Paint by numbers.

We ended 2021 having just graduated the first class of Asaph’s Journal School for Worship Leaders in Thailand, a big Christmas program, celebration with the kids from the Faith Village children's home (where we live) and a quiet New Year's "staycation" celebration.

I know most annual missionary updates revolve around some type of quantitative data, - lots of numbers - numbers of those saved, healed, ministered to, numbers of times preached, numbers about budget, etc. I am good with numbers (generally speaking) but have never mastered the evangelistic numbers game that encompasses so much of itinerate ministry to be able to continue operating. But, as we sit in quarantine this weekend, I’ve got a minute to reflect, let’s talk numbers (it's so awesome to see God's faithfulness on display)!

0 – the amount of reoccurring monthly support pledged to get us here and support the work.

2 – the number of reoccurring monthly supporters at this time.

9 – the number of months it took to plan, staff, acclimate, recruit and start the first class.

2 – the number of books about prophecy / worship we have translated into the Thai language.

6 – the number of sessions (out of about 55 sessions total) taught by guest teachers.

3 – the number of months spent investing 24/7 into the lives of the students (both in-class, and in life settings).

4 – the number of languages used in class every day (not including tongues).

6 – the number of students who showed up on Orientation day.

7 – the number of students who graduated.

1 – the number of those who chose to audit some classes.

2 – the number of interpreters used.

7 – the number of students who admitted they did not know for certain whether they wanted to attend the school.

7 – the number of students who later said they were grateful they stuck with it and said it was nothing like they had expected.

9 – the number of individuals who advised that the school was too short to cover all the material.

6 – the number of students filled with the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues.

1 – the number of students who went through “substance abuse recovery” via the Holy Spirit and school.

8 – the number of original songs written for worship in the Thai and Shan languages during the term.

4 – the current number of churches who will benefit from allowing these individuals time to attend and learn something not being taught in many places.

3 – the number of students who verbally testified of healing and revelation in the area of unforgiveness.

3 – the number of students who were able to secure financial sponsors to pay for their school supplies, books, food and lodging.

4 – the number of students we, personally, took on to support them through graduation (things like, deodorant, shampoo, laundry soap, snacks, coffee, extra rice, vitamins, food when we were out learning or ministering, etc.)

11 – the months God has miraculously sustained us and provided our needs while we’ve been here.

I often express frustration with the need to quantify fruit – especially in the area of worship. A good song performance or good set list does not quantify the quality of worship. God’s presence is not quantifiable. But looking at the numbers, examining the individual fruit and character growth, the heart matters, these things are evident by peering closely into the eyes of these emerging leaders, who live, primarily to worship the worthy one. And this number is priceless.

Thank you to all who supported through prayer, time, finances, and words of encouragement. YOU HELPED DO THIS! Also, a big thank you to those who chipped in to buy food or gas, or provide lodging when we were out ministering, Thank you to Pastors Shan and Lindsey Mahawon, Victory church, and staff for partnering with us, the use of the classroom facilities, for the use of a truck to haul the students around, and a building to fix up for the dorm and meals for the interpreter, etc. – for supporting the vision and tolerating our many requests.

We plan to utilize the momentum we are starting to see and launch the term for 2022 on March 25, 2022. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us in prayer to see the following budgetary needs raised:

• $5,000 - This is the amount of US Dollars we need to raise to cover an entire 4 month term. This covers housing, food, books, school supplies, travel expenses for outreach and ministry, the interpreter, coffee, tea, graduation costs, etc. for 10 students and the interpreter.

• $1,000 – the minimum amount we need each month for personal support.

• $500 – the cost to translate and print A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. This is part of our curriculum, but we did not have time or funds budgeted to finish this for last term.

• $250 – the amount needed for a guitar for the school and outreaches.

• $300 – the amount needed for an acoustic bass for the school and outreaches.

• $200 – the amount needed for a small concrete slab and to put a concrete table and benches for the dorm.

• $150 - the amount needed to buy 7 fans for the dorm/classroom since the next term is in the hot season (and not air conditioned).