"The Way of Jesus Christ" December 2017

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you and your family from ours!

Ezra and Grandma having lunch at Market

     What a blessing to be here with our darling grandsom.  As he is growing and developing and exploring the world, we are having great fun with him.  Audrey, Ezra and I spent some time recently at the famous Warorot Market here looking for Christmas things.  This market is such an incredible mix of sights, sounds, and smells and going there is always a unique, amazing experience.  

    I've been receiving Dallas Willard devotionals on line.  This thought really struck me recently:"The way of Jesus is a way of firsthand interaction--knowing by acquaintance--direct awareness of Him and His kingdom."  This coincided exactly with what we've been studying in the book of James for my Bible study.  We had been talking about how James says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault,and it will be given to him."  If we lack wisdom, we simply need to ask our God who gives generously to all--without finding fault.  That "all" includes you and it includes me. Beth Moore says, "He doesn't just top off the glass of our lacking.  He lets it spill over the edge and into our laps." God never mocks us for lacking wisdom saying something like, How could you be so stupid?-- instead He gives "without finding fault." 

                                                        Quaint, unique cafe at the market

Why must we continually ask God when He already knows all that we need?   Dallas Willard says that you can't sustain a kingdom life, a life "not of this world," without interaction with the King.  And such an interaction with God is the most precious thing available to any human being.  The King of the universe wants a real, live relationship with us.  I never cease to be amazed at this!  When I study the names of God which reveal His nature and character--the creator and sustainer of all that is-- and know that such an awesome God delights in fellowship with me his created being--I continue to be in awe. Beth says, "The role that God cherishes most is Father.   He wants us--frail moral creatures--to connect with Him and communicate with Him as the dearest relationship in human existence.  He delights to be our sole and holy source for all things in life."  That's exactly what Dallas was saying.  This is the way of Jesus--communicating with our dear Heavenly Father in intimate relationship.

Loi Gra Tong  (Light Festival)

A very special lantern

The apostle Paul said, "I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" His highest goal--objective in life was to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.  Oh that it could our highest and most important goal! (Phil. 3:8-11)

     The Light Festival (Loi Gra Tong ) is another fascinating thing to see and experience, but there are many--many people who come out for it.  It you're not one for crowds, this is not for you.  But just being there amidst this spectacular display of lanterns rising to the sky is worth it.  The celebration comes on the first full moon in November.

                                                      Southeast Asia Christmas party

      We love attending the southeast Asia Christmas party.  It is a celebration of our Savior's birth--and the gift of our salvation with people from southeastern Asian countries.   It's a time of great food and fellowship--testimonials and singing.  This year we had visitors from Nagaland.  What wonderful Christian people and what amazing musical gifts.  I asked if every person was so talented musically.  

                                                Our little Christmas tree and a taste of home

                                                                    The cutest little boy ever!

                                                     
                                                    Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra lighting Advent candle wreath

                                                                     So proud of my Bogainvillea!

                                                                            My Bible study

                                                                      Two beautiful granddaughters

Audrey and Ezra at Warorot Market

We will include pictures of the other Christmas parties in our January blog.  We will again have many people sharing Luke 2:10-11 in their native tongue in our service on the 24th to celebrate our Savior's birth.  As you contemplate the wonder of the greatest of all gifts may you be renewed and refreshed in your spirit.  We covet and appreciate prayers on our behalf--always challenges.  Please pray:

For our trip to Bangkok in January and the renewal of our visas
For our housing situation--we have been told that our landlord may sell our home to an investor.  We are praying that we can stay even if she does.  We're not sure if or when this will happen, but we are trusting God in it.
For continued health and strength to minister here
That we will be an encouragement and support to the people in our congregation
That we will be salt and light everywhere we go and with whom all we come into contact
For wisdom in sorting through challenges--all we have to do is ASK!

