr7U79RIi4/w300-h400/125186526_3601395279920678_7762111084671522222_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at Huay Ko Thanksgiving</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjgCwybSq7KeBeIcYxRXOzvKWESVpKaLNPDz-9nNn_7_BHLEcDb0-4G8kBjxcMZDE4ixy5002GMu_niLt68kFd5wjHMJpJ6Ff4t1fYXH4O_sllU1alC6jVZsyNY9_v0nSQajueVevG4Q/s1728/125339902_735793533679369_2559090317392673669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjgCwybSq7KeBeIcYxRXOzvKWESVpKaLNPDz-9nNn_7_BHLEcDb0-4G8kBjxcMZDE4ixy5002GMu_niLt68kFd5wjHMJpJ6Ff4t1fYXH4O_sllU1alC6jVZsyNY9_v0nSQajueVevG4Q/w400-h300/125339902_735793533679369_2559090317392673669_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than 500 attended</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS28q4SM0L54WPL8Ytnc639wiMcFSoatYyhwmY_LTCRnCMi7nHNcQRaYvNM1ZOzE9CL-XJ7rDxmH0NBg4mgroh5LttEOmiJAa8A8gb7Ct-voHugEtJb6zlBhw-sVl3BtVr9RLZk_oFCM/s2000/123918273_3816424188368174_922361914476426717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS28q4SM0L54WPL8Ytnc639wiMcFSoatYyhwmY_LTCRnCMi7nHNcQRaYvNM1ZOzE9CL-XJ7rDxmH0NBg4mgroh5LttEOmiJAa8A8gb7Ct-voHugEtJb6zlBhw-sVl3BtVr9RLZk_oFCM/w300-h400/123918273_3816424188368174_922361914476426717_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving at Kong Nguen Lisu Church <br />in downtown Chiang Mai</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />Beside
these thanksgiving events, almost every weekend, Stephen had been invited to
preach at different churches and villages across the denominational spectrums. One
of the villages Stephen preached at was at Lin Luang, about two hours north of
Chiang Mai. Stephen preached on what it means to be heavenly citizens. As many anthropologists
have called the Lisu people a border-traveling people (not citizen of any one
country/being citizen of many countries), many of the Lisu villagers were very
encouraged by this message. Many of them have requested Stephen to teach the
Bible when Covid is under control. By the way, we have also started recording
Stephen’s sermons so we could share them on the internet to the Lisu people
throughout Southeast Asia and China. Currently, we have been using our smart
phone to record since we don’t have a proper camera yet. Also, we are still
learning and figuring out all the ins and outs of videography.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUhqOzkUz_S9E8XMyCuFx9c3ogLR87vds1aml_wzvL-5yyM5mmqoXg0XklwBG_Ery5meNiCIeoJTmLNVdcN8y7_VLMD1qGJsGUtAui9CvWhfaof3cHOSBEwwO8ml8XhGtvbFzUyQvXx8/s2000/124373490_298843117867483_4151743717268234484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUhqOzkUz_S9E8XMyCuFx9c3ogLR87vds1aml_wzvL-5yyM5mmqoXg0XklwBG_Ery5meNiCIeoJTmLNVdcN8y7_VLMD1qGJsGUtAui9CvWhfaof3cHOSBEwwO8ml8XhGtvbFzUyQvXx8/w298-h400/124373490_298843117867483_4151743717268234484_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at Lin Luang Lisu Church</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
Nick went to Sam Muen, a very remote village where there is neither electricity
nor a water system. The roads going to this village is among the toughest. The
red clay roads are very tough to go up especially when it rains, even for four
wheel drive vehicles. Nick took his Chinese student Herman to this village. The
main goal of this trip is to clear up some land and prep the land for growing
coffee. This coffee project is set to be a model for churches in Thailand,
Myanmar and Laos (where the people used to grow opium) to be a sustainable and environmentally
friendly crop. During the weeklong trip, Nick learned lots and spent a lot of
time with the villagers. The best part about the trip was teaching the kids and
Herman Bible stories and praying with them. What a successful trip as many
people asked about what it means to follow Christ. Herman is interested in
Christianity and does not bow down to idols even at Buddhist temples anymore,
he says he wants to know Jesus more before getting baptized. Nick encouraged
him to pray and read the Bible. It was a great trip!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHAieg_1PF5zbFty0owc1Oxv0wI_fTfVPcs1NFzkg9QF5GBQI-pHBoiFbj-camAK-H3GmhY7KQhkl4qXL5h4iMshANsulkbw-pfND4p-KGbmkBKH-IZoy3Xh0IpX-WFNPaW_q_vPDUDA/s1277/127864448_171691914664677_3135041122308951758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1277" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHAieg_1PF5zbFty0owc1Oxv0wI_fTfVPcs1NFzkg9QF5GBQI-pHBoiFbj-camAK-H3GmhY7KQhkl4qXL5h4iMshANsulkbw-pfND4p-KGbmkBKH-IZoy3Xh0IpX-WFNPaW_q_vPDUDA/w400-h225/127864448_171691914664677_3135041122308951758_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a little party for the kids in Sam Muen Village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmBY0WWPj7auw5RPV-WsBxQsYpUtm_VvUTOwk3PhrQesVNzRx2COG9AWT3NqM_ZFaBS1sAfhFpZkKC-6R31mBrKWe08c7Nbzt1UgA-Pmvnys1WP9695PMvp9GsoCi8m_bTWf1QH5_P4/s2000/127636672_821980815314676_4127230019804106697_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmBY0WWPj7auw5RPV-WsBxQsYpUtm_VvUTOwk3PhrQesVNzRx2COG9AWT3NqM_ZFaBS1sAfhFpZkKC-6R31mBrKWe08c7Nbzt1UgA-Pmvnys1WP9695PMvp9GsoCi8m_bTWf1QH5_P4/s320/127636672_821980815314676_4127230019804106697_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group pics with host family <br />and some of the village kids<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fkKXQ7y-0cphOG6c1kjZLs4-SdsZ68qBFvQ82CncZG_kYFMEnzTKM41r0tOPAP6g5s5_gqyb2PV4YSMixjQPDPn_3-20LUYC3ytErt6IrEEWSetaP1k5Rw1rb3owM24T1Zy-owpZ710/s2000/127228005_2482349728733716_1439050179144550147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fkKXQ7y-0cphOG6c1kjZLs4-SdsZ68qBFvQ82CncZG_kYFMEnzTKM41r0tOPAP6g5s5_gqyb2PV4YSMixjQPDPn_3-20LUYC3ytErt6IrEEWSetaP1k5Rw1rb3owM24T1Zy-owpZ710/w400-h300/127228005_2482349728733716_1439050179144550147_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Muen Village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qERQCJPdP6w1PjkH8QLj7g1QUsHxlbsDQooQ7abtETEQw9AxSGolOITcUYeDltP3QhD0Zi5tuJwJJ1V6rY7iATFINgZRwEF6NYQ44oMjlVO2VasKPPqglGomxq87mVcj2jlWsbZ8Ux4/s2000/127123444_889480318471085_2449268094124639247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qERQCJPdP6w1PjkH8QLj7g1QUsHxlbsDQooQ7abtETEQw9AxSGolOITcUYeDltP3QhD0Zi5tuJwJJ1V6rY7iATFINgZRwEF6NYQ44oMjlVO2VasKPPqglGomxq87mVcj2jlWsbZ8Ux4/w400-h300/127123444_889480318471085_2449268094124639247_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cozy little home during the cold nights<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBozpqNHoZkDUPwbGRuJpqlKFgGwpHmthQvBb2Wzinl5cAVdfBoFGRiPbuI13U-dzsM6s2tZAjyvt8nkkpPNrgj_TPLz8N1ka9sxB3AYcROsIbYqUyvV9F6kjJslsU2gRkpLaV12-NL9M/s1824/126989296_2703916296536982_5677927681764687860_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1824" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBozpqNHoZkDUPwbGRuJpqlKFgGwpHmthQvBb2Wzinl5cAVdfBoFGRiPbuI13U-dzsM6s2tZAjyvt8nkkpPNrgj_TPLz8N1ka9sxB3AYcROsIbYqUyvV9F6kjJslsU2gRkpLaV12-NL9M/w400-h300/126989296_2703916296536982_5677927681764687860_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herman, Gunn, and Nick having lunch <br />by foraging the coffee field<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
our neighborhood, the soccer kids have been practicing soccer about 3 times a
week. One of the kids was recently in a fight at a fair. Nick discussed with
the kids about avoiding gang related risky situations. You see, many Shan
teenagers in Thailand love to form groups and fight each other at fairs and
festivals. In the news, very often, you hear about groups of Shan kids causing
problems and this is one of the reasons Nick started coaching soccer for the
kids in our neighborhood. Besides telling Bible stories, Nick teaches the boys
to pursue good. Asides from this, Nick recently ordered some team jerseys for
the kids. With the help from his friend in America, Brett Wagner who designed
the logos, the shirt is almost completed. The kids will get them for Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIv5Yi_47v2pxVVqth_3ct8stuJRgyUXLg1WYpDFqBIB4vYe2lhoWA7WGVo2i1sh25ylVoSJI5zeeRnEqmnDzcGb77h1F8eZDRvMTTfJcy0Iy7v4mFR7yPDLp5dtijKKHmd_HaPei7YE/s2000/124773030_687724865215641_686722998132641483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIv5Yi_47v2pxVVqth_3ct8stuJRgyUXLg1WYpDFqBIB4vYe2lhoWA7WGVo2i1sh25ylVoSJI5zeeRnEqmnDzcGb77h1F8eZDRvMTTfJcy0Iy7v4mFR7yPDLp5dtijKKHmd_HaPei7YE/w400-h300/124773030_687724865215641_686722998132641483_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soccer strength conditioning<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_bX8gOT13K6Zfp-rZZ8jJ4LK6wp-e1FBsRdDCSFXvnPtxoTotVzraIGNR_q-Wl0JuGafH6Is4Mp6pJIp8NpTXHAewXfmuaaOzwS2dfyCo4SgPCxvplgpktdJub3W5BdthWrEyfFF1m0/s1824/123529506_2789445017964710_4092456594645373376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1824" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_bX8gOT13K6Zfp-rZZ8jJ4LK6wp-e1FBsRdDCSFXvnPtxoTotVzraIGNR_q-Wl0JuGafH6Is4Mp6pJIp8NpTXHAewXfmuaaOzwS2dfyCo4SgPCxvplgpktdJub3W5BdthWrEyfFF1m0/w400-h300/123529506_2789445017964710_4092456594645373376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick takes a few of the soccer kids out a month <br />to make deeper connections with them<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Laos, our partnering evangelist is doing wonderful! Covid cases there are very
low so now villages are starting to open up. During one evangelistic trip, our
field team-worker went into the villages and provided reading glasses for the
elderly. This was a successful trip. We are also waiting to send some clothes,
toys, and over the counter medication into Laos, but at this moment, the land borders
between countries are still closed. There is also wonderful news in Laos.
