Update – Gil & Carol Harder – Africa

Gil & Carol Harder – Africa

Click here to read the September 2012 update from The Harder’s from Africa

Click here to see pictures & video on Facebook

Update – The Gomez’ – Guatemala

The Gomez’ – Guatemala

Click here to read the latest update from The Gomez’ in Guatemala

Update – The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

Click here to read the latest update from The Laird’s – headed to Togo, West Africa

Update – The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

Click here to read the September 2012 update from the Steiger’s in the Czech Republic

Update – The Losch’s – CrossWorld

The Losch’s – CrossWorld

Dear Friends and Family,

Just got word back from the doctor saying that my test results showed no sign of cancer. Thanks to all of you who have expressed support through your prayers and words of encouragement.

When you get a good report like this one from the doctor, the tendency is to say “God is good!” But the reality is that God is good even when the report is bad. He is not better because I get a good report, or worse because I get a bad one. Speaking of the prophet Elijah’s great triumph on the top of Mount Carmel, and his great depression only days later when a price was put on his head by evil Queen Jezebel, author David Roper writes: “The problem with Elijah was that he had wholly unrealistic expectations of God. He had seen the Lord manifest himself in stupendous display on Mount Carmel. He expected a repeat performance. Folk Christianity – that perspective nowhere taught in the Bible but generally believed – says that everyone is a winner, no one gets Alzheimers, no one dies from cancer, no one fails in marriage, no one falls to mental illness. Everyone lives happily forever after. But that’s not the way it is. Life is difficult. When people tell me that life is hard, I reply, ‘Of course it is.’ As my friend Fred Smith says, ‘Anything is possible with God; even failure.’”

It’s easy to say “God is good” when things go our way. But the evidence of a deeper faith is saying it regardless of what the good doctor tells us. Some day, five or ten or thirty or forty years from now, the doctor’s report won’t be so rosy. And God will still be good. Because that’s His nature. Always.
Thanking Him for each of you, and for His goodness,
Dale

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the August 2012 update from The Payne’s in Panama

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

 

Thank you so much for being involved in our ministry and praying for our family. We have had some big ups and downs over these last 6 months and yet we see God teaching us to rely on Him through all of it.

Since moving to Thailand our focus has been to learn the language and culture of Thai. We live in a Thai neighborhood and attend a church nearby where the services are in Thai. We have been immersed into life here. This has been good and of course, there are hard days. A few months ago Jess started having unexplained chest and throat pain and tightening. It was affecting her ability to function normally and worrying both of us so she went to see a doctor. After a chest x-ray and a lot of conversation, the doctor (who is a believer from the U.S.) said that he couldn’t find anything physically wrong with her, and he would attribute the symptoms to stress. This was news to us, as we thought things were going ok. His opinion was that we needed to be having some fellowship with believers who speak English and thought that if we didn’t, we would be going home within a year. We have had little contact with the other members in our organization and have been directed to lean on the people in our Thai church for support and fellowship. A month of so later, I had what could only be described as a panic attack. Both of these situations were so difficult for us, not knowing what was the cause and why we could not control the symptoms.

I had been planning our language lessons (usually on Mondays) and then having language sessions and study time the rest of the week. This has been a huge stressor for me to create my own lessons, prepare for them, and then to guide our language helper in teaching us the language. Not long after my panic attack, I came down with a serious illness. I had strep throat along with a bacterial blood infection called septicemia. From blood test results, we also found that I had a B12 deficiency which can cause many symptoms such as weight loss, trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. For the last 2 months I have been working on getting well so we have taken a break from language learning. I have been getting B12 injections and am now only on oral supplements. During these couple of months we have found that our stress related symptoms have gone away. Both Jess and I have been enjoying our neighborhood, church and the city we live in. Sure, there will always be stressors, but from our perspective we seem to be adjusting well to the culture and have a good survival Thai at this time.

We started talking about getting back into our language program again and the anxiety resurfaced. Through all of this we have realized that ultimately we are not compatible with the language learning program NTM has here in Thailand. Our learning styles do not mesh well with the program we are in. We need more structure to be able to learn this language and still be in one piece at the end of it. Our language teacher has encouraged us by saying we have been doing well and catching on. We were glad to hear it and know that we are able to learn Thai, we just need a different structure to do so. Therefore, with the support of our home church (The Well Community Church of Fresno, CA) we have decided to resign from NTM and transition to a different organization that facilitates a language program more geared toward our learning styles. We would like to join a program that fosters immersion without isolation and has an emphasis on healthy communication.

Originally, our plan was to move to Thailand, learn the Thai language and culture, move to a tribe, and plant a church. But along the way God has worked in our hearts and we have developed a huge heart to be involved in a support role. During our time here we have seen need for support and have gained a huge desire to be involved in that area of ministry. We have a great support system back home, which we are so thankful for. We have a church here in Thailand who has welcomed us with open arms and has cared for us physically despite the language barrier. And yet we still have had a huge need for people to fellowship and debrief with, in our own language. We have always said we want to model Christ to the people in Thailand. This desire has not changed. Currently we are seeking to do that in our neighborhood with our actions, since we don’t yet have the words. We know that wherever we live in the country, we will be building relationships with those around us and seeking to share Christ. We are now exploring the option of how our gifts would best be used in supporting missionaries. Our plans are changing in terms of HOW we minister in Thailand but the WHY is not changing. We want to see missionaries have the support they need so they can be healthy and effective in their ministry. We want to see people coming to know Jesus who have never heard the Gospel. New Tribes Mission Thailand does not have a support role for us and are currently allocating all of their resources into tribal church planting at this time. We see this as another reason to transition to a different organization.

Currently we are trying to transition without coming back the States. We have been in contact with multiple people from Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) and they are working with us to join their Serve Asia program. This is a shorter term of 1-2 years than our original plan as career missionaries, simply because we cannot transition into career status unless we go to the U.S. and go through the requirements to become full members. Our plan is to go through a shorter version of the language program they offer and after that we are able to transition into a ministry role which utilizes our talents and gifts. At the end of our commitment, we would have a better idea of OMF as an organization and be able to make an informed decision about joining them as full members. If we choose to do so, we will return to the U.S. to go through their training and application process, with the goal of returning to Thailand in a long term ministry position.

