I first of all want to apologize for not writing an update in a very long time.
School-
I am now studying in my second term here in KBU. I feel like the first term was very good, I learned alot but I am ready for more of a challenge. This term has been a bit hectic trying to sign up for classes. I am taking a few hotel classes, and so that has created some scheduling problems. I am learning a great deal of patience and learning that this is just the way Thailand works. My adviser wanted me to take an English class. We are talking about basic English. I went to class and with in 30 mins the teacher kicked me out. haha Not really, but she said it is a waste of time to take the class. I agree too. Some of the classes I am excited about include classes about food and hotel. When I come back hope to major in hotel management. It is great because I get to study some with thai people. I am also taking science, law, and religion classes which are in Thai. For the most part I understand what is being said and read. I am very excited to study this term.
Ministry-
Ministry here in Thailand has many up's and downs. One of the main people I am working with is my room mate organ. I think when I last wrote you about her she had just asked for the holy spirit. Me and my team were so excitied about the process she had made! She was always excitied to study the bible. But then the devil came. She liked one of the people on my team alot. When he made it clear that she needed to stop her behavior because he was engaged she with drew. She has been in and out of relationships. I still ffer to study the bible with her... she always says yes. But in the end she always has some excuse as to why she can not come. We still invite her to group activities and she aalways says she will come.. but in the end she does not come. Ministry here in thailand is like this all the time. For every step you take forward the devil pushes you back 5.
It has been very discouraging for me to see this and it seems very hard to understand. She was sincere when she asked for the holy spirit.. but the devil has a way of getting in and hindering God's work.
My friend rabbit has shown no interest in God. But I know she can see him in me. She told me the other day that I was one of her only friends that was really real with her. It just lifted me up to hear that. You see, ministry here is about showing people Jesus. This country, these people have never seen Jesus. They have no or very little knowledge of who he really is. And to be able to share you must be very close to these people for them to be open to listen to what you have to say. I knew rabbit for around 5 months before she felt close enough to share about her life. This work takes time.
I am excited about meeting some new friends and reconnecting with old ones. I have meet several new Chinese students! God has blessed me with a lot of favor.
Self spiritually -
These last few months I have been struggling spiritually. They have been very hard. Being alone with little encouragement and no one to really support me was very hard. But god has been faithful to me. I learned to stop fearing what others think and focus on what god thinks. He is my judge. I have found a lot of freedom in that. Things are beginning to feel slot better here. The spiritual battle is still strong but I feel like god has given me a renewed strength.
I wanted to let you all what I am thinking as far as the future. I am hoping to come back here when school reopens.
I have decided to change my major to hotel management because I
feel like in the long run this will provide me with alot of useful
tools. In the future I will be able to use this skill where ever I go. I
will also learn the English that people will need to know to work in the hotel
and restaurant industry. This will be helpful in teaching english. I am enjoying the class so far and and making many new friends.
My classes are mostly in English... But if they are in thai I end up
being a translator for my class mates.
I am not sure of the date I will be coming home but It will be
in about 4 or 5 months. It seems so close I am Very excited!!! My home
assignment will include a week of re-entry, church visits, and attending
some seminars. I will also have time with family and friends. I hope to
use that time to get a lot Of spiritual rest and refreshment.
As
far as long term vision... I really would like to come back here to Thailand and I would love to get a degree. I would like to ask for
prayer for long term vision from god.
I hope to return with
rmm. I would appreciate prayer for that also. I am still in the very
beginning stages of the whole process. One thing that is being talked
about is if I should come back alone. I ask you to pray that god would
send done one with me to work with me.
I also hope to continue relationships with people here at
kbu and I would like to see our bible study grow.
Please pray that God would continue to guide me to many people who are intrested in hearing about God.
Thank you all so much for your love and support!