Evangelists have now received official minister cards from the government to
permit them to openly preach in Laos. This is a great beginning for
Christianity being more accepted in the country. Praise the Lord! There are
lots of ministry opportunities to be done in Laos. If God is willing, our
mission works will extend further into Laos and eventually all the way to the
border of China and to the northern part of Vietnam. Your prayers for this
ministry would be much appreciated!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJJZexzk6ehjBzJTQ7mfZ6yB2LiwegZ4jgIHBHmYI40nfUBKNacMvW_NHT7B9elBpPKoKDY7Jl6ZtZfiTQMbc02nFAtlyJXHmS1tTdGWRPa2heXQnYmHs_9QQgethYU32lv1_jNIk8oQ/s960/126095333_796659577847094_2358167206579299040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJJZexzk6ehjBzJTQ7mfZ6yB2LiwegZ4jgIHBHmYI40nfUBKNacMvW_NHT7B9elBpPKoKDY7Jl6ZtZfiTQMbc02nFAtlyJXHmS1tTdGWRPa2heXQnYmHs_9QQgethYU32lv1_jNIk8oQ/w400-h300/126095333_796659577847094_2358167206579299040_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elderly trying out glasses</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pdbARZgEZv1mPyve0hpCrFOOWsYMetkByNUbTlIZaZO7BtFtaGSqV6Y_eJ4vz0azqIpYjvatvF8HbnNtgYGeo5lEkkLl3ejQFrzUE3U8k192SKPbXAFKHMG-OH6ZoAkjC8lU_cGXn2c/s960/126235044_770018703855089_6708281296313645754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pdbARZgEZv1mPyve0hpCrFOOWsYMetkByNUbTlIZaZO7BtFtaGSqV6Y_eJ4vz0azqIpYjvatvF8HbnNtgYGeo5lEkkLl3ejQFrzUE3U8k192SKPbXAFKHMG-OH6ZoAkjC8lU_cGXn2c/w400-h300/126235044_770018703855089_6708281296313645754_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They can see clearly now!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
family is doing well. When Stephen isn’t making any village trips, he spends
his time in the office studying the Bible and prepping to teach the next Bible course.
In fact, he is almost finished with his research on his new exegetical commentary.
Isaac is on break and we are trying to find some time to take him camping. Mary
is busy with managing house work and making everything run smoothly at the home
front. Becky and Nick are still teaching English online to Myanmar students.
They will begin teaching the students in Laos again at the end of the month. Thank
you for your continued prayers and support! You are an important part to the
mission field and we praise God for you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct4FCEsj3Apj2MI3z0wQIXRyb-b3xF5Sa6Ng8-VqsYSnAXWJ2am0MTwwj-Ry8Lnrj0LRdafgksOhdXGa4xWMFf2f2ffu989vVhfigqfVe9Nt8Hbh2LdK07X2YCzvnQF4bYmwGh_C8tOY/s1366/124252512_421247005706790_3867617810482623965_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1366" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct4FCEsj3Apj2MI3z0wQIXRyb-b3xF5Sa6Ng8-VqsYSnAXWJ2am0MTwwj-Ry8Lnrj0LRdafgksOhdXGa4xWMFf2f2ffu989vVhfigqfVe9Nt8Hbh2LdK07X2YCzvnQF4bYmwGh_C8tOY/w400-h200/124252512_421247005706790_3867617810482623965_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick, with the help of our friends in Hawaii, <br />having Bible study/ English lessons <br />with students in Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yDZa_vqSUdJ-eV6XmBERPLvD4_3FbE4NH1ts_trJhnM7CYCbJTkTEkx5LGmmGOyX8stNxUfKjclVmHsFWRmJzY7JJbFn5uqAZvdf087hSc_qTlexSoUqXFQXs-baqlaswKL73Gyy0p4/s2000/123910953_782298175682930_8367347133087132647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yDZa_vqSUdJ-eV6XmBERPLvD4_3FbE4NH1ts_trJhnM7CYCbJTkTEkx5LGmmGOyX8stNxUfKjclVmHsFWRmJzY7JJbFn5uqAZvdf087hSc_qTlexSoUqXFQXs-baqlaswKL73Gyy0p4/w300-h400/123910953_782298175682930_8367347133087132647_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky with one of her Thai students</td></tr></tbody></table></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">***
Note: we will begin doing an update once every two months in order to focus
more on the mission field and provide more details in our updates. During this
time, as lockdown eases, we have been flooded with countless meetings and
evangelism. Thank you for your understanding and prayers. ***<o:p></o:p></span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-15183547362305353462020-10-21T11:44:00.000+07:002020-10-21T11:44:23.144+07:00Prayer for Thailand<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand
needs your prayers at this moment more than ever. Yes, Thailand is coming back
to life. People are going out more and some businesses are opening up again,
yet the political crisis is escalating daily. Many groups are protesting for a
whole government system reform while others just want a change the current
government leadership. Many thousands are gathered in the midst of this COVID
pandemic. Please pray for Thailand as anything could happen. Over all, Thailand
has contained the virus pretty well with all of the necessary steps such as
quarantining on arrival and tracking all of the people that may have been
exposed to Covid 19 positive individual. For the most part, the majority of the
people comply with wearing masks in highly populated areas. The land borders
are where the majority of infections are occurring. Pray for the political
issues to be solved peacefully and pray that Covid 19 numbers stay low even
with the political demonstrations.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Wong family is doing well, making a lot of trips to villages in the mountains
in order to visit different churches and the sick at the hospital. In this
newsletter, we would love to share with you at least three trips at three
different villages: Huay Ko, Pa Bong Ngam, and Sam Muen. First, Huay Ko has
been the epicenter of evangelism since the 1960s, when the first pioneer native
Lisu missionaries came all the way from China (passing through Myanmar) and setting
up base at this village. After setting up camp, they would carry out the Great
Commission to the lost in various villages throughout northern Thailand.
