Monday, November 26, 2012

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



Saturday, November 24, 2012

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.