"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.
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| 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.
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| Our friend Will we met in Hong Kong |
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| My friends Susan and Helen |
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| 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.
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Teaching English at the apartment complex |
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.
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| 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
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