The Blessing of New Cultural Experinces--Ocotber 2017

Dave and I and Sarah Baer with a view of Chiang Mai

"Do not merely listen to the Word but do what it says." (James 1:22)  How impressed I've been once again by this short but very pragmatic book of James.  Christians make great claims but are often guilty of belying them with their actions. (Yep, me too!)  Professing to trust God and be His people, they often cling tightly to the world and its values.  Possessing all the right answers, they contradict the Gospel with their lives.  "What good is it my brothers if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds."  Genuine faith will inevitably produce good deeds.  This is the central theme of the book of James around which he supplies practical advice for living the Christian life.  With an energetic style and crisp well-chosen words James confronts the conflict head on.  He doesn't beat around the bush or mince words.  It's not enough to talk the Christian life--we must live it.  My Bible study is on this book and as I study and prepare, I realize that I gain more in my preparation than I could ever give.  

We've had a very busy couple of months since we've returned from the states.  It has been a joy to reunite with so many we have come to love and care about here.  It has also been great to welcome many back who were away and to greet new attenders to our Gathering fellowship.  We continue to pray for health and strength to minister to those who attend the Gathering.  Some are only here for a short time and others stay for awhile.  However long their stay, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we want to encourage them in the faith and in the work that God has called them to in this place.  It is still difficult difficult to constantly be saying hello and goodbye, but God continues to enrich our lives with many diverse people with whom we come into contact.  Since our church meets in a hotel, it is convenient for Christian workers that may be attending a conference here.  One man from Africa here for a conference said it this way, "Praise God for the opportunity to join this 'Gathering' of God's people (ecclesia) today."

                                                                  Ezra's 1st Birthday Celebration in Chiang Mai

We celebrated Ezra's one-year birthday a little late since we weren't all together on the actual day.  I don't think he minded.  Dave and I got him a balloon, and I made his favorite carrot muffin.  What a blessing is to be here with this cute little guy.

Thai Engagement Ceremony

I was blessed to be a part of a Thai engagement ceremony for Joy and Baum.  Joy is the social worker at the foundation for which Matthew and Audrey are a part, and she is a lovely Christian woman.  The ceremony was at her church, where her father is the pastor.  Though I couldn't understand everything, it was a joy to share with Thai brothers and sisters in Christ on this special occasion.  We often say that our church gatherings in the states usually involve food--and it is true.  However, let me tell you, every Thai event involves food.

Then Dave and I attended a Pakistani engagement ceremony.  Again the couple and families are Christian.  Dave gave a blessing as the pastor of the young girl and her family.  It was similar to the Thai ceremony but a little different.  Again we enjoyed being a part of this cultural experience.

We were also blessed to attend a baptism at an international school.  The directors/owners are vibrant Christians and can only be described as evangelists:  23 people( children, teachers, and parents) were baptized that night.  What an inspiration to see so many receive Christ as their Savior and take this step of baptism!

Last, but not least, our annual church picnic was again a huge success.  We had a great turn-out, lots of great food and wonderful fellowship.  Since our church rents our facilities for the Sunday services,  we don't have many opportunities for these kind of events.  But the school mentioned in the baptism above graciously provided their wonderful facilities free of charge because, "it belongs to the Lord." Praise God for this couple's wonderful testimony and ministry here.

One final story.  Everyone has heard the jokes about how many people (blonds, etc.) does it take to change a light bulb.  Well, I ask you how many people does it take?  The scene is 4 ladies gathered around an outside light at our gate.  First, I had to know if it was our responsibility to change these bulbs since we pay a mubahn(neighborhood) fee.  Next, I wanted to know if it was an electrical problem on our side of the street.  Every single light was out on our side while on the other side every light was on.  I asked the neighbor beside me if hers was working.  She tried--and sure enough it was.  I know now it is simply a matter of changing a bulb.  My neighbor proceeded to bring out a chair, a bulb, and screw driver.  She then instructed her daughter to go to work.  Meanwhile, the neighbor across the street came to give helpful instructions.  Much animated talking began.  I tried to unscrew the light globe.  More animated talking and,"Na, na!"  Clearly the was not the right move.  The young girl then stood on the edge of our garbage container and after that precariously on the ledge holding the light fixture.  I am holding on to her afraid she might fall.  I'm thinking to myself "I can do this," but they want to help.  Two screws are removed, the globe removed, and bulb changed. Voila! With four women and much conversation the goal is achieved.  I ran inside to replace the light bulb for my neighbor, but she refuses.  Mai ben rai--the favored expression of the Thai--no problem.  And now, I know how to change that particular bulb. :)

