Saturday evening [part 2]

Saturday evening, Mommy Paw arrived (Mommy is our head of ministry). With her she brought some of the most joyous news I have ever heard.
Background Story:
For those who have been following me for some time, may remember when we had trouble and vandalism at our school a few months back. One of our students, TaPoeTu, was behind a lot of it. TaPoeTu is 15 years old. Most boys his age have dropped out of school and started working, or "bumming" (aka living like many Karen men by mooching off their parents or relatives and using any money for drugs or alcohol). TaPoeTu started to get influenced by many of his friend outside of Shekinah Children's home. He started sneaking out at night and not coming to school. When he and his relatives showed up drunk one night, it was too much. He had to be expelled.
Last year when I came, TaPoeTu was a student that I got to know personally because he can speak English very well. He loved Jesus and served him best when playing the guitar. TaPoeTu is an extremely talented musician and was our regular worship leader. He called me "big sister" and I called him "little brother," and I loved him like it was true. Watching him being pulled into darkness was heartbreaking and when he was expelled, I was absolutely crushed.
A few weeks after the event, I was visiting a family in his village. He heard I was there and sought me out. We had a long talk by the side of the road. I'll never forget him looking at me and saying "I don't want to do these bad things. I want to do good, I want to follow Jesus. But if I stay out here with my friends I will never change."
We prayed and I encouraged him to keep praying and standing up for what he knew was right. I saw him a few times before I left for the U.S. in August and his eyes were shining again. He was working for his father and taking care of his family.
In early November, Mommy was able to get TaPoeTu a spot with a Christian Karen organization based out of Chiang Mai. He is now receiving on the spot medical training in Burma helping the Karen and other tribal people in need.

Saturday evening, Mommy Paw arrived. With her she brought some of the most joyous news I have ever heard.
Earlier that day, she received and email from the head of the ministry TaPoeTu is working with. He said it has been an absolute joy to have TaPoeTu helping there and that he is working hard and serving well. Furthermore, TaPoeTu expressed the desire to make his commitment to Christ public and permanent. On Saturday afternoon, TaPoeTu was baptized and fully committed his life to Jesus Christ.
Mommy shared the story and the pictures with the children at worship that night. The last time the kids saw TaPoeTu was when he was being expelled from the school. They know what he has been and were overjoyed and in awe of the transformation God had done in him. KawPawShee, TaPoeTu's niece, ran up and hugged me exclaiming "Teacher, I'm so happy!!!"
We are having a baptism after our Christmas service on December 23. Already, about a dozen students have expressed that they wish to be baptized at this time. There is excitement in the air at what God has done for TaPoeTu and for our students! Jesus IS worth giving our life to! And no one is beyond saving.

Please pray TaPoeTu as he continues to grow in his relationship with Christ. Also for his family that they too may come to know the Savior who has redeemed their son.

Please pray for our students who wish to be baptized. That they may understand what it means and truly want to commit their lives 100% to Jesus Christ. Also, that their parents support their decision.

God is Good, All the time! All the time, God is Good!


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Saturday Morning [part 1]

This week has been one of the hardest and most fulfilling weeks of my time on the Thai/Burma border. On Saturday morning,  I reached the point where I was weeping and considering leaving, where Sunday evening, I had tears streaming down my face in joy for God's faithfulness.
Let me try to explain without airing all our dirty laundry.
On Saturday morning, some of our Karen staff left our school. There's a lot that goes with that, but the only part you need to know is that alot of it was because of me. I love to joke and play and be "the fun one" most of the time, but I have a lot of pride. Sometimes, when my pride felt challenged, I would lose my temper. Because I allowed myself to be run by my emotions, I offended some of our Karen staff. Though apologies where given and pleas were made, it was too late. They were decided.
I was absolutely and totally heartbroken. My primary goal in coming was to learn the culture and become a part of it, but here I was offending the very thing I came to understand. Because of that, I hurt several people.
I cried and cried all morning. I asked God if coming was a mistake? Maybe I'm too young? Too immature? Was me returning to America and explaining my failure to all my supporters God's plan for making me humble?
While Satan whispered in my ear and reminded me how inadequate I am, God spoke up. Yes, I messed up. I messed up big time. And there are consequences for what has happened. But God did send me here. He does have a purpose in my coming. And I should not abandon ship now.
God showed me my sin and how I can work on it. How I can react to similar scenarios in the future. How to be humble. That I came here to serve and to love. The best way to do that is by learning the culture and that takes WORK. That takes a lot of work. It takes years of learning and serving and loving and failing and apologizing. I have a poor history of shying from hard work. But that ends now.
I love the Karen as though they are my own family. I would willingly and joyfully give my life for them if it would help them get a better grasp of how much I love them. They are worth the work. They are God's gift to me. So for them, for the privilege of serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I will give them my best and lay down my pride.
I ask that you please pray with me in this. I want to be strong and courageous and bold! But most of all, I want to be humble.

I tell you this, brothers and sisters, because I love you and I need you. Without your prayers, encouragement, and discipline, doing this would be impossible. So thank you for having faith in God's work in me and in the Karen people on the Thai/Burma border.

God bless.

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16


Saturday evening [part 2] coming soon

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

"What other nation is so great as to have their god so near to them as the Lord our God is to us whenever we pray to Him?" Deuteronomy 4:7 

It has been amazing to return to the Thai/Burma border and see the many prayer requests and heart cries that God is fulfilling. 

After living here 6 months, I witnessed a lot of failure in the Karen men. So many abusive, alcoholic, absent fathers... It is heartbreaking to see the effects it has on their wives and children. Even more so when the sons are headed in the same downhill direction. 
For many months I have been crying out to God to raise up strong, Godly men to lead these people. Upon returning to the border, I found out that our friends from NohBo academy school (Lahkuhtoo and LerGay to name a few) have started a student led boys' Bible study. They meet 1-2 times per week to read and discuss God's Word. The Holy Spirit is working in these young men. I have talked to several who wish to attend Bible school post-graduation (specifically a YWAM program nearby). Many are interested in ministry work. Some even aspire to be leaders in the Karen community. It is so awesome to see these guys grow in their walks and hunger to know Jesus more. Please continue to lift them up in prayer as God continues to raise them up for His glory! Some of their family members discourage them, and temptation is always lurking nearby. May they be strong in the Lord and leaders even now in their young age! May they be able to experience God, not just in the rituals and traditions that many Karen Christians practice, but in a true and unique, Bible-believing way! 1 Timothy 4:12

LerGay, Htat Htay, LahKuHtoo and I at NohBo Academy

Jordan and Jenny Silva getting the kids ready for worship with some ice cream!

