From our last update you know that we left Florida and travelled north. It has been a blessing to settle for a few months into a missionary home of a local church in South Jersey. From here we have made short trips out to visit some family and friends while minimizing exposure to Covid. For me personally (Sandy), I have truly missed worshipping and being a part of the body of believers. Before leaving Thailand, I had some goals as to what my (me would look like when we could worship in the English language. It was a real blow to reach Florida the week that churches closed down. Instead we watched church online, which was what we did in Thailand. I was glad we, as believers could have this outlet, but I did wonder if this would be the new way forward for churches; it’s convenient, you don’t have to go out in the rain or snow, and you can even wear your jammies! In my heart, there was something missing though. Last week, Mike and I were able to share with the congregation of a supporting church in NJ. It was an amazing reunion. This church has always been friendly and even opened their hearts to my mother many years ago. The fellowship with this group was so sweet. After so many years of online English church, it was truly a blessing to be together again worshipping our Lord and Savior. We saw excitement for God not just in the life of the Pastor but also from the members of the church. They were living out their faith by sharing tes(monies, praying for one another and reaching out to visitors. This encouraged my heart and challenged my thinking in regards to Hebrews 10:23-24. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” This is a good reminder that although technology gives us many advantages, one thing we should not overlook is the gathering together to encourage each other, pray for one another, and to help those less fortunate. Our goal of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be done in a vacuum. It is through authentic relationships that are built through shared experiences. So what are our future plans? We will start our migration south in November and then spend a couple months in Florida. Currently Thailand is still not allowing foreigners back in. We are praying that January will see us return to our ministry in Thailand. But as you know, this year has not been a good year for long range plans. Please be praying for us in this. Thanks so much for your partnership with us!
Changes regarding donations
On a side note, our field leadership has recently decided to make some security related adjustments regarding those of us serving in Thailand/Southeast Asia Mainland. As a result, we as field members will no longer be listed by name on the Ethnos360.org website. Beginning on Nov 1, we will be listed only by our account number, with no reference to our name, photo, location or ministry. Giving online will now require you to use our account number: 200470. So to give to us online, visit the missionaries page at https://ethnos360.org/missionaries and search for 200470, or you can reach our page directly at https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/200470. If you already have a recurring gift set up (EFT), you don’t need to make any changes as your gift will automatically be switched over to the new method on November 1st. If you’d like to give using another method, such as by check or over the phone, please visit https://ethnos360.org/give and scroll to the bottom for instructions.
Praise & Prayer
Please pray for housing in Tampa beginning in November until we can return to Thailand.
Praise the Lord for the provision of housing in NJ .
Praise for the use of Kristen’s car. We will be returning it to her in October and renting a van from a
Christian ministry. But due to recent changes on their end, we will need to get our own insurance.
Praise that we were able to spend a week with our kiddos in the Smokies. Didn’t hold back on the hugs!
Please pray for wisdom for us as we try to find a balance between flexibility and making plans in light of the
pandemic that the world is facing. Also, be praying for safe travels and good health as we journey to different places.
Pray for Bae & Noi; Baeng, Nute & Kabung, and our other friends and neighbors that they would respond
to God’s invitation to them. That the Lord would guide Phu Thai people to listen to the audio bible lessons
that we have posted to YouTube and Facebook and that they would respond to these truths.
Please pray that the Lord will open a door for our return to Thailand in January.
Praise for the opportunities to visit with family and friends.