God is still...and is always faithful

November 2016 Chiang Mai, Thailand

(One year in Chiang Mai--To our God be all praise and glory for His provision, comfort, and care)
"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." Psalm 25
     
     In some ways, it is hard to believe we've been here for a year.  We are feeling much more familiar and at home, but we also realize that we still have much to learn and understand about this place.
      Just after our last blog on the faithfulness of our God, it seemed we were bombarded with some difficulties--again not major--but requiring time, effort, and  some stress.  We had seen God work and provide in many ways as we completed necessary tasks for our stay here.  We were grateful for the faithfulness of our great God.  When we were feeling a little under attack during a rough week, I recalled our blog on the faithfulness of God.  I told several people that I felt as if our words were being tested.  Did we truly mean them?
"Catch for us the little foxes, the little foxes that can ruin the vineyards." (Song of Songs 2:15)  Little foxes are an example of the kinds of problems that can disturb or destroy a relationship or affect our spiritual life when we follow our feelings rather than the facts about God and the truth of Scripture.  Rather than relying on our immediate thoughts, we can verify their accuracy or challenge their inaccuracy by the Word of God.  We need to focus on His words, His truth--not our feelings or emotions.  Kay Swatkowski says we need to Verify and Trust.  First verify our thoughts by looking into God's Word and then trust what He says is true.  Verify and then trust.  2 Cor. 10:5 "May I cast down arguments and every vain thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ." For years, this verse has been part of my(Sher) prayer ritual.  When it comes to our own internal thinking process, we are quick to trust, but often we don't verify.  We assume that what we think and feel is accurate, but quite often it is not.  God's thoughts are not our thoughts--His thoughts and ways are higher--different from ours.  (Isaiah55:8-9) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."   Challenging our own thoughts is a lot of work--sometimes it's just easier to believe what we are thinking, even if it causes misery.  

Ezra holding his favorite story

So, we reread our words on the last blog--and proclaim: yes we meant every word and no God did not zap us to see if we meant it.  Verify and trust.  God is always faithful, but that doesn't mean everything in our lives will be smooth with no problems.  Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble."  The challenge is to verify and trust!  We need to challenge our thinking and allow God to refine and transform us through the difficulties.  We had to make an emergency run to the hospital for Dave with kidney stones.  The same week I had to return to the hospital with a bronchial infection--and on that day I fell in our Mubahn where they were doing some construction.  I had a black eye, some cuts and bruises but no broken bones.  Dave has a large kidney stone that cannot be passed, but currently it is not obstructing or causing pain.  Please be in prayer for some decisions in the future concerning all this.  That same week, we had another issue back in the states that was causing us some stress and concern.  But God was faithful in all of it, and we have much to be thankful for in the midst of all these little foxes.  Verify and trust!

Things of Note Recently! 

Dave  and I celebrated one year in Thailand on November 7th.  We went to a lovely resort with beautiful flowers and sculptured gardens.  This is Thailand!  We took a long walk and had a lovely dinner.  

Anniversary Dinner

We were able to, along with Faithful Heart Foundation, to sign an official book in our district government office to express our appreciation of and honor for the king in his passing.  We were very thankful for the opportunity to do this.

We enjoyed(Matthew, Audrey, and Amy especially) a visit form the states with Audrey's parents.

They enjoyed for a few weeks sweet little Ezra! (What we continue to enjoy and thank our God for as His blessed gift). Every good and perfect gift comes from Him!

 We attended a Thai Christian wedding at a church located on the campus of a Christian University here.  It was a lovely service.  We could only grab words here and there (If only they would speak more slowly--ha ha!), but PraJowl (God) over and over--we understood.  Dave took careful notes because just last Sunday he performed his first wedding.  On the first week of our coming, he performed a funeral, and on the anniversary of our first year--a wedding.  This wedding was for a young couple in our church, and it was held at night at the home of the groom's parents.  It was a beautiful evening, the decorations were lovely, and we think it will always be a special memory of 

our time here in Thailand. 

