Mission Trip To Petchaboon, Thailand

This trip showed me a village of people who were so eager to hear the Word of God. Those of you who receive my Prayer Letter heard how the village of 300 people were so eager to have their church opened, that in a matter of 30 minutes of going around the village, over 100 of the 300 people came to the event. We had a Christmas Service for them that evening. We also sang some Christmas songs and some goofy songs with the people. The Joy that filled the over packed small church sent off an energetic feeling. Mary gave her testimony. And I sat in awe as I watched the excitement a small child had over receiving gifts of laundry soap and dish washing detergent. In America, you would probably see a child throw a fit over receiving this kind of a gift. These children had beaming faces. It was so rewarding! Now, my prayer for this village, for this church, is that God will lead someone to re-open that church, for there to be a consistent pastor, Sunday school, and the Compassion program re-opened for the children. It also showed me how there are places in the world that have heard about God and have accepted Jesus as the One True God and do not have a pastor/mentors helping them understand the Bible...In eagerness and in joy they soak in everything that they can get and they continue to have a strong steadfast love for God. You can see it in their eyes! In America we are blessed with many churches. Many different Bible Studies. In fact, we are spoiled because we find ourselves complaining about the way a church worships in song (Organ, Jazz style, loud, contemporary, hymns,etc.),or the way the pastor presents his message of Biblical Truth, or the size of the church congregation, or the type of Sunday school they have for our children. At this village, these minor details are not an option. In this village, there is just a pure joy in worshipping together and hearing biblical truth from whomever will teach them.

The following day we were able to go to a school with a program for the students. It was a public school that God had to of softened the teacher's heart to let us come and do a Christmas program (a Christian Program in the Predominant Buddhist Community). When we first got there the students sat in five lines (very still) as they patiently waited for us to set up. Sarah and I led a few relay games of fun. Then Tawng taught them a song about Jesus being the hero of their heart and life; a bigger hero than Superman or Spider man. Who is the the true Hero of your Heart? (Note: I posted a video clip of this song that Tawng is leading to the bottom of this post). Then We sang some Christmas Songs together. Tim got up and shared with them about the gift of Jesus (our Hero)being the best gift of all. Interestingly, when Tim asked them what Christmas was, one of the students (In Thai) told Him that it is the way the foreigners celebrate the New Year. After Tim's explanation of Christmas and the true gift of Jesus being born that day, I know that seeds of truth were planted in the children's and their teacher's hearts. They were so precious. We were also able to bring them gifts. We gave them small toys, laundry soaps, dish washing detergent, and many pamphlets about God/Jesus. It was a special time and a blessing to be apart of!!

Christmas Ministry EVENTS

Wow! God is amazing! One after the other we had a Christmas Party for each of the ministries that we work with. We had a Party in Mahatthai 3 Wednesday evening. Then the following evening we went Caroling around the neighborhood (I have learned Joy to the World and we Wish you a Merry Christmas in Thai by Heart!!). Friday Evening we had a Campus/English Classes Christmas Party. The next morning after that we had a party for the Children in our English Classes. Then it was Sunday where we had a Christmas Service and Christmas party with the church family. (The next morning we left early for our Missions Trip). So, yes we were busy. But, since God has worked with me on my attitude and my stress levels...I was able to sit back and watch His hand in each of the events!

At Mahatthai, We decorated outside of the "Sala" (this building that we do the ministry with the children and where I will be teaching English beginning in January). The Children all came and the adults did too! P'Chai spoke the gospel and shared with them the importance of Christmas and Jesus coming into the world as a baby. We gave out gifts (like laundry soap and dish washing soap, and stuff animals and toys for the children). Some of the children had learned a couple choreographed dances to some songs. Another group of some of the Mahatthai people played out a skit around the true meaning of Christmas. And we sang Christmas songs together. It was a blast! It was especially exciting because many of the Children in the neighborhood hear about Jesus and we pick them up for church and they believe in Him as their Lord and Savior...but, their parents do not. However, whether the parents came for the gifts or to watch their children do their dance that they were so excited to perform...some seeds were planted with the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of knowing and following after the one true God! Today,we can pray for these seeds to begin to deepen and sprout in their hearts.

The following day, we went Caroling around Ram Song (which is where we live). We caroled through the markets and down the streets of the shops. It was loads of fun! P'Pat would even yell to get every one's attention in the market...which was awesome! (and surprising since the culture is a very quiet and reserved culture in public). We were able to hand out fliers of our Church while Caroling and on Sunday we were able to see the fruit of it as a handful of new faces came to church on Sunday. Now, we can pray that they keep hearing the Lord's Call and continue to want to know more about God; choosing to follow Him themselves.

On Friday, we had the Campus/Adult English Class Christmas Party. P'Yu made Thai food for dinner and Mary and I each brought a dessert. We socialized,making everyone feel welcome. Then we ate dinner together. After that we sang a few Christmas songs together. Then Sarah and I got up and lead a game. We played something like gestures. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves. Then we had everyone watch a Billy Graham video called the Living Hope. After that, some YWAM men got up and did some Hip Hop Break Dancing...which was incredible. I have never seen someone be able to be so flexible with their entire body and break dance that well (maybe that is because I live in White Ville Colorado =)). After this time it was time for our Lifehouse Everything Drama and our role play of Jesus' birth. Both came out perfectly. I love giving everything to God...letting go of the reigns...because these acts could not have turned out so perfectly without God's very breath in the midst of each move. During the drama, those role playing the parts...looked as if they were truly feeling the emotion of what was being role played. When I looked at the audience in the end of the performance, people looked as if they had been shaken...struck with the reality of a life without Jesus and protection and love that Jesus gives us as our Savior. God was moving! Praise Him for being in Charge, In Control, and All Powerful! Praise Him for Taking the stress off of me and allowing me and my teammates to be used by Him to bring others to their knees for Him. Praise the Lord for the few that I know for sure, are truly wanting to know more about our True God...wanting to have the peace that He gives us...The Hope that He gives us. Please Pray with me as I pray that God continues to soften their hearts and their interest becomes a deep desire and determination to Live for Jesus too!