On a more selfish side, I had been hoping and praying for someone, a friend to join me. Someone who understands Western culture and the hardships or hilarity of certain situations. I am so overjoyed at how God has supplied not only Western friends for me, but Montana-folk! A couple from the Bitterroot, stevensville area, have answered and the call and committed a year to working at Shekinah Chldens home. Now not only do I have someone who understands my culture, but they are young 23 & 25) they understand Montana life, Andersen are Star Wars nerds! I am so blessed! 




Thank you to everyone who has partnered with me in prayer! I hope you are as encouraged as I am by God's continued faithfulness! Please remember to lift us up! And I pray that you too will be able to see your heart cries fulfilled! Both here and at your homes! 

-Kelsey

DaBlu PaDoh! (A Big Thank You)

Thank you to all have been in prayer. I seriously cannot thank you enough. Believe me when I say that constant prayer cover is both desired and needed. Life out here is a constant stream of crazy and unexpected. It seems like every time we are about to have a routine figured out, something happens and plans are changed. PRAISE THE LORD that He is faithful and NEVER CHANGES. Through all the stresses and surprises, there is always comfort in our God who is constant.

For the past month, a lot has gotten done. My house is finished and the bathroom is well on its way. I absolutely love my house. It is small, beautiful and perfect. I even have a deck with a view of the river. My neighbor and self-proclaimed father has built it for me. He and his family are so wonderful and hilarious. Just the other day, he was saying that if any boys that liked me came by, he would fight them. This is a highly respected Karen man! So don't worry, mom and dad, I'm in good hands. My house is about a football field away from Shekinah and about 30 feet from the river. Just the perfect distance that I am close, but can escape when possible. It is such a blessing! Thank you thank you thank you to all who helped supply the funds for this. The total for the house and bathroom is about 25,000 Thai baht which equals a little over 800 USD.

Aaaaand we're back! I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks since I left the U.S. Things never slow down here so as soon as I arrived back at camp last Monday, it was back to work as usual! Thank you all so much for your prayers! Traveling was very smooth, no delays, and no problems. I even had two check-in bags, one was overweight, and I had no baggage fees at all! Praise God for providing!
When I arrived at KT, a team was there led by the first ever KT volunteer, who may as well be a legend the way she is remembered and talked about. Three years ago, at the age of nineteen, she came to Thailand and lived at the old KT, or as we call it, "death hill." This location was on a steep hill, there were no buildings, no school, no place for the kids to play, and it was overrun with animals and fecies. She had a vision for a new KT and drew a picture of a school and real buildings for the kids to live in, and a place for kids to play. How awesome to see God transform Shekinah Children's home from "death hill." How our God loves to bless us! How our God takes care of His children! What a good God we serve!
Things are already looking a lot different, due to the amazing volunteers God has drawn to Thailand. At KT, we now have a young couple, (also from MT) that will be acting as dorm parents for the kids. Because a lot of my previous responsibilities are now there's, I will be going to Pastor Jimmy's school on Tuesday through Thursday of each week to teach English to the 24 students there. This school has never had a consistent volunteer before, and the kids are very behind in their English skills. More than that, before I left, I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to visit the kids at Jimmy's more often. He answered that quickly and specifically by my "boss" telling me that I was now their English teacher. I look forward to getting to know and love these kids more! They are ages 5-14. I have no experience in teaching English, but God never seems to let me stay comfortable for long, so I ask that you pray for me as I try to figure out this new adventure of teaching ESL!
My house now has a frame and a roof! The walls should be up soon, and hopefully in less than two weeks,  my house will be finished! Thank you all again for the support for this! I can't wait to see how God will use this house! It is dedicated to Him and His work! May He use it as He wills!
In about thirty minutes, I will be picking up Amy and Kyle (my sister and brother-in-law) from the airport! They are just beginning their adventure here in Thailand for six months, teaching English to hill tribe children up north. This location has two hundred kids and Amy and Kyle, as well as one more volunteer who just arrived, are the first help they've ever received. Pray as they adjust to life and routines here! Pray they connect with the kids easily and find ways to communicate! Pray teaching comes naturally and is something they look forward to each day!
I am so excited to begin life here again. Thank you all for your prayers and support! God is moving in Thailand and in my life! Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Kwe Seh and Deh Tzeh's Story

This couple are the grandparents of a friend of mine in Mae La Refugee Camp. One evening we visited their home. This is what they told me:
Kwe Seh and Deh Tzeh have lived in Mae La since 1988. The Burmese Army was near there village in Burma and though they were only unarmed famers, they were taken as porters many times. Because of the frequency of the army visits, K and D were unable to work their land and therefore provide food for their families. Kwe Seh said that porters are beaten and killed. She watched it happen many times. She herself was kicked and beaten when she walked to slow or appeared to be tired. They were also used as minesweepers. This means when the Burmese get to a field where they've planted landmines but forgotten where they've placed them, they have the porters walk ahead, to set them off before they follow. One of Kwe Seh's friends, Juhst Mi, stepped on one and lost her leg. She was 17 years old.
In 1988, their oldest son (16 at the time) was killed by the Burmese. When the army attacked, he ran to avoid being taken as a porter, since it is most dangerous for young men. However he was caught and killed. "The Burmese are like dogs. They only bite; don't know how to care for people. They have guns so they think they are strong. They are not human."
It was not long after this that Kwe Seh and Deh Tzeh decided to take their four kids to Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand. It took them five days to walk through the jungle to safety. 
K and D are afraid to go back to Burma, but said if there was democracy, they would. Kwe Seh said, "I want to go home." They hope Burma has peace so they can return to their village. When I asked them why the Burmese are so bad to the Karen, they said, "They hate Karen. They are not human; do not fear God; Satan's workers."
K and D believe that America can help. "Need to help us get peace and democracy in Burma. Then we can go home." And going home, they said, is the most imoportant thing.

Me in Deh Tzeh and his Granddaughter (and her daughter) in their house in Mae La Refugee Camp.

LahKuHtoo's Story

LahKuHtoo with Bible in hand and Mob after sharing the gospel with his grandmother for the first time.

This is LahKuHtoo. If you're not familiar with LahKuHtoo, go back and read "Break My Heart" and  "God Answers Prayer" and start praying! God's going to do great things through this guy! He's got an amazing heart!