Through these native evangelists’ endeavors and dedications, many Lisu
villagers (even other ethnic groups) accepted Christ. In fact, this is where
Mary's father set up base while evangelizing to other villages (also, where
Stephen first met Mary). Praise God for such a legacy! At this village, Stephen
and Mary continues to encourage the new and young generation to carry on this
legacy, shining a light to every corner of northern Thailand and even
neighboring countries as the past generations have done. In order to set an
example, Stephen and Isaac shared His message side by side. Isaac’s message on
Job related well with the challenges we are facing during this pandemic and how
we need to continue to trust in God and we will one day receive His immense
blessings.</span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1_iMelZinIFu8pHtkZD2LxAqgBUarR3sk66QxbG-EhXkZp_W5qBsMvkqYW1qToKpFf_GVRc437hbVnxFijVh0JeImGaCARWfaql2WYn6l-uQwq9xTRF1YHh5m_WCmO87zBFD09jyHXc/s2000/120280472_680778376199283_5799785195211236476_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1_iMelZinIFu8pHtkZD2LxAqgBUarR3sk66QxbG-EhXkZp_W5qBsMvkqYW1qToKpFf_GVRc437hbVnxFijVh0JeImGaCARWfaql2WYn6l-uQwq9xTRF1YHh5m_WCmO87zBFD09jyHXc/w251-h335/120280472_680778376199283_5799785195211236476_n.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Isaac sharing <br />the message together<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
coming down the mountain from Huay Ko village, Stephen and Mary visited the
hospital in Chiang Dao where they prayed for the sick. This is a government
hospital so the majority of the people admitted here are very poor. The sick
would lie on beds next to each other in a big room. The people who could meet
the expenses of private rooms were very rare. Stephen and Mary prayed for
Mary’s father who has an irreversible heart condition (He is not eating much
anymore). When they finished praying, many in the same ward asked for prayers
as well. One single mother who had just given birth also asked for prayers. After
they finished, Mary went out to buy diapers for her child. There were many more
who asked for prayers that day. In Thailand, it is not a custom for village preachers
or pastors to visit the sick; usually it’s the duty of the family to visit and
take care of the sick. For some, like the new mother with no relatives, she had
no one. We felt deep compassion for her and many others.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO4Dkb__8xoBVX0ZPRTwbsp1NZ7G2Pl1gNsWdpWSuwQ_bi6epHT9P2ZzSkz41u0hNq1WqlWpe0nlMO_CDOJDYR7f2kDUdy88V_Te4A9jIbcavpfYf3n1cr_EMs5U0Zv22iQS_dOftk1w/s2000/120996031_379279056426488_2897656366516036754_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO4Dkb__8xoBVX0ZPRTwbsp1NZ7G2Pl1gNsWdpWSuwQ_bi6epHT9P2ZzSkz41u0hNq1WqlWpe0nlMO_CDOJDYR7f2kDUdy88V_Te4A9jIbcavpfYf3n1cr_EMs5U0Zv22iQS_dOftk1w/w367-h276/120996031_379279056426488_2897656366516036754_n.jpg" width="367" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen stopped at the hospital to pray for Mary's father <br />and relatives (every time, we traveled in that area)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcvc2v9eiFM-YicWPTPGoPAPpcDkWw5YBTq512YvX-zCDiybhmg3d2A0vg6gxrRzBjPg-JaMDBxOgJvmI2sApCoLF9CRTpQ4IVv2V3gW_bIuT8pGrwctu9UEu5lwOszGQ2kzX_trxZPQ/s2000/120363124_245010086942803_4763239810727624796_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcvc2v9eiFM-YicWPTPGoPAPpcDkWw5YBTq512YvX-zCDiybhmg3d2A0vg6gxrRzBjPg-JaMDBxOgJvmI2sApCoLF9CRTpQ4IVv2V3gW_bIuT8pGrwctu9UEu5lwOszGQ2kzX_trxZPQ/w336-h252/120363124_245010086942803_4763239810727624796_n.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another patients mother asked Stephen <br />to pray for her sick boy</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
village that Stephen headed to was Pa Bong Ngam. Most members from this village
and nearby villages are related to Stephen. Indeed, they are his clan or his
family. Originally, Stephen’s clan came from Mongolia. Stephen still has over
ten thousand relatives still living in Mongolia (of course, in China and
Myanmar as well). During the early 1500 A.D, many migrated from Mongolia and
settled in the Southwestern parts of China and later scattered throughout
Myanmar and at last to Thailand during the 1940s. Stephen’s clan is the biggest
clan amongst the Lisu people in Thailand. However, the majority of the members
of this clan are unbelievers. Please lift them up so that their hearts will be
opened for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, a lot of mission works still needs
to be done!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAaLm6tsw_PRSa-sdjgisnwWFjUgvkANS_NAKZdYWtKSFo7h2f5ncvTWBar7Xj1h6OJreTblOh_JlgFWZFSibUt-jEgCa3MyFn2DsZl4zFo132xJhkbLPuaEC_fEn2JToYCOMe-VdJtY/s2048/121369588_413026646351073_866639074053185997_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAaLm6tsw_PRSa-sdjgisnwWFjUgvkANS_NAKZdYWtKSFo7h2f5ncvTWBar7Xj1h6OJreTblOh_JlgFWZFSibUt-jEgCa3MyFn2DsZl4zFo132xJhkbLPuaEC_fEn2JToYCOMe-VdJtY/s320/121369588_413026646351073_866639074053185997_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pa Bong Ngam villagers and many villagers <br />from the surrounding areas</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRU12WE8Qoc5P1p7vAyPENML-K3KeF_Nr33DTEjk4D6j7MD2iIHgSveg-DaccDwePK5vRuqW3tRJ2NZf8Y-rXdBkxoCj5rNnOD4FRLhbP9nX6XSkBpnagxG-lE7NDd9ruNxWyeB53XQ/s2048/121258361_843887396351134_172309862152061385_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRU12WE8Qoc5P1p7vAyPENML-K3KeF_Nr33DTEjk4D6j7MD2iIHgSveg-DaccDwePK5vRuqW3tRJ2NZf8Y-rXdBkxoCj5rNnOD4FRLhbP9nX6XSkBpnagxG-lE7NDd9ruNxWyeB53XQ/s320/121258361_843887396351134_172309862152061385_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at Pa Bong Ngam Church<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
village we headed to at the beginning of October was Sam Muen. In Thailand,
this place is one of the few villages where power lines have not reached and
the water system is very poor (we did not get to take a bath during our stay).
In order to get some electricity, some of the villagers have solar panels.
Others have to use oil lanterns at night. We came here to help encourage the
villagers to turn back to Christ. As you may have read from older blog posts,
this village used to be very on fire for Christ but recently without much
Christian leadership, many have left the church. Our goal is to rekindle the
fire that was once here. On this particular trip, Stephen and Nick met up with
farmers to talk about farming. Many farmers came together and discussed about
life. The most memorable moments that we had in this village were in the early morning
and late evening when we all, believers and non-believers, gathered together
talking about life and farming, hunting and faith, while drinking tea together.
This is what Stephen calls “The Tea Theology.” Nick is planning to help the
farmers there grow coffee organically. Through Nick's coffee expert friends, the
plan is to help educate the farmers there in growing coffee and also preserving
the forest. The elevation and the history of the village is perfect for coffee.