For the Children's English Classes Christmas Party we had fun snacks and goodies to keep it rolling. They played a few games, and sang some Christmas Songs. We role played our story of Jesus' birth again. Then P'Pawn asked them questions about the lesson and handed out candy for the right answers! They were so cute. What is wonderful about looking into the hearts of these children is their innocence and pure faith in the truth of what they are learning shines right through their joyful smiles and their bright eyes. Let's pray that those around these children, their parents, their neighbors, etc. will see this light in the children and desire it too; resulting in having Faith Like A Child themselves. That they may also have this peace and contentment!

Sunday was wonderful too! When I arrived at church everyone was dressed up for Christmas. After church we had a church Christmas party where we exchanged gifts and sung Christmas Songs. Then as a team we went over to the head Pastor's house, Natee and had a going away party for P'Ying. She will be so deeply missed here. Thank you for your prayers in her being able to get over to New York to be a nanny. She was accepted and will be flying over there at the beginning of January. Pray for her anxieties of the new culture, for her host family, and for her to feel that connection with her new church family at Redeemer. P'Ying is a wonderful leader, and she will do well there. I am excited to hear what happens in the next chapter of her life!

So, as I wrap up this blog. I just want to praise God for going before every detail and being that Prince of Peace. After that revelation you read in the last blog. God showed me to trust Him and He will use us to Glorify Him. Well, He has!!! Seeds have been planted. We have been used in these opportunities to reach the hearts of the loved ones surrounding the people already involved in our ministries. Each event...that naturally I would have continued to be a basket case of stress over...worked out perfectly. It was joyful and exciting to watch God move in the preparations, the events themselves, and the hearts of those who attended!

I feel Blessed! I hope after reading this post, you feel encouraged in your ministries to give God the reigns, open yourself to be used by Him, and watch in awe as He with perfection takes over each moment.

Lord, I am in Awe of You!

Character Building during the mix of Plan Changes

This past week, for the first time since being in Bangkok, I felt stressed. We have two Christmas Events (tonight and tomorrow) where I am to put together a couple different skits. So, throughout the week I writing out the skits; the Christmas Story and the Lifehouse-Everything drama to music. I was also working on getting others lined up to practice last Saturday....

Well, my plans were not God's plans last Saturday. On Saturday, my itunes would not work and I needed to get the song-Everything off of my computer and onto a CD for the rehearsal. I kept praying,"Lord I know that you want us to do this skit and I know that you can make these itunes work." So throughout the day, in Faith, I kept pushing the itunes icon on my computer...only for nothing to happen. At the time that we were supposed to start rehearsing, a couple of my teammates came up to me and said, lets practice tomorrow. Well, feeling the pressure of making sure the skits were well done, I was frustrated. And unfortunately, it showed in my facial expression and the tone of my voice when I responded. I felt defeated and now this on top of the itunes issue. What does God want from me?!

Saturday evening, there was a neat dinner up on top of the roof of the church. A dinner that would not have been worth missing. A dinner that I wish I knew about before. So, at this point I am feeling mixed emotions about the change of plans... Frustrated... yes... but, noticing this was a special activity.

So, they asked me to hand out the parts. The people that were originally going to do it, backed out. The people that I thought would be the best at the parts, were no longer available for Sunday.

When Sunday morning came, I was handed a CD with the song for our drama, "Everything", on it. We began practice at 1:00pm and finished at 6:30pm. The people in the skits are completely different than the one's I would have chosen and yet by 6:30pm, I saw how God pulled through.

When Monday morning rolled around. I felt convicted over my attitude towards my teammates on Saturday. I felt bad for being upset with God for not making things go the way I planned on Saturday. Upon getting to the office I was convicted-through a couple of your e-mails...Realizing it is not about me-but God. (Krystle take away the Pride).

I must listen more than talk...Talk about conviction! For God is the Prince of Peace (I was not filled with Peace on Saturday). My joy was gone and I was aggravated with the relaxed way of the Thai culture-clashing with my perfectionist attitude of a performance.

Another stated this and it felt like He was talking from my heart. So I quote, "I’m learning to let go of my life agenda, recognizing that certain things are out of my control, but also knowing that the Lord has always had a plan and purpose for those things. (There is freedom in trusting God) And that’s a good thing – because He holds the future. It’s actually quite an adventure."

You see these skits are not my skits. They are God's skits. He knew from the beginning who He wanted in the skits. In a way outside of my box of thinking, He provided the song for the drama. These skits are not a performance score for me. They are an opportunity to by used by God to share the gospel; ultimately glorifying Him.

Now is the time to Sing, "It Is Well With My Soul" and trust God with each day.

