Illustrations of the Difference Your Partnership Makes

Through Free Methodist Mission Thailand 

Recently, David Yardy, the Asia Area Director pictured in the green shirt, wrote in an email, "I thought I would share some good news because I know how much it means to you when people come to faith in Jesus."

The gentleman in the blue shirt is the father of a sergeant who along with his family has been an active part of the Bangkok FM Church for some time.  David wrote, "His father confessed Jesus publicly in church yesterday."  Pastor Art pictured on the left sent David the picture of the event.

Please join us in giving thanks to the Lord for His redemptive power to draw men and women, boys and girls to Himself.  What a day of celebration there must have been in the sergeant's family and the body of Christ in the Bangkok FM Church that Sunday.  Please join us in celebrating the Lord's work in this man's life and answering the sergeant's prayers.  Would you also join us in praying that the Lord would establish this new believer in His Word and in the fellowship of the church.  Pray he would be mentored and discipled to grow and share his new faith with others in his sphere of influence.

If you want to give to Thailand Country Shares 2013 budget please check out the link here to be sure the work of the national church continues to move forward.  Thanks to those who are already giving.  Here's the link:  Thailand Country Shares

At Grace
Story from the Grace Web Site  For more pictures check out the underlined link.

Senior Shelagh Li and Allie Flaa taught and lived with New Sky Home Thai orphans for two fun weeks, reconnecting with children they'd met two years ago.

"It was good to keep our promise, to return to the Thai school where we'd taught before.  It meant a lot to the kids.  but our first day was a bit intimidating.  I was afraid the kids had forgotten us; then we'd have to begin relationships again," Shelagh said.

Some of the young people Allie and Shelagh Li, two Grace International School students, served in their outreach.

Allie explained their main challenge: "We were totally immersed in Thai language!  Some people also spoke Chinese, but little English.  Thinking in Thai was a huge focus, but it helped to have Shelagh around; she speaks better Thai."

Their days began early at 6:30 a.m., when New Sky Home staff brought breakfast.  "We taught English every day to Thai public school children, grades K1 to 6.  In the evenings, we debriefed, prepped lessons for the next day, read books, played guitar, made lunches, sometimes made dinner for the kids, and washed our clothes by hand, until lights went out at 9 p.m.," Allie said.

Each day the teens taught, building on basic English vocabulary the Thai students knew, using many different learning activities, like flashcards, writing, games, and coloring pages.  After reading A Color of My Own to classes, they helped make 3D chameleons.  "It was awesome seeing the kids design creative colors and patterns," Shelagh said.

After school back at the orphanage, Shelagh and Allie led more crafts and activities.  Fridays were movie nights; Saturdays everyone sang; Sunday evenings they played games.  But they feel this mission opportunity isn't for everyone; and orphanage staff are careful about who works with their children.

"I knew I'd see a poorer part of Thailand, but was surprised their buildings were much nicer than expected.   Our guest house had water heaters, mattresses on beds, wardrobes, blankets, and a nice kitchen,"  Allie said.  "The children were friendlier, happier, and more full of hope than we expected.  We bonded easily, and they thought everything we taught was brilliant!"

Shelagah said she'd definitely like to visit again.  "It's a great opportunity to learn how to serve the less fortunate.  They have a joy that only the Lord can give.  Sometimes, with lots of possessions, we can lose track of the Lord's joy, because we're so caught up in the material things we own.  And I loved seeing the kids how and develop into opinionated little people.  We also like teaching orphan girls crafts and foods that they could make, to earn a living someday."

Both seniors feel it was a great experience.  They saw missionaries helping in villages on the Burma border and heard amazing stories of God working there, where Shelagh's family serves with Hong Kong-based China Evangelical Missions (CEM).  Her parents teach at the Bible Seminary; other staff run New Sky Home, opened in 2006 for 50 children, ages 3 to 18; after housing orphans in a student center since 1995.

"It was much harder to leave this year; we may never return after graduation.  But as we blessed and encouraged the children, everything made them smile!  And serving there also blessed us," Shelagh said.