We know this is a lot of change but we are trusting the Lord that He is guiding us. It has not been an easy decision by any means, and there have been times of doubt. But in the end we know that the Lord brought us to Thailand and we are just a part of HIS plan, not the other way around. Thank you so much for being involved in our ministry and continuing to support us. Please be praying with us for wisdom and direction in this time of transition.

We would love to set up a time to talk with you on Skype (youngs.place) or GooglePlus (jaredyoung08@gmail.com). We would be happy to answer any questions you have and fill you in on things we may have left out. We will continue to send updates as we get more information and more decisions are made.

For the next 3 months, NTM will continue to accept financial support on our behalf. When we have a confirmed next step we will let you know the logistical changes of where to send future support. We hope that you will prayerfully consider to continue supporting our family in ministry.

In Him,

Jared & Jessica Young
(Boston & Jackson)

Udpate – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Click here to read the Summer 2012 update from The Young’s in Thailand

Update – The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

Click here to read the August 2012 update from The Laird’s in Togo, West Africa

Update – The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

The Steiger’s

Click here to read the August 2012 update from The Steiger’s in the Czech Republic

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Dear Prayer Team,

Looking back…
Thank you for faithfully praying for our family! Jared has recovered from his bacterial infection, we’re so thankful! Through this experience, we have also learned that Jared has a B-12 deficiency. He has been receiving injections to increase his B12. He will be getting more blood tests soon to determine the reason for the deficiency, as it could be because of another condition. Please pray for wisdom for our doctor as she searches for the cause of this vitamin deficiency. Praise the Lord for good health care and for discovering this problem!

Jared is feeling lots better, but the recovery has been a lot slower than he would like. His symptoms have included vertigo, dizziness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, stomach issues, etc. Most of these have gone though he is still trying to get back to his normal energy level. Please pray that Jared would continue to recover and feel back to normal again soon. Pray that his focus would remain on the Lord and that he would be encouraged in Him.

We have friends visiting from our home church, the Well! Jon & Abby have come to Thailand to hang out, encourage, and experience our life here. They brought with them gifts for us and the kids from folks back home and many notes of encouragement from our church staff. We are blessed to have such a support system. Praise the Lord for his body of believers!

Looking forward…
We have slowly started getting back into language study. We hope to continue to increase the number of language sessions per week as Jared’s health continues to improve. Pray that our minds would be prepared to get back into full-time language study and that we would have the motivation to work diligently.

We are planning for Boston to start pre-school in the next couple of weeks! We were able to visit and will visit again next week once school has started. He is excited about it! It will be a big change for us, he will be gone 9am-3:30pm, 5 days per week! I think it will be good to give us some more structure to our days. Please pray for Boston as he starts in his new school that he would feel comfortable and make new friends.

~We treasure your partnership with us! Please pray for the people in our lives who don’t know the Lord. We would love to be a source of His light to them, even before we can tell them about Him in their own language.~

For His Glory,
Jessica

the Youngs
Jared, Jessica, Boston & Jackson

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the July 2012 update from The Payne’s in Panama

Update – The Gomez’ – Guatemala

The Gomez’ – Guatemala

Click here to begin reading an update from The Gomez’ in Guatemala

Update – Jim Liljegren

Jim Liljegren

Church
Attached is a link to pictures from Jim Liljegren’s latest short-term mission projects (as well as John Henson, Brian Loftis and Dennis Braga)

Dear Faithful Prayer Team,
The album link below is a wonderful review of the 3 weeks of Summer Missions. Enjoy!

AND, Thank Our Lord for his grace, mercy, faithfulness and provision for the teams. Thank Our Lord for the opportunity to be useful to Him in evangelism and discipleship. Regardless of the results we can be blessed by the service of worship that is presenting Christ to those who do not know Him. Again, Thank Our Lord for the opportunity of service and worship.

Pray for the persons who repented or where challenged by the message of Jesus, that they would respond fully to the Holy Spirit and welcome the discipleship opportunities presented in followup. Pray that they will become reproducing Christians.

Then repeat the above after you have enjoyed the slideshow Summer Missions Report.

Update – The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

Click here to read the latest update from The Laird’s headed to Togo, West Africa

Update – Gil & Carol Harder – Africa

Gil & Carol Harder – Africa

Click here to read the July 2012 update from The Harder’s serving Africa

Update 2 – New Mexico Team 2012

We made it to New Mexico and House of Prayer safely.  Passed out flyers for what we are doing this week and prayer walked in the local neighborhood.  We had a great response! Today we have am/pm services, women’s ministry, children’s and construction.  Tony and I have had some great conversations already.  Thanks for your prayers.  Will update soon.

Pastor Greg

Update 1 – New Mexico Team 2012

New Mexico Team 2012

Well we made it to our hotel in Flagstaff, AZ without any problems. Had a great trip. Thank you for your prayers. At this point we’re going to rest a bit and then head to dinner. After dinner we will have our team devotion. This year we will be looking at Colossians. Tomorrow we finish with another 5 hour drive to Bloomfield, NM and then ministry on site begins. Please keep House of Prayer Church in your prayers. Will try and update again tomorrow. Have a great evening!

