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
Monday, July 2, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
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 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!”
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!”
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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..."
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..."
Monday, May 7, 2012
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.
Monday, April 30, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, April 20, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
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
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
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