What the Almighty can do

"Have a camp at Baan-nana? are you sure?" was my first response when the idea was brought up. Soon, meetings took place and long nights of preparation, prayer and packing followed after. I was excited to see what the Lord had in store yet at the same time worried not knowing what to expect.

God is so good. Even though the team had only half a day to get prepared and brief through the events, skits, songs, crafts and games, they went well. So grateful for those of you who prayed. Thank you, thank you, for lifting us before the throne!

Small group: where English was taught through the 7 days of creation.

Teppei with his fan club

Isaac and his tour guide

Tania and her girls

The stay at Baan-nana was a little stretching for some. Food and environment was a whole lot of difference but at the end of it all, tears I thought I'd never see were shed when the goodbyes were said. I guess that sums up a very meaningful time there. Thank you, Lord!

Redeemer's Skit

This drama set to music shows man's relationship with God from creation to the resurrection. The team presented this 3 times: at Mae Gone, an open air evangelism outreach at an Akha village and at Baan-nana. Thank God for the opportunities to tell of God's love when He sent His only Son to this world so we may be reconciled with Him.

" So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

The Fall of Man

Pleasure

Love of Money

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24

Lust

Can these ever satisfy?

Can they fill that void in ones life?

" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16



"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

"... Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5,6

Strength Alone

Sam, Evan, Tania, Mick, Tep, Zac, Peter, Aaron, Rhea

I woke up this morning and the house was just too quiet for me. There was no queue for the bathrooms! I looked into the rooms and found no one. It was back to the four of us on the dining table. It all felt weird as I went about my day. I was missing something--guess it was them. We've known each other since toodler days, but this was my first time spending 12 straight days as a team. Believe me, with this amount of time spent together, you'd really get to see who one is.

You know how much I hate goodbyes, it leaves me feeling all alone and sometimes I wish to start off, I didn't have to say 'hello'. Sometimes I wish to keep away so that it won't hurt so much when you go.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me — Civilla D. Martin

Mae Gone

I have a feeling that 2008 is going to go by too quickly. I mean, it's already the end of March! It's been such a full month-- but a good one. The days has flown by with a variety of happenings. The saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."

Walking down life with my childhood friends. Spending 4 days up in the mountains of Mae Gone was once again fruitful and refreshing-- I love the mornings especially where I can feel so close to His creations, and journal in the quietness of the day. For the first time, we had a team of 12 youths! Serving the Lord alongside with them was indeed special. Always prayed that they would come up here one day to see the work and it has finally come true...

Singing "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" During the preparation period for this children's ministry, I must admit that I was overwhelmed. The interpretations wasn't easy and some days I felt like I could not go on... but I kept going, kept on practicing, knowing that God will give the needed strength. As the children presented this song in thai on the last day to their parents, God really encouraged my heart. "His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness O Lord."

I've seen many of these children grow up. It's been 6 years since my first mission trip there. Many of those whom I use to play with back then are teens now and I guess they are shy to join in with the activities we have. I've always wondered how I could still continue building on a relationship with them so I asked God and He gave me wonderful opportunities. It was the highlight of my trip. I got to know 3 youths better- Tip (18), Ronnie (19) and Ja suh (15).

They have so little, yet they are so willing to share with us the little that they have. They are all extremely cute and bright-eyed! I could have taken a million more pictures. I truely treasured the time spent with them... more than what all the pictures are worth.

Experts in 'UNO'

This was my verse during the time there :" I will proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." Psalm 71:16. Till we meet again, God be with you.

Smiles for your day

We need no reason to smile

For the smile is a reason itself

To rejoice and open-heartedly give thanks
A simple sweet smile is so beautiful and powerful

Off to the mountains of Mae Gone.

Promise to be back with a photo or two from our ministry there.

Keep us in prayers! See you soonest.

Photo Monday

Look who I found!

Ah... what a day. I got everything on my 'to-do' list done for today! That always makes me feel good but I'm exhuasted and it's only a monday! I'm seeing busy days ahead as another mission team from my church comes up here.

This morning, God gave me a timely reminder through this story... "A man was once cutting a tree stump with an obviously blunt axe. He was only bruising the bark as sweat poured from his beaded brow. Someone suggested that he stop for a moment and sharpen the axe, to which he replied, "I'm too busy chopping the tree to stop for anything." If he would only stop for a moment and sharpen the axe, he would be able to slice through the tree with far greater ease.

In the same way, I need to stop at the beginning of each day to "sharpen the axe" through prayer. Seek first the kingdom of God and I know I will be able to slice through a day with far greater ease!

the touch.

