Reflection by Annie Dieselberg

We are in exciting times that stretch our faith. As I have been recovering from knee surgery, my desire to walk, climb stairs, and have full strength for ministry has motivated me to push through a lot of discomfort and even pain to stretch my muscles and restore them. In the same way, the challenges of economic crisis have put many of us in positions where we feel disabled or less able to give and support others. It hurts to keep moving forward and some churches and individuals are cutting back to minimize the risks.

God is asking us to stretch our faith muscles through the discomfort to restore us to a place where we can climb above the challenges around us. God rewarded Abraham because of his faith and as we keep moving forward in faith, keep sowing generously and continue to declare the good news of what God is doing we will see God's blessing.

Much of our praise report this month is gratitude for so many who are living out the faith that God asks of us. There are still many churches and individuals who are stretching their faith muscles and increasing their giving! They and so many of you have continued to bless us and we are grateful.

We can say as in 2 Corinthians 8: "We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches (you). Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."

We are humbled and encouraged by your faithful generosity both through prayer and support.

Praises and Gratitude

• Recovery Service in San Bernadino: I (Annie) had a safe and good trip to the U.S. I was especially impressed by the Recovery Service at Judson Baptist in San Bernadino. I had the honor of speaking to 250+ people in recovery about the grace of God and His immeasurable love. This church honors the heart of God for the broken and hires buses to bring people from rehabilitation centers to the service each Sunday. God's presence is really moving there in restoring lives. Not surprisingly, this church has seen financial growth as well, as they have chosen to give generously in obedience to God's call in spite of economic difficulties.
• Expression 58 and RHOP: I also had the privilege of speaking to Expression 58, an amazing church and RHOP, the Reformation House of Prayer. I am so grateful for the support and amazing prayers we received. It is encouraging to see how God is building unity in the body to address the issues of brokenness and to bring healing and restoration.
• Breakthroughs at NightLight USA: It was wonderful to catch up on the work that is taking place with NightLight USA through Charity Marquis' leadership. Their influence is growing and they have brought light to some situations of trafficking in the area which lead to some rescues in cooperation with authorities. Due to the sensitivity we cannot share details but we praise God for these breakthroughs and pray for many more!
• Breakthrough in Bangkok: We are seeing weekly breakthroughs of deliverance and prayer ministry. It is so beautiful to watch as God's Spirit ministers to these women.
• School Girls Escape Bar Work: Last year we had two Thai high school girls come to NightLight on school break rather than work in the bars. They were so relieved to have the choice. Praise God, they are back again this school break. It is great to be part of prevention as well as rescue and restoration.
• NCCC's Women Amazing Support: We've had some wonderful teams and volunteers come through giving some very practical training. We are very grateful to the women from North Coast Calvary Chapel who have not only supported us by selling jewelry last year of over $20,000 but who also came to partner with us in giving out gifts for women's day and doing a class on budgeting for the women.
• TeamTeach First Aid: We are grateful to the women who came from an International School in Korea this past week and taught First Aid to the women as well as doing fun activities with the children on school break.
• Funds Raised in the UK and the US: Redeemer Fellowship in Michigan put on a benefit concert to raise funds for remodeling of NightLight's new buildings. Together with what they raised and the offering from St. Peter's Baptist Church in the UK, we have $17,000 toward the goal of $60,000 for remodeling. Praise God!

Prayer Requests

• Jewelry sales! We have money in the account for another month of women's salaries and bills. Please pray for an outpouring of jewelry sales to provide both work and finances. God is faithful and always provides, but He chooses to use us, so please spread the word to buy jewelry and host jewelry parties.
• Waiting List: We still have a waiting list of women seeking employment and many more in the bars longing for opportunities, so pray that God will protect them until we are able to hire them.
• Out of Reach: Pray for "M-T" who was baptized in February, but has disappeared in the last 3 weeks and out of contact.
• Beaten: Pray for "O-l" who was badly beaten by her boyfriend who is an alcoholic. She is now living with her sister, but still vulnerable to giving in to his words that he won't do it again. She is a new believer. Pray she will have discernment and be safe, and that he will be willing to get the help he needs.
• Summer Break for Thai Kids: Pray for all the children on summer break who will be coming to the child care center while visiting their mothers. It is a great opportunity to minister to them. Pray specifically for "Beth" whose mother married and moved to another country. She is staying with her aunt, but looks very sad to be without her mother.
• African Victim Wants to Go Home: Pray for "Viva" a woman from East Africa who has asked for assistance. Pray she will have the courage to leave the streets, and that we will be able to help her get home safely, and be connected to an organization that can further encourage her with alternatives.
• Emily in the UK: Pray for Emily who is speaking in the UK this month.
• Staff and Volunteers: Please pray for the staff and volunteers for protection, health, wisdom and strength.
• Political Unrest: Pray for peace in Thailand in the political arena as protests are increasing.

We pray for you and also ask that prayers be lifted up for all those who pray and support us that God will protect, provide, and bless each one. We thank God for you!

Sincerely
Annie Dieselberg
CEO NightLight