Life can take sudden, unexpected turns and I have just gone through one. Ready last week to fly out to Asia this coming Wednesday for our annual visit and ministry trip to the Thai/Myanmar border, our plans got flipped upside down. A team member ended up a couple of days ago in the hospital with a serious blood clot, and should not be flying. But just before that, we were having second thoughts after we found out planes flying from Asia were being quarantined in the United States if anyone onboard had indications of the deadly coronavirus – a 14-day quarantine. So, our trip has been cancelled for now. God has made it very clear we are not to go at this time.
I was overwhelmed by so many emails letting me know you’d be praying for our team and the trip. I can’t express enough what you mean to our good friends there in Asia, out there on the front lines, feeding the poor, seeing youth get an education, ministering to the sick, training and teaching, planting churches. Though the trip is cancelled I would so appreciate prayer to continue. Here are the names of some of our facilitators and leaders there – Rolyn, Moe, Joseph, Cathy, Pastor Bugi and his wife, Soe Win Niang, Mercy orphanage, our Youth Center, Josh, and two church plants, one right at the border in the Three Pagoda’s area and another an half-hour ride inside the Myanmar border in a small village.
A great photo of the most famous bridge in Thailand, connecting Sangkhlaburi with a beautiful Mon village.
Our hotel when we visit is just a few yards down from the corner-left of this picture.
Prayer Focus This Week
- Approval of our new elders
- The decision for the right Youth Pastor
- Teaching in James
- All kinds of new small groups and Bible studies springing up
- Healing for the sick, especially those with life-threatening issues
- Protection for the kids/leaders coming back from Forest Home (29 in all)
- That the coronavirus would not become a worldwide epidemic
- Peace within our nation
A Powerful Video: https://vimeo.com/363638600/48d09c8e0c
This 24 minute video highlights an extraordinary breakthrough in beating cancer, a new and wonderful procedure that has been developed. The first successful patient with this new treatment was Denise Delatorre, a former member of our church who at one time was told she only had a few months to live. But God had other plans. I am so proud of Denise and the courage she has shown in the great battle she faced.
Happy Birthday: to Nikki, the most amazing wife, mother, artist, musician, and worshiper
Huge blessings sent your way. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy.” Philippians 1:3
Pastor Jay