Stopover in Chiangmai

With Pastor Steve Knudtsen

After our ministry (May 21) in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai we went to Chiangmai for a couple of days of visit with the Knudtsens, Bethany International m's. Steve and Alberta are long time friends and mentors of Elena since youth at Bethany San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

For many years we just communicated through e-mail while they were still in the U.S. but finally we had the opportunity to meet and chat with them. In many ways, the Knudtsens serve as our encouragers, model in the ministry (specially in the area of missions) and partners as well.

With Manang Alberta

They brought us for a day of trip to a beautiful safari in Chiangmai. The place is so nice and relaxing and most of the animals we saw for the first time. We enjoyed feeding the giraffes and touching the deers that just roam around.

We learned in our journey that there are times in our service to God that we go through difficult situations but  there are also times that God would shower us with wonderful gifts such as our stopover in Chiangmai. We never expect of receiving gifts like this one. After our time with the Knudtsens in Chiangmai we cannot helped ourselves but offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for his generous gifts through them.

Out of I.C.'s gladness, he drew pictures of our time in the safari.

A Short Visit at Karen Refugee Camp

On our way to Mae La Camp (click picture for bigger size).

Last April 4, the day after we arrived in Bangkok we traveled to Mae Sot for 10 hours by bus. It was a memorable experience for Ian Carlo because it was his first time to ride a double deck bus. In Mae Sot, we had the opportunity to minister to Karen (Myanmar tribe) believers living in Thailand. We also visited Mae La Camp, a large refugee camp for Karen. "The camp is very wide. I think thousands of people living there. We sang our outreach theme song in one of their high school class. While we were singing the song 'Grace Alone,' I cannot control my tears. It is because by God's grace that we were there singing in front of the refugees - face to face." - journal entry of Elena, April 4, 2012. 

The result of civil war.

We also visited the Karen Handicap Welfare Association which house the victims of the Civil War. Again, we sang the song "Grace Alone" and they also sang to us a Karen Christian song which really moved our hearts. Their physical condition is very sad as a result of war. Most were blind and amputated, either of hands or feet but they were an encouragement to us because despite of their condition they still manage to make handicrafts which they sell to visitors. We left the camp sad about the plight of the refugees but also blessed that Karen Christians are strong in their faith to the Lord. 

Children's Home

This is where we spend most of our two months in Thailand. This is the children's home run by our kababayan M. As of now, they have six boys and six girls from the Wa tribe of Myanmar. The oldest is grade three while the youngest is in kindergarten. Not all of them are orphans, some have parents but are too poor or have already many children to take care. Originally, they came from other children's home. Right now they are enrolled in Thai school. They speak Thai and are learning to write and speak English. 

We would like you to meet them even only in pictures.

English Camp Beyond the Border

Our time at Tachileik, Myanmar is unforgettable. It was our first time to step in Myanmar soil and feel the great need of the place. It is very different from Mae Sai though it is only separated by a river. Economically, it is very low and dependent on Thailand in many things.

We had the opportunity to teach for 5 days in one of the children's home that was attended by almost 50 children and youth. They come from different places and are house in two separate homes. Most of them have families but their families cannot afford to send them to school. That is why they were brought to the homes.

Praise our Father who has not abandoned these precious children and youth in the midst of difficult struggles in life. 

Baptism of MK's

Ef was given the privilege to baptized the three children of our kababayan worker here in Mae Sai. It was a memorable moment for us and for the children who have stayed here in Thailand for six years. The oldest is Jared and is returning to Philippines to pursue college education. Their father assisted me in the baptism which took place in a cool mountainside lake. It was also attended by our other kababayan workers.

The children at the orphanage
were also taught about baptism.

Please pray that they will grow deeper in their relationship with God and pray also for the provision of their studies, especially for Jared.

English Camp at Immanuel Church

This is our second English Camp in another church in Mae Sai. The camp was only three days but was very helpful to the church. We learned that this church has no ministry for the children like Sunday school. After our camp the pastor told Elena that he thinks the church also need teachers for children. We observed that majority of the attenders on a regular Sunday service are old people and very few children and youth. We thank God that through the camp the pastor saw the importance of Christian education for the children and youth.

Ef and the pastor of Immanuel Church.

click the picture for bigger size

Please pray that the leaders and members of this church will seek wisdom from God on how to reach out to the children and youth of the community.

English Camp at Pantamit Mae Sai Church

click the picture for bigger size

This is our first 5-day English Camp at Mae Sai church. It is like the typical Vacation Bible School but the difference is English lessons are incorporated each day. It was attended by both Burmese and Thai children. Elena teach the children while Ef teach the youth. It was quite a bit challenging to teach children that speak little English but with God's help we learned to handle it. Also in the process, we gain insight to their culture and begin to like them for who they are. We know that this is one of the important aspects in cross-cultural ministry. We have to rise above the challenges of ministry and people's culture and learn to love them as God loves them.

We are also grateful for our mini-TESOL training and Christian Education class at the seminary that helped us greatly and most especially for your prayers to us each day.