We will not accomplish great things for God here in Chiang Mai, but our prayer is that we will be faithful to the tasks He places before us--that we will be faithful in sharing the love of Christ and of serving others in His name.  We continue to covet your prayers to this end.  Please pray:

• That we will be faithful in the daily, small things
• That we will love and serve those around us with the love of our Savior Jesus Christ
• That the love of our Savior will shine from our lives to reflect on the lives of those around us
• That we will minister effectively to those in our church body--so that they can effectively transform lives through their various ministries. (Col. 3:17)
• For possible medical procedure for Dave in the future--for wisdom and peace
• For health and strength that we might faithfully fulfill our calling here.  Of His calling here, we have no doubt, but we need continual wisdom to discern exactly what that looks like.
• For Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra and Faithful Heart Foundation.  Shirley, one of the directors of the foundation, just came through some surgery with good results--pray for continued healing.
• For Benjamin, the young orphan who is critically ill--a part of Faithful Heart
• Love and prayers!

October 2016   The Faithfulness of our God
"I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh praise the greatness of our God!  He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all His ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
     As we approach the one year mark for being in Thailand, we are reminded of the faithfulness of our God.  Thailand is a very special place--especially Chiang Mai--but living in a foreign land involves challenges and difficulties at times.  I realize more and more how much I had previously taken for granted.  For example, I have a very nice and skillful man who cuts my hair, but I can't get him to cut it like I want--and he speaks good English.  We had some difficulties with our Internet recently--our lifeline right now and major means of communication.  We were concerned to be able to communicate our difficulty to the company.  And these are, of course, minor things in the scope of life but troublesome nevertheless.  Sometimes the communication is an issue and sometimes they just do things differently and we must adapt.  When in Rome...We find ourselves trusting--relying on God more--maybe actually living out the faith and trust that was often fluent in our vocabulary but not always exemplified by our actions.   Issues arise, and we say, "God you brought us here; we trust you to provide and meet our needs."  And our God proves Himself faithful when we look to Him and rely on Him to help us.  Back to our Internet issue.  Before my morning walk, Dave mentioned that he had prayed about our problem.  He said, "I almost felt it was too small an issue to take to the Lord in prayer, but I believe God wants us to take everything to Him in prayer."  I had just finished my walk, was coming around the corner and what did I see but a TOT (our internet provider) truck parked right across the street from our house.  Needless to say, we were thus able to  resolve the issue very quickly.  I'm not saying everything goes perfectly smoothly without bumps, but in the midst of these challenges, our God is faithful.
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God."
The Hebrew word for faithfulness is emuwnah and means firmness, fidelity, steadfastness.  The Greek word for faithfulness is pistas and means trustworthy, sure.  Employees as well as employers often fail to live up to expectations.  Politicians, of course, often fail to live up to their campaign promises and the increase in the divorce rate demonstrate many who do not remain faithful in this most important of relationships.  Although people may break their promises or fail to live up to their word, God is faithful in all His ways.
2 Timothy 2:13 "If we are faithless, He will remain faithful for He cannot disown himself."
Only one is faithful to fully keep His covenant and loving kindness, and that is our Lord God.  

Ezra looking debonair

  

In what ways is God faithful?

What a cutie  

• Our God is faithful and compassionate every morning.  (Jeremiah 3:21-23)  We live in a fallen world, people do wicked, things, people disappoint and fail us, and justice is not always just.  But there is one who is faithful and compassionate.  His mercies are new every morning.  "This I recall to my mind," says Jeremiah, "...and therefore I have hope."  Each morning may we place our hope in our faithful, loving God whose compassions never fail.  He alone can satisfy our every need.  He alone is trustworthy and true.

