God is doing wonderful things at Rahab Ministries. In the last 4 months 8 women left the bars and more are interested. Rahab staff can testify to the power of God in transforming lives. However, the problems we encounter in this ministry are rarely small and rarely a quick fix. The staff are often discouraged and have little left for personal struggles as they seek to serve God fully.

Yohn, our head beautician, has a beautiful smile and loves to laugh, but she carries a difficult burden. Yohn's husband, Panya is diabetic. This past year his kidneys deteriorated and now he has dialysis three times a week. He is on a waiting list for kidney transplant but it could be a long wait. Yon works long hours, often not returning home until 11pm. She takes her husband for dialysis and then comes into work. Yohn rarely complains but the illness has taken a toll on her family.

 Last month a group from First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls came to visit and ministered to us at Rahab with prayer shawls. As the women at FBC Sioux Falls knit these shawls, they pray for the unknown recipients. Yohn and several others were blessed with these shawls and the prayers that came with them. The team had just been told that day about Panya and they presented Yohn with a special shawl for her husband. This shawl was made by a woman whose husband also suffers from diabetes and kidney failure. Only God knew, as this shawl was being knit by a woman in the U.S., that it would come across the ocean to bless a couple with similar heartaches. Through the ministry of these prayer shawls, two families, across the world from each other, were brought together in God's miraculous ways. Yohn was overwhelmed with the presence and love of God expressed through this gift. Her husband Panya, keeps the shawl around his shoulders all the time, encouraged by the prayer support and ways of God.

Jyap, another beautician, suffered from an evil spirit that came through her pirate grandfather into her when she was just an infant. Jyap became a Christian nine years ago, loves the Lord deeply and wants to serve God. This spirit, however, has tormented her and kept some areas of her life in bondage. When Jyap asked for help we took her to an experienced Thai pastor. After an hour of 7 of us physically and spiritually wrestling against the violent spirit, Jyap was freed. It was an amazing experience. Jyap feels her life is starting anew as she walks and serves in freedom.

Soon after, Karen Smith called. She had heard from a friend in Boston telling of a vision in which a young Thai woman had a violent evil spirit. Christians were wrestling against the spirit, praying for her and then she was delivered and healing took place. She had prayed for the girl in the vision and wanted to know if Karen knew anything. Karen immediately called her about Jyap and together they praised God. Soon after, I shared with Jyap about the woman and her vision. Jyap got teary eyed as she told me that before she was delivered she had asked God to raise up one person to pray for her and her deliverance. God's ways are truly awesome!

When God leads people to pray it has a significant impact in bringing encouragement. Ministry on the devil's playground is challenging and often discouraging. This week, God brought me a verse that spoke to the discouragement. I shared the verse with one of our Thai leaders.

 "We do not want you to be uninformed about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life… But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." 2 Cor. 1:8-11.

The Thai leader looked at me and with tears said she had come into work that morning so discouraged, she intended to write a letter of resignation. God came to her and spoke through that verse and once again she felt the peace that comes with walking in God's will as we learn to rely on Him!

There is a song that has often moved me as I sing, "Somebody's prayin' I can feel it; somebody's prayin for me. Mighty hands are guiding me to protect me from what I can't see. Lord, I believe, Lord, I believe, somebody's prayin' for me!"

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support! It may not seem like much to you across the ocean but over here it makes a significant impact as we feel the power and encouragement of your intercessions!

God bless you abundantly!

Annie Dieselberg