JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

If you've ever attended Sunday School or Vacation Bible School you have probably sung this chorus that declares "... Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world."

We had opportunity to express His love to children at a small orphanage East of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Their parents died from AIDS, and the children are HIV positive. They appear to still be healthy, and hopefully with proper care will live long productive lives.

They are housed in a portion of a beautiful government owned complex. Even though the cost of their care and education is subsidized by the Government, some Christian people have received permission to visit with and minister to the children.

Because it was Saturday, there was no schedule for the day. The children were all gathered in an open hall.  Our team spent about two hours with them, playing games, doing crafts, telling stories. Gary and I made balloon animals which were all quickly adopted.

The team was able to purchase and deliver a water purification unit, to provide clean water for drinking and cooking.  Previously they had to boil the water to purify it and remove the bad odor.  We prayed and laid hands on each child, speaking a blessing over them.

It was a joy to visit these children, to let them know they are loved, that they are not forgotten. To speak hope into their young lives.

For the Least of These ...Gary and Pat

MEASURING TRUE WEALTH

Hanoi, Vietnam - Youth Conference

Wet season in the northern part of Vietnam means it was raining and drizzly during our time there.  The city's many lakes and lush manicured public  gardens are a relaxing contrast to the crowded city streets.

Twenty six youth leaders gathered from various churches in the city, and towns up to 30 miles away. Traveling mostly on busses, many stayed over night in the church house, sleeping on thin foam pads on the floor.

The focus during these three days was intimacy with God. How to develop a closer, more personal relationship with Him.  Based on His great love for us, and not our works.

One session hit home as it focused on our priorities. We were all challenged to ask: Where we spend our time. Are we more intimate with social media than with God.  While Internet, TV, phones, and social media can be good tools, do we allow them to take priority in our lives. It was a  time of personally talking to the Lord, then a prayer of repentance and asking Him to help us prioritize our lives.

On the second afternoon, we prayed individually over each person, speaking God's promises into their lives.  Many received prophetic words and later shared how their hearts were encouraged and strengthened.

It was very humbling to hear their prayer requests, and realize that while these young people have so little material wealth; their hearts are rich deposits of God's love for their families and villages.  What a privilege on the last day to have these amazing, sold out young people lay hands on and pray for us.

The church in northern Vietnam has a strong committed 'Joshua' generation to carry on the work of God. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we follow the call to encourage them.  

The adventure continues ... Pat and Gary

  ~ ~ ~ ~ Please note : For their protection, facial features have been obscured.

FAMILY REUNION

Sitting in the lobby of The Tawana Bangkok Hotel, observing  people from across the world reunite at the conference we are attending,  we caught a glimpse of the Family of God coming together from every nation tongue and tribe. (Rev 7:9-10) 

As we sing and praise God together I am very aware that we are in the presence of men and women of honor - of great courage, of great valor.  They live, work and serve God in nations where their faith puts their very lives in danger.

Under the protective shield of our blue passport cover we can come and go at will, back to our safe and comfortable home in the US.

They live by faith, protected by the promises of almighty God, counting their life on this earth of less value than eternal life with Christ. 

Thank you for your prayers for us as we travel to some of these nations.  Please pray for them as we are instructed to in Hebrews 13:3 " Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."

May this song be our prayer:  "Our heart, our desire, is to see the Nations worship."

"Our Heart, Our Desire."

The adventure continues .... Pat and Gary

LATE NIGHT MEAL

Three planes carried us 8,425 miles for 26 hours and brought us safely from Las Vegas to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

It's only been four months since we passed through and yet we were disoriented trying to find the pre-paid taxi stand.  Then we realized the long que to the bustling desk staffed by harried clerks had been replaced by a row of sleek computerized kiosks. Welcome to modern Thailand.

The driver at Taxi Stand 42 drove us to Thong Ta Resort, just 10 minutes from the airport.  For US $28 we checked into a clean room with air conditioning, running water with breakfast included.

What joy to see an outdoor food court at the corner, still open at 1 a.m.  (Late dinner hours are very typical through out Asia.)

There we feasted on duck rice and duck soup before heading to our room for a good night's sleep.  

The adventure is under way.  More to come - Pat and Gary

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FLIGHT

Last minute details - reviewing our packing list - weighing suitcases - switching the hot water heater to vacation mode - setting the alarm for 2:30 a.m. - okay, I think we're ready.

Excitement keeps us from sleep - until suddenly it's morning and time for our flight.

As we journey to Southeast Asia - you are with us, part of our hearts, part of the adventure.  Words cannot express our gratitude for the love, prayers, support and encouragement from each of you, our family and friends.

Within 24 hours, we'll be halfway around the world in a time zone 15 hours ahead of Las Vegas' time.

The adventure continues.     Pat and Gary

photo courtesy of Cyndy Hull www.Montana1aDay.com

A PRECIOUS COMMODITY

In January we shared how with your support we were able to help provide water filters to families in Cambodia.

Today we are excited to tell you about the first phase of delivery.

John and Sotey Yoder, our contacts with Reaching Kids International - Cambodia, reported: 

"Over the next few days, we'll have the privilege to distribute Rabbit Water filtration systems (made in Cambodia) to 69 families in two of the five villages we serve, thanks to Christ's provision through our generous friends and partners: Greater Works Unlimited out of Las Vegas, NV, USA; whose founders will be gracing us with their presence us next month. More info when we post the picture albums of the actual distributions."

Ready for delivery.
(inset) Water Filter in a typical Khmer home.

One water filter will provide a family clean water for drinking and cooking for about two years.  The system is simple - a ceramic filter, inside a plastic receptacle tank with a spigot and a lid. Rabbit Water Filters Instructions

Visitors typically bring a gift of fresh bread.
A treat the children especially enjoy.

ENCOURAGEMENT

"Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.   You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed...." (Psalm 10:12, 17-18 NIV)

What encourages you? What gives you hope for another day?

Seventy families in Cambodia will be encouraged this month as they receive water filters to provide clean drinking water for their families.    

The Lord hears the cries of the poor, and then allows us to hear them and act on His behalf.  Our ministry partners in Cambodia recently adopted another poor rural village of 50 families. An additional 20 families have been added to other villages they care for. They have little or no decent shelter to call home, and lack basic sanitary facilities.  Clean drinking water is the first priority to prevent sickness and disease.

Through your support, prayers and gifts we were able to meet this need.  The love of Jesus demonstrated in a practical way changes lives.

We will be travelling to South East Asia February 26 - March 25.  Ministering in four nations that are hostile to the Good News. Your prayers are so important as we prepare and as we travel.

May the Lord continue to strengthen and encourage you. Thank you for reaching out in love.

For the least of these, Gary and Pat

The clay filters last about 2 years for one family.

Families receiving water filters in Sept 2013.