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It has now been more than three weeks since we moved to Chiangmai, and it finally feels like our life is getting back into a “normal” routine.  We have settled nicely into our home, begun taking language classes, and are starting to build and develop new friendships.  Living in the heart of a local Thai village has been a refreshing experience.  Every day we get the chance to visit with our neighbors and hone our developing Thai language skills.  We often wonder what they must think as they see us stammering and fumbling trying to communicate; they seem patient and intrigued as they talk with us almost as if they view us as some kind of novelty.  As we walk to school and pass by different homes and businesses, we smile and “wai” (“Waiing” is the polite way that Thai people greet each other, it involves bringing the hands together close to the face and then slightly bowing), often they chuckle and grin as they “wai” back. 

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One of our first days here we met a couple that have a fried chicken stand close to our house.  We walk by their chicken stand every day we go to school and often exchange a few words in passing.  The other day as I was approaching them the husband smiled and waved at me, and I felt impressed to spend a few minutes visiting.  He introduced me to his sister-in-law and as we talked she told me that she has a daughter who needs to be able to speak English in order to do her job more effectively; she then asked me how much I would charge her to teach.  Cindi and I have been praying specifically to know what we can do to serve our neighbors and develop meaningful friendships, so immediately I saw this as an answer to prayer.  Knowing that I couldn’t obligate myself to teach for several hours I told her that I would be happy to teach for free for an hour on Tuesday evenings.  As we were talking a young man who overheard us introduced himself to me and told me that he would like to attend the Tuesday class as well, I readily assured him that he was welcome.  As I finished the conversation and said goodbye I told everyone that I would return Tuesday evening at 5.  They all seemed happy and excited, and I went away praising God for the door He had opened. 

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Although we have only been in Chaingmai for a short time, we have already seen the Lord working powerfully and opening up avenues for ministry.  Last weekend I started a one-on-one Bible study with someone, and this past week at school we were able to have two very meaningful spiritual conversations with our Language teacher (She is a bi-lingual Thai) who claims to be a believer in God.  Through our conversations it is clear to us that she seems sincere, but has little to no knowledge of the Bible.  As we talked with her and she shared more about some of the spiritual battles that take place all over Thailand, and Asia for that matter, we have again felt the need for a deeper and more earnest, intentional prayer life.  I have come under the strong conviction that if we accomplish anything in Thailand it will be due solely to the power of God through our prayers and the prayers of our supporters.  Please pray for us as we begin to engage in different ministry opportunities.  Pray that we would find the proper balance in time spent in direct language learning activities (which contributes largely toward our long-term success and effectiveness) and ministry opportunities.  Pray also that the Lord would indeed send His angels to break down strong holds and create within the hearts of Thai people a desire and longing that only Jesus can fill.  Thanks again for all that you do, and remember to let us know how we can pray for you.  God bless!

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