Hello Friends and Happy New Year! Am I still allowed to say that? Where has the Holiday season gone? Just like your family, ours has been busy soaking up as much time together as possible. Over the holiday we welcomed Carl’s sister Jessica from Kentucky for a visit, we took a trip to Koh Chang {an island off the southern coast of Thailand}, we had a couple of day-trips outside of the city, and watched a TON of movies. Our time together filled me up and left me thankful. It was also the perfect time to reflect on the journey God has brought our family on. That being said we are now back in full ministry mode. Carl, along with the rest of the SCP team was in Hua Hin {a town a couple hours outside of Bangkok} where they conducted training for 9 Indian Pastors on the inductive bible study and how to prepare sermons. The response from the Pastors was wonderful. I was in the taxi on the way to church as one of the pastors was explaining to me how in India it is disrespectful to question or correct a pastor, so they never have opportunities to grow in their teaching skills. He was quite excited to be introduced to this idea with a team of other Indian Pastors to better equip themselves for the work of the ministry. Upon the completion of the seminar two of the Pastors stayed with Carl and I for the weekend to do some evangelism in Bangkok’s “Little India.”
In the upcoming month we will have the opportunity for Carl to go back to Sri Lanka to continue work he started last year. He will also be venturing into Nepal for the first time next month. On the home front we will be welcoming Ian into our home for a few months. Ian will be serving as an intern with the SCP and worship leader for the church plant. We are so excited for how God continues to show us favor in Bangkok. We will give you more information on Carl’s trip to Sri Lanka next time, as well as a house church update. Until then could you pray with us for the following things?
1. Continued vision for the City of Bangkok and wisdom in how to fulfill God’s purposes here. We are currently praying for one of our Indian brothers to move to Bangkok to plant an Indian church in partnership with us. 2. God’s provision for our ministry. We have lost some funding, which is always disappointing, but we are not discouraged. We will continue to look to God to meet our every need. If God puts it on your heart to give you can do so at the Give link at the top of the page or go to www.reliant.org/cp.be 3. The SCP team is currently looking for a new office to rent that would also serve as a meeting space and training center for both the church plant and our Bangkok vision. Their current lease ends February 28th, so over the next couple of weeks they will be looking at places. Pray for wisdom and guidance in this process.