Pastor Greg

Update – The Steiger’s – Czech Repubic

The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

Click here to read the latest update from The Steiger’s in the Czech Republic

Update 2 – Dennis Braga – Pskov, Russia

Dennis Braga – Pskov, Russia

Church
The “Pskov team” includes our missionary Jim Liljegren and Dennis Braga who grew up here at Grace. Pray for them as they continue to be His light in Pskov. Pray for more and more opportunities to witness.
Pastor Mark

 

Dear Family and Friends,
We have had two good days here in Pskov. It is amazing that it has not rained us out as we thought it might. Today it only rained while we were eating dinner at the church. Thanks for your prayers.
For the childrens ministy we have a jolly jumper which attracts dozens of kids. We use it morning and afternoon. When the kids get tired of that they settle down into Mary Huener’s children’s ministry of crafts, puppets, and Bible stories through flannel graph pictures. Many parents and grandparents are watching everything which allows us to talk to them about God and eternal life. They are kind but many do not have an interest in spiritual things. I talked to one mother today who is interested and we will skype when I get home. Pray for Sveta who is a 34 year old mother of 2.
While that is going on, we paint children’s playground equipment in another courtyard in the morning. In the afternoon, we play volleyball and other games. Paul led 2 teen girls to Christ today (PTL)and introduced them to Katya, the Pskov Baptist Pastor’s daughter who immediately put their names and phone numbers in her phone and promised to invite them to youth group this weekend. Pray for their discipleship process and well rooted spiritual growth.
I am extremely happy about this American team which reminds me of last week’s team in Czech. We are totally unified and focused. Each person is working at top capacity doing their ministry and talking to people about the Lord. (PTL)
Pray for more break throughs as we enter our 3rd day.
Love to all,
Jim

Update – Dennis Braga – Pskov, Russia

Dennis Braga – Pskove, Russia

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for praying! We spent a couple days in St. Peterburg at the Christian orphanage and was able to walk around the city and visit an Orthodox church and the Hermitage. At the Orthodox church, there was a wedding and at the front of the church there is an altar/platform with a picture of Jesus on one side and a picture of Mary on the other. The priest and the people were giving all their attention (and veneration) to Mary and Jesus was all alone. I didn’t realize that Mary is a co-redeemer with Jesus. One team member said that Mary is approached more because she is seen as more tender and approached compared to Jesus.

After team members from the Prague team arrived to the Orphanage (Jim, Paul, Misha from Saransk and Alexei from Prague) we drove 4 hours and arrived at Pskov, had some tea and cookies, and went to bed.

This morning (Sunday), I had the privilege of preaching to the Pskov Baptist Church on 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. Being an interactive teacher, I asked questions wanting a response, but the people weren’t use to that . God seemed to bless the message (that the Gospel is for unbelievers AND believers). Jim said it went well and one of the Pskov church members said it was exactly what he needed to hear – - – Slava Bogu (Praise God).

Tomorrow morning, we’ll all meet at the church for a team meeting and start painting on the apartment courtyards. It’s nice to sight-see, but I’m ready to get to work. Please pray that it will not rain. After lunch, the plan is to play sports and build relationships with people. After dinner, the Russian churches will put on a concert/church service at the same courtyard, while the American team interacts with the crowd.

It’s been great seeing my church friends in Pskov and hopefully I will meet with my unchurched friends tomorrow. Pray for divine appointments and boldness.

Love in Christ

Den

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Dear Prayer Team,

Thanks for praying for our family! We really enjoy living in Chiang Mai, even with all the adjustments that have to be made when living in a new place with a new language. We’ve had some ups and downs in the past month. The downs are to be expected, but that doesn’t make it any easier!

I began writing this one week ago and lots has happened since then! Here is the brief synopsis: Jared was very sick on Thursday so we took him to the doctor. He was extremely dehydrated and needed 2 bags of IV fluid. After running blood tests it was determined that he has a bacterial infection, which has gotten into his blood (this is called Septicemia). He is now on strong antibiotics, is drinking lots of electrolytes, and spending all his time in bed. We were supposed to be leaving today for our annual field conference but God had other plans Jess and the kids will plan to go for the last couple of days next week if Jared is feeling better. We are so thankful for God’s timing and direction to the clinic and doctor we went to. Jared received such good care and if we had not caught this early on he would surely be recuperating in a hospital.

We’re plugging away at studying the language of Thai. Jared is half way through the first stage, which includes 50 lessons. Jess is only studying half the time as Jared, so she is on lesson 15. Please pray for diligence and discipline in our language learning. It’s a marathon and not a sprint.

We had a great few days celebrating Father’s Day in the middle of June. We took Jared out for amazing “New York style” pizza on Friday, went miniature golfing on Saturday, and enjoyed a restful Sunday together. It was a good weekend for us all!

At the end of June our stress level was quite high and it was affecting our spirits and even our bodies. We ended up taking a break off of language study for a week so that we could regroup and so that Jared could plan do some extra planning to his upcoming lessons. Praise the Lord for co-workers and leadership who we could share our struggles with and get to know better! We went with friends out of the city to a hotel for a couple of nights and it was great! The boys got to play and swim and we got to breathe some fresh air and just relax. Please pray for our stress management. Our life here gets very overwhelming at times and we need to be continually giving up our burdens to the Lord.

In an effort to help alleviate some of our stress, we have hired a “mae bon”, a lady who will clean our house once per week. This will be a great opportunity for us to expand our use of Thai, as she doesn’t speak much English. Please pray for our mae bon and our relationship with her to develop.

Update: We’re still waiting to check out the possible preschool for Boston. The school is on break for the Summer and the head teacher is out of the country. Once she returns we will be able to meet with and make a decision about his schooling in the Fall.

Lastly, please pray for Jackson. The boys were both sick last week and since then Jackson has been in a perpetual bad mood. It has been very trying for us as parents to be constantly hearing “NO!” and trying to keep a good attitude despite Jackson’s outbursts and frustrations. Pray that we would deal with Jackson is grace, love, and wisdom while he goes through this phase.

We are so thankful for your prayers and support of our family!
Jessica for the Youngs

Jared, Jessica, Boston & Jackson Young

Update 4 – John & Brian – Prague, Czech Republic

Brian and I and the rest of the Czech team are doing well as we near the end of our trip. I have shared the gospel with many of the hotel employees, including the owner. Please pray for Miraslov, his son by the same name, Dominique – a waiter, and two of the waitresses. As of now they have chosen not to accept Christ. I have been spending time with many of the Russian believers here who need MUCH encouragement in the faith. Our time together has GREATLY helped them and lifted their spirits. Brian gave his testimony last night in front of the camp and brought everyone to tears. It was a home run. We are worshipping in Russian right now. It is hard to describe to others back home what they are missing RIGHT NOW. They worship God here just as fervently as we, if not more. I filmed one worship song that was sung in Russian AND English. I hope I can share it later.

