Accepting God’s Call
I must admit that my April visit back to Thailand didn’t go according to my plan, but it did go according to God’s plan. Yes, we did travel to the Omkoi district and made visits to four Lahu Shehleh villages. Upon our arrival we found something I didn’t expect to find…Christians. God had already placed a pastor in the area, and there were a few Christians scattered within the four villages. We also saw churches that a group from Korea had built in two of the villages. After stepping back and thinking for a moment, I realized, just as in every situation, God was way ahead of me on this one.
What was needed from Under the Son Ministries was support for the man that God had already placed in the area. The young man’s name is Simeon, and he is 30 years old. Simeon is evangelizing in these villages even though some of them are several miles apart. We found out thatSimeon had no financial support and no means of transportation. We decided to start giving Simeon $100 a month in June. Our hope is that we might find some individuals who would like to support Simeon in the future.
We also met a young man by the name of Zacchaeus who is from one of the villages we visited. Zacchaeus was preparing to start his final year of Bible training. After graduation he plans on returning to his home village of Ban LaMuu to be the pastor there. Under the Son Ministries gave Zacchaeus the funds to pay for his final year of Bible training and plan to provide Zacchaeus with a salary once he returns to his home village following graduation.
Mission Trip 2015
In our last newsletter we told you that we are planning a mission trip to see the work of Under the Son Ministries in March 2015. 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. An informal meeting is scheduled for August 17th where we will share ideas and information. If you think you might be interested in accompanying us on this trip, please contact us by email or phone for more details about our initial meeting. [email protected] 660-254-5775
Junior Week at Flaming Spirit
We would like to thank Flaming Spirit Christian Service Camp for inviting Under the Son Ministries to be the mission for junior week. There were 110 fifth and sixth graders in attendance who spent the week learning about the great “I Am” and experiencing God’s love for each of them. Each day during mission’s time we used the daily theme to show how God can use us in places like Thailand. It was very encouraging to field all the questions the children had about Thai culture and the children at Gethsemane Home. We challenged the campers to help raise enough money to buy a motorbike for Simeon, our new co-worker in Christ. They reached their goal, and Simeon will soon have a motorbike. He will now be able to travel to the different villages to evangelize to the people there.
House Dedication
Titus’ sister Phoebe and her husband Daniel live next to Gethsemane Home. Their family is very much a part of Under the Son Ministries. Before returning to the States last year, we helped tile one of the dirt floors in their house to show our appreciation for all the work they do. When they found out Steve was coming to Thailand in April, they wanted to finish their house and have it dedicated to the Lord. Upon his arrival, Daniel and Phoebe were in Nong Kheo village helping build a new church. They quickly returned home and the work began. Sand and rock were brought in to help make concrete. The concrete was then used to cover the dirt floor in the porch area and bedroom. Tile was then laid on the bedroom floor. Metal and chain link fence was used to enclose the porch. All this work culminated in an evening celebration with family and friends. A meal was shared, followed by singing, a message from God’s word, and prayer. It is encouraging to know people who recognize that everything comes from God and in turn want to dedicate their home to the Lord.
Santisuk Bible Camp
For the past two years Under the Son Ministries has supported a week of family Bible camp held at Santisuk Bible School. An estimated 300 people attended this week of spiritual growth. This year the camp had separate themes for the youth and the adults. The theme for the young people was “God is Love”, and “Spiritual Leadership” was the theme for the adults. Most of those attending the camp were from the Lahu, Ahka, and Lisu hill tribes. There was also a group from Grace International School and about 20 people from Korea who came to help at the camp.
The Korean ladies performed worship dances, and their pastor spoke at several of the adult sessions. Mike Flinchum and Steve also spoke at different leadership sessions. Mike’s message was based on the spiritual leadership of Nehemiah, and Steve’s message was based on the spiritual leadership of Moses from the book of Exodus. It was a very good week of camp where we witnessed 11 people giving their lives to Christ in Christian baptism. Before camp ended everyone formed a circle and joined hands for singing and prayer.
Land Purchase
The property next to Gethsemane Home has become available for us to purchase. We have been given a short amount of time to raise the needed funds before our option to buy expires. Under the Son Ministries needs to raise $8,500 in the next couple of weeks. The purchase of this property would allow for future growth of the ministry and would also give us the security of controlling how this piece of land would be used. We ask that you be in prayer about this need. If you would like more information or know someone who might be willing to help with the purchase, please contact us.
