Newsletter/Prayer Update #2

02/13/2010
Trinity Christian Headquarters--Mydur Xiong

Following God's Calling
____________________

The map on the right was made by the previous students who attended the Bible Training Center from the Hmong Foundation. Their vision, along with pastor Somboon's (Xibfwb Kaub Yaj), was to spread the message of God's love throughout Southeast Asia. This map now hangs in the home of Somboon as a continual prayer reminder for the training of Christian leaders in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Experiencing Hmong Culture in Thailand!

God’s faithfulness never ends, amen? I don’t think there has ever been a time in my life where I have experienced His grace like I have here these past six months in Thailand. He has lead me to many places, experienced many cultural events, and have blessed me with incredibly encouraging friends!
Before coming to Thailand, I came with expectations of observing how things were among the Hmong-Thais: their way of life, how they worship, work, eat, everything! The Lord has been faithful to honor my prayer by leading me to a countless number of Hmong villages, watching local Christian leaders as well as missionaries evangelize, encourage, and disciple believers. Much of this has been possible through my dear friend, Doua Her. With many thanks to her, I have been able to spend a few nights in villages without electricity and running water. I have cooked with the women, worked with children, given a speech, shared my testimony, prayed with and encouraged local believers, harvested rice, attended a Christian camp, lead worship, and the list goes on. There is still so much more to do, so much more to learn! After experiencing what life would be like here as a missionary in Thailand, I feel the Lord calling me to a long-term career. May His name be praised for the amazing opportunities He has given me in

experiencing many of the joys and hardships of a life that is fully dedicated to His work. There have been many times where I wanted to give up, but the Lord encouraged me with John 16:33: “In this world, you will have suffering. But be courageous! I have overcome the world.” I am ready for whatever the Lord has for me!

Teaching English in Sansai has been a very valuable experience. I have

learned many things as a budding teacher. For instance, learning should

be fun and relaxed or else it would be a lot more difficult to get information through—especially to children! Second, a growing desire on the student’s part to learn makes teaching all the more enjoyable for the teacher. Unfortunately, I was only able to teach the children for an extended period of time. An unstable schedule on both my part as well as the church leaders and Pastor Bunsoem made it difficult to find a time to teach. Work, school, visa runs, and even holidays seemed to randomly appear. In whatever case, the Lord allowed us to grow closer to one another—an invaluable experience that I’ll never forget.

The Hmong Developing Quality of Life Foundation

What a blessing it is to learn from and observe such an energetic, dedicated group of people! With God’s grace, I plan to continue grant-writing and funding for this Foundation in order that many may come to know Him! A recent study shows that many children who grow up in Christian hostels keep their faith when they are older. Due to financial reasons, the boys’ hostel might have to be cut off from the Foundation this upcoming school year. Please pray that the Lord will provide enough to keep them here and growing in His name! The picture on the right are the hostels celebrating Christmas together--worship, games, gift exchange, and prayer.

Village Evangelism--The girls from the hostel continue their outreach to the village of Baan Muang Gan twice a month, initiating games, activities, songs, and Bible stories with the children. About twenty come on a regular basis—but more always randomly show up! While the girls are busy going about their agenda, their staff leader, Kia, encourages the fellow believers in their home. Since there is no established church in the village, this fellowship is vital to their faith. Among these believers is a woman named Pawn, a bold woman of God who would go to any length to be a faithful witness to her opposing neighbors.

Pishon Church has recently finished their Christmas outreach program. This outreach effort is an ongoing process. Susan Staples, a missionary from Arizona who has been working with the Foundation for six years, has been teaching English to locals while Pastor Somboon teaches guitar lessons. Please pray that the Lord will honor the hearts of His servants and make the field ripe for harvest among the Hmong and Thai in Chiang Khong!

I can never thank all of my supporters for praying for me and giving me the financial means I need in making a living here. There have been many times where money was very tight, but the Lord always came through right on time. I have decided to come back for a season to set up future plans with the mission board and to fundraise for certain needs. The most immediate need, however, is a plane ticket to come back to the U.S! I don’t have enough money to get back home and I need your help! These are the prices of the tickets:

One-way: $700

Two-way: $1000

With such an affordable second option, I’m praying that the Lord will provide me with enough funds to make it back to Thailand soon! My classes start again in Chiang Mai around August. I’m hoping that the Lord will create a miracle and help me come back in time. If not, my second bet is January. I am very sad to be leaving after much work put into language study and building relationships, but I trust that the Lord, with your help, will bring me back to Thailand soon! Let His will be done!

Prayer Requests:

TCH Meeting:
That the Lord will give us wisdom to know how to reach the Hmong in SE Asia

Boy’s Hostel
That the Lord will provide enough funding for their stay

Pishon Church
To be a light in their community