On to Chiang Rai....

Well, dear ones,

We have arrived in Chiang Rai, Thailand, after a 22 + hour bus ride.  I have never had a travel day quite like that, but I am thankful that we all arrived safe and sound.  Some interesting "highlights" were:  stopping for dinner at 11:30 pm, and then being awakened at 5:30 am with loud Thai music so we could stop for a breakfast of rice and some odd animal fat.  :)  At least our seats reclined so that we could attempt to sleep as we bumped along the road.

One of the biggest lessons to learn on outreach is how to be patient and flexible.  This is such a great thing to be reminded of, no matter what culture or setting in which one finds himself.  Jason and I are thankful to learn this lesson as leaders, and I know it is serving our students well, too.

We left Phuket with somewhat heavy hearts, as we were sad to leave that ministry and all our new friends behind.  We made a lot of connections with the girls who work in the bars, as well as a few bar owners.  We were able to pray with a number of people, and to share words of prophecy and encouragement with the women who work in the bars.  They gave positive feedback about God touching them, reacting with tears and thanks to what was shared with them.  Though most didn't fully understand what was happening, they told us that something in their hearts felt good and happy for the first time in awhile!  Thank you, Lord, for answering prayers and for giving us favor with many, and for protecting us.  Please continue to pray for the seeds that were planted to be watered.  We hope that through interaction with the other teams who come to Phuket many women will choose a better job and life, and choose to follow Christ.  

Chiang Rai actually feels a bit like winter, or at least winter in the southern US.  It is such a refreshing change after constantly sweating in the south of Thailand.  We are so excited for what God is already doing in this city.  One university student accepted Jesus the night before our team arrived, partly as a result of time spent with the Wilke's outreach team!  We are spending the week eating lunch with University students, playing sports with them, teaching English, dance, and singing, as well as just hanging out with them in the cafe that this ministry runs.  The Thai students here are so open and friendly and have fantastic English, so communication is easy.  Please continue to pray for God to speak to their hearts and draw them to himself.  We hope our time with these university students will bless them and that we can show them what God's love is like.

We love and miss you all!