Sawadee from Thailand: July 21

Sorry for the delay in posting. It's taken us a bit to get to Internet access.

We arrived safe and sound in Chiangmai on Friday. We checked-in to the missions dormitory and settled in.

Saturday, July 18, was a rest day to adjust to the time and climate (it's hot and humid as expected), and in the evening we went to the night bazaar.

On Sunday, we attended a Maerim church where the team performed "Unchanging" to sign language, Bert gave his testimony and John preached. The church had about 40 people in attendance, and by their worship one can tell they really love the Lord. There was such passion and energy in their worship.

On Monday morning, we had orientation with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) where the team got a crash course on using the Thai version of the 4 Spiritual Laws. We then got onto the Maejo University and immediately started meeting students. A bit of fear and anxiety was shared amongst the team, but they did well to engage Thai students and get into conversations. Some have already spoken from the Gospel tract. The hard part of meeting new Thai students is approaching an individual or group and making an initial introduction. We are aiming to meet students and invite them to a CCC party on Friday night where there will be a Gospel message. Please pray that we'd continue to go forward in boldness. Our verse for this morning (Tuesday) was Romans 1:16-17, that we'd "not be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of salvation."

Here are some prayer requests:
-NL is really excited about being in Thailand but is tired all the time :( Pray that in everything she does, God will be glorified.
-Amy: stamina; take in everything with an open heart; be an example to others
-Lawrence: the students won't be turned off when we approach them
-Karina: God to bring people to the fellowship event on Friday
-Greg: we will be energetic and welcoming to the university students
-Stuart: confidence; that God will speak through me
-Adrienne: being open to how God leads me in conversations with students; being confident with my faith
-Sonny: please pray that I will have energy b/c it's rather tiring here; I will trust God when evangelizing.
-Bert: used by God to minister to the college students; boldness; words to say; no awkward situations; huge bug bite on finger (pretty gross; swollen), pray for reduced swelling
-George: we're not sick! Pray that we'll stay that way; pray for restful nights w/o waking up at 3am.
-Stephanie: Energy! Lots and lots of energy! Things are going to start getting crazy around here and I want the energy to keep up with it all; to not be shy about sharing the Gospel w/ anyone that I will be approaching; for me to truly rely on God and nothing else--least of all myself.
-Doris: finalization of preparation for lessons
-Matt: Team unity; planning; open ears to the Holy Spirit
-Lori: Boldness and confidnce to evangelize to collegians
-Justin: Patience; wisdom; urgency for the lost; boldness
-John: God's knowledge and wisdom in planning each day while flexible to the Holy Spirit's leading to change or add elements; God's message as I preach again next Sunday;

Some upcoming events:
-Tuesday night: fellowship with CCC and believers
-Thursday night: sports night with CCC
-Friday night: evangelistic program at CCC's Friday Night Light (we're performing twice and givng a testimony)
-Saturday: English Camp (9am-4pm) at Maerim School
-Sunday: move to Maerim-area hotel, worship service

Thanks for your prayerful support!