Dear Partners in Prayer

We are back, refreshed from our vacation. We spent ten days in Vietnam and three days bird watching in a National Park here.  We had a great time with Larry’s mom.  As always, coming back has us busy trying to catch up with what has been going on in our absence.  Michael and Julia took care of things while we were gone and were able to fill us in on a lot.

There was much to catch up on!

God at work
Both Tor, our neighbor, and Inn were in the hospital when we left.  They are both home now and back to normal. Thank you for your prayers for them.  Inn still has medical problems, and at our home group last week she asked to be healed so she could go places.  Tong, a seeker, said, “Well, God is already answering your prayer in a roundabout way. You went to a seminar today and out for lunch; you go over the hill to fellowship with the other group.”  

A Dream Come True
Leadership training:    We held our first leadership training seminar last week.  It was small but really good.  Inn, Nuek and Long spent the day with us.  Larry, Muana and Jan lectured before lunch, and we had practical sessions after lunch.  The response was very encouraging. 

Loaves and Fishes - Roofing and Nails
We had been looking at putting a roof on a house for Yot and his wife Bua-gaew, an older couple Jan and Julia had met through home visitation.  We had been in conversation with village leaders about replacing the leaky thatched roof with something more substantial.  There was concern that the whole house structure was too unstable to support a new roof.  Larry discussed other options with them.   It was suggested that a new one-room house would be better.  We in good Asian bargaining style suggested that if such a house was built we would provide materials for the roof.  The community has come to the aid of the party and has a small structure framed and ready to be roofed.  Materials are coming from stuff lying around the community and from the local government.  The labor has been provided by neighbors.   God has a brilliant way of multiplying the things that we bring.

Population Explosion
It is Thai New Year and many people are coming home for the celebrations.  Road deaths at this time of year are sometimes quoted by the hour.  In our monthly village meeting we were reminded not to drink and drive, and to wear seat belts in cars and helmets on motor bikes.  We are also noticing that people are returning home.  Factories and businesses are downsizing because of the economic situation.  Thai New Year is a time to have fun with family and friends.  It is a time rich in celebration and ceremony.  This year it coincides with Easter.

We pray that your Easter will be rich in celebration and praise of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord.

With love and thanks for your partnership,

Larry and Jan

Prayer Points

Praise for a good holiday with Larry’s mother--Pray for her; she has been sick and in the hospital since returning to the States.

Praise God that he used us to be a catalyst in moving Yot’s neighbors to help provide him and his wife a weatherproof home.

Pray for opportunities to share God’s compassion in this situation.

Praise God for both Tor’s and Inn’s recovery.  Pray that they will see God’s hand in their recovery.

Pray for our support raising situation.  February and March have both been very low months and we are now in a negative position for the year.

Praise God for Tong’s spiritual perception.  Pray that she will grow in her understanding and need for a personal savior.

Praise God for the leadership training day.  Pray that the participants will continue to grow in their understanding and ability.

Special Things Happening This Month

11 –13 Visit to Payameng Rai -- encouraging the church there

14 –15 Visit from home office staff

27 - 28 Meetings in Chiang Mai