Integrated Ministries for Ethnic Minorities Foundation (IMEMF)

Prayer and Praise for January, 2016

I am back in Thailand (as of Dec. 12) and wanted to start off this long-overdue prayer letter with a word of thanks to all who helped make my 3 months in America so good.  Khun Saylo (the director of the center in Mae Sariang) and I had many opportunities to share in churches, women’s gatherings, and home groups.  So many wonderful hosts—and so many good times of connection as we shared about the work amongst the ethnic minorities here in Thailand!  I especially was glad to meet financial and prayer supporters, and be able to thank them personally.  We traveled many miles—from Ohio to Valley Forge, South Carolina, up to New York, all the way west to California, and then down to Florida.  We had safe travels, good airline connections, and no car trouble at all, praise God!  I also had time to reconnect with my family—meeting one of my grandnieces for the first time (and enjoying the other five grand-nieces and one grand-nephew—so fun!)  While I am grateful to so many, I do want to give a special word of thanks to 2 indispensable women in my life that made my time in the US so positive.  My sister Bev DeLashmutt keeps me connected with our larger family, and supports me in so many ways, emotionally and practically (with personal, legal and financial things.)  The other is Susan Peer—long-time friend and head of my Mission Partnership Team.  Susan put together my schedule and made sure I was where I needed to be.  She also helps tracks my finances and gives me a place to stay—and also serves as encourager! I am grateful to call her friend!

Prayer Requests

Our House of Love (HOL) students are in their final 2 months of the school year, and this means that many projects and final tests are coming up.  Please pray for diligent work habits for all of our students in this critical time.  Also please pray for our students who will be graduating from both junior high and high school and need prayer for God’s guidance in the next step.

The Christian Center for the Development of Persons with Disabilities (CDPD) is still working out budgetary needs due to several challenges, including a poor exchange rate from our main supporter Finland.  Please pray for the finances needed to keep all our programs running.

The House of Blessing (HOB), is again looking for a new teacher.  Please pray for someone who will be able to bless and teach the children entrusted to us.

Praise times

Even though we are well into the new year, I wanted to share some photos from some wonderful Christmas celebrations.

On Friday, Dec. 18^th, our House of Love (HOL) family planned a fun evening of worship, food, and a festive program including music and dance.  The evening was extra special as several of our former HOL students came back to celebrate Christmas with us.

The House of Blessing (HOB), had a new twist to our annual gathering of parents and children.  Working closely with one of the tribal churches, we held our Christmas celebration in the slums.  I am sure you can tell from the photos—the day was a success, and a real help to the church leaders, who don’t have the finances nor man power to run a big program on their own.

At the same time this celebration was happening, I was in Mae Sariang at the Christian Center for the Development of Persons with Disabilities (CDPD). What a wonderful time of worship and celebration!