Monday, March 26, 2012
Summary of what happened in Nahong this Winter.
So... what happened?
Hey all, here are some highlights from my third trip back to Nahong, Thailand.
“Tonight we are going to Lamod's family's house to watch the movie. PRAY. Last week I was able to share more of the Gospel with her Mom.” Chey.
Throughout the past year she (Lamode) has been studying the Psalms. Last night Elle & I had a fun time there again and were able to pray for her.” Chey.
“SO, the fisherman and his wife invited us to host a 'movie party' at their house (they have a TV and player) next weekend! Awesome! This will be our opportunity to share the whole Gospel with him and his family.”Chey.
“We were able to give blessings in Jesus Name to Cru Dang, Noi, and many of the other teachers.”Luke.
We told her (peem) that we call ourselves 'followers of Jesus' and we able to share with her about that. She was touched by the Holy Spirit and saw the truth in the message. She got a hunger for the word and started doing bible studies with us. She really seems to understand this revelation. She felt the power and truth of the Holy Spirit. She has been having visions of Jesus in her dreams!” Luke.
While I was praying, reading scripture and worshiping, Urt came over to learn some guitar. So I sat down with Urt and taught him some stuff on the guitar. Later a few more boys came over so there were four boys total. After Urt finished playing guitar (while he was playing he asked if he could praise God with music) he asked us if we could study the bible. So we did a bible study in our home with four boys...” Luke.
...One of my students gave her life to Christ last week. She was the one who saw miracles.” Chey.
“So God's kingdom is coming in Nahong! Pray that it continues to come and that God would protect Peem, Urt, Lamode, Pi Saap and anyone else who believes!”
Thank You All for your prayers and support! Love & Blessings, Cheyenne.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Today I'm meditating on the Martyrs and Missionaries. Learning from history. In honor of St Patrick's Day.... even though I'm not Irish and didn't pack anything green... Oh well.
Last day on mine and Luke's weeklong break after Thailand. We have been visiting his family in MN. Spring came and I'm loving the outdoors. Missing my Family though- will see them soon! Somehow after you are overseas even one week seems like a long time to leave loved ones behind. Yes- if you are reading this, Josey, you are a loved one. :) My little blogger sister.
Love to you all,
Chey.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Ain't no protective deity that can stop a 1st Grader!
These two pictures tell great stories.
This morning I am at Luke's parent's house in Minnesota.
As I'm sitting drinking coffee in the kitchen I am perusing through a book on Thailand.
I get to the page with a picture of the Canna Lily *The one in the beautiful picture above* and I read...
"The bold beauty of Canna Lilies are a common sight in Thailand. According to Thai Mythology, Canna Lilies are guarded by deities who bless them with peace and harmony."
I Laughed so hard Luke's Mom wanted to know what was so funny.
It took me back to a few weeks ago while in the village of Nahong.
I was walking the village one day, just visiting people and trying not to think of how hot I was. When I was joined by two 1st grade students who liked to follow me around. Cutest little girls, they would stand outside our house and call my name waiting for me to come outside and draw them pictures. But that day it turned into a game of "Who can pick Kru Chey the best flowers".
They had realized I had a thing for flowers and that it took all my willpower not to pick them off of the local's fences, so they decided to do it for me. About a quarter mile into this walk my hair was laden with flowers. Little orange ones, purple ones, all wild growing seemingly harmless picks. Suddenly one of the girls notices this lone plant standing tall in front of a spirit house. A beautiful bright orange huge lily! I had a bad feeling but couldn't stop her in time before she ran over to the plant and violently, excitedly plucked it out of the earth before her friend had a chance to compete.
She presented me her prize, beaming with pride. I smelled it and said thank you but did not put this one in my hair. Instead I slipped it inconspicuously into my side bag. I had a strange feeling that I didn't want to be caught with this flower on my head by the adults of the village.
I returned it to our home, put it in an empty coke bottle and admired my stolen flower.
Well, today I now know why I felt that way about the flower being picked. It was a Canna Lily "guarded by deities" and put in front of the spirit house for luck. Needless to say, I think this is completely the funniest thing that's happened to me all week.
I guess those deities aren't very good at their job.
NOTHING can stop a 1st grader on a mission. Nothing.
Much love,
Chey.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
safe in the city
Hey All!
I am writing you this from Chiang Mai at Emmi's guest house.
It's been an emotional day for me- late out at a last farewell party with the Teachers of Nahong and Menajong. Then up at 4:45 AM to pack up and get breakfast ready for the team. The rest of the morning was full of my students crying as I said goodbye until next year. It never ceases to tear my heart out!
BUT- despite the sadness I am feeling now to leave. So many amazing things happened in our last week!
Huge things- a dear friend in the village finally gave her life to Christ after 6 years of exposure to the Gospel from our team! AWESOME.
