Okay, just a quick update. I know that I have promised to post about our church experiences, but it will have to wait for now. This week is extraordinarily busy.
Ministry Update: Christy and I are leading a small group Bible study of about 10 at a local Thai church on Thursday nights. We are going through an English Christian book with some Thais that are interested in strengthening their English. It has been really nice to start teaching again. The pastor’s wife translates when needed. We have had some great conversations. This past week one of the chapters in the book was about the term Born Again. When confronted with the topic three people in group expressed that they did not know what it meant to be born again and one of them stated that it was hard because she does not always live correctly. “Sometimes I curse or think something bad.” The translator took some time to share the basis of the gospel. That we are saved only by faith through grace. The three understood and agreed. We also had the opportunity to share that to be born again literally happens to our spirit the moment that we believe we are placed in Christ- placed into His death, burial, raised with Him in new life, and then united to Him. Thank you, Jesus! It never gets old sharing God’s glorious truth with His Saints.
This week is extraordinarily busy because the Lord has given me an opportunity to teach on Friday and Sunday for an international church here in Bangkok. It will take about an hour of travel time each direction to and from the church. The name of the church is AIT Christian Fellowship. Please remember me in your prayers this week if you would. I am prepared for teaching the Bible study on Thursday, I’ve got some studying to do for Friday, and Sunday I’m still asking the Holy Spirit what He’s got in store.
Language school: is going very well. We have a new teacher. Our previous teacher just had her first baby. Christy is still the superstar, with Alyssa trailing just behind her, Ethan and I still struggle to keep up with the girls. Keep praying for us. Things are coming together for us.
Border runs: We were so excited to find out that we will not need to make border runs to Laos every three months as originally thought. We can head to the local immigration office to check in and get our visas stamped. We have already made our first visit. In total it took us half a day to go through the whole process, which beats a whirlwind trip over the coarse of three days. It also was a lot cheaper and that’s always exciting to experience!
The Family: We are all adjusting well to our new lifestyle. The hardest part is missing our friends. We talk about you all quite often.
Several people have continued to ask about Ethan. He has recovered fully from Dengue Fever. For the most part we all seem to be in good health. Ethan and I both still struggle with food intolerances. That really sucks! It looks like Alyssa may be starting to develop issues in this area also. Since being in Bangkok I’ve struggled with keeping my digestive system healthy. I finally had a blood test done to determine exactly what foods are causing my body to react. The test consisted of 221 common foods. Those of you who know me will think this is funny! I’m intolerant to egg whites. I only eat three to six eggs a day. That is until now anyway! Add that to my other intolerances such as wheat, corn, agar agar, and you can forget eating anything outside this home safely. People often ask me, “What do you eat?” Mostly meat and veggies, some fruit and nuts. If I had a cashew intolerance, then I could just avoid cashews. But being intolerant to the foods that are used to make just about everything is insanity. In total I have 11 foods that are causing issues for me. The others are much easier to avoid.
My body detoxed heavily during first three days of cutting eggs out of my diet. My digestive system got better for about three days and then started having issues again. I bought a heavy probiotic to assist my stomach in regaining heathy bacteria. My stomach got better for three days and then I started having issues again. The way I see it is my body is obviously having a revolt against Christianity. After three days comes new life not more sickness and problems. Haha! Lame I know. Give me a break I’m full of toxins. Anyway avoiding the food intolerances has helped a lot. I’m thinking clearer, able to focus easier, my skin is clearing up, and I’ve got more energy; which is good. Now I just need to find out what else is bothering my stomach. More than likely its parasites. It could also be a bacterial infection in my small intestines, over growth of candida, or even eating foods that have been feed a lot of grains. I guess we will see. Keep praying for us. Long term issues in the stomach are not good. In fact, it can lead to much more serious illnesses. I know that these stomach issues are Father’s provision for us. I’ve learned a lot about trusting Him in sickness.
Well, that’s about it for now. I’ve got plenty more to share but it will have to wait. I’m behind on my studies. You are greatly loved and appreciated! Today I told someone back home to “be encouraged as you all have been an encouragement to us.” Your concerns, e-mails, thoughts, and prayers have overwhelmed us. Through all of you the Love of Christ has touched our lives. Keep fighting the fight of faith.
My life is not my own,
Wes
