“To be Thai is to be Buddhist.” (we get that a lot)

“When you are running away from tiger, you will run into the crocodile.” (haven’t seen either, but a few snakes)

“Christianity in Thailand is like sticking a finger into Buddha’s belly; you can make an impact, but once you pull your finger out (slurp) it goes right back out.” -Bruce Geske- (referring to the importance of establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with Thais)

“Godly sorrow brings repentance, leads to salvation and leaves no regrets, but world sorrow brings death. See what Godly sorrow this has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves; what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done! At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” (2 Cor. 7:10-11)

This week’s topic was about having a clear conscience, presented by Joel Bringas (a missionary in the Philippines). Only through confession and restitution through a revelation of God’s truth can bring you out of a guilty conscience. We had lots of time this week to think about those who we have hurt in the past. We need to discern the proper actions and methods to contact the people we have wronged and ask for forgiveness. This is the freedom we have in Christ to do so. We are trying to make things right and we have a lot of people to contact…

1) Pray for China and Burma (We will have the Shan couples going to Burma for our 2 week mini-outreach. The rest of us will go to China.)
2) Pray for health. Jen has a cough/cold…

Also, send us your prayer requests! 🙂

Praise Reports!!!
1) Bruce Geske came back from his trip in the States and has lots of cool stories in the one month of “remembering and restoring” relationships in the US.
2) We are establishing relationships with Keh, the guy who runs the internet cafe down the street and an elderly woman who runs a store. Pray for more communication and friendships there.

David and I both heard God tell us to fast and pray ever since Pastor Sidney came and spoke to us in our first week of class. We agreed to fast from food altogether for a period of time (and trust me, it was a very hard time because we were tempted with many delicious foods, that we NEVER have over here), but with God’s help, we were obedient to Him. We choose three things to focus on. At first, we thought that we should only limit our focus to one thing, but we serve a really big God, so I’m sure he could handle as many things as we could ask for! These were our three:

1) That He would bring revival to our DTS and people would gain a deeper sense of His love and power.
2) About 2 weeks ago, one of our classmates, Mai, found that she had an ovarian cyst the size of a potato and they didn’t know if it was cancerous or not, so we were also praying for healing and good results.
3) For clarity in our next step after DTS

The first 3 days were unpleasant because of the body’s detoxification process and we were very tired and sluggish. It also brought out some of our not-so-great qualities, like being easily annoyed and apathetic to those around us. God dealt with these emotions. However, it was amazing to see how clear our thinking had become. When your body doesn’t want to move, you find yourself thinking and praying even more! Over the period of our fasting, Daddy God answered each prayer. The results were:

1) On Wednesday of our DTS class, God brought a huge revelation to many of our classmates of the kind of intimate relationship he wants to have with them. He really showed people He loved them and that his character was good. Many people broke down.
2) Mai went to the doctor again on Friday and they found out that she DOES NOT have cancer! She has to go again in a month to see if it has enlarged any and they might have to operate (so please pray for more healing), but the scary part of waiting is over.
3) The last night of our fast, both David and I had detailed dreams about a direction to pursue after DTS!

We realize that fasting is a choice. It was never forced on us. In fact, we had freedom to stop whenever we wanted to and it was this freedom in the Lord that we decided to go through with it, in joyful obedience. We humbly wanted to share this experience with you and our intention is not to boast about our fasting (or to try to guilt you into the discipline of fasting), but simply to encourage you in deeper levels of intimacy with Father God.

This week, Sam Sarvis, the national YWAM Thailand director, came and spoke to us about the nature and character of God. Scripture identifies that Father God is faithful, kind, holy, just, and loving. He is a relational being who values us more than anything else that he created in the Universe. He desires to be our perfect Father (Ps. 2:7, 68:5, 103:13, 139:17-18, Is. 9:6, 64:8, Luke 11:11), perfect husband (Is. 54:5, 62:5, Hosea 2:16, Rev. 19:7), perfect King/authority figure (2 Chron. 20:6, Rev. 15:3), and perfect friend (Ex. 33:17, John 15:13-15, Matt. 11:19).

