Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Beautiful beaches and breath-taking mountains! But South Thailand is so much more than that. As we recently took a field trip to South Thailand in July 2012 to survey the ministry work there among OMF International missionaries and to discern the possibility of God calling us there for our first term, we were praying fervently for God’s guidance and clarity. Thank you as well for praying alongside of us in this regard, and we want to let you know that God has indeed shown us many things on this trip.

We began by visiting Ban Nam Khem in Phang Nga province on the west side of South Thailand, and then after a couple of days traveled over to Pak Phanang in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on the east side. During our trip, we were able to participate in visitations, bible studies, chronological bible teaching, and local church worship. We were also able to survey the spiritual climate and needs of the areas.

Through the trip, we sensed that the Lord was indeed calling us to the South. First, we were burdened by the fact that the South has the lowest percentage of Christians and at the same time the fewest number of OMF missionaries there as well. For those who like statistics, perhaps the following will give you a better idea of the spiritual state in the South:

• Population: 9,149,419

• Religious Situation: Majority Buddhist with some local Muslim communities except Krabi (~30% Muslim) and the three Southern most provinces which are majority Muslim.

• 316 churches (approximately 1 church per 29,000 people)

• 16,154 Christians or 0.18% of the population

• 48 districts with no church (of a total of 159 districts) = 30%

• 680 sub-districts (of 1,085) without a church = 63%

Second, we felt like we were able to get along with the current team and leadership there, not just in terms of ministry but in terms of friendship as well. Third, we felt like there is the opportunity to be mentored by seasoned missionaries and at the same time be given much freedom to think “outside the box” and try out different ministry ideas. Fourth, we are attracted by the fact that prayer counseling ministry has been effective in the South, and look forward to being a part of that. Fifth, there is potential for student outreach and ministry along with indigenous church planting near Nakhon Si Thammarat city. Finally, we sense God’s peace in moving forward with going to the South.

We will most likely move to South Thailand in the second year of our first term after we complete our language & culture studies in Lopburi, and join the team there. In addition to the prayer requests listed on the right, we also ask for you to pray for us as we continue to dialogue with our mission agency about future placement in the South.

Gazing heavenward,

Dave, Lila, Caleb, & Caden

 67 Soi Naresuan 3 ~ Tambon Thalechupsorn

Amphur Muang ~ Lopburi 15000 ~ Thailand

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 Praise Report:

 Visa – Praise God that the EFT & visa situation has been resolved, and that Lila & the kids have received their dependency visa.

Prayer Requests:

1. Language & Culture Studies – We have completed 6 of 9 language modules required before our Level 1 exam, and hope to take the exam near the end of the year. Continue to pray for our language studies & progress.

2. Thai Church & English Teaching – Pray that as we continue to help with children’s Sunday school & English teaching outreach at Phrasiri we will be able to serve with Christ’s love.

3. Relationships in the Community – We have been visiting weekly a couple (Chukhiat & Muu) who owns a convenience store. They shared that even though they don’t know God, they believe God has brought us into their lives. Pray that we may be Christ’s witnesses to them & others in the community & neighborhood.

4. Vehicle in Thailand – We have raised about half the funds that we need to purchase a car. Pray that God will provide the additional funds that we need. Feel free to ask for more info.

5. Children – Pray for Caleb & Caden’s homeschooling. They will also be attending a homeschool conference from Oct. 8th to 13th.