Happy Belated New Year!!! How is every one? It’s been a while since we have just shared about life and ministry here in Asia, so here is a recap.
Over winter break our family was blessed with the rest and rejuvenation that we needed. We traveled to northern Thailand to the second largest city in Thailand called Chang Mai. As you may have seen, in Chang Mai we had the opportunity to spend LOTS of time outside (PRIASE GOD)! We went to a local Zoo- fed all the animals including Hippos, flamingos, Koalas, giraffes, deer and Carl fed a Jaguar. This was probably one of our favorite spots due to the lack of regulation haha, it was apparent we were not in America! On the same trip we had the opportunity to visit the highest peak in Thailand and visit an elephant sanctuary. At the elephant sanctuary we were able to actually swim and bathe the elephants, so that was an amazing experience as well.
Upon returning to reality back in Bangkok we have swung right back into ministry. We are so excited to see how God will be at work here in Asia in 2016. Last week Carl had the opportunity to preach at a Lifepoint church, a partner church of ours here in Bangkok, while the pastor is on furlough. We are thankful for these kinds of partnerships God is giving us. We know we cannot reach every man, woman, and child in Bangkok on our own, so we are praying that God would give us more likeminded churches to partner with.
Next month Carl and I will both be traveling to India. Carl will be going to meet with 12 of the church network leaders SCP has been working with from all over the nation. These 14 men represent tens of thousands of believers that make up their networks. I will be visiting some ministry partners, mostly women’s homes and orphanages, to serve and love on the people there, as well as doing some Bible teaching with women. We are both very excited to see how God would continue to use us and stretch our family in this great season of life we find ourselves in.
We are always so thankful for those of you who have committed to praying for us. Here are some ways you can pray right now.
Pray for our time in India, for safety, and fruitfulness in ministry. Carl’s mother will be coming to Bangkok to watch and spend time with Tripp, so pray for her time here as well.
Pray for more partners. Carl and the SCP team are continuing to meet with churches and ministries all over the city, sharing our vision for every man, woman, and child, building relationships, and asking them to partner with us.
Pray for the Pakistani Christians here in Bangkok. There are thousands of Christian refugees from Pakistan that have fled to Bangkok. Unfortunately the Thailand government is not recognizing them as asylum seekers, so they are being thrown into jail once they overstay their visas. The conditions in the prison are poor and there have been cases of women and children dying of starvation and illness. We know that God is sovereign over the principalities and powers of this world, so we are trusting Him for a solution to this tragic situation.