     We accomplished two important items for our stay here in Thailand.  (God was faithful to before us and provide).  We  have our temporary Thai license!  Due to the kind help of a friend who has been here longer, we had a itemized list of things required.  It took time and patience, but we just kept checking off items on the list and finally accumulated everything we needed and went to the office.  The time we went was perfect, and we were able to complete the process in a relatively short time.  We were even able to help a Thai lady married to a French husband. (she spoke some English)  She was having difficulty finding out what was required for her husband, and we were able to share our list.  Thank you, Lord for going before us and allowing us to help and bless someone else in the process.  When we left, a huge line had formed.  Thank you, Lord for being spared the long line this time.
 We did our first 90-day reporting here in Chiang Mai.  We were concerned that we seemed to be missing one item.  Again the Lord provided two very nice, kind Thai ladies (Most Thai people are this way) who helped us through the process.  We had to make a trip to the other immigration office in the process, but there wasn't a line in the building we went to and again a kind, gracious lady helped us.  We received the required paper, headed back to the first office and completed the process. Yay!
    God has graciously given us a gift!  What a gift and blessing to be here with our precious grandson! (Of course we are happy to be with his parents too). If you don't mind my saying so, he is adorable--and now that he is smiling--even more so!  It is not only a blessing to be with him and hold him and love on him, it also warms our hearts to see what good parents our children are.  Each time we left MN, with our son Jay and daughter-in-law Heidi, we thanked God for the excellent job of parenting and spiritual training.  It's nice to witness this again.  Audrey is such a natural, caring mother (She had lots of practice with nieces and nephews).   And Matthew is a great dad; he found an unusual hold on line from a pediatrician, and when Ezra's crying, this hold seems to work wonders.  They are an effective team as parents.  Aunt Amy is good at this hold too!

Our darling MN girls

     I had fun planning a baby shower for Audrey and Ezra and was surprised that 24 people came.  We had a brunch, and a friend from the church made a motorcycle out of diapers--with a stuffed elephant on top, of course.

  I have begun my Bible study on the names of God once again and am so thankful for the opportunity to do it here.  I am enjoying being under Dave's preaching again.  He keeps busy preparing messages, visiting in the hospitals, counseling, meeting with our leadership team, etc.  We have also been attempting to have church people in our home regularly for fellowship in order to get to know our people better.
    This week we are planning to have a nice family originally from Singapore in our neighborhood for dinner.  English is their national language, and I think they like having someone with whom they can communicate in the neighborhood.    We are looking forward to this time.
      Our lives have definitely been enriched by the variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures that we have met here. How we thank God for this experience; our lives have been enhanced and our perspectives deepened. We are thankful for our wonderful Thai teacher--an excellent teacher and a beautiful woman of God--so gracious and kind with our efforts at Thai.  We have a couple who have been missionaries for many years in several countries--Thailand being one.  I just finished reading the story of their experiences.  What amazing stories, what astonishing accomplishments--and talk about the faithfulness of our God.  They have many examples of God's faithfulness and provision over the years; their lives demonstrate the faithfulness of God when we respond in obedience to His call upon our lives.   We also had the blessing of meeting a remarkable young woman from India.  What this young woman has accomplished in her 25 years is amazing.  She felt God's call for missions at an early age and has been so faithful to that call.  What a beautiful spirit of Christ is reflected in her life; we enjoyed hearing her story.  She is now my helper in preparing communion and is coming to my Bible study.  We continue to be humbled by such people--and can only offer ourselves to be used as His vessels as He sees fit.

Our new friend, Maria

Adjan Ray--our wonderful Thai teacher

      Please pray:

• For health and strength to fulfill God's purposes for us here
• Pray that the light of Christ may be reflected in our lives.
• Pray that we will be faithful servants of our faithful God.
• Pray that we will be an encouragement and support to the people who attend The Gathering.
• Pray that we will be used of our Lord in this place--may we demonstrate the love of Christ to all with whom we come into contact.
• Pray for Matthew and Audrey and Ezra and their ministry to orphans
• Pray for Audrey's sister, Amy, who is teaching at the International school here.
• Benjamin, one of the orphans in Faithful Heart Foundation who has been very ill

August 30, 2016 Chiang Mai, Thailand

What a joy to announce the arrival of Ezra Jonathan Pound, our first grandson!  (Although most of you already know through social media)  How grateful we are that the legacy of our youngest son, Jonathan, now lives on in our grandson, Ezra.  What a great blessing of our loving heavenly Father to be right here with him.  In our totally unbiased opinion, he is the most adorable little boy ever!  