The fruit is being harvested. Lamud's Father was able to hear the Gospel with our team last weekend and Lamud is continuing to pray for her parent's salvation daily.
Urt is an incredible Disciple and was full of tears this morning. He and Luke have a special bond and he was sad to see him leave.
I can't even begin to list all of the people we were able to pray over and share with!
Several told us that they felt "power" and heat come over them when we prayed in the name of Jesus.
We even had a bonfire party and invited friends from the village over. We were presented with prayer requests by them, and right there, with our 10 Buddhist house guests we were able to pray to God together.
And so, the village is recognizing the power of the One Tue God!
One woman has given her life to it- she is now praying for others in Jesus name and they are feeling the presence of God and getting healed.
This is a huge breakthrough year for Nahong. The spiritual defense against the Gospel is starting the break and people are letting it into their hearts and lives.
But I know I need to go back to the US and finish my job well. The DTS students graduation ceremony will be on Feb. 27th at 5:30 pm. If you would like to attend please let me know! couldn't be more proud of these guys and how they've let God control their lives and be involved in missions. My heart is happy :)
And now you know why it is so hard to eave right now!
But God is faithful, and he has provided a Thai believer (our friend and translator) to disciple this woman via phone while we are away.
For more details I am including Luke's update below. :)
I have to go now and take the students to diner!
Much love,
Please keep us in your prayers!
Chey.
Luke's Letter:
Hello all of you!
We arrived safely in Chiang Mai, Thailand! We got in at about 2pm Thursday afternoon (1am Thursday morning where most of you are) to start our debrief week before heading home.
I want to recap the conclusion of our ministry in Nahong 2012.
So much happened in the last week that it is hard to straighten out in my head. It was loaded with amazing ministry opportunities which equated to very little sleep. When we entered the last week in Nahong we said "if your not emotionally and physically exhausted by the end of this week, you didn't do it right". And that statement proved very true.
First of all, we had 5 parties in the last 3 days in Nahong. First we had a BBQ party at Cru Euw's house (Cru means teacher. She is also the woman who provides meals) that was followed by a bon fire party at our house.
The next night we had a going away party for two teachers who are leaving Nahong school (Cru Dang and Noi the maintenance guy) and for our team.
The next day we went to the school that Noi is going to, for the welcome ceremony and party. Then back to our house to pack before the dinner party at Noi's house.
Although it was busy we had so many opportunities at the parties. We were able to give blessings in Jesus Name to Cru Dang, Noi, and many of the other teachers. We built relationship and met a lot of new people.
Now for big BIG news! There is a woman in Nahong and her name is Pi Peem. Our team has known her over the last six years. There was a time that she left Nahong, but she came back last year.
She speaks very good English and some of our team members started to spend time with her. She offered to cook us spaghetti and she brought it to our house.
While she was at our house she started asking questions about what we believe. If we are just like the Christians she hears about or not. In Thailand Christian is not a great term because of how that label has been lived out. We told her that we call ourselves "followers of Jesus" and we able to share with her about that. She was touched by the Holy Spirit and saw the truth in the message. She got a hunger for the word and started doing bible studies with us. She really seems to understand this revelation. She felt the power and truth of the Holy Spirit. She has been having visions of Jesus in her dreams! Praise God! She also took some of our team to pray in Jesus Name for healing of her brother in law and Pi Peem felt the Holy Spirit strongly!
So God's kingdom is coming in Nahong! Pray that it continues to come and that God would protect Pi Peem, Urt, Lamud, Pi Saap and anyone else who believes! Also pray for Cru Euw. I believe strongly that she is extremely close to knowing Jesus.
God has been powerful on this outreach. There is power in the name of Jesus to break EVERY chain!
I thank you so much for all your prayers!
God bless
Lucas N.
I am writing you this from Chiang Mai at Emmi's guest house.
It's been an emotional day for me- late out at a last farewell party with the Teachers of Nahong and Menajong. Then up at 4:45 AM to pack up and get breakfast ready for the team. The rest of the morning was full of my students crying as I said goodbye until next year. It never ceases to tear my heart out!
BUT- despite the sadness I am feeling now to leave. So many amazing things happened in our last week!
Huge things- a dear friend in the village finally gave her life to Christ after 6 years of exposure to the Gospel from our team! AWESOME.
The fruit is being harvested. Lamud's Father was able to hear the Gospel with our team last weekend and Lamud is continuing to pray for her parent's salvation daily.
Urt is an incredible Disciple and was full of tears this morning. He and Luke have a special bond and he was sad to see him leave.
I can't even begin to list all of the people we were able to pray over and share with!
Several told us that they felt "power" and heat come over them when we prayed in the name of Jesus.
We even had a bonfire party and invited friends from the village over. We were presented with prayer requests by them, and right there, with our 10 Buddhist house guests we were able to pray to God together.