As Christmas is nearing. We are making Satan uneasy. He doesn't want us to have Joy. He doesn't want us to share the TRUE meaning of Christmas. He will do everything He can to darken our hearts and discourage us. Don't let Him! I have humbly asked forgiveness from God and the two teammates that I had a negative attitude with on Saturday. I will not let my heart be discouraged by Satan. Check your hearts and hold stead fast to God and He will lead you in the opportunities that He has for you during this Christmas Season. Opportunities that you would definitely not want to miss out on!


“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Please Pray for tonight and tomorrow's Christmas events. Pray that the skits Go as God has planned, and He softens the hearts of those there that they may be open to the truth that will be told!

Thanks!
Krystle

Our Women's Christmas Party

Thursday evening we had our church's Women's Christmas Party. Mary had everyone to her house for the party. Each of us brought a dish to share for dinner and a white elephant gift with the value of 100 baht. I noticed that when people got up for seconds on their servings of food...the Thai women went for another helping of the healthy main dishes while the American women went for the chocolate bars and sugar cookies (Yes I am guilty). The sugar cookies were an exciting highlight of the evening as sweets are not highly accessible around Bangkok. We socialized and then sang Christmas Songs together. I attached a video clip to this blog of the group singing Joy to the World in their natural language-Thai. You will also notice a picture of Ying with her guitar. She led us in song. Praise God(Shared as a prayer request in a previous blog)-Her interview at the Embassy went well (Thank you for your prayers) and she will be leaving for New York to take her nanny position. Please pray for her as she is nervous about the upcoming culture shock.

After we sang Christmas songs we played a few games. There is a picture of one of the games. We had two teams-Each behind the blue flooring. Each teams had to have someone put one of their teammates up to their side of the blue flooring. Then when they dropped it...the two players had to "race with words" in saying the person's name (on the opposite team) first. It was an adrenaline rush!!

Jan gave the Christmas Story; emphasizing the Gift of God's Son. I didn't understand most of it because it was in Thai...so good thing I already know this amazing Truth!!

As a group we played the white elephant game. My roommate told me to get dishes for the house. She said to bring these because the women of our church always love getting things for their kitchen. So, I found a glass pitcher and glasses (It was pretty)...My roommate ended up with it...I don't think she likes it--OOPS! Good thing she doesn't know it was my gift...shhhh! (I received a beautiful blue and white scarf...Fun, Fun, Fun!)

So, here I have been worried about my feelings on Christmas. This is my first Christmas away from my family. But, God is showing me the fun in enjoying Christmas with my Thai friends. It is a wonderful feeling of love, while bustling in excitement. This was our first Christmas Activity. We have three more Christmas parties for the different ministries and a missions trip to go on (Northern Thailand)before Christmas. I am excited to see what God reveals about Himself throughout this next week.

God-You have shown me that although, I am missing sharing this with my family back home...The celebration is over the moment when you sent your son, Jesus, into the world. In the form of an infant, He grew up amongst sinners. He was surrounded by evil, and 33yrs later paid the ultimate sacrifice (On the cross)-so that I can go to heaven with you one day. Jesus, your birth into the world is the perfect reason to celebrate-Help me keep my emotions out of the picture and my focus on you-celebrating YOU with those around me. I desire to shine your love and share this truth with the children, my peers, and my elders. Love you! Krystle

Perfectly Orchestrated Day!

Yesterday was the King of Thailand's birthday. The King's birthday is also considered Father's Day here. Everyone wears Pink and Yellow in celebration of this day (I have never seen so many men in Pink.... =) ). This day was quite unique with random things throughout the day. So, unique that I have to share it with you.

In the early morning I was dressed up in yellow for leader's meeting (BSF) in Downtown Bangkok (one hour from my home). We had a fellowship as leaders afterward, sharing what God is doing in our lives. I was able to share with them what I shared with you all in my December prayer letter. Then had a fun practicing my Thai with the Taxi Driver to quickly get back to my house....because this day was set aside to help environmentally clean up the Mahattahi area. So, when I arrived back at home, I quickly put on my "work clothes" (clothes that could get stained);a yellow t-shirt and gray boy shorts. Then I was off to Mahatthai to be a blessing to the residence of Mahatthai.

Let me paint a picture of this neighborhood for you. The houses are shacks of wood and tin. They are placed on stilts that have much dirty water below them. When walking in the neighborhood, you walk over, a broken bridge type look to get to different people's houses. When I say the water is dirty, I mean that it is like one just finished dying Easter eggs and then mixed all of the colors together ...creating the darkest black color ever imaginable. This water is so polluted with layers of trash in it too. So, as a team, we got trash bags, gloves, and rakes. Then we went between the houses, for five hours...only making a dent into taking out the trash from the highly polluted water. There is still much to be done in that area. I say, we need some short term teams in here helping out! =) (NOTE: I did not have my camera with me...but, I will update this blog with pics of what the water and neighborhood at Mahatthai 3 soon)

As a team we also provided lunch for the neighborhood. We played with the children and socialized with the people who joined us for lunch. Some of the children do not have father's anymore. This could be for a multiple of reasons such as death and leaving the family. So, one little girl, Nawng Faa, ran up to one of the Thai staff, P'Pat, and asked him if he would be her father. Of course he said yes. And now, in conversation, he refers to her as one of his daughters. That was so sweet and it also reminded me of how Jesus is our adopted father. How all we have to do is ask Him to be our Father and He says Yes. He is the greatest father one could ask for. A father who sacrificed Himself so that we could live eternally in Heaven with Him. A father who above all, is never changing, and He will never leave us or forsake us! Happy Father's day Jesus!! If you do not know Jesus as the father that I know Him as...A father that could never possibly disappoint you...please look into what it could mean if you too would accept the open arms of Jesus as your father.

