SCHOOL is NOW in Session

Asaph's Journal School's next term starts Monday the 10th. To say it has been an easy and wonderful, stress-free time…that would be an outright lie! BUT GOD! God has provided (through people), everything we have needed, when we need it. (Although His time table does not match ours! Hahaha) Just some of the things He has provided are: a propane tank for the Student’s dorm to be able to cook breakfast and dinner; a working, used-vehicle for us (which we were finding to be impossible, but now have the money to begin car shopping); the money for the books translated (there are now 4 books for our school translated to the Thai language), for gas to transport the students, for food for their meals, school supplies, another bed for the dorm, and the money for Misty's visa and work permit.

Since being back, there has been a conference attended, a couple of village outreaches, a wedding, two baby birthday dedications, and now school will be starting. It is a busy time, a developing time, and to be honest, a cautious time. We want to be sure that we’re doing God’s will and taking the steps He has for us; so when opportunity, after opportunity comes to us (we’re not complaining about the opportunities by any means), we have to KNOW that it is what God has for us right now. We also have to guard our hearts and mind, as there are many great ideas and things to be involved with, but only God has the perfect way for things to happen, and in His timing.

Timothy has been playing bass at church going on two months now! This skill started to develop only four months ago while visiting with his Grandpa in the States. He’s really devoted the time and effort into learning the instrument, and has even ventured into some guitar playing, at home, as well. He opted not to attend Thai elementary school just yet, but is taking private Thai lessons three days a week. We are very proud of the young man he is becoming and the skills he is still developing.

I can’t do another newsletter without mentioning our cats! Why is this important on a missionaries blog??? Because, we’re the same as you in having our family problems, needs, wants, celebrations, cares, and pets! (And we brought two of them from the States, as parting with them wasn’t an option!)

We still have both big Jack and Grace, the Bengal, our cats from the States, plus Miss Kitty, our Thai cat. Our neighbor is a busy lady and she has a ginger that stays with us pretty often. A couple of weeks ago an abandoned kitten was found at the church. One of the workers caught it and, you guessed it, they brought it to us! Thankfully, we were all able to find it a loving home. (Who needs 5 cats in a 600 square foot home). They can be both helpful to our well-being and mental state sometimes, and a pain as they have spats of unhappiness when we’ve been gone too long, or don’t get their snacks/food on time. (They have their own schedule!) They are also the reason we have almost nightly visitors from our Biggest helper’s, Chris and Sarah's kids, Gabriella and Luca!

Finally, we try our best, to keep in mind, all the ones praying for us, sacrificing for us both financially and with their time, and all-around believing in the vision we know God has given to us. He never told any one it would be easy! He asked us to trust and obey. We are doing that the best we can, with as little complaining as possible.

Be praying for our students this term. There is an excitement and anticipation among them. I hope to share some of their stories in the coming weeks. None of them were able to pay tuition or room and board this term and are solely reliant on us, and faith. But they are so hungry - hungry enough to do crazy things to get here. My God rewards crazy faith. Risk takers become world changers. It's going to be good!

He is our greatest adventure!

Timothy Jr., Misty & T3

John 4:21-24 (TPT)

Jesus responded, “Believe me, dear woman, the time has come when you will worship the Father neither on a mountain nor in Jerusalem, but in your heart. Your people don’t really know the One they worship, but we Jews worship out of our experience, for it’s from the Jews that salvation is available. From now on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with a right heart. For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.”