And so, the village is recognizing the power of the One Tue God!
One woman has given her life to it- she is now praying for others in Jesus name and they are feeling the presence of God and getting healed.
This is a huge breakthrough year for Nahong. The spiritual defense against the Gospel is starting the break and people are letting it into their hearts and lives.
But I know I need to go back to the US and finish my job well. The DTS students graduation ceremony will be on Feb. 27th at 5:30 pm. If you would like to attend please let me know! couldn't be more proud of these guys and how they've let God control their lives and be involved in missions. My heart is happy :)
And now you know why it is so hard to eave right now!
But God is faithful, and he has provided a Thai believer (our friend and translator) to disciple this woman via phone while we are away.
For more details I am including Luke's update below. :)
I have to go now and take the students to diner!
Much love,
Please keep us in your prayers!
Chey.
Luke's Letter:
Hello all of you!
We arrived safely in Chiang Mai, Thailand! We got in at about 2pm Thursday afternoon (1am Thursday morning where most of you are) to start our debrief week before heading home.
I want to recap the conclusion of our ministry in Nahong 2012.
So much happened in the last week that it is hard to straighten out in my head. It was loaded with amazing ministry opportunities which equated to very little sleep. When we entered the last week in Nahong we said "if your not emotionally and physically exhausted by the end of this week, you didn't do it right". And that statement proved very true.
First of all, we had 5 parties in the last 3 days in Nahong. First we had a BBQ party at Cru Euw's house (Cru means teacher. She is also the woman who provides meals) that was followed by a bon fire party at our house.
The next night we had a going away party for two teachers who are leaving Nahong school (Cru Dang and Noi the maintenance guy) and for our team.
The next day we went to the school that Noi is going to, for the welcome ceremony and party. Then back to our house to pack before the dinner party at Noi's house.
Although it was busy we had so many opportunities at the parties. We were able to give blessings in Jesus Name to Cru Dang, Noi, and many of the other teachers. We built relationship and met a lot of new people.
Now for big BIG news! There is a woman in Nahong and her name is Pi Peem. Our team has known her over the last six years. There was a time that she left Nahong, but she came back last year.
She speaks very good English and some of our team members started to spend time with her. She offered to cook us spaghetti and she brought it to our house.
While she was at our house she started asking questions about what we believe. If we are just like the Christians she hears about or not. In Thailand Christian is not a great term because of how that label has been lived out. We told her that we call ourselves "followers of Jesus" and we able to share with her about that. She was touched by the Holy Spirit and saw the truth in the message. She got a hunger for the word and started doing bible studies with us. She really seems to understand this revelation. She felt the power and truth of the Holy Spirit. She has been having visions of Jesus in her dreams! Praise God! She also took some of our team to pray in Jesus Name for healing of her brother in law and Pi Peem felt the Holy Spirit strongly!
So God's kingdom is coming in Nahong! Pray that it continues to come and that God would protect Pi Peem, Urt, Lamud, Pi Saap and anyone else who believes! Also pray for Cru Euw. I believe strongly that she is extremely close to knowing Jesus.
God has been powerful on this outreach. There is power in the name of Jesus to break EVERY chain!
I thank you so much for all your prayers!
God bless
Lucas N.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Last week in Nahong :(
Hey All!
So, yes, it's true. This is our last week in Nahong.
Time has gone by far too quickly.
Updates for the week:
We were able to visit the fisherman again and set up a time to watch that Thai Gospel film with him and his family this weekend! Tomorrow at 2. Please pray for that!
Tonight we are going to Lamud's family's house to watch the movie. PRAY. Last week I was able to share more of the Gospel with her Mom. They are amazing people and would be such contagious Christ followers! Joanna and I were able to study the Bible with Lamud and answer a lot of her questions- Like how does she only worship Christ but obey her parents when they go to the temple as a family. We had a great time working through these things. throughout the past year she has been studying the Psalms. Last night Elle & I had a fun time there again and were able to pray for her.
Urt in continuing to study the Bible and guitar with Luke.
Pray for Pi Saap, a woman I met last week. She has known our team foir some years now and desires to give her life to Christ. But she is afraid of her husband, who is an alcoholic. Pray that he would come the know Christ! This week we had been visiting her and brought her a Bible.
So, yes, it's true. This is our last week in Nahong.
Time has gone by far too quickly.
Updates for the week:
We were able to visit the fisherman again and set up a time to watch that Thai Gospel film with him and his family this weekend! Tomorrow at 2. Please pray for that!
Tonight we are going to Lamud's family's house to watch the movie. PRAY. Last week I was able to share more of the Gospel with her Mom. They are amazing people and would be such contagious Christ followers! Joanna and I were able to study the Bible with Lamud and answer a lot of her questions- Like how does she only worship Christ but obey her parents when they go to the temple as a family. We had a great time working through these things. throughout the past year she has been studying the Psalms. Last night Elle & I had a fun time there again and were able to pray for her.