After a hard days work, a shower, and worship practice (dressed in a pink shirt and capris), we went to King's park (a local park near my home)for an evening celebration. Then I watched how God orchestrated the details of the evening. Sitting down to eat, we sat by a family, who were very excited to see foreigners there. The children/teenagers attached themselves to myself and Sarah. We talked with them. And then the fireworks started going off. They were the most beautiful fireworks I have ever seen. Some that stayed in spirals of the water, others like shooting water falls from the water, and still others bursting from the sky. I had front row seating! The neat part of the evening was seeing how, God brought me into this family's life. Before we left that evening together...Noiy (the teenage daughter) got my phone number and she really wants to hang out together soon. I have been praying that God show me the people that He would like me to specifically invest in. Is she one that God has in mind? Will you pray with me for clear direction with this part of my ministry?

Happy Father's Day From Thailand!

Thanksgiving

Each year Thanksgiving is celebrated on an adventure with my family. This year was the first year, that I am on an adventure during Thanksgiving without my family. Here in Thailand, I have been surrounded by a different, yet wonderful family.

The morning was spent as staff. We worshiped God in song and thanked him for many aspects of our lives (the ministries, the people around us,our authorities, His provision, etc). Then in the afternoon, we all prepared for the dinner. Some of us cooked, others took care of tables, others making the lanscaping look beautiful, and others puting together songs for our time together. This was the first Thanksgiving, that I had a variety of Filipino, Thai, and American foods. As shown in the top picture, we had three tables of this fantastic variety. Thanksgiving was shared with a Filipino team that came on a missions trip (shown in middle picture) to serve with us for a week, our Staff here at New Fellowship Community Church, and others whom we had invited throughout the past couple weeks to join us for the meal. Together we sang to God, prayed, and fellowshiped with one another. It was perfect!

Plus, I was able to eat some wheat bread, as well as some delicious pies!

God Moves while teaching a Natural English Class

I have been given the opportunity to teach English classes. Each English class holds a different level of English capability with the students. "Natural English" was the one class that worried me. Those who have known me through my teenage years, could probably attest that English was and continues to not be my strongest subject! In this Natural English class I am teaching things such as definite articles and relative clauses, etc. I am so glad that I could give it to God to go before me in this class. In preparation for each of my classes, one of my prayers (so pray with me please!) is that God shows me ways to share Him with my students. This week, we were discussing, stereotypes/prejudices, and God brought me right to His word for the lesson. He used what He is showing me in my BSF lessons and applied it to this class. Isn't it awesome to see how God shows you something in His Word that can so practically be used many times throughout your week? =)

I have been studying about the Jews and the Samaritans and on how they held huge prejudices against one another. What stereotypes were held toward the other ethnic/religious cultural group of people. Jesus broke this stereotype "as a Jew" when he spent time with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 6). So, as a class...practicing our English, reading, and understanding of what we read...we acted out three different skits. One of two Jews discussing their ethnic history and why they have so much hatred toward the Samaritans. Another skit of two Samaritans discussing their ethnic culture and why they have such negative opinions of the Jews. Finally a third skit as two acted out the scene of Jesus and the woman at the well.

I continued to pray that these skits are not offensive, and that each class member may take some truth out of it. Everyone seemed to enjoy acting it out and as I watched their facial expressions...there were looks of interest...enjoying the facts of history involved. Please pray with me that for each of my classes, God will help me in my preparation, be able to in some way incorporate some truth of who He is.

Rhianna, a woman on our team here and also the woman I talk to in regards to accountability each week, encouraged me with the fact that we are planting seeds. And one day hopefully the seeds grow into blossoming flowers desiring a personal relationship with God. She says that she has seen it here through this part of the ministry. As each missionary who comes here is used by God in these individuals lives and He continues to draw his sheep nearer to Him.

One of my roommates shared with me her journey to knowing and receiving God. She said that she looks back and is amazed to see how God had a hand in her life, how He was drawing her nearer to Him (partly through studying English), and after a few years of God moving quickly in her life, the lights turned on for her. At that time she desired that deep, personal relationship with God herself. Today, this is a woman who is mentoring/shepherding many other women here in Bangkok. Her faith/her walk with God, is mature way beyond her years. My prayer is that one day my students will choose for themselves to take that step of faith and develop their own personal walk with God as my roommate did ten years ago.

As a last note: I am going to be inviting my students to BSF each month. The next intro class is this coming Tuesday. Please pray that over the months of asking or even this very week they will decide, to come =)

Remember, each day you are planting seeds of Jesus in the hearts of those around you. How are you shining Christ's light and planting seeds of God's unconditional love to those around you?

Your Sister in Christ,
Krystle

Lets Go To The Lord In Prayer

Nothing is Impossible for God! In His word we know that He is the
Beginning and the End. He is our Creator. He is Never Changing. He is Merciful. He is the Bread of Life. Through Him we have Salvation. He is With Us Always...These are just a few Characteristics of God that our Thailand staff praised Him for on Thursday afternoon (a time set aside for the staff to worship and pray together for the ministries). We had a wonderful time of worship; praising God in words and in song.

