Reality Check

As we celebrate 40 years of travelling the world for Jesus, preaching and teaching the Word while sharing Jesus' love in practical ways, we continue to find our perspective challenged. We are confronted with what I call ‘Reality Checks. (Defined as an occasion on which one is reminded of the state of things in the real world)

Gary and I just returned from four weeks of ministry with the Akha people group in Thailand and Tamil believers in Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces.  It was a wonderful trip, involving many airline flights, long drives and hot humid weather. Teaching people who are hungry for the Word of God makes it all worthwhile. (Read 'What's on our Calendar' in last month's blog for details of that journey)

Akha Village Church, lunch of pork noodle soup
and Manprang fruit (in the mango family)

Perspective Shifting
 Reality Check

• It's not about me! It’s about Jesus. It's about people. 
• Church is not about your comfort level and convenience: It’s about hunger for the Word of God and to worship Him

Tamil Village Church, Northern Province Sri Lanka

Pastors and leaders in many nations do not have access to Bible Schools or formal theology training.  It's a joy to be on the teaching team of The Legacy Foundation Course and Bible School, which provide solid, Bible-based teaching: literally the foundation of our faith.  Several students travelled 1.5 hours each way to class by bus or motorcycle.

This Grandfather walks with a crutch because his legs are crippled from polio.  He made the 1.5 hour trip every day on his three-wheeler which is adapted for hand controls.

Only God knows how many lives will be touched and changed through the lives and ministry of these students.

Signs along many roads warn that active landmines remain 17 years after the end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war.   The danger of landmines exploding prevents people from returning to their homes or farming their land. Halo is a nonprofit organization working to clear land mines from war-torn nations. 

URGENT PRAYER IS NEEDED

In April these five boys were forcibly taken from their Myanmar village by the Peoples Defense Army that is fighting the Military Junta which took over Myanmar in 2020. These boys are only 15 years old. 

Please pray for their safety and protection and that they will be returned to their families quickly. Their families are heartbroken and need the Lord’s comfort and strength. 

Three of them were in the Daniel Education Center we support and is run by our Spiritual Son and Daughter.

Our wonderful friends and hosts in Thailand and Sri Lanka made sure we were comfortable, safe and well-fed.

Kao Soi in N Thailand
Akha Feast 
Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch

Abu & Joseph’s daughters call us Api Pala and Apo Pala (Foreign Grandmother and Grandfather)

Eager to embrace my inner child - I clambered into the back of the pickup with the girls for a ride through Thai towns and countryside.  Not your normal 'tourist' experience.  It was so fun.

Our prayer for you is from 2 Peter 1:2 - 3: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given us - given you - all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him we called us by glory and virtue."

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

It's great fun to explore the countries God sends us to.
Sunrise at the beach, an elephant sanctuary, Pad Thai, white lotus flowers.

Ready for Some Good News?

With all the chaos going on in our world, it’s wonderful to report positive news.  God is moving by His Spirit in ways that we will never fully know, touching lives and bringing hearts to Jesus. Through your generous support, and the faithful partners God has given us in every nation He takes us to, the work of His kingdom continues whether we can travel there ourselves or not.

Ghana, West Africa: Children at Bosco Orphanage were treated to a New Year’s Day celebration with a delicious meal, music and games.   Plus, they were left with a generous gift of fresh fruit, groceries and needed supplies.

Cambodia

• The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has brought great suffering to thousands of innocent people in both nations
• Children in one village now receive food and education at the Children’s Center and School
• Local evangelists continue to visit remote villages, sharing the gospel, baptizing many and establishing house churches

Motorbikes

Two evangelists in Gospel Restricted countries were able to buy motorcycles to travel from village to village on rough dirt tracks that serve as roads.  One had been walking; one had been riding a bicycle. 

Both are excited to use their motor bikes for the glory of God as they share the Good News of Jesus in rural areas.

Every exclamation of joy and delight, every word of gratitude is possible because of your generous support, love and prayers. 

WHAT'S ON OUR CALENDAR

> March 24 - April 7th:  Thailand ministry with the Akha People and some time at the beach

From Thailand we head directly to the Northern shores of Sri Lanka: 

> April 8 - April 19th to teach Legacy Discipleship Training

This area was torn apart by 26 years of civil war that ended in 2009. We believe it will be a strong base for the move of God in Sri Lanka as Pastors and Leaders are further equipped to boldly share the message of Jesus.

The places we are going are 'off the beaten track' and the logistics to get there are a little convoluted, involving several airline flights, long layovers, a 7+ hour road trip, and an overnight sleeper bus.   Whew! The process was a little frustrating and we are grateful that the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.

As I write this, we are completing a week of teaching at Legacy Bible School, about 40 min from where we stay.   It’s an incredible joy to pour into the lives of young people who have said 'yes Lord' I hear you calling my heart and I will follow. 

Do you hear Him calling to your heart? Calling you to come and just be with Him today?   I strongly encourage you to stop and heed His voice. Find your place of peace at His feet: put on a favorite worship song, read His Word, share your heart with Him.  Now let him share His heart with you. 

His eternal peace will keep your heart and mind in the middle of the unrest and turmoil that floods our world. 

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Gifts That Last

Long past Christmas these children and families will remember the love of Jesus that was shared through your generosity.

In countries where Christians are a minority – Christmas is the perfect time to show the love of Jesus in practical ways, and to share the true message of Christmas – that Jesus came to make a way for mankind to reconnect with God.

Here are some of the ways that your loving, prayerful support has touched lives with His love.

Daniel Education Center - Myanmar

Students are preparing for their final examinations in February. This will finish the 2025 -2026 academic year. Without your help these children might go to work in the opium poppy fields to earn money. Now they look forward to a new academic year 2026-2027.

It's such a rewarding experience to be part of the annual Christmas celebration at the tea garden village.  

We've watched many of these children grow up over the past few years.  They receive teaching, tutoring and love throughout the year from local church members. 
 
This year they received school backpacks filled with school supplies and fun activities, a delicious snack box, and groceries for the family.

Children and families of the Akha tribe in several nations received gifts, snacks, groceries, clothes and the Good News of Jesus' love for them.  
They are reminded that someone cares for them - it brings hope and joy.

Exciting things are happening. We'll share more in the next update.

Your year-end giving receipt is in the mail.  If you'd like to get a digital copy via email - please let us know.  Just email gary@gwunlimited.com and request it.  

The Journey Continues ~ Pat