Final Days in Chiang Mai
There is a lot that goes into making a big move, even if it is back home. Making preparations to return to the States included finding a moving company, finishing the school year, meeting future needs at Gethsemane Home, and saying good – bye to everyone. Even with all our planning, our final days were very hectic.
We contacted three different moving companies before deciding who we would trust shipping things back home that we had accumulated in two years.
Our final day in Chiang Mai was spent at Gethsemane Home enjoying a Lahu barbeque and just spending time with the family. There was a lot of shuffling things around in our suitcases to keep each one under 50 pounds. Several things were left behind, and Nothai even gained a new pair of shoes!
The family traveled with us to the airport the night we left. We told them we would be returning soon!
Upcoming Events
Since returning to the states in June, we have made two church visits and hope to do many more. A special thank you to Clarksdale Christian Church and Ravenwood Christian Church for inviting us to present the work of Under the Son Ministries.
July 28 – Rosendale Christian Church
Aug. 3-7 – Ravenwood VBS
Aug. 11 – Sheridan Christian Church
Aug. 18 – Isadora Christian Church
Aug. 25 – Clearmont Christian Church
At this time we are scheduling dates for the remainder of 2013. If your congregation or group is interested in hearing about how God has been moving in Northern Thailand, please contact us. Also, please join us at any of our upcoming presentations. We would love to see you!
School Visits
Before we came back to the States, we were able to visit the children at their schools. We wanted them to know how important their education is to us and also meet with the head- master. All of the children are doing well with their studies, and we are so proud of all of them.
They attend a government school and are receiving a great education. Most of them are at the top of their class and work hard to keep up with their homework. Their school year runs from the middle of May to the middle of March.
Please continue to pray for them as they work to do their best in school.
Buatong Waterfall
One of the things we like to do is share new experiences with the family at Gethsemane Home, and as Newa says, “We like free.” When we learned about Buatong Waterfall, we found an attraction that fit both criteria. Buatong Waterfall, also referred to as “Sticky Falls”, is about 45 km north of Chiang Mai. Known for its unusu- al limestone face, arranged in convenient steps, it is possible to climb up the falls safely without too much difficulty. The water comes directly from a spring above the falls and cascades over the brown sand- stone boulders to produce an unusual appearance.
The children spent hours going up and down the falls, enjoying the water as it rushed by them. The pools of water at the top of the waterfall made a great place to relax. The kids also spent time challenging each other to see who could hold their breath under water the longest. Everyone had a great time at Buatong Water- fall. Titus even thought it would be a very good place to have a men’s retreat; sharing God’s word in such peaceful surroundings. We hope to take the children back to Buatong Waterfall when we return for a visit.
Santisuk Bible Camp
Santisuk Bible Camp is held near the village of Santisuk, on the campus of Santisuk Bible training school. Last year we were invited to attend the Camp, but were unable to because of previous commitments. This year we were so blessed to be able to go and participate in the camp.
We saw more of the influence Titus and Newa have in spreading the gospel to the hill tribe people of Northern Thailand. Titus was definitely a leader at the camp. The number of men, women, and young people that attended the week of camp grew from 150 in 2012 to over 400 people in 2013. There were people from the Lahu, Lisu, and Akha tribes. The camp reminded us of church camp here in the States. They had Bible classes, singing, camp food, and even a large prayer circle at the conclusion of camp. We hope to support this camp again in 2014.
English Continues
God always seems to be connecting us with people that meet the needs we have at Gethsemane. In our last newsletter we shared with you our connection with Payap Christian Zone. We are now excited to share that The Zone has agreed to help everyone at Gethsemane Home con- tinue with their English studies. During the summer months, The Zone has several interns working with the children giving them more individual attention.
Monthly connections with Payap Christian Zone and Gethsemane Home were scheduled before we left Thailand. We ask for your prayers that they will also be able to continue the English lessons when the interns return to the States.
Thank you Payap Christian Zone!
We’ve Expanded!
In our last newsletter we told about the opportunity we had to purchase the land bordering Gethsemane Home. The price had increased since we were first approached about the possibility. We had not thought about it for quite some time until Titus informed us that the cost had decreased again, and the owner was anx- ious to sell the land. Several of our connections in Thailand told us this was something we did not want to pass up.
The land was purchased, and within two days the family had cleared the land. A fence has been placed around the land, and Titus told us that many things have been planted. There are green beans, corn, lettuce, and papaya trees. They have also planted 11 golden cane palm fruit trees. In about five years, they will be able to sell the fruit from these trees. At this time the fruit is selling for 300 baht ($10) per kilo, and each cluster of fruit weighs about 15 kilos. We are so impressed that Titus is always thinking of ways to generate an income from the land.
We still owe $3,000 for this land. If you would like to help with this project, your tax deductible donation can be sent to the address below:
Under the Son Ministries, P.O. Box 403, Maryville, MO 64468