Our staff went into a time of Thanksgiving to the Lord after we praised Him. You too can joyfully thank Him with us. 1) Our Campus Bible Study started up again Friday night there was a whole circle of people in attendance. 2)P'Chai and P'Pawn (a married couple on the team) found house to move into. 3)Napada Handicrafts ministry has a website up and are now working on the logistics. 4)My students in my English Classes have bonded well to me and we are off to a good start! 5)Approximately thirty children came to JOY Kids and had their eyes glued to P'Pang as she told the story of Moses parting the Red Sea. 6)A lady is able to translate the sermons in a room upstairs on Sunday morning to those that are only English speakers.

Then we prayed some prayer requests. 1) A flu/sinus/cold is going around the team. Prayer that those that are sick will get better and those that are not sick do not catch it. 2) P'Ying is going to interview with the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday...pray that it goes well so that she can go be a nanny in New York for two years (although we will really miss her!). 3) Campus Ministry-Those that we play badminton with with come to some activities that we plan; Also that more people will come to the "Club" on campus from 11am-2pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. 4)Mahatthai: I will begin teaching English to the Mahatthai women...that those relationships grow...and that the language will not be a barrier (Remember God can do the impossible!); Also more adults will come to seek after God in that Community...that they might decide to join us for worship on Wednesday Evenings. 5) Napada Handicrafts-Stores in CO will choose to sell the items and we may begin to have a better support for this ministry within Thailand too. 6) One of the ladies who works at Napada Handicrafts is beginning to ask deeper questions about God. Please pray as the Lord continues to soften her heart that she will desire to find that pure satisfaction that we know can only be found in Christ. 7) A student, Jane, from our campus ministry is also being mentored at this time. P'Yu has been talking to her about God for a long time now and she seems to also be beginning to desire having a personal relationship with God. 8) Filipino Team-This team is coming out here today and working with us for the next week. Pray that they feel loved by us. 9) Upper Thailand gets down to 40 degrees during this season and due to many people not having the appropriate clothing, often times they get hypothermia and die. So a prayer of God's protection over them this winter would be a wonderful blessing. 10) The interns on the staff that are in Bible Seminary at this time..God continues to grow them and reveal His timing and as He opens the doors for them to go out and continue to church plant throughout all of Thailand. 11) Prayer for God's guidance in where and how to open up churches in other locations. Your Prayer Support means more than you will ever know!

What characteristic of God is standing out to you today? What attribute of his is He showing you? What are you thanking God for today? Let me know so I can be in thanksgiving with you!! Also, I love receiving prayer requests from those that have sent them to me. I pray each day over them. Those of you that are not sending me prayer requests...Please do...I am a prayer warrior for you! I care about what God is doing in the ministry that you are apart of, in your family, and in your life.

Never forget to bring all things to Christ in Prayer!

NO Workaholics Allowed!

Those of you who know me...know that I have been a workaholic for the past three years. I am so thouroughly exhausted by the end of my workdays that I have no energy to give to others...no energy to build relationships by spending time with others that I do not yet know. Well that is not going to "fly" here in Thailand. I am learning that people are very relational. The Thai staff on my team will stop from their work to play a game with others that come into the church/office building. They are showing me that it is important to prioritize those relationships. In America, this would probably be labeled as lazy...There is always work to be done...and no body likes the "slacker" in the office. For having a co-worker that is a "slacker" usually just makes your work load double, right? That is NOT protocol in Thailand. You are caring, genuine, a true friend/mentor, if you care enough to take the time to get to know someone.

The whole reason for me being out here is to be an asset to the MTW team; used by God so that others may have a chance to know the sacrificial ultimate love of Jesus. I must understand this relational Thai way. A way most Christian Americans should probably adopt themselves. God's Word, The Bible, states our main purpose on this earth through Paul in Colossians 2:2-3 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (NIV) Are you fulfilling God's purpose? Fulling His purpose with an open heart? allowing God to use you in other's lives? Taking that time to build relationships? And ultimitely showing Christ's love? Or are you (like I'm struggling with) finding yourself a workaholic, where you are stressed and focused on the "To-DO's" of your checklis that you have no energy to give to relationships?

I'm not saying be lazy...I'm saying we must manage our time wisely, do our daily work in Christ's strength, and not get to the point of burn out; that point where we have no energy to give to the REAL Purpose that God has for us on earth. Ask God to use us for His glory throughout our daily work day.

I was able to see God in action on Monday evening. This helped me see the difference in being too focused on the "To-Dos" versus the importance of taking the time to "hang out" and build relationships with people around me. Monday, I was at the office from 7:30am to 9:00pm...only allowing a break for lunch. (I was teaching my first Advanced English Class from 7-9pm and throughout the day I was worried about the best way to "spice the class up"..but I will get to this in a later blog entry). So, by 9:00pm I was exhausted...ready to go home and relax. However, One of my students stayed and everyone was downstairs talking. We ended up going out to dinner and singing karaoke together that evening. As a side note: Karaoke is a big thing here..probably because everyone has amazing voices). Taking time to hang out with some of the Thai staff and a couple students, has already given me a closer relationship with them...allowing for deeper conversation.

Picture of our group on Monday night: Starting across from me and going around the table is P'Yu (a roommate), Sarah (another intern), P' Pat (Staff-studying to be a minister), P'Go (staff-also studying to be a minister), P'June (a friend of P'Douy), P' Douy (my English student), and then myself.

This is a picture of me learning that doing God's Work needs to be a priority. Please pray for me to see God's hand as He reveals to me some specific people (who may not know Him as their Lord and Savior) that He may want me to invest in on an individual basis.

Thank You!

Space for the Saxophone!