We covet your continued prayers on our behalf.  Please pray:

• For  health and strength and wisdom to continue to minister to our diverse congregation
• That we will be a light for Jesus in this place--to everyone with whom we come into contact
• That we encourage and support those with special needs and concerns
• We will utilize our time most effectively as our lives become busier

September 2017--Back in Thailand With an Attitude of Gratitude

Beautiful Thailand Sunset!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

We have arrived safely back in Thailand with all our luggage--4 pieces each--yes, that's 8 altogether!  It's amazing really that we checked it in at Columbus,Ohio and didn't see it again until we arrived in Chiang Mai.  We thankfully always forget just how grueling the trip is (10,000 miles), but we are grateful to God for a smooth, safe journey and all our luggage with us.  We never take such a long journey for granted without giving praise and thanks to our God.

Glad to be back with sweet Ezra!

I listened recently to a DVD series (Our adult Sunday School Class here did it) by John Ortberg on Soul Keeping. In it Ortberg says, "You will always feel better on a posture of gratitude because the soul thrives on gratitude."  The Hebrew word for gratitude is translated,"recognizing the good."  What does that mean exactly?  I like how Ortberg explains it:  "Right now in this moment, I choose to live in gratitude.  This sustains the soul and lifts us up into the presence of God." The Scripture says it this way in Colossians 3:16-17:

  "...And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And 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."

"Now we know, humanly speaking, we will live longer, healthier, and happier lives if we live with an attitude of gratitude," Ortberg says.  However, there are huge benefits to our soul in this attitude of gratitude, and we are the keepers of our souls.  And what do we have to be thankful for--oh so much!  As followers of Christ, the gifts of our salvation are enough to make us thankful all our days.  If we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ we are

        A child of God

       Jesus' death has covered our sins and forgiven the guilt of our sin

       We have no fear of death because we have eternal life through Christ.

       God has given us His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort and remind us of the truths of the Gospel

Jay, Heidi and girls and Dave and I in MN

Grandma brought dolls for the girls

My older sister, Pam

Wedding of our nephew

But Dave and I are also extremely thankful for Dave's restored health during our visit to the states.  We had great medical care here, but his body had sufficient time to refresh and renew. We give thanks and praise to our God and to many of you who partnered with us in prayer.  We are grateful  for good visits with family and friends.  Just after we arrived, we attended our nephew's wedding in California and again were thankful to be able to do that and see most of my (Sher's) family.

   Most of all, we are grateful to be able to return to Chiang Mai and minister among the many we love and care about here as we believe God has called us to do.  We received such a warm welcome from our congregation on our first Sunday--just hours after our 30 hour journey here.  Many of our neighbors also seemed to miss us, and we felt welcomed by so many of them though our communication is often a little limited.

Our Women's Bible Study--Dave posed with us

High School kids and their dorm parents.

Special Music Group

 Gratitude takes nothing for granted but instead acknowledges each favor, each gift as coming from, the hand of a loving, heavenly Father.  James 1:15 says, "Every good and perfect gift comes from above--coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows."  Therefore, we take neither health, nor life, nor daily breath for granted but give praise and thanks to the Giver of all gifts! May we as followers of Christ and the Good News of the Gospel have a gratitude attitude. We appreciate your continued prayers as we continue to minister in beautiful Chiang Mai.  Please pray:

• That we will be a support and encouragement to the families in our church body
• For Dave as he seeks to faithfully proclaim the Word each Sunday
• That we will be a light for Jesus to all with whom we come in contact and that we will have opportunities to share the Good News of Christ
• For health and strength 
• Ability to learn the Thai language to be able to communicate more effectively

