Reaching the Unreached
Before Donella and I left Thailand in June of 2013, Titus gave us a list of all the Lahu Sha-leh villages in Northern Thailand. This list also contained details about which ones had churches, pastors, and the number of Christians living in some of those villages.
When we were back in Thailand in January, I talked to Titus, Moses, and Daniel about how they could evangelize to the non-Christian villages. It was decided that in April they would take a group and go to four Lahu Sha-leh villages in the Omkoi District where there are no Christians. Titus asked me to return so I could be a part of this new outreach for Under the Son Ministries.
Following several discussions and many prayers, it was decided that a return trip could be very beneficial. While in Thailand they will also be dedicating Daniel and Phoebe’s house, and I will be speaking at Santisuk Bible Camp.
I ask for your prayers as I make this return trip.
Steve
Thailand 2015
We are planning a mission trip to see the work of Under the Son Ministries in March of 2015. It may seem like a long way into the future, but as Vic Coston always says, “Dates on calendars are always closer than they appear.”
The timing for this trip revolves around the high school graduations of four of the children at Gethsemane Home. We will also be witnessing the progress of village evangelism and making plans for other events.
If you think you might be interested in accompanying us on this trip, please contact us so we can give you more information. We can be reached by email or phone.
Backpacks for Huai Pong
It has been a great blessing to have Moses and Yuree working with Under the Son Ministries. They are not only a great addition to Gethsemane Home, but their desire to share the love of Jesus with the children at Huai Pong village has been very fruitful.
One of the things Under the Son Ministries wanted to do for the children at Huai Pong was give them backpacks and school supplies to encourage them with their school work. After our arrival in Chiang Mai, a day was set aside to go to the day market with Titus, Newa, Moses, and Yuree to find and purchase the backpacks and other items needed to take to the village. After searching through several shops for the quantity needed and a doable price, a total of 24 bags were purchased at two different shops.
When we first started going to Huai Pong, the village children would come to the church and peek through the windows. Sometimes they would run in and out of the building while church services were being held. On our visit to Huai Pong in January, we saw what a difference Moses and Yuree have made with these children. These children now sit on the floor and listen while Moses teaches them about God. Moses and Yuree have also taught them songs about Jesus. Moses and Yuree used the backpacks to recognize the children who had been participating in the weekend activities and as an incentive to encourage others to come.
Thank you, Moses and Yuree, for your dedication to this ministry.
Celebrating the New Year
Did you know that in Thailand they have three different New Year’s celebrations? They celebrate the one that is most familiar to us on January 1st and the Chinese New Year. In April they celebrate the Thai New Year called Songkran.
During our visit to Thailand we were invited to take part in the traditional New Year’s celebration held in the village of Nong Kheo, Titus’ home village. At Nong Kheo the Lahu Sha-leh people celebrate New Year’s for 12 days, one day for each month of the year.
After arriving in Nong Kheo, we headed toward an open area which was used as their football (soccer) field. Teams from different villages took turns participating. When we first arrived the women were playing. A break was taken for lunch and then they were back on the field. Finally it was the men’s turn. We then headed back to Titus’ parents’ house. There we had boiled peanuts before eating dinner. We also found out that Titus’ parents were hosting the evening meal for everyone who came from the other villages. What a great family and what a great opportunity to get to know these people and their culture a little better!
Dixie’s Story
In December I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Under The Son Ministries. While there, we were able to experience many things. It was nice to see this ministry in action and the work going on in Northern Thailand. When I look back at the trip, three things really stand out to me. As I reflect on the trip, these three things are the love that the Hill tribe Christian people have for the Lord, the love that they have for one another and others, and the importance of child sponsorship.
The Hill tribe Christian people have a deep love for the Lord and serving him. An example of this is the Gethsemane Home children and adults waking at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for Bible reading and study. Another example is Titus’ drive to make the gospel known to his people in remote areas. Some of these people have never heard the gospel. This requires great sacrifice of time, travel, and preparation for him and his family.
The Hill tribe Christian people have a strong love for one another and others. At Gethsemane Home I was able to see the children sharing whatever they had with one another and helping each other with their chores. I was also able to see them love and encourage one another around home and at several village soccer matches. From the arrival at the airport until the last day in Thailand, I was constantly made to feel right at home. Everywhere I went I was offered a drink, snack, or a meal. I could tell that they wanted to make me happy. I felt welcomed and loved.
Lastly, I was able to see the fruits of child sponsorships in person. Due to sponsorships, the children at the Gethsemane Home are able to have three meals a day, clothing, and receive a quality education. Most of all, they are able to live in a family setting where they are loved, protected, and being fed spiritually every day.
Blessings,
Dixie Davis
Educational Sponsorships
As their Senior year of high school rapidly approaches, it is very obvious that the four Senior students at Gethsemane Home would like to continue their education after high school. While we were in Thailand in January, Carmen Filbeck from Lanna Theological Society presented an option that would give these young people a dual-degree where the students would live at LTC, study God’s word, and also obtain a liberal arts degree at a government university.
When compared to a university program in the United States, the cost for this education is very minimal. We are asking people to partner with us to make this a possibility for these children. If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact us.