This was the first week that I was able to join the worship band for the church. It was a true joy! For those of you who do not know, I play the saxophone. To my surprise a month before I left for Thailand, I was talking with Tim (one of my teammates here in Bangkok)and he said to bring my sax to Thailand. He informed me that the King of Thailand plays the Saxophone and the people of Thailand love the Saxophone/Jazz. This was exactly what I found out today when I played for the first time in with the worship team. Many came up to me, letting me know how much they love the sound of the saxophone. I may now even have a saxophone student to start teaching weekly.

Earlier I stated that it was a true joy for me to play with the band. You see, our church service is obviously in Thai...I do not understand the exact words of the worship songs sung in Thai. However, yesterday, the team explained to me what each song was about. So, today, I was able to worship God through the song coming from my saxophone. Isn't that cool?!!

On a side note. I encourage all you musicians to come to Thailand. The people here ALL seem to be gifted in musical talent. The talent here within our church is amazing. One guy composes his own music often. Many others play the piano, bass, and or guitar, and they all have vibrant, give me goose bumps, type of voices. Today, I was blessed to join in with my saxophone. God was glorified today!

Thanks for hearing a highlight of my day!

Beauty in the Middle of Ramkhanhaeng 2

I thought today I would share with you the special time I get with the LORD each morning. Due to the fact that a lot of the building of relationships with others happens in the evenings, I have found that spending time in prayer, in God's Word, and in worship (as I go for a jogg), is best done in the mornings. This time is so meaningful to me as it has become my untouchable time with the LORD.

Like Joshua said to the Isrealites in Joshua 3:9, "Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God", I too desire to take time to listen to the words of God before I go about each day. When Joshua told the Isrealites this, it was just before they were crossing over into the promise land. Of Course the Isrealites wanted to cross over instantly...but Joshua made them stop and listen. I often tend to fill up my schedule and I am used to rushing...in order to just keep up. It is easy for me to get too busy for what God says is most important-Time with Him. Before each day, I desire to take time with God and ask for His help to lead me through the day, doing HIS WILL. This way I will hopefully avoid any foolish mistakes I would have made without God's direction...

Well, with this time, I get up, spend time in prayer, and in God's Word. Then I will leave the house and walk down our muddy/dusty/conjested street(In picture above) for about ten minutes...untill I reach the Mahatthai Park. This park, is the park I consider the beauty in the middle of my town. As I walk to the park, I am singing worship music to God (Not that I get enough looks as it is...I am a "falong" (foreigner) here..that already draws attention). When I arrive to the park, I soak in the beauty of the flowers, grass, and pond in the area (see pictures...isn't it beautiful). Mahatthai park is a refreshing place to think, process what I am learning from God's word, and soak in the beauty of God's creation. It is here where I go on my jogg in the mornings...sorting my thoughts and becoming energized by the Holy Spirit!

Please pray that I can continue to prioritize this time as well as continue waking up early enough to have this uninterrupted time. Also pray that I follow closely after the Lord's will and direction in my daily activities and relationships.

Together, let's follow Jesus' example in Mark 6:46. After feeding the 5,000+ people, He had His disciples go ahead of Him in a boat, dismissed the crowd, and "went up on a mountainside to pray". He too did not allow anything to get in the way of His time with His father. Now, I ask you, "Have you set aside daily time for you and God...to listen to Him as He speaks to you and directs your daily steps?" Don't let the busyness of life get in the way of your "God Time".

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) in Bangkok

Praise the Lord! I found a BSF Class in Bangkok and yesterday was the first day that I was able to attend since being in Bangkok. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes to get to the church (by bus)that BSF is held in...but, I was able to find a couple friends, Kieow(on right) and Mary(on left), to come with me.

For those of you who are not familiar with BSF, let me share with you what the class contains. Free of charge, each week we get to take home a lesson to fill out as we spend time with God in His word each day. Then when we go to BSF each Tuesday evening, I will be in a group of 10-15 women who have also spent time that week reading the same passage. We each share the answers to our questions, some are fact questions, others are application questions, and others are questions pertaining to the lesson and the truths of the scripture read. During this discussion time, I learn so much from what other women in my group took out of their time with God. Then the entire BSF class comes together for a lecture. At this time, the Teaching Leader gives a more in depth description, with application illustrations, and questions for us to process in our heads. This study is a wonderful way to get to know other women who are also interested in studying God's Word and deepening their personal relationship with God.

Now, the most exciting part of this Bible Study is that it is in English. I teach some of the highest levels of English Classes through our ministry. Please pray for me and the softening of the hearts of my students, as each month I am going to invite the women in my classes to this Bible Study (so that they can practice their English while studying the Bible). Also pray for our men's class here in Bangkok as they will be opening a class in January. Then I will also be inviting the men in my classes to attend that BSF class. Please Note that most of my students are Agnostic or Buddhist...This will be another way to share Christ with them.

It is very crucial that I can build relationships with the students in my classes, as only then will they most likely be willing to come to a Bible Study with me...Thank you for your prayers and once again Praise the Lord for His Almighty Hand each day!

Napada Handicrafts

This is a business here in Bangkok that we have for women in extreme poverty. Their are two goals of this ministry: to physically help these women financially so that they may support their families and to spiritually feed them in actions, words, and through a weekly Bible Study; thus sharing who the ONE true God is. There are six women currently employed. Praise the Lord one of the women "Wii" has become a Christian. One is also inquiring more about God today...we are praying that she will accept Christ personally someday very soon.

