July 4th

Happy 4th of July everyone! I wish I could spend some time back in the USA to enjoy bbq steaks, hot dogs, patriotic movies and the fireworks. We miss our family and friends there, but moving forward with our mission trip here in thailand.

Tammy and I had a fruitful weekend. Thank you very much for praying for us, those of you who did.
Here's some updates to show you how God was faithful to your prayers.

1. We met with one pastor, Pastor Seng, who was initially very skeptical of what Multiplication Ministries could offer him. He is a seasoned pastor that has been serving faithfully for 20+ years. We were able to sit with him for an hour over lunch and speak of our new ministry as ministry consultants. He heard us out, and saw the presentation and was very surprised that it was consistent with what he knew what worked in Thailand. He was all ears after the first few slides. So he wants to set up a time together in 3 weeks in Ao Udom to speak more in detail. He would like his staff to hear the presentation as well. Praise God that the Lord gave us favor in the eyes of this seasoned pastor.

2. We shared the Multiplication Ministries process for church growth to our dear friend Sakchai, who is currently part of the board for a very strong church. His heart had been heavy because after accelerated growth, they hit a plateau. He had spoke to the committee and really felt a burden for some changes in how they approached caring for the flock. When he saw what we were presenting he was very excited because it so happened he was trying to prepare a meeting for the next day with the same concepts for change. So now he is trying to arrange a meeting together with this influential church in Bangkok for August. Please keep this in your prayers because we want to be able to help everyway we can. Please pray for God to give us favor in the eyes of folks who have been leaders for quite longer than we have.

3. We ministered to an elderly gentleman in the hospital who is suffering from cancer. The church (Sakchai leads this ministry) sent us there, as he is family of a church member. The gentleman is not yet christian. Tammy and I shared stories with him, along with Sakchai (who translated). I spoke of how my dad came to accept the Lord when he was in the hospital. The Lord was in the middle of it. It was really funny at the end because the last thing I wanted to ask Sakchai to tell him was out of John 14 and how Jesus says that in His Father's house there are many mansions, and He goes to prepare a place for us (the ones that believe in Him). I was waiting for another chance to tell this, but the husband and wife were speaking with Sakchai. Sakchai told me that they said they were sad and lonely because they built a big house, but it's empty because their kids don't visit them. They don't wish to come and live together. They are sad especially because they prepared that home for them to be together. After hearing this, we told them the scripture. It was impactful.

Praying for the homeless folks who came to the outreach in Lumpini Park.

4. We encouraged a group of homeless folks who came to Lumpini park hoping for help. More than 80 usually come to eat and listen to worship music and hear a sermon. Afterwards, there is an after service bible study. We had a chance to talk there for 2 hours preaching on the security of being a child of God, and how to walk it out daily. There was prayer after the teaching.

5. Sakchai's birthday was this weekend, which was a total surprise! We enjoyed the time together with he and his family.

Happy Birthday Sakchai!

6. For Sakchai's birthday gift, I took pressure off of him by preaching the Sunday service for him. He was very happy because he had a lot of stress that weekend. I preached on "Surprising God with your faith", based on Mark 6 and Matthew 8.

7. We had the privilege to disciple our friend Mark back in Oceanside. We are encouraged because he will be visiting us in September to serve with us. Tammy discipled our friend from the university, Wa. I'm proud of Tammy because she handled the whole teaching period by herself.

8. We again shared for 4 hours with the friends we made at the Q restaurant. It turns out Q (the owner) has a brother that is christian. He really likes to hear about what we share with him. We've been sharing on the demonic activity in music. We watched a documentary. Of course, this led to the Gospel. He has heard my testimony today. We will see eachother tomorrow again. He gave me recordable CD's because he would like the Rock and Roll Documentary (by a Christian author who is warning the youth).

9. The water system will be installed in the new building this week. Praise God!

Election Day

10. We didn't run into any problems during election day on sunday. Safe travel to Cambodia and thru Bangkok this week!

11. We will get a student visa that will keep us here in Thailand for 1 year. It was expensive, but we got it at a discount price. Now we won't have to travel to the border every 2-3 months (which is just as expensive if you add it up). Total costs will reach over $1400 (covers both Tammy and I). If you would like to help us cover this cost, feel free to contact us!