Church Visits
An important part of what Donella and I do is keeping those who support the ministry informed on what is happening in Thailand. During the times when we are selling mums and geraniums, or at a craft fair, there seems to always be people who want to know how the ministry is doing. Another part of what we do is make visits to churches that support the ministry. We have recently completed many visits with two more to do before we return to Thailand. The ministry has made it possible for us to meet many people who have
embraced our family in Thailand. Thank you! Thank you! – Steve
Evangelism Trip to Patang Muser
This summer an area Bible college student, Somdet, did a four month internship at Antioch Church, which is near Gethsemane Home. Near the end of his internship, he organized members of the church for a two day evangelism trip to the village of Patang Muser. The church raised the money to buy food, and Under the Son Ministries supplied money for fuel.
The group left on the morning of August 24th and arrived that afternoon in the village. The afternoon was spent teaching Christian songs and learning dances that went along with the songs. For the evening activities, they played games, performed the dances they had learned, and had a worship service. Sunday morning services began by continuing to teach the young people songs. Around 10 am the children went over to the mission house for Sunday School and had a lesson based on Luke 18:16. Titus led a Bible study from 2 Peter 3 and Revelation 21 at the church for the adults. Communion was served to the Christians following the study. After the services, lunch was served before heading back home. We hope to plan more of these events in the future.
Mission House Update
If you have ever built a house, remodeled one, or even changed the paint color in a room, you know there are several decisions that need to be made. Sometimes these decisions can be difficult to make. Imagine you are halfway around the world and video chatting with someone who is using an iPad to show you parts of the house as you make these decisions, or you’re making decisions from pictures taken at a store. Over the last several months, we have made many decisions for the mission house such as where outlets need to go, paint colors, and floor tiles.
We’re excited to soon be in Thailand so we can see the work that has been completed on the mission house and make some final decisions. When we arrive, we will first order kitchen cabinets, items for bathrooms, and lights. Thank you, Titus, for working so well with us.
Where Are They Now?-Thiti
We recently visited with a couple who support the ministry and told them it is sometimes difficult to create our newsletters. They suggested one thing we could do is highlight one of the children from Gethsemane Home in each quarterly newsletter. Thank you, Matt and Debbie.
We want to update you on Thiti. He came to Gethsemane Home in 2011 along with four of his siblings. Both of his parents were deceased so this move was difficult for Thiti. He always did well in school and was good at many sports and a natural at singing and guitar playing. He also had a real love for soccer. When he was ready for high school, we decided to send him to a school that excelled in soccer. It was something he really wanted to do. While there, he was part of a Christian group on the campus and even led a praise team that performed on Fridays for all of the students.
After high school Thiti entered Rajabhat University and is now in his third year there majoring in English for Communication. With this degree, he will have many options when he enters the work force. Some choices are a translator, tour guide, or realtor. Thiti also has not ruled out the chance to still play soccer if a team offers him a contract.
We have known Thiti for 13 years and have watched him grow in so many ways. When asked how Under the Son Ministries has helped shape his future, Thiti stated that the ministry has helped him financially, spiritually, and kept him motivated. He said, “I wouldn’t be who I am today without the help of the ministry.” Many of you have helped make that possible. We’re proud of all he has accomplished!
Upcoming Fundraising Events
This time of year is the busiest for us with fundraising events. Proceeds from all of these events are used to support our Under the Son Ministries Educational Fund.
We will be holding Pop-up Shops in October and November. Watch our Wonderfully Made Facebook page for details. We are participating in St. Gregory’s Holiday Craft Fair in Maryville on Saturday, October 5th. The Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair at the Community Center in Maryville will be held on Saturday, November 9th.
The 8th Annual Christmas Homes Tour will take place on Sunday, December 8th. We will be revealing one of the four homes in this year’s event each Friday in October. Tickets will then be available beginning November 1st. We hope you can join us at each of these events.