April-May 2017

Beautiful flowers of Thailand

Jeremiah 23:5,6 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.  This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD our righteousness."  Yahweh-tsidkenu means the LORD our righteousness.     Righteousness is not popular in our world today because it involves being in right relationship with God and conforming to His character, fulfilling our responsibilities toward Him and others.  It is essential to our happiness as human beings but impossible for us to achieve.  It comes only as God's gift to us through faith in His Son.  The above verses were written as the nation of Judah was hastening to its fall--God's judgment--due to its corrupt lifestyle and disobedience to God's commands.  Jesus and the New Testament writers made it clear that righteousness is not merely outward behavior but a matter of the heart--of thoughts, motives, and desires.  The goal is not merely to do what God says but to become like Him.  Addison Leitch, says, "Righteousness is primarily and basically a relationship, never an attainment... Christian righteousness,,,is a direction, a loyalty, a commitment, a hope--and only someday an arrival."

     I am beginning this blog as I wait with David at the hospital.  Since we asked so many of you to pray, we wanted to be able to share the outcome with you on this month's blog.  We have felt very lifted and loved by our friends here in Thailand and those back in the states.  When we realize this kidney stone was discovered back in October, we are grateful for good health and God's provision to this point.  As many of you are already aware, Dave's large kidney stone was removed successfully by the ureterscopy, though there are some issues resulting from the procedure yet to be resolved.  A slight tear in the urethra in removing one of the large pieces of stone caused some excess fluid in the abdomen and lungs.  Please continue to pray for all these complications to be resolved, for healing and for proper functioning once the stints are removed.  

     We had a great Easter celebration with our church family and then Dave led several sessions at the Faithful Heart Spiritual Life yearly retreat.  He taught on anger and marriage--two separate sessions--not anger in marriage. (ha-ha!)  

Now, our prayer is that Dave's body will have time to heal and restore before our long flight back to the sates in June.

     Our church will gear down some in the summer--as some do leave for the summer months.  We are starting to understand a little better the ebb and flow of life in an international church.  This summer we have 2 more couples--faithful servants of our Lord--who will end their careers here and return to the states.  This is the most difficult part of our ministry, but we must see it in a positive light--that God in His divine providence has allowed our paths to cross on this crowded earth in a place called Chiang Mai in the land of Thailand.  We know without a doubt that our lives have been enriched for having known them, and we pray that we have been of some encouragement and support to them.  We continue to covet prayers for our ministry here.  We pray for Dave's restored health so that we may continue.  We are really enjoying this opportunity and coming to understand it more and more and love the people here.   We are so grateful to God for leading us here.  

                                 Repairing some sidewalks in our neighborhood with this cement mixer

                                                                      The Pound family in Thailand--Easter 2017

    But now righteousness form God, apart from the law has been made known, to which the Law and the prophets testify.  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference for all have sinned and fall short of His glory, and are justified freely by His grace through redemption that came by Jesus Christ.  God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood. (Rom. 3:21-25)  "He made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)  Jesus Christ is our Yahweh-tsidkenu, the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy came in Jesus Christ.  He is the holy branch raised up from the root of David.  He is both perfect righteousness and the provision for our righteousness.  He was fully man, yet without sin, and fully God so that He alone can represent sinful man before a holy God.  Praise God!  Sorry a lot more theology here, but as much as Yahweh-rohi--our shepherd and the tender intimate expression of that name comforts us, this name is everything; it is our hope and salvation!

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matt. 5:6)

Let us ask the Lord to make us and those we pray for hungry and thirsty for righteousness.  The righteousness God gives us through faith in His Son is the path to recreating paradise, to gaining heaven, to enjoying unbroken fellowship with God and each other that our creator intended since the world's beginning. (Ann Spangler)

Please Pray:

• Dave's recovery and healing
• For our continued ministry at The Gathering
• That we might be the light and life of Christ in this place-shinning that light to everyone with whom we come in contact
• The ministry of Faithful Heart (Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra)
• Strength and health to minister
• For those in our church body who minister in many ways and places for the cause of Christ