Grandma and Ezra

Grandpa and Ezra

     As we age and life becomes more challenging, we can often feel our best and most productive times are behind us.  But as I look at this fresh, new life, I am reminded that our greatest task is before us--to encourage future generations to walk in faith and to help advance the spiritual heritage that is ours into a new generation.  Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them."  What an important role we have as grandparents--to nurture the next generation in the the faith walk. I have been encouraged by a book called A Grandmother's Prayers by Kay Swatkowski. I know my parents and Dave's parents aided us in nurturing our children in things of faith.  I was so often overwhelmed by the task and so aware of my deficiencies as a human being.    As I  observe my sons today, I am quick to thank God for his grace.  They are amazing men of God--despite our foibles, but I know their grandparents prayed faithfully and am well aware of the impact of such prayers.  I am especially grateful that, whether near or far (as I think of our precious granddaughters back in MN), we can be engaged in the lives of our grandchildren in the most important of ways through prayer.  These prayers join our hearts and faith to them as we commit them daily to our Lord and Savior.

Beautiful flowers throughout our neighborhood

Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  St. Irenaeus said, "The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be fully alive consists in beholding God."  Isn't that the key to our lives as Christians; we are here to glorify God and to give the reason for the hope we have in Christ.  Consequently, whatever our age, and wherever we are, we can seek to bring glory to our God to the best of our ability and through the sanctifying work of His spirit. "May those who come behind us find us faithful" (Steve Green-"Find Us Faithful") and may they continue the walk of faith as we faithfully pray for them.

     Our church, The Gathering, experienced a first--a church picnic!  We are constantly thinking of ways to unite our international, multicultural church as one body.  Many come infrequently as they are busy ministering in other places.  It is often a time of refreshment for them to worship with fellow believers in English.  One team of 15 people worshiped with us recently on their way to minister in another country.  One of my dear friends who came to my Bible Study and was here for a year is returning to her home country.  I will miss her.  She is a dear sister in Christ.  Praise God some of her family recently came to Christ. 

Audrey and baby Ezra--one of his first outings and Amy, Audrey's sister

 I think she likes the hot dog!

 Another couple who just recently joined with us and was excited about helping us with a prayer ministry--told us that their mission agency is moving them to a new field.  Such is the nature of the international church.  Barry Gaeddert (London) says,  "At ICC, I always saw our job to train people to go into the world.  They were with us for one year, or two or three years.  And then they often went to places around the globe.  So our job was to invest spiritually, help them grow in their walk with God, to learn about their gifts and how to use them... and then to send them on more mature than when they arrived."  Edmund Haroucourt said, "We leave behind a bit of ourselves wherever we have been."  May we leave some of Jesus in this place and may we impact those who know Christ to a deeper walk with Him.  "But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ." 2 Cor. 2:15

Please pray:

• That we will be an encouragement and blessing to the people who attend The Gathering.
• For Dave in his preaching that he will speak to hearts what they need to hear as he is directed by the Holy Spirit.
• That we will be the aroma of Christ to all the people with whom we come into contact --our neighbors, clerks where we shop, etc. and that the Lord will provide opportunities to share Christ.
• Pray that the Lord will use us here to His glory.
• Pray for language work that is hard and laborious. May we persevere and practice-- practice!
• Pray for our grandson Ezra (health, strength and protection) and for his parents who are working hard to be wonderful parents.
• Amy, Audrey's sister, who is teaching this year at Grace International School here in Chiang Mai.

