Grace and the persecuted life

On March 20, 2012 By MarkIn God's Glory, GRACE, Thailand, Thanks1 Comment

I’m not even sure how to write this evening (morning in Flagstaff). The people I met and what I learned today is of the kind that can change a person’s life. It will take some time for me to process.

My main assignment is to do what I love and that is speaking on grace. However, I’m asking myself why I am the one up front doing the teaching. I’m speaking to men who have experienced great persecutions. I talked to people today who are not allowed to own property in their particular country because they are Christians. I met a man who spent over 2 years in prison, because he is a Christian. I need to find out what I can and cannot say about the men I met with today from an underground church movement. The numbers blow me away. These are humble men.

And I’m the one teaching them about grace. I should just sit down and shut up.

But, by God’s grace and in obedience to Him, I’ll keep teaching what I know. And, I’ll also continue to sit and listen to the stories.

I’m not going to lie, I’m tired.

And grateful.

Thank you Lord, for letting me have the mic on this needed topic of grace. And Lord, bless these dear men. Help me to learn from them in our time together. I’m so grateful #T2RS

Snowy Flagstaff

On March 18, 2012 By MarkIn Pray, Teaching, Thailand, TravelLeave a comment

It’s Monday morning and we’re soon on our way to the pastor’s conference to begin the teaching today through Thursday. Yesterday we were able to visit another of the Children’s homes of Bahn Immanuel. The young man that leads it was raised in the first one and now married with two kids is running a home in a small village not far from town.

I woke up early to see several messages on my phone. The big snow has arrived in Flagstaff causing a few changes. I’ve been thinking of you all and praying for you as the day is winding down for you. Grateful for Laurie’s family visiting and helping her out in my absence. Who doesn’t want to run a snowblower while vacationing on Spring Break? Yikers.

Thanks for praying for us as we travel today and begin the conference. I hope to check in this evening.

Day One in Thailand

On March 17, 2012 By MarkIn Thailand, TravelLeave a comment

We arrived in Bangkok at 5:30 am Saturday. Now it’s 6:30 pm, and I’m a little anxious for bedtime. The plane was very nice, so no complaining, but I’m looking forward to a bed. I won’t even count the hours. Glad to be here in Chiang Rai for a couple of days before the conference starts. Honey, look what I had for lunch!

It was a privilege to meet up with Ron Miller at Baan Immanuel here in the city. It’s a wonderful children’s home. I was very impressed with what the Lord has done in this place!