Ever had someone ask you the same old question over hundreds of times but you just could not feel irritated? Ever had someone call every single day saying “I just want to hear your voice”?

It’s not been easy since Grandma lost Yeh-Yeh. I remember during the funeral she kept telling me “Be strong”. She puts on a tough front but deep within she struggles with this new feeling of loneliness. 2 years ago, she had to adjust to going to church without the presence of 4 Fongs. 9 months ago, her life partner whom she is hardly seen without, left this world. Finally, the last Fong who sat in the pews each Sunday with her has also left for studies. She didn’t go to church last Sunday because she could not bring herself to it.

My heart aches. She’s been there to wipe my tears yet I’m so far away to wipe hers. If you know my Grandma, do me a favor -reach out to her.

Rejoicing in His love

Through the years a young girl prays for her husband to be,
She prays that God will reveal Himself, and set His spirit free.

To love, believe, and walk with God, His Spirit to obey, she asks that Truth will be his guide and keep him for her someday. Now she's rejoicing in His love as it flows from God above.The one for whom she's prayed and dreamed is here for her to love. She knows now who God's given to her, that she might understand. The love of Christ for His own bride -- she's rejoicing in God's plan.

At the same time a young man asks that God will give to him a wife; A woman pure, who loves the Lord, a friendship made for life! He hopes that she will love God's Word and often that she'll pray; For Jesus Christ to be her life and then turn her heart his way.

Now he's rejoicing in His love as it flows from God above.The one for whom he's prayed and dreamed is here for him to love. He knows now who God's given to him, that he might understand,The love of Christ for His own bride -- he's rejoicing in God's plan.

Today they come to unite their hearts as one in Jesus name; They'll give their hearts, their lives, their love; a ring to seal the same. What once was two shall become one, that the world might see again. A testimony of the love of Christ between a woman and a man.

Now they're rejoicing in His love as it flows from God above.The one's for whom they've prayed and dreamed are here for them to love. They know now who God's given to them, that they might understand,The love of Christ for His own bride -- they're rejoicing in God's plan.

-Norm Wakefield

Warning:

Read this book once only and you will miss out.

Read it much and you will become curious.

Read it all the time and it will change you.

Because it is powerful.

Read it and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!

With This Ring: Sam & Kul

The highly anticipated wedding of a very dear couple to me finally took place. It wasn't an easy task to get all their floral arrangements/ deco done up (from the arch to her hand bouquet) but it sure was worth it all! The bride was gorgeous, of course, from the moment I saw her and so did the groom with his big glowing smile. Love this wedding! The ceremony was just beautiful.

I took over 500 shots but have not looked through them all. Maybe I'll post some more some other time. Have a blessed Lord's day!

2nd Yr Anniversary

It’s hard to believe but 1st Mar 2008 marks our second year out in the mission field. I find it amazing to be turning my calendar pages so quickly. Our family has changed so much during this time. One obvious difference is that Lois is taller than I!

Some of you ask me out of true concern if I feel like I’m missing out in life. I just want to tell you, I’ve never enjoyed life so full. The Lord has given many blessings along with many proving times lately, but He never fails to continually show Himself mighty in my life!

About a month back, we discovered that we had to move out of our home by end March. I felt lost on hearing the news but God reminded me about Abraham. Our search for a new place began but we couldn’t seem to find anything… Time was running out.

“ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.” Luke 12: 28-29

Last week, while the Lo family was here for a short term mission trip, we went on a prayer walk. My mother spotted a lovely green house, just fit for us. She recalled that way back in August last year, while meeting a friend in that vicinity, she commented on this particular house. It appeared to be empty but there were no signs advertising “For Sale / For Rent.”

As we continued walking around the neighborhood, my mother decided to ask around if there were any houses for rent. Everyone shook their heads and it was disheartening. We were just deciding to return home when…a lady approached us and said a friend of hers would like to rent out her house. We followed her without much expectation, and then suddenly, we stood there in amazement, in front of that same green house!

How God works just blows me away. I believe He kept this place just for us. God always seems to test us, to trust Him to the very end.

So now, I’m glad to say that we will have a new address effective from April. Although it involves much work cleaning and packing, I look forward to having a garden to meditate in. We’ll probably need a guard dog too!

Lastly, I request prayer for my application to a TEFL (Teaching English as Foreign Language) 4-week course at Chiang Mai University during April 08.

Thank you all for your encouragements and faithful prayer!