Mike, our team leader from LA, our lead Russian pastor Igor and I made a scouting trip to a hotel near the Polish border to investigate whether or not it would suit our needs better than this hotel for next year. There are EXCITING plans for next year, but they are so big I can’t share them via email. Please keep praying.

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

Why are we here?
I have asked that question to myself nearly every day since arriving in Thailand over 4 months ago. That question is ambiguous and the word “here” is vague and can mean many things. It could mean our physical location and have the narrow view of our here and now circumstances. And that is the view I have had and have answered based on that viewpoint alone. The problem arises when it casts doubt (in my case constant doubt) and starts to negate why we are here in Thailand. I have let my circumstances get to me and my focus has become muddy and misguided. In a sense, I was looking for a way out, an excuse to leave because there have been certain hardships here that I don’t want to deal with.
Recently, the “here” has been redefined and my focus has been broadened a bit. I have regained what some Christians call a “Kingdom Perspective.” This perspective came through a visit from a local pastor from the church we attend here. My back is not the strongest and it recently gave out while we were on a mini-vacation. It was the worst it has been since arriving in Chiang Mai and it took me roughly a week to recover. During that time I had to cancel a week of language sessions and just lay low because I couldn’t sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time. Since our language helper’s husband is the pastor he caught wind of my injury and paid me a visit. His English is as good as my Thai so he brought a person who could translate for him. I should’ve had a recorder because as the conversation progressed it was as if God was speaking to me like he did to Moses from a burning bush and I wanted to capture every word.
One snippet from our conversation stood out to me more than everything else he said. From a simple verse in Philippians he gave me a complete redefinition of why we are here. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Our primary reason for coming to Thailand is to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. God called us to serve in Thailand. We cannot doubt why He brought us here. If we do, we are not abiding in Him. If we happen to have uncomfortable circumstances, or not learn the language to the fullest, or ultimately leave the field of Thailand, God is still the God of the universe and He is still able to finish the good work He started in us. Our circumstances do not supersede our position in Christ. If it does, we are not abiding in Him and/or walking in the Spirit.
I don’t think God uses comfort to grow us as Christians. With an abundance of comfort comes an abundance of apathy. Apathetic Christians are no good to anyone. It is clear to me from Scripture that God uses trials, sufferings, and uncomfortable circumstances to test our faith, not comfort and apathy. The reason for this is in Romans 5:3-5, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” It is not about us, or our circumstances. It is about God’s love toward us.
I am learning to rejoice in the fact that life is tough here. If it were easy and learning language was a breeze I would not thank my God, I would thank myself for doing a good job and pat myself on the back. Without faith in God and knowing He is going to finish the work He started in me, I rely on my feelings and my emotions to carry me through the day (which are fleeting and very inconsistent).
We are called to be uncomfortable so that our faith in God can be shown to others. We are to rejoice in the midst of suffering, so that Christ’s name can be proclaimed to those who don’t know Him personally. I might even start the dangerous prayer of requesting hardships so that my faith can be tested. In fact I think we should all be praying that prayer.
So let’s ask the question again, “why are we here?”

Update – The Losch’s – Crossworld

Click here to read the latest update from The Losch’s with Crossworld

Update 3 – John & Brian – Prague, Czech Republic

Dear Prayer Team,
Angels rejoicing in heaven over a new person believing and repenting warrant an extra news bulletin today. Praise and Thanksgiving should abound.
Please continue to pray for the remaining unsaved at the camp.

Quick update – Just met with Tonya (35ish) whose husband is already a believer. She enthusiastically opened her heart to the Lord tonight with tears of gratitude to God for forgiving her sins! Julie P was with me and shared her testimony as well. Thanks for your prayers!! John shared Christ with the owner of the hotel today…pray for his salvation.
Love to all,
Jim Liljegren

Dear Family and Friends,
We are completing our 4th day of camp. All classes, seminars, children’s ministries and sports activities are going very well. I have now met with 19 year old Victor 3 times in my continuing effort to follow up his decision for Christ. He has asked his friend Ruslan if he can go to the Prague Russian Baptist Church this Sunday (Pastor Gennady’s church). This will be Victor’s first time ever at their service. He is reading his New Testament and praying every day! I am so happy for his desire to grow! Please pray for his continuing growth as a “new born babe in Christ”.
Last night John Henson, a team member from Madera, CA, with several others, had a 2 hour meeting with the hotel staff. Pray for our continuing effort to share the Gospel with them. I have a meeting tonight with an unbelieving lady (Pray). I am also meeting with 2 of the church planters to better understand their ministries and pray with them (Pray).
Thank you for standing with us in prayer! We need it and appreciate it so much.
Also, please pray for the Pskov, Russia Team that departs this afternnoon from various airports on the west coast.
Very Blessed to be a Blessing,
Jim Liljegren

Update 2 – John & Brian – Prague, Czech Republic

John & Bryan – Czech Republic

Brian and i are doing well. Here are some updates from me personally:

We had no English classes this AM because we took a 2 or 3 mile hike through
the forest to a ski resort town. The purpose was to take more time to build
one-on-one relationships. I’m having good conversations with people who are
believers that need encouragement. One is named Misha (Michael), and his
father left many years ago. His mother is a quadriplegic. He is a very
young believer, so I spoke with him today to learn more about his life. I
may email him from home at times to help disciple him as he returns to his
life in Russia.

Jim and I both remarked that there are few non-believers here this year, so
the opportunities are few for witnessing. However, this may be a camp for
encouraging believers. I have also spoken with a young man who wants to
start a church in Moldova. He is seeking my advice as an elder. Also, my
conditioning classes are going well. The workouts are really making them
sweat! I give a devotional study afterwards, and that is going well also.

