A New Residence And A New Assignment

On September 13th of this year we drove north to the border of Thailand and Myanmar. The drive was about 800 and Kilometers or about the distance from Bismarck to Minneapolis. Although the travel is quite a bit longer because of the mountainous roads. It is a beautiful drive and we enjoyed the scenery. Mae Sai Thailand will be our home for awhile before we move to the other side of the border which is Tachiliek, Myanmar (the old name is Burma). Right now we are working to get things ready for us when we move to the other side of the border. It will take time, money, energy and relationships. But God has been faithful and we have seen Him move for us this past year. Our goal will be to plant a training school in the future for the Burmese people. It is our desire to build the leadership skills of the people in Myanmar. This is a move that me and my wife have been waiting for to happen for quite some time. We have great expectations for helping the Burmese people. Believe with us for the finances to build a training center and connect with the right relationships. So far I have enjoyed Mae Sai as it is quite a bit cooler and an easy community to get around in. The food market is quite close and Jeremiah is making friends.

The Philippines

The first two weeks in May I spent in the Philippines ministering for Pastor Rich Conte. It was a wonderful time and the students were hungry for the Word of God. The Bible school started this past fall and we had the first graduation while I was their. They really know how to have a graduation party. The area that I ministered in was in Metro Manila called Fairview. I had been their numerous times in the past but the area has really grown and Pastor Rich chose a right spot to build a church. The church is on "fire" and I really enjoyed ministering the Word of God. I was so busy Pastor Rich had me preach seven different times along with my time in the Bible school. From the Fairview church I can really say that the Word of the Lord is "sounding forth" (I Thess. 1:8)into all of the Philippines.

Graduation 2013 "Finishing The Course"

This past April 21 we graduated students here at VBCI Thailand. What a great bunch of students. The reason the students were so outstanding is the staff here has been terrific. It has been a great three years for me and my wife. This has been a season of growth for me and my family and God has expanded our hearts to believe bigger things for His Kingdom. Jesus is the sole reason we are here in SE Asia. God has great things for the area of the world and we are excited for our next move. As for the students we had one four year diploma (Franco Salvador) one three year diploma (Fulgence). Fulgence will be getting his four year degree next year. We also had numerous two year diplomas with Nelson James from Malaysia being the Honor Student. We are so proud of Nelson. As for myself and my family a great time here in Sriracha and now preparations for Northern Thailand and Myanmar. We have lots of things that need to be done before we make the move but we should have most of them finished by this fall. We feel blessed that we have finished this part of our course and are exited for the next season!

This past Sunday evening on the 7th of April I had the opportunity to minister to the Sriracha International Church on the subject of healing. Many people believe that God can heal, many people believe that Jesus healed people. But few understand that healing is in the Redemptive Package. Jesus died on the cross that you may be saved, that you would be healed and that you would be delivered from all evil. Jesus wants you to know that Healing is for you and that He wants you to receive your healing now by faith. Healing is not for a select few it is for all who believe in the Redemptive power in the blood of Jesus. The same way you receive your salvation is the same way you receive your healing. It is by grace through faith that you receive all God has for you. The Psalmist David wrote this long before Jesus went to the cross. "Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not His benefits Who forgives all your iniquities Who heals all your diseases." Psalms 103:2-3

The Kingdom Of Heaven Is At Hand

This past Saturday our students did some outreaches in and around the city of Sriracha. We have some students go to the slum areas of Sriracha, some go to the parks, some do prayer walking and some go to the Hospital. I spent the afternoon with four of our students at the local hospital. The students sang, prayed for the patients and handed out blankets and toiletries. The students have told me this is one of the things that they like best about the Bible School here in Thailand. The opportunity to share their faith is vital to their growth in the Lord and I am so glad we have been able to provide opportunities for all of the students. The scripture tells us in Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received freely give."

Visa Run To Kuala Lumpur

This past February my family and I and my sister Linda went to Kuala Lumpur for a Visa run. I am required to leave every three months to renew my visa. In the past I have been to KL but this was the first time for my wife and son. We really enjoyed visiting different areas of the city and spending time at the Petronas Twin Towers. Wow it was a beautiful place. The area where the Petronas towers are has a great playground for kids...so Jeremiah had a great time. While I was there I also had the opportunity to minister at Pastor Ezekeil's Victory Church. I can say I really look forward to going back visiting Victory Church of Malaysia in KL.

Teaching At VBCI Thailand

This past January I taught on the subject of Spiritual Warfare...this class created more discussions than any other class I have taught. I have come to realize how important it is to understand that people view their world through their culture. Not all culture is right or wrong but everything must be viewed through the scriptures. If we don't have a good grasp on the scriptures you will default to what you have programmed within your mind and heart. But one thing we know for sure and that is that we are in a warfare whether you like it or not you are a soldier in God's army. You have been enlisted whether you fight or not. But we are called to "fight the good fight or not." We can win because the greater one lives in us, the greater one in us guides us and the greater one in us fights alongside of us. In February I went up to Mae Sai Thailand to visit my brother in law Samuel. Samuel is a graduate of VBCI and he is teaching english and also evangelism at an Ahka Bible School in Teckeilek Burma which is on the other side of the Burma. He is also translating some material for me in the Ahka language. Samuel has a great future ahead of him and he is showing the diligence that is necessary to be a success in the ministry.