When LahKu was born in Karen State in Burma in a Karen National Union (KNU) operated village. The Burmese found out about the KNU prescence there and attacked the village when he was about six months old. The villages fled to the jungle to hide. His grandmother brought him to a cave that became the home to not only his family, but many others from the village as well. They lived in the cave for the next four months as the fighting raged on. The Burmese burned their homes and fields so many people were forced to head to Thailand and the refugee camps.
His father, however, was not so... "lucky." He too fled to the jungle as he was not a part of the KNU and had no weapon. Afraid of being caught and used as a porter (almost guaranteed beatings, torture, and/or death) he ran. The Burmese saw him and shot him. LahKuHtoo has no memory of his father.
Like most Karen people, LahKuHtoo wants to return to his homeland. "I want to go back because it is my own village. I don't need ID card. I am free."
He also wanted me to tell you, my friends, "Thank you for helping [the Karen people]"

LahKuHtoo's grandmother and me. Pray that she will come to experience God's power and truth and allow LahKu to be baptized!

Paul's Story

I would like to introduce you to another of the beloved teachers at our school. He asked me not to use his name or show his picture, because the Burmese Army threatened him that if he told anyone about what they had done to him, they would hunt down his family and kill them. So we decided to use the name Paul, as he is a passionate warrior for Christ.

Paul grew up in Karen State in Burma. When he was about 18 years old, the Burmese Army (State Peace and Development Council) started using him as a porter (someone who has to carry all of there weapons/equipment/etc.). The Karen National Union (KNU) had put landmines around his village to protect it. The Burmese (SPDC) set them off one day, igniting a fury, and they attacked the village. Paul said even though being taken as a porter was very dangerous (porters are beaten frequently, used as land-mine sweepers, and often killed), especially for strong, young men, if you refused they would beat you with bamboo poles.
In 2008-2009, the Burmese had taken over the village and forced the people to work as porters everyday. There was no time for the people to work their farms or buy and sell, so the villagers had no food. Paul said he would try to sneak to the jungle to get food for his family at night, but as a consequence was beaten many, many times with bamboo poles.
If someone was rumored to be either in the KNU or a friend to them, the Burmese Army would tie plastic around the face of the accused and force water down their throat. Many times the water would fill the person's lungs; most of the people would die. Many people were falsely accused. Another form of punishment and entertainment for the SPDC would be to play drums and force the accused to dance for long periods of time- days at a time- and if they stopped, the SPDC would beat them. While the person was forced to dance, the soldiers would drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. When the people were allowed to stop, they would have health problems.
Paul said the people were allowed two days a week to work their land, but they were too weak. "Can only pray," he said. Children were only allowed to go to school if they could pay. To be allowed in grade five, the family would have to pay the equivalent of $50 while grade 12 equaled about $115. Unfortunately this amount of money is far beyond what most people would be able to pay.
Paul said as a porter he would be taken for weeks at a time. Sometimes people were allowed to return to their village only to be taken again in a month. Others never return. The SPDC finally told the village they all had to leave and either live in the jungle or find a new village, thus leaving their homes, land (and therefore, income), friends, and sometimes family behind. Paul decided to go to Thailand at that point to go to school and journeyed five days to reach safety. His family is still in Burma.

Paul lived in a refugee camp for several years and came to know God there. This is his first year teaching with us at Shekinah Children's Home, but from the get-go, Paul was quick to volunteer to lead worship, share the Bible and lead the kids. It is quite common to see him with his hands raised high above his head or clutched in fists near his heart as he leans his head back and cries out to God in worship. His knowledge of the Bible is limited, but he's hungry and eager to learn. Just two days before joining our school, he was married to a beautiful, blue-eyed Karen girl and they are expecting a baby early next year. Praise God for this amazing man of God and the family he will lead.

Pray that Paul will be able to be reunited with his family again, as they have only been able to contact each other twice in the years they've been separated.

Mob and Sunday

I want to introduce you to my dear, dear friend, Mob. "Mob" is his chosen English name, but he is most commonly called TahMawTu. Mob is a teacher at Shekinah, 21 years old, married to a beautiful Karen girl named Sunday, and is expecting a baby boy in November. Mob and Sunday are without doubt my best friends in Thailand. Mob is my brother-- no doubt about it. He actually calls me sister more often than he calls me "Kelsey." If ever I am sad or angry, Mob is always the first to pick it up, and always knows what to do to make me laugh. We've had some crazy adventures and I can not wait to experience life and grow together with him and his family. I can not thank God enough for the huge blessing Sunday and Mob have been to me! I love them!!!!!!!!!

I want to tell you Mob's story of the persecution he witnessed while growing up in Burma. As you read, please remember this is not just some poor, broken soul we should pity, but a living, loving, growing brother in Christ.

Mob was born in Karen State in Burma. He is the oldest of five siblings. His parents are rice farmers-- not growing enough to sell but just enough to feed the family. Their village has been attacked by the Burmese Army many times.
One day, Mob, his father and uncle trekked to some far-lying rice fields for a few days. Between 1-2 am, the Burmese came and arrested his father, hoping he had a gun. When they searched and found no gun, they beat him. They held him down and tied him up, then melted plastic over his bare thighs and let it drip and burn the sensitive flesh. Though Mob was only 10 years old, they made him watch. Mob said he remembers his father crying.
At 5 am, Mob was allowed to go back home while his father was taken to the river and repeatedly dunked and dunked and dunked because years earlier he was a soldier in the Karen Resistance Army. They kept screaming at him to give them his gun, but he did not have one. When Mob arrived home, he told his family that the Burmese had arrested his father. His grandmother (a leader in the village) immediately went to the Burmese soldier base and told them they had no gun, to which they denied touching her son and told her to leave.
Mob's father was tied up and gagged and taken to the Burmese base. Since the office he was taken to was a bamboo hut on stilts, Mob was able to sneak underneath in an attempt to talk to his father through the floor. Mob had to watch his bound father get beaten with bamboo rods.
His grandmother then went to a Burmese Army leader and to ask for her son. Because she was a respected woman, they let him go, and had the gawl to offer her two bags of rice. She replied, "I don't need rice. I need my son."

Two years later, Mob and his father were in the jungle herding five water buffalo. Mob said he was happy because he was able to ride on the shoulders of one of the buffalo. He said they saw the Burmese Army and tried to sneak away back in the jungle. His father told Mob to go first so he could bring the four remaining buffalo, but the Burmese saw Mob and called him to join them. He said there were many, many soldiers with guns trained on him. He was afraid and called out for his father. They took his father and forced him to act as a porter (a human packhorse). After hours of carrying the Burmese Army's supplies, Mob's father was able to return home. It was after this event that Mob's parents brought him to Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand.