July 30, 2016 Chiang Mai, Thailand

On the window sill of our house

A walkway in one of the parks with mountains behind

     We give thanks to our God for a good trip and safe arrival back in Thailand.  We had a good trip back to the states and were thankful for visits with family and friends.

One of the beautiful flowers of Thailand

       We prayed beforehand that God would guide our visits as we knew the time would go quickly, and we had doctor visits, many supplies to purchase, visit with our family in Minnesota and also Sher's family in Pennsylvania.  Consequently, we trusted our God in all this and sought to do the best we could.  

Liesl and Evie at the Mall of America

      At the last minute (thanks to my wonderfully patient husband and the help our great travel agent Terri Berger), we extended our stay by eight days.  As the time grew near to leave, I was finding it very difficult to leave knowing my mom's death was imminent.  We knew that the next flight to Thailand was already booked, and we felt the pressure of being back to Thailand for the birth of our first Lan Chai (grandson).  In God's providence, my mom went home to be with the Lord four days after we returned to Thailand.  Once again, we trust our God in the timing.  I am currently reading through Proverbs, and some of these verses were a great help--what a great treasure is the Word of God!  Proverbs 20:29 "A man's steps are directed by the LORD.  How then can anyone understand his own way?"  Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."  It was hard not to be at the service, but Matthew, Dave and I shared our thoughts on a video that was included in the service, and our son Jay also assisted in the service for which we were very thankful.  Though things do not always go according to our plan, we can still see God's hand and find blessings in the midst.
     I am grateful I had my mom for so many years--she was 92, and I am grateful for her godly influence in my life.  I have thought much about the apostle Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:5.  I am reminded of the sincere faith which first lived in my grandmother Mary Clara Graham and in my mother Wilda Elizabeth Graham Miller.  Both were Bible teachers of note and apt students of the Word and both instilled in me a love for the Bible.  My mom and I shared the joy of memorizing scripture together.  She was a wonderful, caring mother--the epitome of all that a mother should be!  What a blessing that I have a godly heritage--parents who led me to the source of all wisdom and hope, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am appreciative that my children also had the opportunity of knowing and loving my .  Both my children and I had the benefit of her many prayers on our behalf.  After long months of plodding, heavy steps, and an often arduous journey, she is dancing lightfooted on the high peaks and is with the Savior she loved.  And I believe that she and our son, Jonathan, have have had a heavenly hug there.  

    

     We arrived back in Chiang Mai for the rainy season--some rain almost every day, beautiful butterflies, and many, many snails (ugh!).  

And yes, it is still warm--90's most days--but the rain brings some coolness with it.  Our poor brains had to adjust once again to driving--reverting back to the familiar and then reverting back to what we had learned here in Thailand.  We turned on the wipers instead of the turn signal for the first couple of days, and I kept going to the wrong side of the car to get in when Dave was driving.  :)
      We are anxiously and not so patiently awaiting our first Lan Chai (grandson).  Please pray for good and safe delivery and a healthy baby. Audrey has done great through this pregnancy, but we are all ready! 
      Finally, we continue to covet prayers for pastoring our international church--that we will be a source of encouragement to those who minister in various places.  We pastor a parade of people who come and go for various lenghs of time and have already had to say goodbye more times than we'd like.  Please pray that God will use us here as He sees fit.  Pray that our lights will shine for Jesus--for open doors to share the reason for the hope we have.  Pray that we have good health and strength to minister.

  "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thess. 2:16

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Chiang Mai, Thailand Monday, May 23, 2016

Jesus Calling--May 19th
      "Even now, you are never separated from Me, though you must see Me through eyes of             faith.  I will walk with you till the end of time, and onward into eternity.  Although my            Presence is a guarantees promise, that does not necessarily change your feelings.  When          you forget I am with you, you may experience loneliness or fear.  It is through awareness 
      of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings.  Practice the discipline of walking         consciously with Me through each day." 
We need never doubt the truth of God's presence with us.  Jesus Christ is "Immanuel--God with us." (Matthew 1:23) Christ's life, death, and resurrection are the supreme evidence that God will go to any length--even paying the ultimate cost of His only son to dwell among His people.  
God is truly with us--wherever we are!  It is our privilege to be in a relationship with God for eternity.  This is why He came to earth and this is why He died.  May our lives be filled with Immanuel.

