October 2008 update

Hello to everyone,

We want to share what has been happening in our lives recently.

From the 6th-17th of October we were teaching our first SBS (School of Biblical Studies) seminar to the base staff of YWAM Chiang Rai. We studied the inductive Bible study method using the letters of Titus and Galatians. They were 2 intense, but beautiful, weeks where we saw the staff encouraged in the study of the Word. We were also encouraged in terms of our purpose of coming to Thailand. We know that God brought us here to minister His Word and it makes us happy when we can put that into practice. So, it was a blessing on both sides. As this was the first time we were doing it in English we saw a lot of things that we have to correct and do better. It was also a time when God proved that it wasn't impossible to do.

The School of Biblical Studies is coming quickly and we are already excited and expectant. We still don't have staff or students, but we are calm and confident that God will do things in His time and He will bring the people that He wants to come. For now we are preparing all the books and the logistics and praying a lot. We believe that this school was born in the heart of God and we understand that we need the Father to work in it. It's so fun!!

The Base is growing little by little. Rob is still the interim base director (and he will be until at least January 2009). It has gone very well for him and it's a great opportunity that the LORD is giving to him so that he can grow in his leadership. Also it allows him to get to know others better because his work demands that he be with people a lot. The next Discipleship Training School (DTS) starts in January. This new year we will also be hosting a 6-month Introduction to Primary Health Care (IPHC) school as well.

About a week ago we were praying in our staff meeting and felt that God was calling us to go into the surrounding community and reach them with the love of Christ. (It's a small village of about 10 families). So we have been planning and seeking direction in how to do it best. I believe that the two schools that will be starting next year will be instrumental in God's work there. This year could be the year that God's blessing of salvation arrives in those families.

Rob is in his last few weeks for the preparation of the Government Thai language exam. From what I can see he's pretty stressed and has to study a lot and memorize a lot of words. But I can see a big improvement in his language skills. Now he can speak to people clearly and I can see how the Thais want to be with him or converse with him. I'm very proud of him. Even after the test he and I will continue to study language until July 2009, getting the most of this time before the SBS starts.

I (Cy) continue with my Spanish and English classes at home and at the church. I like those teaching times a lot because I have the opportunity to be with Thais and they like to learn different languages. My Thai isn't so good, but I try to speak it anyway, even when it serves only to be a reason to laugh.

As a family we are doing well. We are well established in our new home. The mold has been disappearing little by little (It must be the miracle vinegar) and the humid season is slowly slipping away. Now winter will start, which is our favorite time of year because the weather is perfect; not too cold and not too hot. Our health has been pretty stable, may God get the glory! And the blessing and faithfulness of God doesn't leave us.

Thanks for your prayers, offerings, emails and every other form of support. Thanks because we can't do this without God's help and yours.

We love you,

Beto y Cy