Prayers for ways to help the village be more sustainable and come back to
Christ would be much appreciated.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielKgBpM6UoJKQmFmkgphYzVfzhjXFEe5Jimdrwj-VxGZaq-cw5jpkI_Cz_j3TSsqNzTc_9_nToRz-yZvc4Kew4In6m5TkqYjyI3iluKiIDadOLJlHNy7iRL9ecZBeYSCQxUhZQtstJ4o/s2000/121011614_399122391094632_4063906851087550215_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielKgBpM6UoJKQmFmkgphYzVfzhjXFEe5Jimdrwj-VxGZaq-cw5jpkI_Cz_j3TSsqNzTc_9_nToRz-yZvc4Kew4In6m5TkqYjyI3iluKiIDadOLJlHNy7iRL9ecZBeYSCQxUhZQtstJ4o/s320/121011614_399122391094632_4063906851087550215_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Tea Talk at Sam Muen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwZ-a8X7g_LSR4o6uglgC0en0q-OVHpK-L_qk-tTs51UBxfvOGha05gKx1tMmo-5cQ3z5A6k5GxGO3waKIfaKYzRciDmTc56lwF_vLMU66HEMW48_hTNbmQKNe7EVw77LHz-TNli8Yv0/s2000/121168635_984462135398164_2803505728325455792_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwZ-a8X7g_LSR4o6uglgC0en0q-OVHpK-L_qk-tTs51UBxfvOGha05gKx1tMmo-5cQ3z5A6k5GxGO3waKIfaKYzRciDmTc56lwF_vLMU66HEMW48_hTNbmQKNe7EVw77LHz-TNli8Yv0/s320/121168635_984462135398164_2803505728325455792_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen hammering some small posts <br />for coffee plant nursery<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d3d6_ITe8NJ6TtR2BxvMd02jdz1XgXwTBf53lU65W1yasnk01KLGyh9PGkbGgEjZZvXSyujqAQv3nNPRahQQcjzoDua4HUzyxd2ya4uarYf1effmp8SGGlLqrgzBU1arDglatXCXNmY/s2048/121085361_2676407849355271_2438678577493043276_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d3d6_ITe8NJ6TtR2BxvMd02jdz1XgXwTBf53lU65W1yasnk01KLGyh9PGkbGgEjZZvXSyujqAQv3nNPRahQQcjzoDua4HUzyxd2ya4uarYf1effmp8SGGlLqrgzBU1arDglatXCXNmY/s320/121085361_2676407849355271_2438678577493043276_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After several days, the coffee nursery is finished<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KBMqM0DiuG_6ge0WDsmCR44exF_8ITydNexrYngxUpssVclk36uTPYo5GnxC9vXBviIRA_85h4Mio94zhphbWNDAi6rUsNLr0ZBf60sF8vRkIGtfHwaADQ9uctSp6lJfs0JhnH4z4lI/s2000/121095399_356236192386841_428767567521226915_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KBMqM0DiuG_6ge0WDsmCR44exF_8ITydNexrYngxUpssVclk36uTPYo5GnxC9vXBviIRA_85h4Mio94zhphbWNDAi6rUsNLr0ZBf60sF8vRkIGtfHwaADQ9uctSp6lJfs0JhnH4z4lI/s320/121095399_356236192386841_428767567521226915_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More talks over tea<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. Even through these
tough times, many of you have reached out to us to encourage us. We praise
God for the fellowship we have in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVSvMDA4_k8vkHm8Di92Ycdh4YANN6vuH19_s7BlNalGuFRkrXD1k6uCnILTCx6JZKZmJYr3Ds6G11bp3sNawBwzLj2YYjsHva3x7rX9v4wDYWcXcTpTMPXsfR4n44HzLrzDZ9foc7Qs/s2000/121114467_373630854002308_8814246141027841225_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVSvMDA4_k8vkHm8Di92Ycdh4YANN6vuH19_s7BlNalGuFRkrXD1k6uCnILTCx6JZKZmJYr3Ds6G11bp3sNawBwzLj2YYjsHva3x7rX9v4wDYWcXcTpTMPXsfR4n44HzLrzDZ9foc7Qs/w371-h279/121114467_373630854002308_8814246141027841225_n.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of Lisu leaders visiting our house<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e5D8sd2lj1J492eFg_ZYIZ_XzYAqRs6BvwRdUxXuH-oNtHoRHVSbI-_Te07G1ekEQd0vhIHTfoot7wRIWWkHM0UqQH9TOKnGZPNK9ien17x7vKUj5wqGY_9pPjul3iy7irk39glhDeA/s2000/120370488_750247609157155_4471666833223023143_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e5D8sd2lj1J492eFg_ZYIZ_XzYAqRs6BvwRdUxXuH-oNtHoRHVSbI-_Te07G1ekEQd0vhIHTfoot7wRIWWkHM0UqQH9TOKnGZPNK9ien17x7vKUj5wqGY_9pPjul3iy7irk39glhDeA/w372-h279/120370488_750247609157155_4471666833223023143_n.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick's group of soccer players is growing<br />and they are learning about honesty (sportsmanship)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">***Note:
If the situation escalates, there is a good chance that internet service may
not be readily available. In such case, our blog posts may be delayed.***<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-71215643368381776332020-09-14T14:31:00.000+07:002020-09-14T14:31:38.708+07:00His Kingdom Will Prevail<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">As
the Bible says “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matthew 5:11, NASB). While many of us comfortably spend time with family
and friends, several Christian leaders and new converts in the country next to
Thailand recently have been arrested and imprisoned because of their faith in
Christ. The most recent arrest occurred on August 31</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">. So, please
keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ! Pray without cease. Pray
for their release, if it’s in His Will. Pray especially for their faith as they
are chained. Pray for the people in their communities as this has caused much
fear.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOxQ1adAwcWd7BoR0AHXUo5bFj3qc7N2sx-_jSZQfUyqXGceiyJCz3_Lhx6MBFFFRzODBODcgvexXbxsTLoc1AXKcNhcxez060ykeD2KY8WfQp3rNrFas9GgeIwvVXJY-KVnkT4JADHs/s816/IMG_8477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOxQ1adAwcWd7BoR0AHXUo5bFj3qc7N2sx-_jSZQfUyqXGceiyJCz3_Lhx6MBFFFRzODBODcgvexXbxsTLoc1AXKcNhcxez060ykeD2KY8WfQp3rNrFas9GgeIwvVXJY-KVnkT4JADHs/w220-h400/IMG_8477.JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy in New Life<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun8m4DqRN6DSg2Fnufb8nZhb7jcEHYWRhdzqAgCmnoaomXL8jdoLLO5Ud7Lmpewy3MgzmRjXJ84au_QWmXFzZgMu0935W-Cy60OInujwmqOLlbikm3xvIokhdKHhv8zWYV4f749DwcWo/s816/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun8m4DqRN6DSg2Fnufb8nZhb7jcEHYWRhdzqAgCmnoaomXL8jdoLLO5Ud7Lmpewy3MgzmRjXJ84au_QWmXFzZgMu0935W-Cy60OInujwmqOLlbikm3xvIokhdKHhv8zWYV4f749DwcWo/w220-h400/IMG_8478.JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many believed and were baptized</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">This
imprisonment happened in our mission targeting area. One of Stephen’s students
is working in this area. In fact, this is the area where Stephen had planned to
go in the past June and it is also the place he is planning to go and
evangelize as soon as the country is reopened. Stephen is planning to invite
the high level of the central government officials to go to this area. Actually,
in the past, some of those high level of the central government invited Stephen
and his team to visit the area but the project was postponed due to the lack of
funds and the unfortunate timing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In
many areas of Southeast Asia and China where we are called to go into, many
people who accept Christ are harassed and even have their possessions taken
away. Some will be shunned by their own families. Others are jailed, tortured
and even killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. In some of these places,
when you accept Christ, you have already accepted that you could very likely
die because of this very decision. Pray for people here to have faith and cling
to Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Nevertheless,
in the midst of this severe persecution, God is continuing to move; many people
are accepting Jesus Christ, many souls are continually being harvested, many
spiritual alters and images are being torn down and literally set ablaze as it
happened similar to Acts 19:19, where “many of those who practiced magic brought
their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone…” (NASB). Even
in these trying situations, we can praise God. The Good News of Jesus Christ is
being heard and many people believe and are walking several miles down to the
river to get baptized. This is absolutely incredible! Where there is
persecution, God’s Kingdom will continue to grow! There is nothing that will
stop us from preaching His truth as long as we live! Of course, Yes, His
