Sunday, March 29, 2015

WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS

Safely back home in America, we are still processing all that was accomplished during our month long Southeast Asia Mission Trip.

We find ourselves reflecting on:

©      How our hearts were impacted by the immense need in each nation we visited.

©      How encouraged we are to see so many following the call of God to meet a specific need, knowing it is by His power and provision.

©      How grateful we are for the privilege to touch lives with the amazing love of Jesus Christ. 

©      How often we thank the Lord for your love, prayers and support.

Thank you from our Grateful Hearts – Pat and Gary   ©  ©

                                                NOTE: A report on our week in Cambodia is in the works.

Rural Scene -  Laos






Street Side Cafe - Vietnam














Life on the Canals - Thailand

Monday, March 16, 2015

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.






Wednesday, March 4, 2015

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."

The adventure continues .... Pat and Gary