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.

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand  February 18, 2016    

We are settling into a rhythm and routine here in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Our hearts are full of gratitude for so many people who have helped us in so many little ways make our adjustment here.  We certainly could not have done it without their help. As reasonably intelligent and capable people in our own culture, we are humbled by our helplessness here—especially at first.  It is still difficult to communicate some of the most basic things. (Even the messages on my cell phone I cannot understand).  Driving was—and still is at times challenging (driving on the wrong side of the road with the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car).  This also takes adjustment and, of course, there’s the fact that there are very few driving regulations.  Imagine coming to a four-way intersection and no stop signs at all.  Somehow, though, traffic flows and it seems to work most of the time.  All of these things add to our feelings of helplessness.    

            We are beginning language training this week and are excited to communicate a little more.  We’ve had a lot of paperwork to do and had to make a trip to Bangkok for a few days to complete some of it.  However, it was a great joy and encouragement to visit with our Berean team while in Bangkok.  It was so good to see those familiar faces, and they were a “shot in the arm” for us. 

•           We are very glad to have Matthew and Audrey back with us again, and we are all very excited about their new addition coming at the end of July. 
              The Thai people are such a gracious, generous people.  I was walking to the Big C (a Walmart type store), when a lady about my age on a scooter stopped me.  “Big C?” she questioned.  When I said yes, she indicated that I should hop on.   We tried reaching out to our neighbors with some homemade, fresh banana bread.  When we took some to our neighbor right beside us, she indicated that we should wait.  She ran inside and returned with a well-known Korean dish.  “Just a little spicy,” she said.  As someone has said, “You can’t out nice the Thai.”  Chiang Mai is a lovely place with lovely people.  We feel very blessed to be here, and of course, we are enjoying the warm, sunny weather this time of the year.  Yes, I know, the very hot is coming, but I have decided to enjoy what I have right now.       
              It is good to again be under the teaching of my favorite preacher.  I’m so glad Dave is able to preach again; it is his gift.  He will have the opportunity to preach at another international church here in March.  We had our first church baptism—at the pool in the hotel where our church meets.    We are seeking to host families from the church in our home in an effort to get to know them better.  Also, another plus in having church in a large hotel next to a big mall is that there are lots of places to fellowship together after church each Sunday.  Last Sunday, we had lunch with a wonderful Indian family and this past Sunday with a Chinese family.  The Chinese family took us to what they say is the best Chinese restaurant in Chiang Mai.  They ordered for us, and we were able to experience some excellent Chinese cuisine—which we would have been hesitant to try on our own.  We love the international flavor of our Gathering church.  We have much to learn from all of them. 
              I (Sher) have just started a women’s Bible study on the names of God, and the women seem excited to have this opportunity.  I have also been teaching English to some of the college students at Faithful Heart Foundation.  Sometime soon, Matthew, Audrey, and I, along with some others at Faithful Heart will begin English classes at a government school here. 
              With the feeling of helplessness, comes greater leaning on our faithful, loving God.  Jesus Calling on January 10^th says, “Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into My treasury.  Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble.  I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously.  The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.”  On the 11^th, it reads, “Trust Me by relinquishing control into My hands.  Let go and recognize that I am God.  This is My world; I made it and I control it.  Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love.  I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart.  Nurture it with the Light of My presence.”  So here’s the process:
  ·         We can’t live our lives on my own terms. We can’t control people and circumstances. 
  ·         God, our heavenly Father is in the continual process of using all things to mold our lives.
  ·         By affirming our trust in the Lord (each time we do), we put money into our treasury.
  ·         This is the way we build up equity for the day of trouble—which is sure to come.
  ·         Interest is compounded continuously by God.  The more we trust, the more He empowers us to do so.  “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter.” Isaiah 64:8
  Please pray:
        On contemplating what it means to give glory to God, (one of our purposes according to the great Catechisms), I have settled on my own rephrasing of Kay Arthur’s definition: to everywhere and at all times give a correct estimate of who God is.
        For health and strength to do the tasks God places before us.
        For health and strength for Audrey and our precious grandchild forming in her and for Matthew and Audrey in their continued ministry with Faithful Heart Foundation.
         For our ministry and encouragement to our church body.
        For Sher’s Bible study—that we would grow in our intimacy with God through the study of  His Word and with one another.
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January 12,2016
      What a great encouragement it was to us when we walked into our mall and saw a huge poster of the    Nativity inside a manger.  Seeing this Nativity in the large shopping mall near our house heartened us  both since we had been in the midst of a flurry of  activity in finding a place to live and furnishing it,  Now, we suddenly found ourselves in the Christmas season.