Kingdom will prevail no matter what!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZp96TlunkN-IG9DTBWgfSsPwem_R_wKqY6_fppM15lCWDCH_MMgCQfLN8PWSpcEGaqjZQZWcMCp4JA3lf-9eRxvjGn-DqNb_BtAoUUkYDlQdBN8Oief_LfQAu3JeOp-ZGzy6JBimuYA/s816/IMG_8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZp96TlunkN-IG9DTBWgfSsPwem_R_wKqY6_fppM15lCWDCH_MMgCQfLN8PWSpcEGaqjZQZWcMCp4JA3lf-9eRxvjGn-DqNb_BtAoUUkYDlQdBN8Oief_LfQAu3JeOp-ZGzy6JBimuYA/w400-h225/IMG_8480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking many miles to get baptized<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEPRNycfFOk2Oz74M3ny6ZY5KdEg1fag77Yo-OTv8Gv6zZTddAMkAzIPQWUiXGLQ-Wv9EjqjogROsy84sHIBdkiAq6rHLtXeWbD4eXOs4Ic8ajIQWNUmpaZn0d8hkkGMLQydw33c1e9k/s816/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEPRNycfFOk2Oz74M3ny6ZY5KdEg1fag77Yo-OTv8Gv6zZTddAMkAzIPQWUiXGLQ-Wv9EjqjogROsy84sHIBdkiAq6rHLtXeWbD4eXOs4Ic8ajIQWNUmpaZn0d8hkkGMLQydw33c1e9k/w400-h225/IMG_8481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terrain of their land<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ3Y1rngRfeZXzsPVNu1QIyJICqwS5kVEpJi5fHDIBY12Ff_mZV4ioIJGEOdM4tFe3itodf7xaRxShYa6LiHHAA-EgikCzx2IoWhDvYl9CqqBl71EANHTiAwmQkdCFeLZjIssjNF5geU/s960/IMG_8482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ3Y1rngRfeZXzsPVNu1QIyJICqwS5kVEpJi5fHDIBY12Ff_mZV4ioIJGEOdM4tFe3itodf7xaRxShYa6LiHHAA-EgikCzx2IoWhDvYl9CqqBl71EANHTiAwmQkdCFeLZjIssjNF5geU/w300-h400/IMG_8482.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism at a small creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBawmFsRltdNBr9Tlkdg5RDsVCsloER30ip1h8IVY-0HvXFk_g-huhQHIHw14HI_b5nS6TO49T3FwodAQ2u0RH5Ghiew9NRLGm4aC_RxNAY8RgmnJHxcmM7AlcKbDAa0kE2WTdm1cH0Iw/s816/IMG_8485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBawmFsRltdNBr9Tlkdg5RDsVCsloER30ip1h8IVY-0HvXFk_g-huhQHIHw14HI_b5nS6TO49T3FwodAQ2u0RH5Ghiew9NRLGm4aC_RxNAY8RgmnJHxcmM7AlcKbDAa0kE2WTdm1cH0Iw/w220-h400/IMG_8485.JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking down evil spirit alters<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28WGcoozm9FUJ-EJtIH4XEsxmznv8v1Bp_2WZXR2qpGz-hO080ygJ59Ua-Al5i_KfbOb7M-n7mXKux4Qd34aqFsa8J3QE1lgEbGL09pTe2phy_H3WRWYWzk0iGLSR9761gCSdl28sLrU/s816/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28WGcoozm9FUJ-EJtIH4XEsxmznv8v1Bp_2WZXR2qpGz-hO080ygJ59Ua-Al5i_KfbOb7M-n7mXKux4Qd34aqFsa8J3QE1lgEbGL09pTe2phy_H3WRWYWzk0iGLSR9761gCSdl28sLrU/w220-h400/IMG_8484.JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burning their idols and spirit alters<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wxUMZ4omsdf7t1NRWxX_RAneCOrOjXGYSrTCmDCgCExXwuV9hOUoejV4zEdfCCCIlwc9I8-lkT4mArGEnkG59UXzOM53N_T1ATEaXO2_wivNR_jxek5AUZlSuDb3SI9C3obl-RIVHI/s816/IMG_8486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wxUMZ4omsdf7t1NRWxX_RAneCOrOjXGYSrTCmDCgCExXwuV9hOUoejV4zEdfCCCIlwc9I8-lkT4mArGEnkG59UXzOM53N_T1ATEaXO2_wivNR_jxek5AUZlSuDb3SI9C3obl-RIVHI/w400-h225/IMG_8486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new house church is formed in this village</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Family</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
family is doing well. Isaac is getting taller and taller. This past month, he
gave his first sermon at a Lisu church in Chiang Mai and he did a great job. Also,
Isaac was chosen by the school to represent the class speech team. Becky and
Nick started another English online course, this time, for the university
students in Myanmar; they are still in contact with the students in Laos, but
right now the students are on break. These are free online classes for the students
which happen to be one of our outreach programs. Furthermore, Nick continues to
reach the Ethnic Shan kids at the government school through the sports
ministry. For one week, we switched up the sport and Nick taught them how to
play (two hand touch) American Football, they really liked it. The soccer
jersey colors are all picked out; we are waiting as the kids have a mini competition
to come up with the best logo so we can put it on the jerseys. The young adult
males in the community have now started to join in small games with the kids as
well. They are aware and have complied with the rules of good sportsmanship and
absolutely no smoking or alcohol on the field or even before coming to play.
Slowly, the sports ministry has grown to almost 30 people. Off the field, Nick
has been investing in several of the kids that are interested in talking about
Jesus Christ. Mary has many projects around the house, including her vegetable
garden. Stephen, Mary and Nick continue visiting the sick and praying for them.
Almost every weekend, Stephen and Mary make church visits. Besides mobilizing
our teammates in the mission fields, providing Bibles for a prison ministry in
Chiang Mai, and training Isaac for a mission works for the coming generation, Stephen
is at the final phase of his exegetical work on the book of Romans. Hurray!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49m0fcCSFqhvEUxbcm-L_eZ-AfTjZpSBb3L0H0wrRcOnkWzw9hm-fMspucVLa39-DDCecoTDVI1_EdC0-bUvagx-Sjbay6ZG5utucz1Gn3RB28aLpScvWxuaXENTbMjIWDDIt-Vyc1o/s1618/IMG_8492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49m0fcCSFqhvEUxbcm-L_eZ-AfTjZpSBb3L0H0wrRcOnkWzw9hm-fMspucVLa39-DDCecoTDVI1_EdC0-bUvagx-Sjbay6ZG5utucz1Gn3RB28aLpScvWxuaXENTbMjIWDDIt-Vyc1o/w266-h400/IMG_8492.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac's first sermon with his dad<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLUI_j-FXoWOKoQfq8wiLNhXMltUGijXF7zfMN0n323JcOvJm-OimO8lAVtFYpG0FVaaS3UXfEWcPRoywuYTzbee8XrPO6m63cPeW4yBpCX59lGzuKra7PXgS4c8Hjr68zfIv7CRwHn8/s2000/IMG_8488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLUI_j-FXoWOKoQfq8wiLNhXMltUGijXF7zfMN0n323JcOvJm-OimO8lAVtFYpG0FVaaS3UXfEWcPRoywuYTzbee8XrPO6m63cPeW4yBpCX59lGzuKra7PXgS4c8Hjr68zfIv7CRwHn8/w400-h300/IMG_8488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great atmosphere to play soccer and grow in character</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h7AcNtxo4oX5aliKyGSP8afNs-z8B-KbTRfCznK7ShcOADAWZeEfawyAf600a4RXZoCGrSLvnWMRGerOdziKhxFovT0Fv7S1SqM9O__Ox2CKfpVcwkUSPtypV3DtisJ8yT5uFvqslSA/s2000/IMG_8489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h7AcNtxo4oX5aliKyGSP8afNs-z8B-KbTRfCznK7ShcOADAWZeEfawyAf600a4RXZoCGrSLvnWMRGerOdziKhxFovT0Fv7S1SqM9O__Ox2CKfpVcwkUSPtypV3DtisJ8yT5uFvqslSA/w400-h300/IMG_8489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out American football</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify2t6IoQceKUrX490vro3WCiXTsR2NQJ7Hr_bBxtehpNKdco-ZIyABR-2XN9df7LsoJRttxK50gDaoY1fan6WmyEgoSxbOJP8pdmC8Yl6rBMCq_i5RvlX1SBxqIY-TYH4YwCzD4M7Ewc/s1242/IMG_8490.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1242" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify2t6IoQceKUrX490vro3WCiXTsR2NQJ7Hr_bBxtehpNKdco-ZIyABR-2XN9df7LsoJRttxK50gDaoY1fan6WmyEgoSxbOJP8pdmC8Yl6rBMCq_i5RvlX1SBxqIY-TYH4YwCzD4M7Ewc/w400-h225/IMG_8490.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching English through Zoom to students in Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3hl6CuF8hUiWE_xuuwmHoxaF6B6hOpsndINxK1Q6KIbOd8uuWg2bnOZ20XCXff9bIeftUMK9G84blGFizaiMoX1ol9l4mFo1hX9v4R5NOT-bzVNLmTBImIe1cGBCgbKpq5lbaBZCgU/s1560/IMG_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3hl6CuF8hUiWE_xuuwmHoxaF6B6hOpsndINxK1Q6KIbOd8uuWg2bnOZ20XCXff9bIeftUMK9G84blGFizaiMoX1ol9l4mFo1hX9v4R5NOT-bzVNLmTBImIe1cGBCgbKpq5lbaBZCgU/w300-h400/IMG_8474.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man used to persecute Christians <br />but has since changed because of our outreach<br />and now he asked to study the Bible <br />(we gave him his first Bible!)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Please
also keep Thailand and our neighboring countries in your prayers! The COVID
infections in our neighboring country, Myanmar for instance, is getting worse. Though
there is no documented case of COVID patient in the past 2 months in Thailand,
the country’s lockdown and full government/military emergency decree is
extended until the end of September. We don’t know what Thailand will be like
in the coming months, but political unrest is very apparent. No matter what
happens, God’s Kingdom prevails.<o:p></o:p></span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-26320287600502400332020-08-13T12:30:00.002+07:002020-08-13T12:47:23.266+07:00Peace in Christ<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Rain
pours down, as water rises. A large tropical storm Sinlaku hits southeast Asia,
with more expected to follow. Much of the devastation is impacting Vietnam but
the tail of the storm swept through Thailand at the end of July/early August.
We sit inside, watching as the rain splashes our window like we were going
through a car wash. Some of the water finds its way through tiny spaces where
our window pane meets the edge of the wall. Mary watches the rain pummel our
rice field, which had just been planted a couple days ago. Rice is able to
withstand excess amounts of water for only a week before they all start to die.
