December 2012
Greetings!
Once again we are back in Chiang Rai after a trip to Vietnam. The outreach to Vietnam was a HUGE blessing for that country as well as for us. We were part of a team from the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) that hosted a seminar about “The Inductive Bible Study Method.” We served the underground church by hosting 20 pastors, church leaders and missionaries as well as 20 rehabilitating drug addicts. It was a unique composition of people, but one that brought a great hunger for the word of God. We have never taught people SO hungry for the Bible. It was a privilege for us to teach them and also for us to observe how our students have become great Bible teachers. We’d love to post pictures of the people we ministered to, but unfortunately we can’t due to their security. Here are some quotes from our students in Vietnam:
“I never understood how the Jews were involved with everything in the Bible, but after going through the Bible overview of Genesis to Revelation, I saw the whole plan of God’s redemption, including the history of the Jews in all of it.”
“We want you to come back and not only teach the Bible to us, but to teach us how to disciple others like you guys have done with your students.”
“It’s so powerful that you bring your son along with you and give him a place in your ministry. The way you make him important during this time shows the Father heart of God to us. May the parents of Vietnam learn from your examples.”
“Thank you for bringing understanding of the Bible to us.”
“Please come back every year and teach us more.”
One of the highlights for us was to see how much the need is for solid biblical teaching. One of our staff is committing to multiply this 9 month school in Vietnam in the next few years. His name in Kevin and his wife’s name is Hang (both are Vietnamese). Please pray for them as they plan to pioneer a new school in their home country.
Our next SBS starts January 2012.
When we arrived back in Chiang Rai, Thailand Rob taught in the Discipleship Training School (DTS) here for one week about Spiritual Warfare. It was a great week of ministering to the students and staff here in Thailand. Some quotes from the staff & students:
“I never thought that spiritual warfare was so simple.”
“This teaching needs to get out to the church leaders of South East Asia!”
“Thank you for bringing the revelation of God to my life.”
On December 5th, Rob taught up at the border with Burma (Myanmar) to teach a group of Pastors from that country. It was a powerful, fun time meeting and sharing with men and women of God from that country.
One of the struggles of our return was that both Cy and Elias got sick during the teaching week in the DTS. Elias was vomiting and having diarrhea, unable to keep liquids down. He was hospitalized for about 30 hours and the doctors declared it to be a virus. He was released, but he hasn’t gotten much better. The vomiting has stopped, but he’s still got diarrhea. Another doctor said that it’s probably a parasite. Cy is finally recuperating from her sickness. Please continue to pray for their full recovery.
God has graciously and generously provided for our vehicle needs. We have bought a used vehicle from a missionary who is leaving shortly. It’s exactly what we need for the lifestyle that we have. We publicly praise God for his faithfulness in our lives. Thank you, Father God!
Prayer Requests:
– Health
– Rest – Our whole family has gone through a season of a heavy workload. We need this holiday season to be one of physical, mental and even spiritual rest.
– Wisdom – we are constantly making decisions that affect the lives of others. We are speaking into their lives direction and counsel. We want to do it with the leading of the Holy Spirit so that our leadership is one of wisdom from above, not from man’s thoughts or intentions.
– Finances – We’re still waiting for God to provide more long-term monthly supporters. If you’d like to participate in our ministry in this way, please click here.
We’re wrapping up the year, closing all the loose ends before the end of the year. It’s a busy time of many meetings and gatherings, but one of joy and celebration. December 6th is our wedding anniversary, and we thank God for these 6 years. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Blessings!
Rob, Cy & Elias