Thanks for your prayers!

John

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the June 2012 update from The Payne’s in Panama.

UPDATE – John & Brian in Prague, Czech Republic

A quick note to let you know that Brian and I are here safely in Prague. We made it to our host families home around 10.30 Thursday night local time. We are about 9 hours ahead of home. Our flights went well – very smooth. We were delayed two hours on the tarmac in London due to weather, but no problems other than that. Please pray for a Scottish man named Dave – at least that is what I think his name is. In our travels I may have remembered it incorrectly, but God knows. Anyway, Brian and I caught him reading a book by Richard Dawkins, so I gave him my book from our training for this trip that is basically a step-by-step defense of the faith against arguments from guys like Dawkins. This book is exactly what Dave needed to learn the truth about Jesus. He excitedly accepted my offer of the free book. I gave him my email address and asked that he write me with his comments on the book. We shall see in time what happens. I will write more as we get the opportunity.

In His name,

John

Update – The Laird’s – West Africa

The Laird’s – West Africa

Click here to read the June 2012 update from The Laird’s going to West Africa

Update – The Gomez’ – Guatemala

The Gomez’ – Guatemala

Click here to read the latest update from The Gomez’ in Guatemala

Update – The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

Click here to read the June 2012 update from The Steiger’s in the Czech Republic

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Hunting for Fish
Jun 19, 2012 10:28 am

Recently we instituted a dinner time conversation starter for our family. We recount our day and say what our low’s and our high’s were. Recently our high points are outweighing our low points and there have been times when no one has had a low point for the day. That is so encouraging to me because there are things we can find to complain about or that can be our low point but sometimes the good outweighs the bad so much that it is not worth listing.

One of my recent high points was a fishing trip I went on with the pastor of the fellowship we attend. Like my previous fishing trip I did not know what to expect. The previous trip was a 2 day camping excursion where we took 13 fishing poles and cast out from the shore while baiting the lines every 4 hours waiting for the fish to bite. This trip did not involve fishing lines and lures. It involved a .22 caliber rifle with a scope and silencer. You read that right. We went fishing with a gun.

Our day started at 5 a.m. and ended around 3 p.m. The time in between we boated around the Mekong Lake to different elevated banks that overlooked inlets where fish congregate. We shored the boat away from the inlet and then hiked to our position. Once in position we took a nice sized rock and tossed into the water to stir up the fish a little. After waiting a couple minutes fish would start to swim to the surface. Once a fish would surface, you focus, breathe, and shoot.

Since I don’t have a trained eye for this, I did not see what my pastor was looking at most of the time. He kept seeing fish and said they were too small. Eventually he saw one that was big enough. He took his shot and got a direct hit. Now I was intrigued even more because I didn’t know how we were to recover the fish that is now at the bottom of the lake with a gunshot in him. I soon found out…you swim out there and dive down. How else would you get it?

It was an off day as we only got one fish for the day (normally he gets 5-10 weighing about 7-12 lbs. each!), but I enjoyed it. I was exposed to a new and exciting way of getting a fish and I was given great insight into what my pastor thoroughly enjoys doing in his off time. He is good at it and it proved to be effective. It also gives an interesting twist on Jesus’ famous words to the first disciples when He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

The number one rule to writing or public speaking is not to apologize to set the tone for what you are going to say. With that said: I’m sorry we have not updated our blog in a while. Life here has been a little hectic and frankly, I have had a bit of writers block because I don’t want to bore you with the mundane aspects of life here (well aspects seem mundane to me).

So this post is just an update on what has gone on in our lives in the past few weeks. We are knee deep in language study. This week I started to tackle the intricacies of the Thai kinship system. It can be utterly confusing at times and the amount of new terms is astounding because terms change depending if the relative is on your mother’s side or father’s side and age plays a huge factor whether they are older or younger than you, your parents or your parents siblings. I had fun though talking with my language helper about my family (miss you guys) and what we call people in our kinship system back home.

Besides the language I have had some time to get to know one of our neighbors. He is from the UK and his wife is from Bangkok. Jessica teaches her and another neighbor English once a week. It has been refreshing getting into relationships/friendships here and start connecting with the people that live around us. God has strategically placed us here to be friends to those who live around us.

As a family we are doing good. There are those moments where life drastically differs from what we post on Facebook or Instagram (meaning the arguments, or bad attitudes or sour moods), but overall God is growing and stretching our family. For me in particular I have been taught a lot about how to be a father and husband while relying on God and His holy Word. At times, it is difficult here in Thailand to be away from family and friends back home. But I think of portions of Scripture and how God has not called me to be comfortable or stay stagnant in my faith. God is using this time in Thailand to grow us in Him. Especially in the area of faith.
We rely on God to provide finances through people back in the states so we can pay our bills and put food on the table. We are not relying on people but on God who moves people to support us. We have faith that God brought us here to serve people and to be a spiritual light in a considerably spiritually dark area of the globe. I have faith God is conforming me into an image that is worthy of bearing. An image that reflects the Father’s Son, Jesus Christ. I’m not saying I’m perfect and I definitely have my pitfalls and temptations where sin entices me to stray, but if I stray I am quicker to repent and when the temptation to sin is creeping closer and closer, I am more reluctant to give in. It feels victorious if I act as Jacob did with Potiphar’s wife and just flee.
We have battled sickness, spiritual oppression, doubts, fears, anger, and frustrations since moving here three months ago. But God is still good. He is still faithful to comfort us in the time of despair and doubt. God is still able to love us in our transgressions. He is still able to have compassion on us in our situation. We know this because we believe His Word (the Bible) to be true.