My favorite coffee shop--Swiss  and Thai owners

     It was a rare and unique opportunity!  We were sharing our experiences in church ministry.  Kirsten and Martin are the pastor and wife of the German church here.  They came to our home for dinner, and we had a great time of fellowship together.  There was an easy connection as we shared the challenges of pastoral ministry unique to a culture and country not our own.  Once they left, and we were cleaning up, I realized what special time it was.  Had we remained in our own countries, we might never have met, but here we were--a German couple and an American couple enjoying fellowship together in Thailand. 

       God has already provided many experiences and understandings that can only come from living abroad.  It is a life of unusual opportunities, incredible experiences, an expansion of our worldview and an introduction to a global perspective.  However, most importantly, we are forming friendships through our bond in Christ.  There is something wonderful about these friendships traversing cultural differences that is definitely unique to the body of Christ.  We think it is a taste of heaven where "...a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)  Again we give praise and thanks to our Lord for people--friends of the heart--God brings who enrich our lives and deepen our relationship and walk with the Lord.  

Our friend Will we met in Hong Kong

My friends Susan and Helen

Dave and Shirley, directors of Faithful Heart invited us to share Christmas brunch

We  enjoyed fellowship with Will, a seminary student who attended the Global Church Conference with us in Hong Kong.  He has already served 10 years as a missionary in Holland and is the age of one our children.  He was all alone at the conference and asked if he could join us for the evening.  Hopefully, we encouraged him about the unique privileges and joys--as well as challenges in pastoral ministry.
Susan and Helen attend my Bible study, and I've come to really appreciate and enjoy them.  Susan is Cantonese and Helen is Korean.  We recently had lunch together so I could hear more of their spiritual journey stories.  They are beautiful women of God who love Jesus.  
I (Sher) enjoyed fellowship with the people of Faithful Heart as they hosted their annual retreat. (especially our wonderful son and daughter-in-law)  I taught 3 English classes for them and really enjoyed doing it.  I also assisted some of the people in our church who teach English at an apartment complex.  They never know exactly who will show up and what level they will be, but I always enjoy teaching--whatever the form and circumstances.  

Teaching English at the apartment complex

Dave continues to do an outstanding job preaching; I think the people are happy to have a pastor after being without one for over a year.  Although one of the biggest challenges of an international church ministry is the transient nature of its constituents.  People are constantly coming and going.  

We give our Lord thanks for getting to know people of different cultures and ways of life.  In my Bible study of 14-15 ladies, there are 7 different cultures represented.  Dave and I are reading several books on international ministry right now.  One person in speaking of acclimating to ministry in a new culture has said it this way:  "If you can understand that your assumptions are not necessarily their assumptions you will get along fine."
We've learned that we've actually been a part of history here in Thailand,  There have been new record highs for the month of April.  It tells you something when 99-100°f seems cooler.  It's amazing what a difference 6-8 degrees over 100°F makes.  We are so grateful for prayers on our behalf.  We need them!  Please continue to pray for these needs.

Sarah and Sher at Faithful Heart Retreat

• Safe travesl as we journey home in June. (Visits to MN and PA)
• Pray for our time that we accomplish the things we need to and see the people it is important for us to see.  It will be a tight schedule especially considering time for jet lag.  
• That we will be Salt and Light in this place--that we will represent our Savior well aned have opportunities to share His Gospel of Good News
• That we effectively minister to people of The Gathering
• 
  