Mob said many times the Burmese Army would come and require money from each house in his village as well as chickens and rice. They would sleep in people's houses and drink alcohol until they were drunk. He said many times his family has fled to the jungle for saftey for days at a time, but do not want to come to Thailand.

Mob's family is Buddhist but God has begun a great work in them. Mob was the first to be baptized and it has been AMAZING to watch him grow and desire to tell others about Jesus. Now his sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandmother have been baptized and forsaken Buddhism. This coming March, Mob and Sunday plan to go back into Burma to tell his parents about the saving grace of Jesus. "I think they will become Christians," Sunday says. "Maybe they can start a church." It is an all Buddhist village and the risk in going back is high, but God has saved them and they are filled with His peace.
Pray for this young couple as they continue to grow in Christ, grow closer together, and begin their family.

 

Mob cooking frogs after a successful midnight hunting expedition.

 

 

Sunday in the back of a pick-up on our way to Mae La Refugee Camp.

I Want To Shout It Out!

Good. Faithful. Perfect. Pure. Holy. Sovereign. Just. Loving. Merciful. Patient. Creative.
And every other word that describes the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

God is so GOOD. He is SO GOOD! I have been constantly and overwhelmingly drowned in His goodness.
My mind just cannot grasp the fact that the Creator God-- the one who established galaxies and universes, and mountains and oceans-- cares about me...
It is a completely staggering thought. This little rebelious, selfish, prideful girl, not only is saved from an eternity of seperation from God, like I deserve, but I get direct access to His Spirit? I get to stand in His presence? I get to make requests of God?
How amazing... how humbling... how ridiculously awesome that God did not only make me, He made me in His own image, He loves me, He pursues me, He blesses me, He listens to me. He accepts my meager and pathetic attempts to thank Him.
My Jesus.
My God.
You are too good to me.

I cannot wait for the day I enter the throne room of heaven. How unworthy am I to see my Savior face to face. He owes me nothing, but gave me everything.
Whatever is left of my life, Jesus, please, take it. I am yours. Take all of me. This world is not my home. You are my home, Jesus. You have my heart.

You are so GOOD, God!
You are SO GOOD!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Worthy is the Lamb to be praised! (Rev. 5)

Forever and Ever! Let us shout His Name and scream of His goodness!

Let's Get Down to Business

Ok. So I've been thinking, I've been praying, and this is what is going on:
I want to move to Thailand. God has given me a love for the Karen people. My heart is ready to become one of them-- to fully submerse myself into their culture and lifestyle. I know this is where God has me and for months I have been thinking about all the things I am going to aim for when I come back next year.
But with my Thailand Visa expiring in August, a new idea has come into my head and my heart. After talking it over with my parents and "bosses" we all feel it is the best course of action. I need to return to the U.S. in August.
By returning to America, I can accomplish many things I can't accomplish here.
1) I can get a 1-year Visa. This will allow me to avoid any more trips to Laos every 4 months (each costing $300+) and allow me more freedom and time doing actually ministry.
2) I can meet, thank, and inform all the people who have been supporting me financially and in prayer and answer any questions (hopefully) that you have about what your heart is investing in.
3) I can make a budget and explain needs that I will have. Example: I want to build a bamboo hut to live in (there are a gazillion benefits to this; feel free to ask questions). I need an Ipad to keep people updated (an ipad would allow me to get internet access even at camp). I may need a form of transportation.
4) There may be more people joining the ministry, New Vision For Life, which means my role may change. I have started to get well connected in the area though and would like to continue in outreaching to the surrounding villages as much as possible. My absence will help my "bosses" decide what they want to do with me-- since I'm able to go and do whatever they need.

I'm sure there's more but I'm so excited to "get the ball rolling" that I'm probably leaving stuff out. This place feels like Home. I can't wait to start living like it.

I'm hoping to fly out on August 9 and return in mid-October. Please pray that all the plans and applications, etc., will go smoothly!  And if you have any questions, please ask!

God bless and I'll see you soon!

Kelsey "PawMuWah" Erickson

Questions? Email me:
erickson.kelsey@gmail.com

Then Sings My Soul

Then sings my soul My Savior God to thee, How great thou art How great thou art
Then sings my soul My Savior God to thee, How great thou art How great thou art

Every since I was a little girl, this was my favorite hymn. The concept of my soul, the very essence of me, the part that matters most, singing-- rejoicing, worshiping, loving, crying out--  to my Creator, my Savior... well, it touched me. Thankfully, this song is also a favorite of millions around the world, and has been translated into almost every language. Whether I am in my church in the US, visiting the underground church in Vietnam, sitting in a Thai church, or worshipping with the Karen, every one has sang this song and I always feel like it is a special gift from God to me. I am sometimes overwhelmed that God would grant me the smallest desires of my heart, just so I know how much He loves me. What a Good God we serve.

It has been a hard week. One filled with a lot of pain. Even in the midst of the most hurt, we can see God's sovereign hand at work. It is hard to let go of things and when I do not understand, but I can hear God whispering "Trust me. I have no abandoned these people and I will not leave them now." A few nights ago, the camp manager and I had a worship night, just to come before God and let out all the insecurities and emotions overwhelming us at the time. If you know me, you know my emotions can control my actions-- often not in a fruitful way. After telling God my plan on how to fix the problem, after telling God how I cannot let go--- not of this, not of them-- He spoke to me. "He alone can Rescue and He alone can save" (lyrics from Matt Redman) and "In the chaos and confusion, You Are Sovereign..." (lyrics from Hillsong). There are some days where I literally have to repeat to myself, "God is sovereign. God is sovereign. God is sovereign..." I can trust in my Savior. He will not abandon His children.

We have recently had four children removed from our school. Please keep TaPoeTu, KaPawShi, Pache, and Chigue in your prayers.

A few weeks ago, a farmer in Burma, SaePo, walked into a landmine while chasing his cow. He was carried by soldiers to over the mountains, taken on a boat, then driven to Chiang Mai to receive hospital care. Two nights ago, he died leaving behind a wife and 6 children. His only family in Thailand, his eldest son, age 20, is going to Bible School in MaeLa Refugee camp. This boy has no ID, no papers, but we knew it was important for him to come to his father's funeral so we decided to bring him, hoping with two white faces in the car, we could pass through Thai checkpoints easily. We had no problems at all until the very last checkpoint before Chiang Mai. The driver and I nervously rolled down the window and put on smiling faces, trying to play it cool. The soldier took flashed light and shined it in our faces, shined it in the back and then asked to see her driver's license. This, of course, struck fear into her heart that he would ask for all our papers, discover our secret, and we'd spend the night in jail, but he glanced at her license and let us go. We let out a sigh and a "Glory, Hallelujiah" as soon as the window was rolled up. God must have made HehDohMu, the Karen boy, invisible because the soldier talked to me and the driver, but didn't say a word about the boy-- though obviously not Thai. God is so good! Thank you to those who were in prayer!
The family is in need of help, if you are interested in helping or supporting the family, contact me and I will let you know how you can do so.

