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*

We went to San Francisco, to Tokyo (itchy, knee, itchy knee son) and now we’re in Bangkok. With one more flight to go the longest trip ever is going well. God has been providing in incredible ways! We love everyone who helped make this happen and we want to hear from you guys things that we can be praying about.

Love Jen & Dave

MORE LORD!

God has done a miracle! He has exceeded our goal that we had for ourselves in fundraising for our DTS! “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23). God was faithful from the beginning. He promised that he would provide…and he did!! 🙂 We wait, joyfully expectant, to see what else he has prepared for us!!!! We thank each and every one of you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. The Lord heard your prayers and used every one of you for his glory! Thank you!

Jen hasn’t slept in 3 days. Pray for rest and dreams! (I’m thinking we will definitely need those prayers between the 14 hour flight over the Pacific and 9 hours in the BKK airport)

In other news, the BBQ Fundraiser and Raffle is NEXT Saturday, September 3rd, from 5-7PM at Bethany UMC. So come NEXT Saturday!

“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

The Lord is SO faithful! A month ago, had you asked us how support raising was going, things looked bleak. Relying on our own strength wasn’t working so good. We needed a miracle. And the Lord gave us one! We have raised 75% and then some over three weeks! To help raise the last bit, we are co-hosting a

BBQ Dinner and Raffle with world-renowned Cajun chef, Dennis Anastasis (with Divine Catering) and his daring assistant, Bryan Quisenberry on
August 27th
from 5-7PM (pick-up meals only)
at Bethany UMC, James Island.

Local artwork and a Kiawah Island Getaways package will be raffled off, as well as some tasty baked goods for dessert will be for sale to complete your to-go meals of savory BBQ, sauteed green beans, Cajun red rice, and rolls.

We give a really big shout out of thank yous to our friends at Bethany UMC, St. Johns Parish, Church of Our Saviour, Faith Baptist, and The Good Shepherd who are helping us in so many ways. Keep praying prayer warriors…your prayers are being answered 🙂 and the body of Christ is truly coming together to help us get to Thailand. Thank YOU for all of your love, prayers, encouragement and support. Thanks Daddy God for all of your wonderful provision and surrounding us by a community of love!

Also, something that we just put together today…the reason why He called Laney Spigener (my grandfather) into the Navy so long ago, was because His future generations (us) would be traveling (a lot) overseas internationally and He knew to set us up with the generational USAA account that is literally saving us from the storms of insurance bills. Thanks Papa and Mom for keeping us legacies! The Lord knew we would need it!

should be sent to our parents at

David and Jen Carter
PO Box 190
Swansea, SC, 29160

we leave camp in 5 days