Boy! It must have been intense for Noah and his family (and the animals) on the
ark… or even for the twelve disciples as they faced a storm while crossing the
Sea of Galilee. What a tremendous force of nature; but even as scary and
powerful a storm is, it falls flat against the mighty authority of Jesus
Christ! There are so many storms in life and many challenges but praise God for
His presence and deliverance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix72ExXHcZe2j1h5VuqqWC-YEQcCc1puHQsq8BEspNGb8THKf6QnrW8190CM5loG91tnaESHhkfiQARGmDXXgRjiNhd8qIhsQ9I91AhwbOVI6xmzU41p-PX1LQkn05Xo1m1bWjKj31qno/s1728/IMG_8465.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix72ExXHcZe2j1h5VuqqWC-YEQcCc1puHQsq8BEspNGb8THKf6QnrW8190CM5loG91tnaESHhkfiQARGmDXXgRjiNhd8qIhsQ9I91AhwbOVI6xmzU41p-PX1LQkn05Xo1m1bWjKj31qno/w512-h384/IMG_8465.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbors in the Shan community came to help us plant rice</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdTkffYk8e_W-v5SnOffNlm2NAloOUZEYRErJrhwBOhJ3jMgqCjDm7_xelNFuK4yGhwalWYHyUTrPr5qcVUXUVjqpGcpDKSar80bt8Gk-hqQG-qcfAx78QtAS4dlrV6Va6iU4JERfeLo/s1728/IMG_8467.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdTkffYk8e_W-v5SnOffNlm2NAloOUZEYRErJrhwBOhJ3jMgqCjDm7_xelNFuK4yGhwalWYHyUTrPr5qcVUXUVjqpGcpDKSar80bt8Gk-hqQG-qcfAx78QtAS4dlrV6Va6iU4JERfeLo/w512-h384/IMG_8467.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rice field turned into a pond after many days of rain<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />Oh
no! The emergency decree in Thailand has been extended to the end of August;
therefore, many of our evangelistic and teaching trips have been rescheduled. However,
during the month of July, Stephen and Mary made church visitations almost every
weekend. They stayed in the mountain village and joined different church
services where Stephen was invited to preach. What a true blessing to visit
churches full of people worshiping God. Being with people is such a blessing
for us, especially after going through Thailand’s intense lockdown for several
months. When they aren’t on a trip to visit churches or the sick, Stephen is back
in his office working thoroughly on his commentary on the book of Romans. </span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjo31-LfWvNhqgkFYfO2_PEYBpt2Xqjh-gg-CWSW3ICR9ivvV8d8DNfXni_ZkO3q8kTtYtkr4LbbuKcLMdOyvB_o70B_-OrmOvmQKdGCIWXoTQusP-qkTbS062x2_gWbUP6AP8ZMYvp8/s2000/IMG_8468.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjo31-LfWvNhqgkFYfO2_PEYBpt2Xqjh-gg-CWSW3ICR9ivvV8d8DNfXni_ZkO3q8kTtYtkr4LbbuKcLMdOyvB_o70B_-OrmOvmQKdGCIWXoTQusP-qkTbS062x2_gWbUP6AP8ZMYvp8/w384-h512/IMG_8468.JPG" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching on the weekends</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
request from Laos and Myanmar for Stephen comes almost weekly. Nevertheless, he
is planning to make a trip to these countries as soon as all the lockdown
regulations subside. Through Stephen’s correspondence, we have found out that
there are many unreached ethnic groups of people in Laos, for instance, the
ethnic groups called Bik, Bru, Lolo, Noi Kui, Sida, and many others. So far,
there are no believers, no Bible and no evangelists among these unreached
people groups. Now, if God is willing, we have a vision and a precise strategic
plan to reach out to these ethnic groups in Laos for Christ, as soon as
possible. Your prayers are much much appreciated!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We
all, including our field teammates, are excited for this vision! Yes even
though we all have loads on our plates already. For instance, Xia is a
traveling evangelist and a youth Christian leader. He has over 400 Christian
youth from eleven different churches under his care. In fact, he had just
recently founded two new house-churches. Most importantly, Xia has been
authorized by the government for his pastoral and evangelistic works. On top of
this, he is currently studying the Bible with Stephen. Such a native minister
is much needed in this restricted and one the most Christian persecuting
countries in order to reach out to many unreached people groups. To fulfill his
calling, each week he has to walk about 30-50 kilometers to evangelize to
non-Christian villages. At the moment, Xia desperately needs a scooter for his evangelistic
works so that he will be able to reach out to more people for Christ. If God is
moving in your heart and you would like to support this new evangelistic
frontier, a scooter costs roughly $1,500.
(Several months ago, we were able to provide a scooter for evangelist
Mr. Herr in another part of Laos, which has been an awesome tool for His
Kingdom).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p>
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7uDgw9X01MIWUlaWkGkx6g8rqptAnSqWPa9INhAseiAzKCEBtHTFVvWdlh9SJXg-ldwd0z9gEXRR2AkG8IbPHLgFfqahVkb7BeeJSnlYdzHRnScJShyiH7jZ4vFnm1dHRfJXmWEh_As/s1125/IMG_8469.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1125" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7uDgw9X01MIWUlaWkGkx6g8rqptAnSqWPa9INhAseiAzKCEBtHTFVvWdlh9SJXg-ldwd0z9gEXRR2AkG8IbPHLgFfqahVkb7BeeJSnlYdzHRnScJShyiH7jZ4vFnm1dHRfJXmWEh_As/w512-h288/IMG_8469.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The village where Xia helped plant a new church<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUcrRYQjeRNY9iqKWtu8zfBY5ZptGdBdOmyFhV8dRtyIvDT9GaEAdlFryQ3E92QW6ss9n6gotxj2yojnhBO1Si1JRNtp3KG5oJJKLwBcL6JUC-3u_FgAJDz2R1iihWHlkK0nK-17M_cw/s1125/IMG_8470.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1125" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUcrRYQjeRNY9iqKWtu8zfBY5ZptGdBdOmyFhV8dRtyIvDT9GaEAdlFryQ3E92QW6ss9n6gotxj2yojnhBO1Si1JRNtp3KG5oJJKLwBcL6JUC-3u_FgAJDz2R1iihWHlkK0nK-17M_cw/w512-h288/IMG_8470.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house church in the village<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Becky
continues to type away at her computer, working on her next grammar lessons for
our online English class as an evangelistic tool for the university students in
Laos. Both, Becky and Nick, have a day during the week where they teach about 6
students per class. Speaking of classes, Isaac has also started going back to
school amidst this Covid 19 pandemic. Apparently, Thailand has done a good job in
keeping Covid 19 under control.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Also,
thank you deeply for the extra monetary gift for Nick’s sport ministry for reaching
out to our neighboring dislocated kids. This means that the kids will finally
get team soccer jerseys. It’s a great start! The kids will be so excited!
Praise God! The kids are doing awesome. This is the first batch of kids who
haven’t dropped out of school, or gotten in trouble with the law. We have seen
that many kids, in the past, drop out of school to deal drugs and also take drugs.
After Covid 19 dies down, Nick plans to set the boys up for friendly matches
with other teams.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">One
of the kids named Pai, who has been occasionally roasting coffee with Nick, has
been searching for the Truth. He lives with his single mother who is Buddhist.
When Pai was younger, he was often sent to live in the Buddhist monastery as a
Buddhist monk apprentice. He does this in hopes that his mom would be blessed
and would go to heaven. The Buddhist believes that if you have lots of merits
(by doing good) you go to heaven, and if you do bad then you go to hell. Then
after some time in heaven or hell, you are reborn at a better richer status (if
you did good) or as a poor/handicap/animal (if you did bad in the previous life).
If you lived a “perfect life” abstaining from everything, you enter Nirvana.
Pai says that everyone, even the monks who mentored him, does “bad” sinful
things. He has doubts on his faith in Buddhism. Nick told him about Jesus. He
told Pai, “we all have done sinful things and we will probably continue to fail
throughout life, that’s why we need Jesus.”</span></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzldQvVXr-2sJGBO7Czp9nyFr8j0g_PpKxnIEHeDbKFYJrpLNQn8SXd5ogYF9MeVwjGz5bsqAbdLAj0XoOJ51HW2VW845Hy5rE3IIjKIXIh6kfB9KQHUXEWPXeJZjX12cpjRfrWKHVAZ4/s1728/IMG_8464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzldQvVXr-2sJGBO7Czp9nyFr8j0g_PpKxnIEHeDbKFYJrpLNQn8SXd5ogYF9MeVwjGz5bsqAbdLAj0XoOJ51HW2VW845Hy5rE3IIjKIXIh6kfB9KQHUXEWPXeJZjX12cpjRfrWKHVAZ4/w512-h384/IMG_8464.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Soccer Kids</td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thank
you also for all of you who lifted up Mary’s father Jeremy in your prayers!