However, we have ran into a problem...we need more avenues to sell these purses and other miscellaneous items that they are making. There is concern that we might not be able to keep all six of these women employed if we do not have places to ship the items to. Check and see if you would like one or give them as presents throughout the year. Also, maybe you know of a store, a church, a christian bookstore, etc. that may be interested in attaining a selection of these bags...Will you do these wonderful women a favor and pray about the LORD providing more avenues to sell these Thai items?

Please note that the purses have different handles, the choice of button/zipper closures, and open/zippered pockets on the insides! The pictures shown are the type of items that Napada Handicrafts sell. Please Note that these purses come in many different colors and designs.

Badminton

My first Campus Ministry Experience in Ram 2 was yesterday. In this ministry we build relationships with the other students on campus by playing games, practicing english/thai, and through our actions. As we become close, we then share the love of God through our words as well. So, I prayed that God would show me how, through my actions, I may be able to share His love and begin to build relationships with the others that were there.
We arrived on campus to play Badminton with the other students at 4:00pm. Within 40mins I had the "birdie" smacked right into my eye...it hurt soo bad! Well, through this I caught other people's attention. Now the next time I go...they may remember and regongnize me. God has a sense of humor. What a perfect way to build friendships! =)

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon night of November. This year I attended the festivities (November 2, 2009). The nationals buy floats made of banana leaves and flowers that have a light coming out of the middle. Most pray to Mae Kongla (the goddess of water) to take their sins away as they place their incense lit floats in the river and watch it float away. They believe that this is the one time in the year where they get a new, clean, light inside of them because their sins are gone. It saddens me that most do not know the true light that we have as Christians. They do not know that the Holy Spirit is the light inside of us and only in our belief in Jesus as the One true God are they truly purified of their sins in the eyes of God. I pray that this year, through relationships, and more and more Thai nationals becoming Christians, they too may discover the true light. Please Pray! The festival as a whole was beautiful and the floats were amazingly creative. I was also able to watch some traditional Thai dancing. Hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Welcomed With Love

Yea! I arrived in Bangkok late on Friday evening! It is very hot here. Outside has odors that range from fruit to a zoo. Saturday morning I woke up and went to a devotional and worship time with the rest of the staff at New City Fellowship. Everyone that I have met so far have been so thankful that I am here and with smiles they help me learn the Thai culture and language. We worshipped the LORD together in song, then went to Him in prayer-praising, thanking, and asking His guidance and strength for the activities for the weekend. I love how the staff keeps Christ the center of everything...bringing every aspect of the ministry to Him together! This week I am told that I am going to see the many ministries that we do as I shadow the staff. On Saturday, I went to Mahatthai to go to our Joy Kids Ministry. Kieow, Sarah and I went around the neighborhood inviting all of the children. We had lunch provided. The children were very excited. Kieow shared the Bible Lesson about Baby Moses. Then we all colored baby Moses pictures. The children sang songs and prayed as well. I also was able to observe a couple ESL classes. Both evenings I have gone to a different staff person's home. They have welcomed me as I have been able to get to know people better one on one. I feel welcomed with love and excited to see how the LORD grows this ministry. I feel blessed to finally be apart of it!

God's Protective Hand

Good thing the LORD is above all! Today I was at the airport at 6:30am to find out that my flight to Chicago had been cancelled due to mechanical problems with the plane. Praise the LORD that these mechanical issues were found before I was in the air! Thank you for your prayers in regards to the flight to Bangkok. =)

Well this has caused a change in plans. There is only one daily flight out of Chicago to Bangkok, so I am now scheduled to fly out of the Colorado Springs airport tomorrow at 8:00am.

As you and I know, God is Above All and He has His protective hand in all things. Colorado is supposed to be getting a snow storm tonight that is supposed to last all day tomorrow.

The Mystery that God has yet to reveal to me: Will I be flying to Bangkok tomorrow...or will His planned snowfall push me to a later date?

Thank you for your prayers!!

God's Perfect Timing

Two Thursdays ago I woke up and I was starting to panic...I just resigned from my position at Bethany Christian Services. Financially and economically, that does not seem like the smartest idea. Know that I resigned after much prayer and a realization that I have done all that I could do to raise support for the ministry the Lord is calling me to, while placing my passion, efforts, and time into my career at Bethany. However, this particular morning, I was now forgetting about God's hand in my life and in the timing of my resignation.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"-Jeremiah 29:11

An hour later I received an e-mail from my coach, Jennifer, with Mission to the World. Her e-mail confused me as I read about an extra $9,000.00 that I did not know about. I thought I should give her a call because I thought she was mistaken.

After our conversation, I sat on the couch...STUNNED. With the anonymous gifts and the funding I had yet to send in...I am ready to start moving forward with planning an actual date to depart to the mission field in Bangkok.

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." -Isaiah 25:1

As a testimony I hope you see that this was not of my doing...IT WAS GOD'S!!! There is NO WAY I would have been able to raise the $25,000.00+ dollars on my own.

There is Still Need for YOUR PRAYERS prior to being in the field:

• Another $2,000.00 is still needed to complete the envisioned ministry needs.
• My Passport has not yet arrived.
• That I may be able to understand how to speak in the Thai language correctly.
• Guidance with which Consulate would be best/fastest one for me to use to attain my Visa: Denver or D.C?
• Affordable Plane Tickets to Bangkok
• God's perfect timing for my departure date

I hope my testimony to God's perfect timing encourages you to continue trusting God in your future plans. There is no need to worry. He has already began to teach me to rely on Him as he is my provider and my sustainer.