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the May 2012 update from The Payne’s in Panama

Update – The Laird’s – Headed to Togo, West Africa

The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

Click here to read the latest update from The Laird’s – Togo, West Africa

Update – Jim Liljegren – Russia/Europe

Jim Liljegren – Russia/Europe

Click here to read Jim’s latest Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,
Attached is our Spring Newsletter with pictures and a description of our recent ministry in Russia and Europe. We truly thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support. I am already making plans for a missions assesment and planning trip next fall to Europe and Turkey. More information later…

We are now working hard training 25 people on 3 teams for this summer’s ministry in Czech Republic, Pskov and Saransk, Russia.

The current economic stagnation makes fundraising more difficult for all missions, including established programs like our Slavic Church Planting partnership.

Here is a status report of my fundraising to date:
Total needed for my summer ministry helping lead 3 teams – $5,426.
Amount raised so far: $1960.
Amount needed: $3466 (by June 15)

If you would like to invest in our ministry, please send a check made out to Encouragement International to 228 via del Caballo, Oak Park, CA 91377. Put “2012 summer team” on the memo line. Thank you!

Again, I really appreciate your prayer and financial help. Please pray with me that God would provide all necessary finances for my summer team leadership ministry and the needs of each team member as well. God is able!!!

Much love,
Jim

Update – The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

The Steiger’s – Czech Republic

Click here to read the April 2012 update from The Steiger’s in the Czech Republic

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Dear friends,

Thank you for your vital role in our ministry. We look forward so much to sending out these prayer updates, knowing that our praises & needs will be lifted up to the Lord through you all! Here is an update of the past month:

We started our formal language study and are still getting used to the program, managing our time, and preparing our lessons. We employ a language helper who comes to our house and does 2 hour sessions, twice per week with Jess and four times per week with Jared. In addition to those sessions, we also have planning time, participation out in the community, putting the information we’ve learned into our computer program, listening and reviewing audio files from our lessons, and practicing our language. All of that = a full time job! We enjoy learning Thai! There are ups and downs (as with everything) but overall it is going well. Please pray for wisdom in how to participate in the community and how to best use our time.

Amongst all the busy-ness we have been getting time with the Lord, but consistency is needed! This time has been so good for us. As you know, hard/uncomfortable times push us to a point where we can’t rely on ourselves any longer. We find ourselves leaning on the Lord. Please pray that we would continue to trust in the Lord and make time to learn and grow from the Word.

Update: Last month we asked for prayer about our attitudes, thanks to those who prayed! We see the Lord refining us in our parenting and have seen a good response from our kids. They aren’t perfect, but neither are we! Pray that we would show them the grace of God as we train them and take opportunities to share the Gospel with them.

Just this week Jared had to cancel a language session and be in bed most of the day because of back pain. We had lifted a couch the day before, I guess that wasn’t a good idea! Even so, he has bounced back and done well the rest of the week. Praise the Lord for sustaining us physically!

God is also sustaining us financially! In the past month we have gained the financial support of a new church, a few new individuals, and seen the support of another church increase. We are amazed at the things God does and at the proper time. Thank the Lord with us for these provisions. Please pray also, as we are adjusting to a cash based society! Credit cards are used sparingly here, which is something we are getting used to. We have started to budget using a envelope system and we could sure use your prayers. Please pray that we would be good stewards of what God has given us.

Since arriving in Thailand we have been borrowing a car from friends who are not here right now. It has been such a blessing to us to have our own transportation right away! Our friends now need to sell their vehicle and we need to purchase one. Pray for us as we shop for a car to fit our family’s needs. God has supplied money for our purchase through previous fundraisers, selling our car in the U.S., and a donation from our home church. Praise the Lord!

We’re still not completely sure about putting Boston in “day-care”. It isn’t really a school, more like a play group. We think this will be good for him to play with other kids (both English & Thai speaking). We’re waiting to hear back from them on what the cost will be for him to attend. Please pray for this decision, we would like him to have some time with other kids his age.

Last, but not least….Relationships. Please pray that we would develop deeper relationships with those we come into contact with: neighbors, church members, shop owners, etc. We are here to build relationships with people and we would love more opportunities to do so!

Thanks for reading & praying,
Jess, for the Young family

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the April 2012 report from The Payne’s in Panama.

Update – Jim Liljegren

Dear Praying Friends,

Here is a ministry update from my friend, Ilya, ministering in Rome. I visited him in Naples last fall. Ilya was recruited by Gennady to plant a church in Rome and Naples. He lives in Fresno, CA and will relocate to Naples this summer with his family. I plan to lead an evangelism team to Italy in July 2013 to help him. Now, he is on a two month ministry trip to Italy. Please pray for his safety and for “kingdom connections” as Ilya begins breaking ground and sowing seeds.

Blessings,
Jim

Greetings from Italy!!!
Hello my brother Jim!
I am doing fine and blessed, now I am in Rome, helping church in Rome,because we started in March 2012 and they need help that’s why I spend more time in Rome but next few weeks I go back to Naples. Easter service in Rome was blessed and we had about 55-60 people.
Pray for this church in Rome also in Naples! Send you few pictures.
God bless all your family!
Your brother Ilya, Danilyuk
Rome, Italy

Update – The Gomez’ – Guatemala

The Gomez’ – Guatemala

Click here to read the latest update from The Gomez’ in Guatemala

Update – The Laird’s – West Africa

The Laird’s – West Africa

Click here to read the April 2012 update from The Laird’s going to Togo – West Africa

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

As you can see, we’ve been busy! We’re catching geckos, feeding elephants, and trying to stay cool!

We are doing well! Our family has settled into our home in Thailand and have spent the last couple of weeks in the “warm-up” phase of learning the Thai language. We have been able to go a couple of zoos, to the top of a mountain, inside the temple which is at the top of the mountain, go to our local outdoor markets, get our drivers licenses for car & motorbike, and the list goes on and on…

A few items for prayer:
~We are asking the Lord for some friends for Boston There doesn’t seem to be many kids around his age nearby, or they are all at school or something. We have looked into a school/day care for him that is super close to us. The term starts up again in June (right now is Summer break) so we have month or so to decide. We will have to pay for the whole term up front if we decide to enroll him there. Please pray for wisdom in this decision and for financial provisions if that is the right decision for Boston.

