Kao-Jai?

Sa-watdii Ka Ohio!

I have heard from a few folks that they are having trouble posting comments on my blog.  I think I was able to correct that...so try again!!

It has been another full week here in Chiang Mai.  Another book read and another book report completed!!  YAY!  This one was a little bit harder.  We read From Buddha to Jesus.  This a about a gentleman who grew up in a buddhist home that later became a Christian.  It was interesting but sort of hard to understand.  Because Thai is his first language, it made his translation to English a little bit harder to read.  I am glad that it is over but I am also glad for the stretch.  You know, sometimes we need to experience things to fully understand what we have.  So for that, I am grateful for the book.  Even more grateful that it is over!!

Last week we also learned more about being fit for ministry...inside & out.  How our bodies do not belong to us..they are God's...so take care of them!!  Which was wrapped around Deut. 6:5/Matt. 22:37/Mark 12:30 & Luke 10:27.  If you were involved in SLAM this summer you should know those verses...but for the sake of those that were not...Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of our soul, and with all of your mind, and with all of your strength.  And love your neighbor as yourself.  Again, honoring God in every area of your life is vital for being fit for ministry.

We had a few classes on personal & corporate prayer.  Why they are important on their own and how they go together.  When were are coming to God, asking for things that of Him.  Not being focused on ourselves...being focused on Christ.

Later in the week we learned about Welfare & Starting a Strategic Base.  This was really interesting and I think will be extremely helpful down the road.  This is where your vision gets played out and how to start it from the ground up.  It was great to hear how COC started in their ministries and the weaknesses and strengths that came out as a result.  It really boils down to the fact that it is now about you.  It is about people and leading them to Christ.  Showing the people the love of Christ through the things that God has called you to do, wherever you are!  Good stuff!!

I have also started riding my motorbike.  For those of you who don't know, Thailand's basic mode of transportation is a motorbike.  It took me a few Sunday's to practice, but I am managing to stay on it and actually get somewhere...SAFELY!  I am working my way up to the more populated roads but that won't be for another week or so.  Don't want to get TOO crazy!  Saturday was a fun girl day.  We went and got our nails done and then shopping.  It was nice to do something fairly normal and relax at the same time.  Later that afternoon, a few of us met at the U.N. Irish Pub to watch the World Cup - Australia vs. Ireland.  I had never experienced anything like it!  I had NO idea that Rugby was that exciting.  It is possible I have become a big fan!  Just so you know, the majority of people who work for COC are from Australia...and we have a few from Ireland...which made for a great match at the pub.  Ireland won!  I am looking forward to the finals, it should be really good.

If you have been praying for me I have 3 things to add to the list:

1 -  I am getting little bits of revelation from God on direction after Thailand.  That is why I really enjoying the strategic base class.  I think it is going to be vital for what I do next.  Please pray that God would continue to show me direction and that my time here would give me a good foundation for what is next.

2 - My dad has been battling cancer pretty much this entire year.  He is in remission of the cancer in his bones but the Dr.'s have discovered that he has a low grade of prostate cancer.  In order to have the bone marrow transplant, he must have his prostate removed.  Please pray for wisdom as what to do...he does have a few other options but that will possibly hinder the transplant down the road.  He is feeling great but it does get weighty after awhile.  No one likes being sick.

3 - I am sick.  I have a chest cold, an annoying cough and a fever.  Please pray that I could sleep well...I am not doing much of  that either.

I love you all and am so grateful for all of your support.
Keep checking facebook for pictures.  I am trying to add new ones each week!

Pra Jow Ooi Pon Ka!