The year 2013 seemed to have come and gone so quickly. The Lord has shown us once again how faithful is he to his children. We welcome the year 2014 expecting great things from God. Thank you so much for your love, prayer and support. You have been our partner for eight years now and we are still looking forward for many more years of fruitful ministry.
We remember coming to Mae Sai with our three very young children on a cold winter morning. It was 5th of January eight years ago. We came with just three luggage and little money, some friends and relatives were afraid we will not stay long in the mission field because they knew how meager our support was then. But God made a way for us, he brought us friends like you who will help us to continue with the ministry he has given to us. (The photo was taken when we arrived in Mae Sai 8 years ago).
We want to share to you the highlights of our activities at the end of of 2013.
Christmas Celebration With ROL Kids
Last year, we celebrated Christmas differently. We were invited by our friend Joanne, a volunteer working at River of Life (ROL) Children's Home in Chiang Rai, to join them in their Christmas celebration. We are thankful for the opportunity of sharing the joy of Christmas with children who could not celebrate Christmas with their respective family (just like our children).
ROL is blessed with a big place and beautiful facilities including a big swimming pool that our children enjoyed in spite of a very cold weather. The kids enjoyed the fellowship of a new friends and the serenity of the place. Thanks to Joanne and the staff. We know that this is not the last time our kids will be together.
New Year Celebration with the Filipino Fellowship
We believe one of the reasons we are not feeling homesick is because of the strong fellowship among Filipino kingdom workers in Mae Sai. In fact, the Filipino community had worked together in several ministries in the past like English camps, organizing seminars & trainings, and recently organizing an English worship for other English speaking kingdom workers.
We are blessed to celebrate the coming of the year 2014 with other Filipinos. We are humbled by the way God has been using us in the region through different ministry platforms. We are looking forward to working together this year for the advancement of the kingdom of God.
January 2014 Activities
This month we will be hosting a YWAM team from Madison, WI for several days. It has become a tradition for the team to come and stay in the house and take care of the children for a weekend. This year, however, we will be working with them in other ministries.
First, the team will work with us in teaching English at the municipal school for a week.This will be an opportunity to share the gospel to the pupils. Second, we will hold an English Camp at the school in a village in Shan State. Geographically, it is in Burma but people there called this place Shan State. It is mainly tea and coffee plantation at the border of Thailand and Burma. It will be a 2-hour travel from Mae Sai. Please pray for God's guidance and protection for this ministry trip and the team members.
Continuing Ministries
Besides taking care of the twelve children. We have other continuing ministries that we do for the community and church. Using the newly built study center, Narlin is teaching ten students on different time every afternoon. She is also requested to teach English at a nearby Music school every weekend. This gives opportunity to know some influential people in the community. Thankfully, we have a volunteer helping us with the teaching.
Joey preaches occassionally at Pantamit Church and teaches at ARLDF . This year, Mae Sai Border Out of School Training (MBOOST) might start the training again in the next two months. Please pray that God will give us the wisdom and energy to be good teachers.
More Prayer Concerns
Thank you so much for your continued support and prayer. The only reason we believe that we are here in Mae Sai is because of your partnership. Please continue to pray for our needs.
Pray for the children's needs. We know that they are growing but lately we noticed how dramatically they are changing physically. We have to buy them new clothes and shoes. They are also changing spiritually. They are learning to read and study the Bible deeper. Please pray that the Lord will use us to provide for their physical and spiritual needs.
Please pray for the needs of our own children. Pray for Jared and Jillian's protection as they are now living on their own. Reuven will have to spend another year here in Thai high school so that he can graduate. We are amazed how God is providing for their school tuition. We are thankful for the people God is using to provide for their needs.
We will go to Chiang Mai immigration office this week for (again) the extension of our visa. For some reasons, the Immigration Office has not extended our visa for one year at once. Our visa is being extended one month at a time. We know that one of the reasons has something to do with the Foundation that gives us work permit. We are considering to get our work permit with NCWSA next year. Please pray for guidance.
Narlin is invited again this year to share her testimony at Philippine Women Missionary Union (PWMU) Triennial Meeting. This time we want to take the opportunity to go home together as family and to reconnect with our family friends who we do not see for a long time. Please pray for wisdom and provision.
Once again, we thank you for your continued partnership--prayers, love, and support. May God bless you richly.
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