~We begin into real language learning this next week! We will be in “stage 1” with Jared spending 40 hrs and Jess spending 20 hrs per week in various activities. Please pray for our family as we adjust to this new schedule! We are excited and yet can easily get overwhelmed at all that needs to be done. Pray that we would rest in the Lord and look to Him for strength.

~We have noticed that since being here we have allowed our circumstances to affect our attitudes therefore have been impatient, grumpy, and irritable with each other and the kids. Please pray with us about our attitudes, that we would walk in the Spirit so that the fruit of the Spirit would be evident in our lives. Like anyone else, we need to look to the Lord daily to be transforming us and renewing our minds, Romans 12:1 (which includes our thinking and attitudes which produces our actions!)

Thank you for being part of our ministry here and standing with us in prayer. We can’t thank you enough!

~Jared & Jessica Young
(Boston & Jackson)

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Thousands of years ago there was this group of people who were refugees. They had slavery and were ruled by a ruthless Pharaoh from Egypt. The only way they escaped such hardships from this Pharaoh was because the God of Abraham, their direct ancestor, intervened with some pretty outrageous plagues. These plagues were in direct contrast with the idols the Egyptians had come to serve and worship. Upon the final plague, the escape plan was underway and these people were led into a desert by a man named Moses.
These people, the Israelites, had survived ten plagues (because of God), had been brought out of slavery (by God), crossed a dry sea bed and rescued from pursuing attackers (by God), drank sweet water made from bitter water (by God), ate bread that rained from the sky in a wilderness (from God), drank water from a rock in the middle of nowhere that Moses hit with a stick (because of God). All the while they grumbled and complained about their situation, they complained to the point of even desiring to return to slavery. They were focused on themselves and not what God the Almighty had done for them. They even set up a golden calf to worship!

God then instituted what we know now as the Ten Commandments. The most interesting thing about this list is the qualifying verse just prior to the commandments being listed. The other unique points are the first two commandments.

Exodus 20:2 says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Right off the bat God reminds them who He is, and who they were prior to their redemption. He sets the tone for the Ten Commandments with proper authority. The following verses (3-6) really touch on a tone set throughout the remainder of the Old Testament and continues into the New Testament. Idolatry.

Verses 3-6 says, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. [emphasis added]”

Have you ever thought that you make God jealous when you worship something other than Him? I forget that sometimes when I worship my personal time. When my kids bother me when I’m checking Facebook or in the middle of working. These things that I tend to make God jealous with aren’t measurable, they’re not visible acts of bowing down, they’re pretty well hidden because a majority takes place in my thoughts and I can hide them easily. The outworking of my idol worship is anger, resentment and a bad attitude toward my family for interrupting my “me” time. Now that I am aware of one of my idols I am able to pray that God allows me to show grace and love to my kids when my time is taken away from what I was focused on.

Now what about you? What if those idols you worship invoke jealously from God the Almighty? Are they measurable? Are they visible? Are you bowing down to a carved image that represents something? Of course you’re thinking, “Me? I would never physically bow down and worship something like a golden statue, that’s preposterous!” So does that make you better than someone who does? Idolatry is defined as “extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone (other than God).” I fall into that definition when I consider it my time and not God’s time that He has allowed me to have.

There are numerous statements in the New Testament regarding idolatry and the impact it has on our relationship with God (before and after coming to Christ). In 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 Paul the apostle gives an entire discourse warning against idolatry. The key statement in that passage is the end of verse 14. It is three little words, “…flee from idolatry.”

Flee. Run. Escape. Take flight. Bolt. Vamoose. Skedaddle. Split. Scram. Get away from idols. You can only flee from idols if you have something to run to. And that has to be God the Creator. The Almighty. The Alpha & Omega.

The book, Disciple, by Bill Clem says, “the root of idolatry is pride.” Clem then says ”pride is detestable to God precisely because it steal from God’s glory and his preeminence. Pride is rebellion against God’s authority. Pride is self-centeredness rather than God-centeredness. A proud heart sees itself as central and God as the one who must find his place of orbit in the proud heart’s universe.” Do you find yourself in that description? I know I do at times. I am a glory stealer.

I would like to wrap up with another quote from Disciple. Clem is discussing how pleasure is a gateway drug for pride to seep into our lives. “Once my pleasure becomes the value giver, I am free to use them and consume them as commodities. If they fail to deliver self-gratifying experiences, I can replace, abandon, disown, or discredit them. Even if I am exposed to something as value-free as coffee, I am challenged to brand loyalty through other values such as fair trade, ecology, or punch-card discounts. It all boils down to what satisfies or gratifies me most. Do I want help, save, or enjoy? Does one of my desires trump the others, or does the company with the best alchemy of my values win my patronage?”

Is God the Lord of your life, or is He in your list of gods that make you feel good? Do you use God to ease your life? Does God exist to glorify you, or do you exist to glorify God? What are you worshipping other than God? Evaluate yourself, and ask God to reveal the areas in your life you might be blind to. Pride/idolatry is subtle and we may not see it all the time. This won’t be easy to do, and once those areas come to light, it will not be easy to release your grasp on them.

I challenge you this week to pray with humility that God will reveal areas in your life that are stealing time, glory, focus, love, etc. from Him. See what He reveals and how. Record somewhere, work on it and come back to it in a year and see how far God has grown you in that specific area.

*I would love to hear your comments/feedback on what I have written. Were you encouraged or offended? Has this area of pride/idolatry been a recurring stumbling block for you? Do others see this is as a problem area in your life? If so, why or why not?
–Jared

Update – The Gomez’ – Guatemala

The Gomez’ – Guatemala

Hugo Gomez and Global CHE Enterprises thank you for your interest and involvement, and we welcome you to our new EmailNow service. We have partnered with Network for Good to provide a professional emailing service.
We will be updating our website more often and sending emails to keep you better informed of what is happening.