 

In the Old Testament, the Jews could only see God as a powerful creator and judge of their actions, but in the New Testament, we see that Jesus calls the same God “Abba (Father)” and makes this relationship personal. Our Abba Father wants to be our Daddy especially when we have nothing to offer him, when we are grieving or hurting, when our plans fail, and when we disobey him. He grants forgiveness freely if we genuinely ask for it. Like the prodigal son, he welcomes us home with open arms and rejoices over us, not by using force and then condemning our actions. Yet, he loves us enough to let us choose our own actions.

 
This week, we have been praying for a breakthrough in our class that Daddy God would bring revival and a new perspective of who he is. On Wednesday, that prayer was answered and many of our classmates were able to receive a deeper revelation of the Father’s love in their lives. Emotional wounds from their pasts, family relationships, and misconceptions about who God really is were broken and there is a new sense of freedom and intimacy with the Lord. We are asking for more!

This week, Averyl Aeria, the YWAM Thailand Networking Director, came and talked to us about healthy relationships and boundaries. A lot of emphasis was placed on forgiveness and because Jesus’ death and resurrection brought reconciliation with our relationship with Father God, so we should reconcile with others.
We discussed the importance of family relationships and the experiences you have growing up shapes your perspectives of the world around you, and how you view God. (yes, it reminded us of Sozo Inner Healing Prayer!)

Family is the root of culture. This week God was allowing people to open up and forgive others in their families, circles of friends, and their pasts. This step was crucial for our Thai friends who are brought up in a culture of saving face.  To lovingly confront a friend or ask for forgiveness to them means you have to lose face and be genuine to your emotions. While it is easier for Westerners to be direct in our questions and tell it like it is, and ask for forgiveness,it is hard for our new friends. Many had questions of how to honor their parents. In Asian culture, what your parents say goes. End of story.

As their children you are expected in Thailand to buy them a car or build them a house and accept their wisdom and directions. So a lot of our friends are facing rejection and abandonment because they are the only Christians in their families and Im sure it was much harder to communicate, “God is telling me to go learn about the Bible in Chiang Mai and Im leaving my good job and salary to be obedient to Him no matter what.” Yes, we should honor our parents through respect and listen to what they say out of love, but what God is saying is more important.

Sometimes you have to make that decision between obeying God and obeying your parents. We are so thankful to our parents and parental figures in our lives who have loved us and supported us and raised us with Christian morals. Thank you, we mean it more than words can say!

To celebrate David’s 25^th birthday, a group of us went to the Mae Taeng Elephant Park (thanks Wit and his wonderful Karen friends). We had a chance at the end to pray over Hueh and his manager at the end of the day and bless them. We attracted a lot of attention.  Gai told us on the way home that she overheard a group of people talking about us earlier while we were waiting to ride the elephants.

The people were saying, “Those people must be Christian. See how happy they are and how nice they dress…” Of course, we were having a great time, but that’s the joy of the Lord inside of every Christian. You don’t have to always use words, or even actions.  The Lord’s favor is on you and His love shines through you! People notice.

9/12/11-9/16/11

The teaching topics for this week have been “praying, hearing from the voice of God, and fasting” by Pastor “Sidney” Worapong. He used various examples of how there is revival in Thailand among Christians right now, especially with the youth. Alongside the miracles and prophecies that are coming to fruition, comes false teachings and un-Biblical references (not everywhere, of course, but it still happens in the churches). There are those who are false teachers who would only like to listen to what God is saying and interpret for the people, but not read their Bibles to validate what they heard. Therefore, Pastor Sidney encouraged us to be reading our Bibles more and to test what others say. We read Acts this week and (on our own time) read The Heavenly Man: The Story of Brother Yun in China (a great testimony to Acts). We spent a lot of time hope hearing from Father God (in quiet times, in small groups, and praying with each other).
Father God can speak to everyone. Young, old, spiritually mature, babes in Christ, and unbelievers. (Acts 2:17) Some will recognize his voice, others won’t know that they are hearing from the Father, and others are distracted to take time to listen. David and I received words from people (Bible verses and pictures), that were confirming to what we are learning about God right now: “Walking in humbleness” and “fearing God, not men.” We are trusting in the Lord throughout this season to grow in his love, listen to his commands, and sit at his feet. We trust that he will give us the next step and provide for us after this school.