Jeremy is among the first group of Lisu Christian missionaries from China to
Thailand in the late 1950s. Throughout his life, he has always been a straight
shooter especially when it came to the teachings of the Bible. He loved meeting
with people and loved to tell people about Jesus wherever he went. God gave him
this personality where he could talk to anyone, anywhere. Jeremy has been a
great servant for His Kingdom. After many decades of evangelism, Jeremy was
recently diagnosed with an enlarged heart. He can barely breathe and his blood
pressure is at an all-time low. When these conditions persisted, he was sent to
the local government hospital where he was just given oxygen. Mary and Nick
went to visit him. It was very hard to see an old frail man struggling to
breathe the air around us. It was especially tough when the doctors came and
asked that if he was ever in a critical state where he couldn’t breathe on his
own, would we want him to be resuscitated and intubated. Mary’s father, with a
slow shaky voice, said, “No… I’m ready at any moment to go and be with Jesus.” This
is the man that has seen many storms in his life, and even in this storm, he is
ready for peace with Jesus. His conditions did improve and he is back at home,
but he could go at any time. Please continue to pray for his faith as he is
nearing the end of his life. Also, pray for the family as they are sad but also
joyful in his faith and hope in Jesus.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1zmHEaI2nPhhMEP2xb9uxo1t_aj6T3gbHJXiKKvhVacBKHJ80ZdDU8v8HcG3qYFOPgpmRjw4XyBYAO8Tk-S7rrf6Tkl5NGuV_ObNXBy12zNUKDstakkwugzyjGB0OkDQfeM_n7PcZ_E/s1728/IMG_8466.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1296" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1zmHEaI2nPhhMEP2xb9uxo1t_aj6T3gbHJXiKKvhVacBKHJ80ZdDU8v8HcG3qYFOPgpmRjw4XyBYAO8Tk-S7rrf6Tkl5NGuV_ObNXBy12zNUKDstakkwugzyjGB0OkDQfeM_n7PcZ_E/w384-h512/IMG_8466.JPG" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary visiting her father at the hospital</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br />Whether rain or shine, we know that Jesus is victorious. He is our hope, our everything. Through the Good News of Jesus Christ, many lives have been transformed. For many missionaries like Jeremy, retirement isn’t really an option. There is no such thing as social security benefits for elderly native missionaries in Thailand. The reason we all do this is because we see His Kingdom grow every day and we are so glad to be a part of it. We thank you all for being a part of it as well. Together, we are making great impacts in Southeast Asia and China. Together, we are offering peace through Jesus Christ to a world full of storms.</span></p>stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937627537573054303.post-15361588182957834542020-07-13T19:52:00.001+07:002020-07-13T19:52:13.276+07:00ALL FOR JESUS<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Why?
Why? Why?” This was the response we got from many people as we distributed food
to the needy in several countries. The people in Laos, the poorest and one of
the most high risk countries for Believers in Asia, asked: why would they help
us? They are not our relatives and they have never even met us and yet they
help us? Many, filled with joy, cried after receiving a bag of rice. For many
of us, we take lots of things for granted; most of the time, the many things we
look over are sought after or prized by many people. Now, because of the love of
God that the lost people experienced these past several weeks, many of them
have accepted the gospel and some even gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Praise
the Lord! A small yet impact deed of love can transform the lives of many people.
They are able to see the light and experience the love of the invisible God and
the hope of eternal salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, God is moving
in Laos. We have a dream that God will transform this country. At the moment,
we have various essential evangelistic strategic plans for this country
that would bring many souls to Jesus the Messiah. Due to the sensitivity of our
work in high risk areas, we won’t share these on the blog (if you’d like to
know more in detail, let us know, we’d be happy to share through email).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tQ4um3Bu_AxbFfGXUAzeaYGQTXD7hVQoCYZmpIoKeam80nDJiF09fsxDuegSQ0vMoR6u3V_qoqm3T_mo5_nd9d-YbjhEQih6tL6LcFm0qgYfm_PwFs35YKF3VLFTOimiCyOjMDHXCqs/s1600/IMG_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tQ4um3Bu_AxbFfGXUAzeaYGQTXD7hVQoCYZmpIoKeam80nDJiF09fsxDuegSQ0vMoR6u3V_qoqm3T_mo5_nd9d-YbjhEQih6tL6LcFm0qgYfm_PwFs35YKF3VLFTOimiCyOjMDHXCqs/s400/IMG_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The needy in Laos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQkYYX0ZLSlnk_USLPHfqnyWYj99Wwfeb44c1R3PsvFLKpWX8MwIV2byho_BPBqjhOUHyaWhFGhz5bmKfdg8xI8NGd2rzAyKUSoYvwyUgsuaQOgr8BPjcAIp1-fVaFusDR6nXJbmqX0/s1600/IMG_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQkYYX0ZLSlnk_USLPHfqnyWYj99Wwfeb44c1R3PsvFLKpWX8MwIV2byho_BPBqjhOUHyaWhFGhz5bmKfdg8xI8NGd2rzAyKUSoYvwyUgsuaQOgr8BPjcAIp1-fVaFusDR6nXJbmqX0/s400/IMG_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The needy in Laos were surprised <br />and joyful to receive rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmwVmcGtZK5bbKflXhj2VLIzJR7kztaxlLxlxEkWnNsU0w5oGtV01vX4pL-uPE6764NluLqKfD0CX-cgDWL8LejuQLFx4eNd1kq8RFVEPm-K8BSGWcF3YL4U2mKM0J8vrn4DJlzVx4no/s1600/IMG_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmwVmcGtZK5bbKflXhj2VLIzJR7kztaxlLxlxEkWnNsU0w5oGtV01vX4pL-uPE6764NluLqKfD0CX-cgDWL8LejuQLFx4eNd1kq8RFVEPm-K8BSGWcF3YL4U2mKM0J8vrn4DJlzVx4no/s400/IMG_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Due to certain matters, distributing rice at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLFzLrE8UK-RgDPjNml40RE6t6vrl9yYkWPmpWJaYO6KUYMxzAbQ0w8qLd0mXuyaJb9bAOlQIwi2lfLT3wzP58t2YBL_JzInstpPL9dH42OlN5s7fuP0nVg3rw5t5dkJQSUdFtKwoLQg/s1600/IMG_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLFzLrE8UK-RgDPjNml40RE6t6vrl9yYkWPmpWJaYO6KUYMxzAbQ0w8qLd0mXuyaJb9bAOlQIwi2lfLT3wzP58t2YBL_JzInstpPL9dH42OlN5s7fuP0nVg3rw5t5dkJQSUdFtKwoLQg/s400/IMG_5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distributing food packages in Myanmar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikevn-6RXJqoTdp9X2J92HbtcuoJvn-WqBchzfiRfRs78XZbnAX4QCYr-rUubdW2z_TciRuEkA9xKmxvwbTeZH_mGlpOd6sX6uVsi3oPofguFeV8CL6SY5IBwIbQGqoSIaDb0g9FxuOJw/s1600/IMG_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikevn-6RXJqoTdp9X2J92HbtcuoJvn-WqBchzfiRfRs78XZbnAX4QCYr-rUubdW2z_TciRuEkA9xKmxvwbTeZH_mGlpOd6sX6uVsi3oPofguFeV8CL6SY5IBwIbQGqoSIaDb0g9FxuOJw/s400/IMG_6.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyful smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ewvsuLjfnP3lFT4Q7ZeTjAJVMEdR7RuBMLomVQM1wICg7RbtwXeHgGKFlOGYrqRxrG4OXNR11Nq1xHjCjsIZI3YcUNjwU3Kau1FUfyDIpRyUmA7W19aTABuElwmjnHZzZLA_reF8a_c/s1600/IMG_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ewvsuLjfnP3lFT4Q7ZeTjAJVMEdR7RuBMLomVQM1wICg7RbtwXeHgGKFlOGYrqRxrG4OXNR11Nq1xHjCjsIZI3YcUNjwU3Kau1FUfyDIpRyUmA7W19aTABuElwmjnHZzZLA_reF8a_c/s400/IMG_9.JPG" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people in Myanmar have hope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwUCfexwIPHXYeqzoAo1cRqD1vAPjs1U9vpYogEMdRyxFYNad4BNbFRnIInAeIrtAV6JjwndTdgSwGApsxPgM4ADW7fMEK2F5tg2X7EkL7358WKbIDs1EhvAYJSDKIuNwhXa_zmrT0Kg/s1600/IMG_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwUCfexwIPHXYeqzoAo1cRqD1vAPjs1U9vpYogEMdRyxFYNad4BNbFRnIInAeIrtAV6JjwndTdgSwGApsxPgM4ADW7fMEK2F5tg2X7EkL7358WKbIDs1EhvAYJSDKIuNwhXa_zmrT0Kg/s400/IMG_10.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The disabled and elderly in Myanmar <br />receiving food packages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
Thailand, our efforts covered the areas with displaced people from Shan state
and Rakhine state of Myanmar, the disabled, the elderly and children. Some were
non-believers and some were believers from several churches and denominations.