Though it has been a hard week, I have peace in my heart. I wish I could put into words how absolutely amazing Jesus is... How He reveals His power and glory and love and hope to such insignificant and undeserving people-- people like me. I fall down on my face in worship, Lord Jesus, take this life, my feeble offering, and use it as you will.

To God be the Glory Forever and Ever, Amen!

Revelation 5:11-13

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, 
    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb 
    be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

Only He can Rescue, Only He can Save

It would be easy to write a blog sticking to only the happy parts of life in Thailand-- talking about the revival in the young people, the increasing interest in the young Buddhist villagers, and the growth of friendship with the KNU soldiers-- but to be honest, alot of life really is hard, and sometimes, really sad. Today my heart is broken, and I don't want to hide that from you. Though worlds apart, you are my family, a fellow part of my Christian body, and therefore a necessary source of strength during difficult times. So I'm asking you, brothers and sisters, please help me. I am desperate for your prayers.
There is much that I had planned to tell you. So much I want to share, but today I am at a loss for words. For those who have been "missionaries" perhaps you understand what I mean.
While I am everyday reminded of the goodness of God and the glory He deserves, many days my heart is broken for these people that I have come to love in a way that I did not know my heart was capable of.
I see the disrespect they endure from other people.
I see the disrespect they have for themselves.
I see the extreme poverty they struggle to overcome.
I see tumors and sickness that I know will soon take the life of the child they cling to.
I see the people clinging to a hopeless religion of Buddhism, which has such evil associated with it, it's terrifying.
I see the fear in the eyes of the people.
I see the hopelessness.
I see the need.
They need hope. They need peace. They need love.
They need Jesus Christ.

Just last week, a man-- who had been sick for some time-- decided to end his life. He left behind a wife and three children (ages 10,9,5). I happened to be in the village the day he died and was able to go visit the wife (and the body of the man, as part of the culture they stay one night in the house) and pray with her and give her money, although she is Buddhist. It is not in Karen culture in cry in public, but as I held her hand and prayed, the tears rolled down her face.

Three of our students have an abusive father. The stress of it weighs heavily on the oldest of the three, the 11 year old girl, as she watches her mother get beat up while trying to protect her two younger siblings. She came back after a weekend at home and you could just see the shadow over her face. We pulled the three aside after church one day to tell them we know what is happening at their house and we love them and will help in anyway we can. The girl just started to cry. For an hour I just held her in my arms as she wept, brushing her tears away, giving her kisses, and telling her how much God and I love her.

We just suffered a tragedy in the camp. I am unable to go into detail, but my it literally feels like someone drop-kicked me in the heart. I know that no amount of tears can undo what's been done and that things will never be the same. It feels like a piece of me has died. Even through the pain I can see God working. I can rejoice in His Sovereignty. God knows what He is doing, even if His plans are sometimes painful.


Many of you may say how lucky the people are to have me here. Please don't. There is nothing special about me. I am just an ordinary girl who is doing what God told her to do. I am so grateful that God can work in spite of me. I am humbled that He lets me love these people with a heart that would, without question, give my life's blood for them. God gets all the glory for ANYTHING good. ONLY HE CAN SAVE THESE PEOPLE. And they need saving. They desperately, desperately, DESPERATELY need JESUS.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding..."

God Answers Prayer

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God is Good, All the time. 

All the time, God is Good.

If you have been keeping up with my blog, you have hopefully been praying for a young man named LahKuHtoo. His friend, LerGay, had asked me to teach him more about the Bible, so I invited him to our VBS a few weeks back. After the first day, LerGay called LahKuHtoo and told him he had to come and hear this teaching about Jesus. A few days into teaching, LahKuHtoo cut off the Buddhist strings that had been tied around his wrists. Both boys said they could feel God changing their hearts. One day as we were cooking dinner, LahKuHtoo started asking me questions about denominations (the two main ones out here being Anglican and Catholic). We talked about verses in the Bible and how we are not called to be a denomination but to be followers of Christ and do as the Bible says, not what man says. This led into a discussion of salvation, baptism, having a life that reflects Christ, and honoring our mother/father/grandparents, etc. We were interrupted with the dinner whistle, but after worship that night, I gave him a list of verses to read and meditate on. After we went to MaeLa together, he returned to his grandmother's house, a devout Buddhist woman who favors LahKuHtoo over her other children. She has high hopes of LahKu becoming a monk. The next day, LerGay, Mob and I went to visit them and share Jesus with the grandmother at LahKu's request. We prayed together and talked for a while and then left. About a week later, Mob and I went to visit him again. He said he really wanted to be baptized (being baptized in Karen culture is making your Christianity official-- and letting everyone know you are commited to the faith). However, he is afraid to tell his family because he knows they will be angry with him. We prayed together for peace and he decided to pray about if this was right. The next day, he called me saying he wanted to be baptized. I was overjoyed! I called Pastor Jimmy to ask if he could come, but he said he has not finished classes to be a Reverend so is unqualified.... sigh. To avoid speaking rashly and saying something I'd regret I avoided telling him he was wrong and the Bible says he is "qualified." I saw LahKuHtoo yesterday and he said when he is with me and the people at Shekinah he wants nothing more than to be baptized, but when he's home, his heart hurts because he knows it will hurt his family. We read the verse of Jesus telling us to love him first, more than our families, and then of how we need to honor our mother and father. Once again we prayed together that he would have peace with the decision to be baptized now, or wait until he had a blessing from his parents. He called me a few hours later saying he wanted to be baptized. He is sure. Praise God for his courage. Keep LahKuHtoo in your prayers! And his family as well! His decision will change his life, already has, but will affect his family as well. It could cost him alot. Thank you Jesus for being with us through it all! He never leaves us or forsakes us!

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

 LerGay, Me, LahKuHtoo, and Nina

A few blogs back, I mentioned a girl, EhSay who was in a car accident and broke her pubic bone and cracked her pelvis. Good new for her as well! After visiting two other hospitals who could (or would not) help her, she was taken to one where a surgery was scheduled. However, it was discovered that she had TB so the surgery was cancelled. This would mean over 50 days of bed rest, lying flat on her back, not able to get up even to eat or use the bathroom-- absolute misery for someone used to an active life. However, after 2 weeks of bed rest, she returned for a check up and the doctor was amazed at her progress. She was allowed to sit up in bed and be wheeled around in a wheelchair. 2 week later, she was brought back and the doctor was in complete shock that the bones had healed so well, she would be able to start walking with crutches. A miracle! On Monday she was brought back to the Bible School where she lives near Mae Hong Son and was reunited with her teachers and classmates whom she's been seperated from for so long. Praise God for His ability to heal both hearts and bodies!!

