Headed Home

On August 19, 2013 By MarkIn Pray, Thailand, TravelLeave a comment

It’s been a great few days in Bangkok. We were able to worship with Molly on Sunday morning; then spent time with her at the school on Monday. Molly is doing great with language school and working in the ministry at Word Made Flesh as she’s able. We met her kids and coworkers as we got to tour the Community Center. It was so nice to have lots of time to visit and catch up. I think we were all mutually encouraged. One of the highlights was presenting the kids with the supplies that Grace sent over, including ipads for the classroom! Great job Grace! Your generosity is a huge blessing.Great to be with Molly at her church in Bangkok on Sunday morning.

We are getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow morning we leave early for the airport and the beginning of our long journey home. Thanks again for your prayers.

Teaching in Thailand

On August 14, 2013 By MarkIn Missions, Thailand2 Comments

What a great few days so far. Tonight was a great end to a wonderful day. There was a lot of teaching and worship. My cup is full. Tomorrow we will conclude our part of the Pastor’s Conference. Here are just a few pictures of our teachers and the beautiful Hmong people.

This is Ron Miller teaching the first night. Ron leads the Baan Immanuel ministries

Here's Linda Holgate teaching the women — Here’s Linda Holgate teaching the women

Here's Dan Holgate teaching with our interpreter — Here’s Dan Holgate teaching with our interpreter

I think we’re all doing well, but feeling spent. Pray for a good night’s rest and a very effective closing day tomorrow. This has been great! I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing us a small part of an amazing movement.

On August 11, 2013 By MarkIn Pray, Thailand, Thanks1 Comment

We’ve enjoyed a couple of days getting acclimated to the time zone and visiting some of the local ministries. I was so blessed to hear things went well back home with our Men’s Advance and at Grace on Sunday morning. I sure love our team.

Today, we’ll travel north to the city where we will meet up with the Hmong pastor’s and their wives where conference starts this evening. Pray for all the guys to get there safely. I know some were held up yesterday at the Laos border. Many of these guys travel for days. I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces from last year as well as meet many new guys.

Thanks for your prayers.

Arrived and Welcomed!

On August 9, 2013 By MarkIn ThailandLeave a comment

Now, THAT was a long trip! Laurie and I left Flagstaff about 3:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday, and arrived here in Chiang Rai 2:30pm Friday local time, which was 12:30 am Friday in Flagstaff. Yep, crazy.

Our friend and host, Ron from Baan Immanuel welcomed us at the airport and after a time to clean up at the hotel, they welcomed us with a traditional feast. That day they slaughtered the pig, and invited us to sit on the floor in small groups gathered around a charcoal lit grill to cook our pork and veggies, with rice and noodles. Gotta tell you, it was awesome.

Well rested and out today for some adventure and meeting some of the ministries here in Chaing Rai. Thanks for your prayers.

Thailand!

On August 7, 2013 By MarkIn Missions, Pray, ThailandLeave a comment

This will be brief. I’ve been meaning for the past couple of days to let you know we’re headed to Thailand once again. Well, now it’s just an hour or so away. I was blessed to go in March last year with two pastors from Calvary Community in Phoenix, Dan Holgate and Paul Hayes. This year, they invited me back as well as Laurie! I am so glad the wives are coming along to round out the team. Last year we noticed how many of the Hmong pastors from the neighboring countries came and brought their wives, so this became a priority for us too. A bonus is that we will get to see Molly Evans, a young lady from Grace who is serving in Bangkok.

As you think of us, please pray for the ministry. Safety and health are bonuses, but the effective work of ministering to these men and women is of utmost priority!

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ . . . Colossians 4:2-3

Standing Together

On August 1, 2013 By MarkIn church, GRACE, StaffLeave a comment

No one stands alone. Grace Community is a pretty awesome church with a great history and an even greater future.

Today, is August 1st and serves to remind me that Pastor Jason Goodman and his awesome family joined us one year ago today. We are blessed to have a Worship Pastor and the many things he does to help the team. I was reminded also that in just a few days Pastor Bob and Tami celebrate 10 years at Grace. Pastor Bob started GSM while also giving pastoral oversight to our Children’s ministry. Along with being a close Associate for me, he most recently has developed and implemented our Discipleship ministry. Tim Serrano joined our team as an intern 4 years ago this month. He now is the Director for all our Student Ministries, and doing an amazing job! So, it looks like August is a good month to celebrate this beautiful team I get to work with in serving Grace.

Tami serves us in the front office and oversees most office needs. Paula is our newest addition, she serves as our Children’s Ministry Director and Ministry Assistant for me.

So, you can see none of us stands alone. You that are a part of the Grace Community family, pray for your staff and go ahead and encourage them when you get a chance. I know I will!

PMark's Blog World

Month: August 2013