Several people asked us why we helped many from different churches and
denominations. We told them that we are representing Jesus Christ, not churches
or denominations. We are Christ’s ambassador! We do our best to represent
Christ to all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMue6wcYkwzE-R8KKpsbLNdVnun9Bnoehsjcp-eC1AogCFm3Cr91nUekGVQkDgIGMqXXsjb3RHkgCN4FxB9rdIdv4JgvCQTyb3S_rYBMUk00Vm86eafTTQWpigt4GJCGzsq6XWMlPWFe4/s1600/IMG_8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMue6wcYkwzE-R8KKpsbLNdVnun9Bnoehsjcp-eC1AogCFm3Cr91nUekGVQkDgIGMqXXsjb3RHkgCN4FxB9rdIdv4JgvCQTyb3S_rYBMUk00Vm86eafTTQWpigt4GJCGzsq6XWMlPWFe4/s400/IMG_8460.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food distribution in a Shan neighborhood in Thailand <br />(thanks to Thai brothers and sisters in Christ for their help)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75N57WL6mdeVAc1CJzb32sVwOcDZO3n5oRvuH15VadBBQb-pkBechTRsk-dpmSXCHbAcPU2biWXYRkAoKH8uvJgDEGgLImaajBBPFAfeOO1TVHyiBZHkpBHfkamY20wJ8m9KEm2Op7Z0/s1600/IMG_8461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75N57WL6mdeVAc1CJzb32sVwOcDZO3n5oRvuH15VadBBQb-pkBechTRsk-dpmSXCHbAcPU2biWXYRkAoKH8uvJgDEGgLImaajBBPFAfeOO1TVHyiBZHkpBHfkamY20wJ8m9KEm2Op7Z0/s400/IMG_8461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After giving out food packages, praying for those who asked <br />and are open to prayers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />We,
Asians For Christ, always give thanks to God for allowing us to be a channel of
His blessings to those in need, especially during this pandemic crisis in
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in particular. We thank all of you
who are partnering with us through your prayerful and financial supports. Also,
we thank those who helped us with on-the-ground works, packaging and
distributing the food. Without everyone doing his/her part, it would be
difficult to accomplish many responsibilities we are given. Thank you for
serving God by doing your part for His Kingdom.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Family
Update<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
family is doing well. Since there are no new local Covid 19 transmissions,
Isaac’s school has reopened (no more online classes). Becky and Nick are
teaching a free online English course to Laotian students; they have built a
great relationship with the college students there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfHeXJHoC2BRBi439f1ibC8PS0YTTwnWozXpDM0KG62ewf-E2__h-UU-3GC3MoX2mjPynYFGsAY3Dt7epTEBn9aaV-_TD6sgkdK3tIUnV_G18UGqZSTDcLboa8N4hfXty1RVmRQSVo4Q/s1600/IMG_8463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfHeXJHoC2BRBi439f1ibC8PS0YTTwnWozXpDM0KG62ewf-E2__h-UU-3GC3MoX2mjPynYFGsAY3Dt7epTEBn9aaV-_TD6sgkdK3tIUnV_G18UGqZSTDcLboa8N4hfXty1RVmRQSVo4Q/s400/IMG_8463.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky's time to teach grammar to her <br />six Laotian college students</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />Furthermore, the emergency
decree in Thailand has been extended to the end of July where the government
will have full authority to expressly pass regulations, for example limiting
the amount of people at gatherings. However, regulations have been eased to the
point where many areas, especially rural villages can now have gatherings. Churches
in the mountains and remote areas have reopened. So, we have taken this liberty
to visit the sick, help the poor, have fellowship with God’s people, and share
His Word. We are so excited to see people again! We are filled with joy to see people
laugh, the sick smile with hope, the needy being encouraged and comforted, and the
message of hope in Jesus Christ continue to shine a light into this dark world.
We see lives changed and people worshiping Jesus Christ; this is why we do
what we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGqlD6txDsIwY8W2w4Z3VaPzcccuVjTAJ1jsYkxPUiPmKsxFoElQuqkrBD0qql_8EKfsCCNFSEWB4Q0Z-VHhQzWZUDPCYMXzGyiemB7Nq8Q6jsw_xtzzTpx9Lg2_sxRKbNfHy5ZvyTVo/s1600/IMG_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGqlD6txDsIwY8W2w4Z3VaPzcccuVjTAJ1jsYkxPUiPmKsxFoElQuqkrBD0qql_8EKfsCCNFSEWB4Q0Z-VHhQzWZUDPCYMXzGyiemB7Nq8Q6jsw_xtzzTpx9Lg2_sxRKbNfHy5ZvyTVo/s400/IMG_11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the sick and the elderly in Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M7itJzZeVFZzWYtk2_ZNITzCFyxi0q66YBHA71TD63yiJmVDBbCkQryze7c71Q4y2MKHCeIbUMeXuDz7oqz32X8_GXJgfjKqTik90n9cXSWB5MNPxEEqh8pnTmAV0mJoAcibPL7ObsE/s1600/IMG_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M7itJzZeVFZzWYtk2_ZNITzCFyxi0q66YBHA71TD63yiJmVDBbCkQryze7c71Q4y2MKHCeIbUMeXuDz7oqz32X8_GXJgfjKqTik90n9cXSWB5MNPxEEqh8pnTmAV0mJoAcibPL7ObsE/s400/IMG_13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House devotional service with the Lisu in Northern Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnUSKslMvWW8dcCbv-mZXfhVf9G7s_d36YeuKMhr1mYvWsSnWpJ3kJaahd_VXw-Be5UyL43FYWdqSqX-DMCSPo0rqCVwqfelMIFjRAH0V96QK9YnAcWYnxCfEksyI-SVNE3-xvml-BOo/s1600/IMG_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnUSKslMvWW8dcCbv-mZXfhVf9G7s_d36YeuKMhr1mYvWsSnWpJ3kJaahd_VXw-Be5UyL43FYWdqSqX-DMCSPo0rqCVwqfelMIFjRAH0V96QK9YnAcWYnxCfEksyI-SVNE3-xvml-BOo/s400/IMG_12.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen giving a short sermon at devotional <br />service at Tup Dua, TH</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzzT8kg-9HScBdvtyWs9sEnbWV09VfoV_BI3z3PpzzBgmqQ9q12BzcayJl-RR09bkQ3pgCoaVMalpFl_SNanVsZkJPppuZm4VJBNn2EcXWS1VnQISOoXU_uVkAkNR57H41p77FGs1LaI/s1600/IMG_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzzT8kg-9HScBdvtyWs9sEnbWV09VfoV_BI3z3PpzzBgmqQ9q12BzcayJl-RR09bkQ3pgCoaVMalpFl_SNanVsZkJPppuZm4VJBNn2EcXWS1VnQISOoXU_uVkAkNR57H41p77FGs1LaI/s400/IMG_14.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen preaching at a Lisu church in Prao, Thailand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNnK-IdM7YpHQ0HFkezK4EVA1w8Eh5CYRE8xmixVxtbU5gVu4rV8sFGiwgyKKnfSq1HkgQtnGyNqbM7A85WIF-VUbwzYT6SXyslSiSIxGxSW9BLkhyphenhyphens5Ei8WESkgh2TWdb2OH3kR9w3A/s1600/IMG_16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNnK-IdM7YpHQ0HFkezK4EVA1w8Eh5CYRE8xmixVxtbU5gVu4rV8sFGiwgyKKnfSq1HkgQtnGyNqbM7A85WIF-VUbwzYT6SXyslSiSIxGxSW9BLkhyphenhyphens5Ei8WESkgh2TWdb2OH3kR9w3A/s400/IMG_16.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refugees from Rakhine State, Myanmar coming<br /> to get food packages at our center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBt4Y3-DJ8JveafZEGxIrmt19DP8ENRD5MZvo2MYObwBIsNkuP3gqvXy-N8wlybAiWV6PR5IGQBigTnQyaug6vJSuhHcxCly4j1bJKIhkFUZ-4DWk1QHw3erOpYXCFrwT-bUQ1La55EQ/s1600/IMG_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="960" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBt4Y3-DJ8JveafZEGxIrmt19DP8ENRD5MZvo2MYObwBIsNkuP3gqvXy-N8wlybAiWV6PR5IGQBigTnQyaug6vJSuhHcxCly4j1bJKIhkFUZ-4DWk1QHw3erOpYXCFrwT-bUQ1La55EQ/s400/IMG_15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also wanted prayers!</td></tr>
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<br />stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16715919014281757892noreply@blogger.com