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Christine (a wonderful teacher and friend) and EhSay in the hospital

Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours

A few weeks ago, a girl gave me a copy of a Hillsong cd. Amazing how wonderful listening to Christian music from home can be. My favorite song on the disk, Hosanna in the Highest, has been played over and over again in my head and my heart.
Take my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

As I make this song my hearts cry, God has given me my heart's desire and brought many opportunities for me to show His love to His people. A few weeks ago, TaPoeTu, a student at Shekinah, came to me after visiting his mother's house. "My parents have no rice," he said. "My mother told me to ask you for help. My brother has already left and she has no one to help her work." In a culture where I have to beg the people to let me help them, it was a delight to know that his mother recognized I could help her and let me do so.
A few days ago, a woman came to visit her husband, a Karen soldier who lives near the camp. She told one of our teachers that she has six children but is so poor, she can only feed them white rice and chilies. I gave her 300 baht for food. Yesterday I saw her again and was greeted with a "GwaLuggy Tharamu! (Good morning teacher)" It was wonderful to see her and her children carries bags of food and veggies. At the same time, I was convicted that I had no prayed for her when I gave her the money! The first time we met, I saw the Buddhist strings on her children's wrists (to ward off evil spirits). The second time, they were not their. Pray that God can touch her heart despite my failure to tell her more about Him!
On Saturday, I visited MaeLa refugee camp for the first time. It is registered with the UN so those who live there (if their names are written down) can get a bag of rice, beans, fish paste every month and one blanket a year-- which is not near enough to live on. It is sickening to know how long the UN has known about the suffering and does nothing to help-- not even to make awareness! Well, I will not be silent. I went with PahSehMo, our cook, her son, and LahKaHtoo. We went to visit one of the teachers from Shekinah, NawLahEh who lives in MaeLa during summer break. After a morning of meandering through the shops and exploring the camp, we went to her house. On our way we passed the Bible College that our teachers during the VBS had come from. They are wonderful, intelligent, and loving Christian people. I was excited to attend their opening ceremony in June. Not ten minutes after arriving at NawLaEh's house, we heard a loud CRACK. Everyone ran outside to see a huge black pillar of smoke rising from the Bible College. It was on fire.
We all took off running to help. One of the boys grabbed me and told me to stay back. He was afraid I might get hurt. I told him I came to Thailand to help the Karen people, not watch them suffer. He tried to stop me a few times, but eventually saw my determination to not just stand by and let me go. It was so heartbreaking. There were hundreds of people gathered round. Every house nearby was being evacuated of all belongings. Since the roofs are made of dried leaves, all the men were on the roof, breaking the roofs with their feet. The women were trying to soak their houses with buckets of water. Meanwhile dozens of men were beating the fire with shirts and blankets, pouring sand, pouring what little water they had on the huge flames.
After more than an hour of men risking their lives to save the Bible School, the Thai soldiers and fire truck arrived. That is also when the Americans showed up-- not to help, but to take pictures. I heard one girl say to a Karen girl, "I bet it will smell like campfire for a while, huh?!" and another man, "Well I've seen enough. Are you ready to go?" They didn't ask if anyone was hurt. They didn't ask if they could help. If they could pray. If they could give money to the teachers who had lost all of their belongings...
After the fire was all out and we made sure there were no injuries, LahKuHtoo and I talked to a student at the Bible College and asked about what was lost. Thankfully, all the teachers were at a wedding in another village so no one was in the buildings that were burnt down, but all of their clothes and belongings were lost. The student himself now only owned the clothes on his back and his computer. The 6 or so buildings that were burned down held books and computers and Bibles and food. I saw some people scraping fallen rice off of the ground. These people are poor and never waste food. I gave the student, Hser Nay Wah, 1000 baht for him and the teachers to buy some of their immediate needs-- clothes, hygiene products, food, etc. We also prayed together that God would make a way for the school to be rebuilt. If the funds and materials do not come in, they may have to cancel school for the year. Pray for the school called KKBBSC.
When we got back to Shekinah, LahKuHtoo had to leave us to live with his grandmother and help her at the house. He has experienced God greatly in the past 3 weeks he stayed at Shekinah and he desperately wants to be baptized and serve God. However his grandmother is a faithful Buddhist. He is her favorite grandson and she is set in making him a Buddhist monk. On Sunday after church, Mob, LerGay, and I went to visit LahKuHtoo at his grandmother's house. I asked her about Buddhism and her life in Burma and prayed God would give me an opportunity to share Jesus with her. He did and I was able to tell her about Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. It was the first time she'd ever heard it. She is still dedicated to being Buddhist, but we were able to pray together, LahKuHtoo and I with her and for her. Pray that God touches her heart and that LahKuHtoo has the courage to follow God and be baptized- no matter the cost!
I tell you these stories, not to bring any praise to me. If God had not brought me here and opened my eyes, I would be of no use. I do want you to know though, my friends, that if you send money, most of it is going directly to the Karen people who need it most. Yesterday I was told about three Karen soldier posts near Shekinah. These men are so poor, they do not even have shoes. They also have been eating only broken, white rice and chilies-- not a substantial meal for a soldier. I plan on bringing them canned fish, coffee, and shoes tomorrow. (Coffee since many nights they are on watch and do not get to sleep.) If God has touched your heart with a love for these people who so desperately need help, please contact me or my mother. I have only about 1500 thai baht right now-- about 50 USD. Right now, my needs are provided for, but I can no ignore the needs of those around me. Please help. Please pray that God continues to open doors for me to pray and share Jesus with His people. There are many who do not believe. So many who have no hope. My prayer is to help provide them with earthly food, but let God give them the Bread of Life so they will never go hungry.