The current post (web site home page) has many pictures and a summary of the first months of 2012. Read about new converts, building a new church, God’s intervention providing a new learning environment, the Tucson Mission Conference, medical and dental clinics, and more.

Please visit our website; www.globalCHE.org for the rest of the story, to see the new blog post on the home page, and to check out the prayer tab – see our current prayer requests. If you have questions, comments, suggestions, use the “Contact Us” button (top right on our website) to email us.

We are also using the Network for Good “DonateNow” service. This makes it easy to give one time or monthly with you credit card, and also provides many choices to designate how you want your donation used. Check it out at http://www.globalche.org/donate – click on the “DonateNow through Network for Good” button

This new EmailNow service provides the ability to make corrections to your email address, invite others to join in being part of our network, opt out, and more (see below). Since this is the first time using an email system, we expect some information/addresses may need updating, and many wish to be added.
We are looking forward to keeping you updated on the many exciting programs planned for 2012.

Thanks for your interest and support.
GCE

Update – The Young’s – Thailand

The Young’s – Thailand

Dear Mark (and all of Grace Comm. Church!),

Thank you so much for financially supporting our ministry! God is providing for all our needs through people like you. Our first month in Thailand has been so good. There have been the hard times: jet lag, getting settled into our house, getting lost driving at night with a tired and screaming baby, dealing with bad attitudes from ourselves and our kids, but there have been some really good and memorable times:
playing with neighbors at our local “playground”, bring invited over for dinner at our language helper’s house, seeing both our boys soaking in the bits of Thai language & culture they come across, breakfast at Lanna Cafe together.

We have just begun diving into what our ministry will look like here in Thailand. For the next few years we will be focused on studying the Thai language & culture until we are fluent and are able to read & write.
During that time we will also be getting involved with projects in our local community. The first of which will be teaching English once a week nearby.
Thank you for your prayers! We are blessed to have people like you all behind us!

Sincerely,
The Young Family
Jared, Jessica, Boston & Jackson

Update – The Payne’s – Panama

The Payne’s – Panama

Click here to read the March 2012 update from The Payne’s in Panama

Update – Jim Liljegren – Russia

Jim Liljegren – Russia

Dear Family and Friends,
We are finishing up our ministry in Zurich. Our goal was to find out how many Russian speakers are here and what is the ministry situation with them. When we arrived we had only one appointment and God blessed us with 3 more good ones today. We found out that there are around 50,000 Russian speakers here with one small Bible study group.
We met with the President of MEOS today which is a holistic ministry (social aid and evangelism) to over 50 language groups including Russian. They have been working here for 50 years. Presently, they are looking for a Russian who speaks German (language of the Swiss) and can coordinate their work among this group the outcome being a Russian speaking church. Gennady has some ideas as to the man who could do this ministry. This position fits well with our goals as well.
Tomorrow I fly to London alone. Pastor Gennady could not get a UK visa because he filled out his paperwork in the Czech language. This sounds strange but God must have a reason for this.
Thank you for your prayers. I really appreciate them and you!!!
Lots more to share…pray for my sleep problems…
Love to all,
Jim
_______________________
Praise the Lord for success with developing ministry connections in Zurich. Proclaim His everlasting glory.
Reconcile with the Lord, check in and check up; then be refreshed with His Spirit.
Ask again for personal guidance in all you do; and for safe travels for Jim and Gennady, sweet sleep for Jim, and good ministry planning in London.
Yearn for the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit and for our Lord’s blessing on the Slavic Church Planting Ministry being planned.

May you be richly blessed as you pray, and as you remember the sacrifice of Good Friday as we approach the day. How blessed are we? He could have called 12 legions of angels to battle His conspirators, but He gave Himself to them for our eternal benefit.

Slava Bogu !!
IHS,
Peter

Update – Jim Liljegren – Russia

Jim Liljegren

Subject: LILJEGREN MISSION TRIP 3/31
Dear Family and Friends,
I arrived in snowy and cold Stockholm last night and was met by church planter Alexander Markov. He has been here about 3 years with good results. There are about 70-80,000 Russian speakers in Sweden. His Sunday afternoon worship gathering has about 20 regular Russian speaking people with an expanding leadership core. I met his leadership team at his home for a Bible study and prayer time last night. Very impressive group and they are totally committed to him and his vision which is very exciting!

After talking with him today, I found out he really needs a worship leader! They don’t have anyone right now who can do this. Also, he needs additional support of about $300 per month. His ministry is tied into New Life Free Church here in Stockholm but his monthly need is more than they can meet. Pray that God will meet this need and extend the reach and effectiveness of this fledgling church.

One of the purposes of my Stockholm trip was to connect with 19 year old Andres, who I led to Christ last summer at the Czech Family Camp. He has had struggles with bad influences since the camp and does not have the fortitude to say “no” to temptation. I didn’t really know if he would meet with me so I took a risk in coming here. But, we had a very nice dinner together tonight with Alexander. I learned that two of his best “friends” have left Sweden and I am thankful for that. We had a good heart to heart so please pray that he will start reading the Bible and going to Alexander’s church service and find new Christian friends. This is real spiritual warfare!!! Pray that Andres will trust God completely and submit joyfully to the discipline of the Spirit.

Tomorrow I fly to Prague and on to Zurich on Monday. Your prayers are really appreciated!!
Much love,
Jim (or yimmy)
___________________________________________________
Here is the remainder of Jim’s itinerary:
Sun. April 1 – Fly to Prague/Attend Pastor Gennady’s Russian speaking church
Mon. April 2 – Fly to Zurich with Pastor Gennady
Tues. April 3 – Zurich meeting with Russian speaking believers
Wed. April 4 – Fly to London with Pastor Gennady
Thurs. – Fri. April 5-6: London meeting with Russian ministry leader and believers in his small church
Sat. April 7 – Fly Home
Please continue to P.R.A.Y. for the logistics of this trip and for Spirit led planning and relationship building.
IHS,
Peter

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