           We feel blessed in so many ways with what God has provided for us.  We are learning the challenges of living in a new country and a new culture.  With our visas in preparing to come here, we learned there were layers to the process.  Once again, we are finding layers to the adjustment process.  Just like anywhere, we deal with the adjustment better some days than others.  However, we rest in this most certain truth: it is God who brought us here, and it is He who will be with us and provide for us.  I Thessalonians 5:24 "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it."
      Our church had a wonderful Christmas party on the Monday before Christmas.  Pastor Dave read the Christmas story beginning with the Old Testament prophecies.  We sang Christmas carols with the story at the appropriate time, and the children enacted the story in costumes.  We all brought food to share; it was a great evening and good way to usher in the Christmas week.
      We think our house is located in a good spot.  Again the Lord blessed us because we really didn't know what we were doing.  We are beginning to drive and get around.  It is quite the experience; you really need to be alert at all times.  Scooters dart here, there, and everywhere--even cross the road in front of you and drive going the wrong way.  Somehow it all flows and works--most of the time.  Though we are getting used to driving on the other side of the road and having the steering wheel on the wrong side, we still frequently turn on the windshield wipers when we want to turn.
     I recently read Psalm 18 and realized afresh God's

care for us that is personal.  In verses 1-6, the pronoun "my" is used 8 times: my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and my stronghold.  Verse 30 says, "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is flawless, He is a shield."  Matthew Henry says, "For there is that in God which is suited to all the exigencies and occasions of His people that trust in Him.  He is my rock and strength and fortress--that is I have found Him to be so in the greatest difficulties and and dangers."
     We covet prayers that God would use us in this place.  Please pray for The Gathering--many nationalities represented.  Pray that we will encourage and build up the body.  We continue to be humbled by so many--the ministries they are involved in and the difficulties they have encountered in serving Christ.  Pray that we will be a light in our neighborhood.  We have really enjoyed getting to know our neighbors.  Some know a little English.  The Thai people are such a wonderfully gracious and friendly people.  Please pray for visa extension and work permit hopefully finalized soon, Sher's Bible study to start in February, and for Dave in preaching and leading the congregation.

December 16, 2015

God's love

Long ago, one silent night;

God revealed His glory bright;

His own image came to man

For salvation's matchless plan. 

Jesus, Savior, Shepherd, King

Lord of all to you we bring

Praises, wonder, thanks, and love

For this gift from God above.

Remembering you at Christmas and praying your celebration brings a heart full of joy as you remember God's amazing love shown through His son Jesus.

     We thank you for all your prayers and thoughts concerning us and our move to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  We are ebullient to finally be ministering here in Chiang Mai.  We are humbled by the servants of Christ in our Gathering Church—brothers and sisters in Christ who, in obedience to God’ s call upon their lives are faithfully serving God in a myriad of ministries here in Southeast Asia.  Each week we meet new people whose commitment and courage in following Christ is an inspiration and encouragement to us.   

     We thank God for His wonderful provision for us in many ways. We are renting a lovely home in a small Moobaan(neighborhood).  Pray for our contact with neighbors—that we might be the light of Christ.  We also have a car—a used one that should work just fine for us, but are still working on paperwork for that. Thankfully, we are very close to a nice mall—8 minutes walk with a grocery store.  We’ve made many trips—several bags at a time--just thankful we can do that.  Again, we have been very thankful for the many people who have helped us.  Several of our church people have taken us on numerous shopping trips to furnish our home.  Also, a man from our church just hooked up our washer.

  We are also still working on paperwork for my (Sher) visa extension and Dave’s work permit.  Eventually we will have to travel to Bangkok to complete this process.  We appreciate prayers for this process to be completed. 

     The Lord has been pressing “Trust” on my heart.  Dave and I are such goal-oriented people; we like to accomplish tasks.  We are learning—here in this culture—a warm culture—quiet trust and patience.  We are learning once again to wait on God and His timing.  Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge for those who trust in Him.”  Isaiah 30:18 “In returning to me and resting in me will you be saved ; in quietness and trust is your strength.” Lori Lahaye Scheck talks about a God-box.  She says it is created when we do not adequately trust God to be God and to work out His will in His way and in His time.  Complete trust is a difficult thing.  It requires us to let go! I know most of us would say that we trust God.  I believe we all want to trust God. .. I believe our ability to trust God is dependent on our view of who God is.  We need to be yielded to God so He can mold us and make us effective for His glory, but that involves putting our complete trust in Him.  Does God deserve our trust?  We know—intellectually--God has proven Himself faithful to His people throughout Scripture.  Emotionally, it is a different story.  However, when life gets too big for us to handle, we find ourselves crying out to God.  And God says that’s where I wanted you all the time.  We know our God is awesome in power and that He is sovereign.   Finally, we know that He loves us and cares for us.   Beverly Lahaye says, “The reality is none of us has control of our life.  We have no guarantee what tomorrow might bring…The true joy of trusting God is the peace He provides when you do.  Trusting God in His way and in His time is the only way we can have true and lasting peace, and I guarantee the outcome will be exactly what God has in mind for you.” (Excerpts taken from A Woman and Her God).