So……

After the first two weeks of our discipleship training school we are learning how to get around the city and we’re learning a few Thai words. The biggest thing so far is how costly being a Christian here can be.

There a several Thais in our school who are 1st generation Christian (1st Christian in their family ever) and almost without exception their families have disowned them for following Jesus. It’s very humbling to be around people who have given so much.

One of our staff in particular is married with a 13 year old daughter. Her husband divorced her when she became a Christian (he is a budhist). He forbid her to see her daughter and so now she only sees rarely and she is one of the happiest people you could ever meet.

Being Humbled…….

Our first week has been filled with meeting our 23 classmates and staff and getting to worship and fellowship together.  There are many nationalities represented here, including Thai, American, Canadian, Chilean, Ukrainian and the Shan hill tribe (from Burma).  This is a DTS of many firsts.  It is the first time that our director, Bruce, will be leaving for a month to come visit the States.  It is the first time that the Shan couples plan on training at our DTS so that they can start a new YWAM base in Burma (which doesn’t have one).  It is also the first time that this base has had a transsexual (a “lady-boy”) apply and be accepted into the DTS.  This is the first time that there are 4 married couples (us, the 2 Shan couples, and 1 Thai couple).  As we start this adventure, we are excited knowing that each individual was called here according to God’s purpose and plan.

Our first day in class was spent introducing ourselves and getting to know each other. We went around and each one shared a little bit about their background and expectations for the next 5 months.  It was astounding how many people said that they were the first in their families to become Christians.  People seemed to be encouraged that we came from “Christian households” because that is the vision that they want for their families.  We heard stories of redemption and promise of the Lord’s favor, across our different languages and pasts. The Lord made it clear that He was and is sovereign over everything.  He has good gifts in store for all of us! It has been very encouraging to pray and worship together in different languages and to experience the raw genuineness of people.  I will admit that upon our arrival, I was assuming that Thais do not show public emotion (as we learned the cultural etiquette of “saving face”).  Perhaps this was relevant to the general population, but I was so happy to admit that I was wrong! During conversations, worship and sharing times it was amazing to see everyone’s genuineness.  People smiled, laughed, cried, and became simply undone and open.  Praise God!  From day one, we have had Thai staff and students willing to pray for us, share their lives with us, and be honest.  We have been impressed with the hospitality, the Biblical foundations and the intentional community that has already been established.

Living is quite simple here.  It is so green! We have a huge property (that is a favorite of Alisha Geske), complete with a community classroom/kitchen area, a girls house (which our room is located off of), a boys dorm, a garden, chickens, a pig named Tinkerbelle, seven dogs, a campfire pit, a volleyball area, the Geske residence and an awesome tree-house. We are 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai in a subdivision called Mae Taeng.  You can hitch a ride with anyone for free (don’t worry Mom, in groups of course) or pay a few baht to ride a “song-kow” (or “white truck” that is a flatbed truck with two rows to sit on).

Our weekly schedule (starting 9/12/11):

Monday- Friday:

*6:00 = Wake up

*6:30 = Breakfast

*7:00-8:20 = Personal Time with God

*8:30-9:15 = Worship/Intercession

*9:20-9:30 = Devotional/Foundational Values

*9:30-12:20 = Teaching

*12:30- 1:30 = Lunch

*2:00-3:00 = Free Hour (M/W)

*2:30-5:00 = Work Program/Outreach

*5:00-6:00 = One-on-One/Fitness Activity

*6:00 = Dinner

*7:00-9:00 = Mission Night/Reflection/Teaching/Study Night/Family Night

*10:00 = Bedtime (let the dreams, visions in the night season commence…)

Saturday:

*FREE DAY*

Sunday:

*Church in Chiang Mai*