1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

James 2: 15-17 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Home

Where to start...? It seems like there is so much going on, if I try to remember it all, I'll be on the computer for days!
Nina, my cousin, has been with me for the past 2 weeks and it has been WONDERFUL! Such a joy for me to share a piece of my heart with her this way. of course, the children and teachers love her and she has adapted to the lifestyle without any problems. Praise God that she was able to come! Please pray for her as she returns home next week and has only 2 days to recover from jet-lag before life continues on for her!
As for me, I am fine. Have been to 4 doctors for my toes, none of which are sure of what exactly the problem is. I am currently at the best hospital in Chiang Mai which has taken lab samples of my skin and seems more confident that they will be able to treat me. However, when you get the best care, it costs a lot of money. Already, I had spent over $200 on traveling to the hospital, examinations, and medicine. The bill at this hospital was for an additional $100. Praise the Lord for a new friend I have made, another young missionary woman, who paid the bill for me. We have only met a few days ago, but already have become good friends. I am SO grateful for her friendship and encouragement and honestly, and this act of kindness was overwhelming. God is too good to me! After all's been said and done, with traveling, hotel, food, and medical bills, I had to pay almost 500 USD which is a serious dent in my pocket. Money is such a small thing compared to my big God, I am not even worried about it! He has provided everything for me and I know this is where I am supposed to be. Please pray that God touches the hearts of people who love the Karen and want to support God's ministry through me here.
The VBS ended yesterday. Only a few kids from Shekinah and Pastor Jimmy's were able to come, but many village kids heard the singing and came to join us. Dozens were there by the end which is SO wonderful because their village, YaKwaDee, is all Buddhist. Also, an older brother of one of our kids, LerGay (age 17), came and asked me if I could teach him more about the Bible. I told him about our VBS and after the first day, he called his friend, Luckatoo (age 20), and told him he had to come and learn hear the Bible teaching. Luckatoo came with Buddhist strings on both wrists, but after one week of hearing the teaching, he said he felt God changing his heart and cut off the strings. Now VBS is finished and they both asked to stay longer to learn more! Such an amazing thing to see God draw people to Himself! It is their summer holiday, and they want to stay at a children's home and study instead of stay at home with friends and family. Keep these two in your prayers-- I believe God has great things planned for them!
2 weeks ago, in Chiang Mai, God brought a thought that I had been mulling over in February, but dismissed, back to the forefront of my brain. I want to be at Shekinah Children's home for Christmas. All week long, I could not get the idea out of my head. The more I prayed about it, the more it seemed like the only actual option. These people are my family. If I can bring them joy, my sweat, blood, and tears are worth it. I find myself calling Shekinah "home" without even thinking about it. It really does feel like home this time. I cannot even imagine going back to the U.S. now. I am starting to pick up the language more and understand the culture so much more. God has brought me here, and I know there is so much more for me to do, see, and learn here before I go.
Yesterday, I went in the kitchen to help sift through the bags of rice and remove any stones or rotten rice. After we were finished, I got the broom and swept the floor. This would seem like no big deal to us-- but for the Karen to have an English person "humble themselves" and do this was shocking to them! One boy said, "You are not like an English girl!" Another took a picture of me. I wanted to scream "I am not an English girl! I did not come to live with the Karen people for them to serve me! I came to serve them!" Nothing brings me greater joy than when they smile and me and say "You are not GawLohWa (white person), you are PohKanYoh (Karen)."
I am so overjoyed to be here. Even though I often go to bed exhausted, God wakes me up with His peace everyday. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces when we play or the teachers when we tease each other... there is nothing greater. I am so honored to be loved by these people. I am so humbled for God to allow me to be known by them. If God asked me to give my life to save one of their's, I would do so willingly.
Please pray that God touches the hearts of people who are meant to partner with me in this journey!
Please pray for the medical bills and insurance to be sorted out!
Please pray for NeeLehOo, a ten year old boy extremely sick with Malaria-- it's been more than a week, which can be deadly out here!!
Please pray for LerGay and Luckatoo that their hearts and minds remain open to God and His plan for them.

To God be the Glory!
God bless!
Kelsey- a bondslave of Christ

Expect the Unexpected

If there's one thing I've heard from every experienced person in the mission field, it is to expect the unexpected. Things are going to change quickly and you just have to go with the flow! And know that God has His sovereign hand on everything-- wanting you to trust Him. So when the woman who ministers at the camp full-time told me she needed help in May and June, I was quick to think through if I could make that work... financially, it's possible, visa-wise, it's possible, etc etc. Then when I mentioned the request to the woman who funds the camp, she said "Why are you going back so early? There's no reason for that! You should just stay til September!" After a little research from her husband, we discovered it only cost 1000 baht (about 30 USD) to buy a triple entry visa-- allowing me to stay in Thailand for 6 months.
6 months?? That is a LOT longer than I was ready for... but I waited for the feeling of defeat to take over, and it never did. The more I prayed about, the more peace I felt. When I closed my eyes, I saw Jesus' hand reaching out me, asking me to take hold and trust Him-- even though I don't know what to expect. Ok Lord, you got me. I am yours. Take me for all that I am, for what little I am, and use me as you will. I am clay in your hands, mold me into something beautiful that reflects your handiwork. I want your seal on me so if I do anything good-- You get the recognition. You get the praise. You get the glory. After all, I am just the vessel. You are the Creator.
Tonight I will take a night bus to Laos, a pleasant 17 hour drive to get my Visa taken care of. We will come back in a few days, Lord-willing. Pray that everything goes smoothly!

Meanwhile back at camp, much has been happening. Last fall, there was a great increase of violence in the camp, causing a lot of children to suffer from stress to the point that it actually affected their health. Also, there was a demon manifestation that was scaring some girls to fall into a deep trance, unresponsive to anything for a period of time. Praise the Lord that both situations are under control know. But please pray for the violence as shooting has started again-- not in our area, but we are right next to the Karen state with holds Karen Soldier bases in it. One is within sight of our camp. That is why there were bombs going off last time I was there. Also, pray for the children, the girls especially they are both very afraid of ghosts and have trouble sleeping still. Ghosts here aren't just something in movies, they are a reality. Please pray that God can give the girls strength and courage to know that Satan has no power over them and is not deserving of our fear.
Also, a week before I arrived, a boy was found down the hill from the camp that was missing his eyes, with his head cut off. This is common in Thailand. When new buildings or monuments are built, they need a sacrifice to dedicate it, and children's eyes are in high demand to appease the spirits. It is less common out where we are at, but obviously, it happens. The children all saw the boy. Please pray for the whole situation.
Also, a man with a machete came to the girls' dorm one night. Now the girls and boys have whistles in their dorms and a bucket to pee in so they do not have to be outside at all when it's dark. None the less, there is a spirit of fear. Pray we can overcome that.
This is one of the reasons why I am needed. When foreigners (white males especially) are there, the risk decreases drastically.