April 18, 2016 Chiang Mai, Thailand

      We are now in our 6th month.  It's hard to believe, but I think we already feel very different than we did in the early months.  However, now that we've settled in a bit, the enormity of the task before us and the mixture of emotions have become apparent.
      Living in a new culture       unparalleled joy and excitement (our horizons are being broadened)     learning a new language that is difficult      excitement, new adventures      vision for and role of our international church      supportive new friends from around the world      feeling homesick at times

      Chiang Mai is still a basically easy adjustment to make, and we have already developed a heart for this place and these people.  What comfort we receive that so many of the Biblical characters were reluctant but willing servants.  Whether it be a Moses or a Gideon, they felt inadequate to the task for which they were being called.  At the  height of D.L. Moody's effectiveness, between 1874 and 1875, Dr. R.W. Dale, one of the leading nonconformist clergymen in England, observed his work in Birmingham for three or four days.  He wished to discover the secret of Moody's power. After his observations were completed he told Moody the the work was plainly the work of God, for he could see no relation between him personally and what he was accomplishing.  A smaller person might have been offended at this but Moody only laughed and said he would be sorry if it were otherwise. (Hearing God by Dallas Willard) In studying the names of God we have learned that what God promises only God can do (El-Shaddai--the all sufficient One)  or when God calls, He provides the empowering and the resources needed to carry out His Work.  Adonai (Our Lord and Master) is the One who bestows gifts upon and equips servants for service. (Ephesians 4:11-12)  Last spring in reading a book by John Ortberg we were challenged by a verse in Revelation 3:8 "Behold I place before you an open door.  I know that you have little strength."  Ortberg said that wen we step out in faith, we cannot know how it will all turn out--but faith always involves an element of risk.  So, our part was to go through the open door He placed before us.  Now we look to Him for the enabling, the empowering, and the wisdom and discernment.  Already we have been blessed by being here!  And if the blessings of our international church and the people there and getting to know the Thai people and their culture were not enough, God has blessed us immeasurably by being here for the birth of our grandson.  How good and amazing is our God!

Dallas Willard says, "When we consider a life of participating in God's kingdom rule, we are not looking at anything we must make happen.  The extent of our obligation is to be honestly willing and eager to be made able.  Jesus is our model always and we can count on God Himself to lead us into whatever we are to do.  He will do this in a way this is suitable to our lives and His calling for us."

In front of The Star Ferry in Hong Kong

   
     We had the wonderful privilege of attending the first ever Global Church for a Global World Conference in Hong Kong.  We felt very blessed to be at this conference because we had the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe ministering in international churches just like ours.  We heard wonderful speakers like Ravi Zacharias and Oz Guinness, attended workshops and heard inspiring messages from pastors of international churches giving practical hints of what has worked for them.  And did I mention food?!  And we thought the Thai people loved to eat.  Our first night began with a 12 course meal.  It wasn't until we were into course 3 or 4 that someone at our table looked at the card (menu) describing the 12 courses in store for us.  We had, of course, been eating the first courses as if that were the whole meal.  Apparently the Chinese also like to eat--to make an evening of it-- to make it an occasion.  It was all (well mostly) very good, but we simply could not eat it all.

      Near the end of the conference, we had a solemn "signing" ceremony.  We each signed our own parchment with the Global Church Declaration (longer than what I have included here) and then went forward to sign a larger document--a record of the event.  How thrilling to be a part of this!  Our last event was a luncheon (Yes, food was a big part of this conference).  We sat with one of the pastors of  working at the International Christian Assembly in Hong Kong and ministering to the Thai people there.  All of our meetings were held at this very large church (first one I've ever been in with its own escalator).  What a privilege to have him pray for us in Thai--that we would be effectively used of God to be salt and light to his people here in Chiang Mai and then to pray for him in English for God to work in and through his ministry in Hong Kong.  To God be the glory!  What a rare and precious moment!