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands"-Psalm 138:8

The Biking For Bangkok Success!

On June 26, 2009 the Bike Ride for Bangkok was a success. The riders in the picture above accomplished the ride from Breckenridge, to Dillion, and back to Frisco. Awesome Job!! We also had many others join us for the evening around the campfire as we spent time worshipping our LORD and praying over Bangkok. Thank you Andrew, Dan, and Bryan for leading us in worship with your Bangkokin' beat! A special thanks to Adam as he helped make the whole ride and camping trip possible. =)

Due to your efforts, prayers, and the LORD'S Will, I will be on my way to Bangkok fairly soon!

Trusting God to Conquer the Giants

A wise person once told me, "Remember, when people forget where they have come from, they won't see where God is taking them."

The Israelites are a perfect example. God took them out of Egypt. He rescued them from slavery. Throughout their journey, to the Promise Land, the Israelites constantly complained and grumbled about their situation...wanting to go back to Egypt. I was shocked when I learned that once God brought them to the very outskirts of the promise land, the Israelites were still too frightened to go in. Moses spoke to the Israelites:

"You were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, "The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites (i.e. the people who were currently living in the land) to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart. They say, 'The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.'" Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey."-Deuteronomy 1:26-33a

Where in your life are you fearful? Do you tend to say things such as: oh no God, that is too scary, or too hard, or I will never, etc? What giants are you up against? What giants seem to big to conquer?

I have been like the Israelites, just seeing the giants in front of me and losing sight of my God, whom is bigger then them all! He has continually carried me through my entire life. Why do I worry and doubt? I must have faith and I must trust Him with everything. Open handed I give my giants to the LORD. These giants are: raising financial support, learning Thai, my physical reaction to the food, stepping into a new culture, being in a place of extreme poverty, and as silly as it sounds the big bugs. Please pray that I continually give these giants to the LORD as I know that when God is calling, He is leading, and to Him my giants are grasshoppers! I also encourage you to think about your giants. Are you giving them to God? Are you having faith and trusting in Him to carry you through? Are you remembering the journey God has carried you through thus far?

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength"-Philippians 4:10

BIKING FOR BANGKOK

Do you have a heart for this ministry? Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Then join us in biking Vail Pass on June 27th. Gather your friends and family as sponsors as you ride for the Bangkok Ministry. That evening we will be camping at beautiful Lake Dillon. A fun filled night of great food, smores, worshiping God through prayer and music. Most importantly, we will also spend time in prayer over the Bangkok population and our teammates sharing Christ them.

For More Information and to RSVP please e-mail Krystle at krystle@reibers.us

Mary Kay Sponsorship Opportunity

On Saturday May1st at 1:00pm you have the opportunity to sponsor the Thailand ministry by attending a facial party. 50% of the cost of ALL products sold will go directly to this cause. You will also have an opportunity to hear more about what the Thailand Ministry is about and hear about how to become involved!

Email - Krystle@reibers.us for more information and to RSVP!

Sponsor Letter

Good Day!

This is the day that the Lord has made. In Him we can rejoice and be glad! Our God is showing himself to people each minute of every day. He is using you and me to spread the word of His glory through our actions, words, and attitudes.

I am Krystle Reiber, currently working as a social worker for a foster care and adoption agency. I have experienced the Lord mold me as He reveals Himself to abused children, substance abusers, adults in domestic violent situations, and expectant parents who are making adoption plans for their unborn children. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve in the ministry of Bethany Christian Services. As I continue with this passion for the broken in Colorado, God has begun to do a new work in me as He is leading me to an extension of this service.

As I open up my hands to the Lord’s will in my life, my heart has been drawn to a ministry, through Missions to the World (MTW), in Bangkok, Thailand. This country contains approximately 60 million people (11 million live in Bangkok and only one percent of the population professes their faith in Jesus Christ. The people in Thailand seem perfectly happy; however, as a whole this population is spiritually hopeless and broken. The city contains much child-trafficking, drug addicts, homelessness and prostitution. The common religious belief of the people is to live a life of good merits earning an eternity in heaven. This belief saddens my heart as they have yet to realize the free gift of salvation that they can attain through a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today I am excited to share with you how the Lord is working through a small team of Thais and Americans as missionaries in Bangkok, Thailand. The team is formed to share the spiritual hope of Jesus Christ through prayers, words, attitudes and actions. The ministry is in its beginning stage of planting Christian churches. The team is teaching English at a school, growing a campus ministry, having weekly worship meetings, and holding a weekly children’s ministry and kid’s club. The missionaries to Thailand are coming along side the few Christian Thais and helping them build the body of Christ within Bangkok. Ultimately they are equipping the small Christian population in Bangkok to share Jesus Christ within their own city as well as throughout the rest of Thailand.

The Lord has prompted my heart to physically assist my Thai teammates in sharing the hope and peace we have in the one true God. The Lord is leading me into this country so I seek only after His will.

Christ never intended for individuals to be in service, alone. Would you seek the Lord’s will for your part in this ministry? The ministry is in need of partners in both the financial and prayer area. For God to be glorified, I cannot enter this service alone. I have enclosed a response card for you to use in the event that as you pray, God leads you to join me. Once I step foot into Thailand, I will be sending monthly updates to all who are in service with me to God’s children in Thailand.


To God be the Glory,

Krystle Reiber