Since I've been at Shekina Children's home, I have taught English and Math to the KGA (kindergarden), shared in worship time, help with medicine time, bought groceries, washed clothes, disciplined, played, loved... When Zaida is gone, I am the overseer of the camp. I have keys to everything, give money to the cook for veggies, make sure chores get done, toys put away, kids get up and go to bed on time, etc etc.

Zaida, the woman who stays there full time, is going to be gone for the month of April. My cousin, Nina, a man from the States, Matthew, and a girl from England, Liz, AND a Mennonite team from the States will all be coming and going during that month. Pray that we all flow well together, get along and get work done! There is alot to do before school starts! We need roof extentions before the rainy season. We need a fence around the whole camp for extra protection for the children. We need to move the fish pond. Also, we are having a two week VBS in April that will have probably about 50-60 kids all sleeping, eating, playing at Shekinah. Needless to say, its going to be a bit crazy. Prayers for that would be much appreciated!

School starts in the end of May. We need to find a new KGA teacher that is Karen (since the young ones only know basic English and its hard for me to teach them effectively). There is no one else to help Zaida and she will be traveling alot since she has many responisibilities. She likes having me there since I am familiar with the rules and routine of the camp, as well as how to work the transportation system and the people we buy goods from are familiar with me. She is then able to get her other duties done with peace in her heart. She has been such a blessing to me since I've been here! She is a remarkable woman who loves to love but has a fiery spirit and good sense of humor. It is a joy to learn from her.

In my extended stay, I will also get to possible shadow the woman who funds the camp and travel with her to some other places, as her ministry funds many, many people from many, many tribes. She is such an inspiration to me! I loved working with her last year and pray I get to know her more this year as well! She is a small woman, but has a commanding presence but an amazing heart. She also said that when I needed a holiday, I can come stay with her at her house, removing the cost of food and living on my breaks. What a blessing!

Most importantly, I get to spend 6 months with my kids! I can spend more time dedicated to learning their language and connecting on a level with them that is so much deeper than if I only stayed for 3 months. It is rare for people to come that long, so I pray this can allow them to know how much they are loved and how much they matter. Hahah I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support and interest in God's work here in Thailand! What an adventure God has given me! What an honor to get to experience Him more in this way.

God bless you all!!
Kelsey

The New Plan

Praise the Lord, I have my passport safely in my possession!!! And a solution to the Visa problem has been found. I will fly out on Thursday, February 23rd and stay in Thailand for 30 days. Then I will go to Laos for a day or two, apply for a 60 day Visa from there, then return to Thailand until May 15th when I fly back to the U.S. This is the easiest and cheapest option (should cost $300 or less).
However, with the new expenses of the lost passport and trip to Laos, and the two short airplane tickets I have yet to buy, my funds are running low. Thank you SO MUCH to all who have supported me so far!! We have completely covered the cost of almost all my flights. We are hoping for $800 to cover living expenses in Thailand and any other surprises that come up (as they always do in foreign countries). Pray that the money comes in! Money is such a small thing to worry about when my God is SO BIG! Please pray for funds and faith without doubt!

Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?


My excitement is drastically increasing as the weeks turn to days and the days turn to hours... My heart is flooded with a mixture of joy to see my beloved children again, fear that I won't be able to protect them as they need, and nervousness that I am not qualified enough in teaching/medical training to give them what they want. But God has overwhelmed me with His LOVE and GRACE, and that is something I can show them. May my heart be overflowing with the peace and joy of Christ Jesus so that I may love these children, these people, with no barriers. They deserve all of me and I want to hold nothing back. 


Romans 6:13-14 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.


I am foolish. I am unqualified. I am weak. Why God would choose to use me, I do not understand. But God continues to ring in my head and my heart that in my weakness HE IS STRONG. May the overlying theme of this blog and my life be that nothing good can come from me-- but only GOD IN ME. He ALONE gets the GLORY. He ALONE gets the PRAISE. Any good thing I do is not to my credit. Thank you Lord Jesus for choosing this humble servant to worship you in this way. My hands, feet, heart, and soul are yours to use. I pray you use them both now and forevermore. 


Philippians 2:13 Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it. (easy-to-read version)


Isaiah 43:10-13 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD,and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you.You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Prayer Request

Due to some problems with things getting lost in the mail, I will not be able to purchase a 3 month Visa before my February 23rd departure date. We are trying to find out if I can get a Visa once I am over there, or if I need to move my departure date back, or even shorten my trip. The last two options are both ones I would like to avoid if at all possible. Please pray that we can find a solution to this problem. I have emailed all my contacts both here and in Thailand explaining the situation. Pray that they respond quickly so we can prepare here accordingly.
Thank you so much friends.
God bless,
Kelsey

Faithful

Faithful:
1. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal
2. Having or full of faith.
3. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable
4. Consistent with truth or actuality


Faithful. Be faithful. Words we hear so much, we forget what they actually mean. 
The God we serve-- the Creator, the Savior, Provider, Warrior, Prince of Peace-- He is Faithful. 


Psalm 111:7 "The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy."
II Thessalonians 3:3 "The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one."
Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations."

God has given me a heart for the children at a tiny refugee camp in Thailand. Before I even met them, I loved them and cried for them and prayed for them. Now they are my family. God was faithful to me-- beyond measure-- during my time at Shekinah Children's Home, and now I choose to be faithful to Him, and to you, my supporters and prayer warriors. You have put your faith in God's call for my life. Though I am weak, God is strong, and I know that what He began in me, He will finish.  

From February 23 to May 14, I will be in Thailand to teach, preach, play and love on these kids that God has given me the privilege of knowing. I have just purchased airplane tickets and things are falling into place. The joy in my heart is starting to make me feel like I am burst with excitement. 

Now I am putting my faith in you, my brothers and sisters. I have enough money to fly over, but not enough for living expenses, luggage, supplies and presents, unexpected expenses (ie bringing kids to the hospital, bribing soldiers, paying for meals, etc.). My banker, aka my mother, is requesting and praying that I can raise $1500. 

There are some changes with this trip that you should be aware of: I am not flying under an organization though I will be in contact with two. Therefore, if you feel called to support me financially, you can send it straight to me. I realize that some people are not comfortable doing this. I understand. Please pray about it and do what you feel God tells you. Most importantly I ask for prayer for me, the kids, the happenings across the border, the teachers who get a break due to my coming, the new people I will meet and make connections with, the problems we will face, the opportunities for growth, etc. 

This is a life-changing opportunity; I pray you share it with me so we can grow in heart together. 

I Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."


Matthew 25:40 "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."


My contact information is: 
Kelsey Erickson
109 Alliance Way
Missoula MT 59803
erickson.kelsey@gmail.com
406 396 2958


Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"