Cutting the Peking Duck

Good view of harbor in Hong Kong

Global Church Declaration
"The Holy Spirit has united us not only to Jesus Christ but also to his body, which spans the globe. Together we seek to understand what God is doing in and through the Global Church around the world and to ask: Is there something to be done using our combined expertise to develop and strengthen leaders of the Global Church and inspire them to greater vision?  ...We are at a point in history where the Church, and our approach to mission, faces challenges that we have never seen before.  There are more people on the move today than at any other time in history.  The impact of globalization in "city culture", particularly the challenge of ministering to diaspora people moving about the world requires new attitudes and strategies...We do not want to 'sit this one out.'  We are committed to getting involved."

Susan, Bible study friend and tour guide of Hong Kong

Billboard in front of International Church in HK

Chiang Mai, Thailand March 14, 2016

          We are now 4 month veterans and are feeling more at home here in Chiang Mai.  We praise and honor our God who continues to prove Himself faithful to us in so many ways.  We are driving a little more and are thankful for a car and the ability to get around on our own.  We still prefer walking to the grocery store (15 minutes each way) and to the Big C (20 minutes each way).  We like to walk every day anyway for exercise, and yet we seem to be an anomaly to the Thai.  A lady saw me walking in the afternoon and pointed to the sun. “Too hot!” she said.  It is true that any long afternoon walks may be coming to a halt.  We are now in the hot season—over a 100° F in the forecast for the next ten days.  Dave and I say we would rather be hot than cold.  We will have the chance to test that declaration; the hottest month is yet to come in April. 

          We had a good friend from Santisuk English School in Bangkok and Lighthouse Church (Our Converge mission with Steve and Nopaluk Cable) visit us for a few days—our first house guest.  We had a good visit and so enjoyed her time with us. 

          In February we made a trip to Phrao with a friend of Faithful Heart who helps to run an orphan home there.  Matthew and Audrey were with us on the trip.  It was about an hour drive on a winding road closer into the mountains.  The difference at night was startling!  We froze!  We saw the need for the gift of blankets we brought with us for the orphans.  Matthew insisted we buy watermelon and some cookies—a special treat for the children.  I was so glad we did, because they were delighted—a little something different.  We had some beautiful sunset views there and the children, of course, presented a wonderful program for us.

               

We continue to enjoy the international flavor of our Gathering Church.  It is fun to see who is worshiping with us each Sunday.  This past Sunday, we had a team representing 4 or 5 countries worship with us. As they each shared their native country, the last young man said, “But we are home because we are worshiping with the people of God.”

          What fun to see the DVD of the ultra sound and learn that we have a grandson coming!

Jesus Calling for March 12^th--once again this little devotional really spoke to my heart as we are adjusting to a new culture and place.

“Waiting, trusting, and hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands to form a strong chain.  Trusting is the central strand, because it is the response from my children that I desire the most.  Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Me.   

We can wait and trust in light of the hope we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. That hope is an anchor for our souls—firm and secure. “So that by two utterly immutable things, the Word of God and the oath of God, who cannot lie, we who are expatriates from this dying world have a source of strength and might to grasp the hope He holds out to us.” (Hebrews 6:18)  Emily Freeman in her book A Million Little Ways says “God weaves eternity into our minutes. Every moment is packed with artistic possibility because as an image bearer with a job to do, there is potential to reveal the glory of God in every circumstance, no matter how we feel, who we’re with, what our hands hold, or what’s gone wrong.”  Freeman emphasizes “the” whatever we do.  She says whatever you do, you can do it in a way that makes a difference—in a way that influences people around you.  Please pray that for us and with us—that we can be effective image bearers here.

Please continue to pray also:

•       For continued health and strength for the tasks before us.
•       For health and strength for Matthew and Audrey—especially Audrey and our precious grandson developing in her and for their continued ministry and support.
•       For our ministry and encouragement to our church body
•       For the many ministries of the people in our church body that reach out to SE Asia; pray for their strength, protection and empowering.
•       For Dave’s preaching and Sher’s Bible study.  May we both proclaim the Word of God faithfully
•       We have a wedding coming up in our fellowship and 2 new babies. 
•  Pray for them.