Urt in continuing to study the Bible and guitar with Luke.
Pray for Pi Saap, a woman I met last week. She has known our team foir some years now and desires to give her life to Christ. But she is afraid of her husband, who is an alcoholic. Pray that he would come the know Christ! This week we had been visiting her and brought her a Bible.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Update!
Hey All!
I write you this from Mae Chem as this weekend is their Festival Weekend. Many traditional Thai markets out and games and rides for the kiddos. All of the Nahongians (yes, I just made that term up) absolutely love this weekend and come. In a few hours we will get to see Urt Mui Thai Boxing in the ring. :) We came to be his cheer squad.
Update on the past week in the village:
Tom is back with us. We picked him up in the city while on a field trip with the school to the zoo- which was a nice reprieve from teaching everyday.
Lisa is flying *currently someone between China and Chicago* back home to the States.
We have our new translator, Mon. She is a wonderful person! Totally on page with God and what we are doing in Nahong. I love having her as part of the team.
Luke & I had a great and challenging week together while Tom was gone. I'm realizing how hard is it to balance leading, discipleship of the girls, evangelizing, teaching, team finances, my relationship with Luke and still have time for myself to figure out how I'm doing. So yes- it has been difficult. But very good. God is giving me what I need daily. My back is still pretty bad, I'm hoping if I continue stretching daily it will get better soon. Today I also have a horrible migraine and sore throat. So please keep the team's physical health in your prayers as well :)
Awesome news!
We have been praying for the man, the fisherman, for a few weeks now. One of our student's Grandfathers. He had a shoulder problem and asked us to pray for him (that is when we, and Urt & Lamod went to pray). We went back again the other night and he told us more about his condition. His wife told us that it is a blood disorder and that she thinks he will die soon because they don't have enough money for more blood transfusions. I was able to share with him about Jed, my little brother, and how he has needed daily transfusions. I then told him about how we prayed to our God and my brother is now healed and healthy. About how God had a plan for his life.
Joanna and I then told him about a DVD we have, it is all acted in northern Thai *the dialect this man speaks* with English subtitles. It's a powerful film done by YWAM Create in Chiang Mai, the Gospel is portrayed in this movie in an amazing culturally relevant way to the Thai villagers.
SO, the fisherman and his wife invited us to host a "movie party" at their house (they have a TV and player) next weekend! Awesome!
This will be our opportunity to share the whole Gospel with him and his family. Please pray for this to go well. That we would be totally on God's page.
Relationship with the teachers on my end has been awesome. I have never been able to "hang out" with them so much. God is improving my Thai so much while I am here. Pray that I would get more opportunities to pray for them and that they will see these prayers as ones with power. Unlike the ones of the monks. Most of them know the Gospel we are preaching, but have not yet given their heart to it. May it be soon!
Anyways, Love and blessings to you all!
Chey
PS- How is the US holding up while I'm gone? Let me know! I don't get time to web surf. But I enjoy e-mails very much :)
I write you this from Mae Chem as this weekend is their Festival Weekend. Many traditional Thai markets out and games and rides for the kiddos. All of the Nahongians (yes, I just made that term up) absolutely love this weekend and come. In a few hours we will get to see Urt Mui Thai Boxing in the ring. :) We came to be his cheer squad.
Update on the past week in the village:
Tom is back with us. We picked him up in the city while on a field trip with the school to the zoo- which was a nice reprieve from teaching everyday.
Lisa is flying *currently someone between China and Chicago* back home to the States.
We have our new translator, Mon. She is a wonderful person! Totally on page with God and what we are doing in Nahong. I love having her as part of the team.
Luke & I had a great and challenging week together while Tom was gone. I'm realizing how hard is it to balance leading, discipleship of the girls, evangelizing, teaching, team finances, my relationship with Luke and still have time for myself to figure out how I'm doing. So yes- it has been difficult. But very good. God is giving me what I need daily. My back is still pretty bad, I'm hoping if I continue stretching daily it will get better soon. Today I also have a horrible migraine and sore throat. So please keep the team's physical health in your prayers as well :)
Awesome news!
We have been praying for the man, the fisherman, for a few weeks now. One of our student's Grandfathers. He had a shoulder problem and asked us to pray for him (that is when we, and Urt & Lamod went to pray). We went back again the other night and he told us more about his condition. His wife told us that it is a blood disorder and that she thinks he will die soon because they don't have enough money for more blood transfusions. I was able to share with him about Jed, my little brother, and how he has needed daily transfusions. I then told him about how we prayed to our God and my brother is now healed and healthy. About how God had a plan for his life.
Joanna and I then told him about a DVD we have, it is all acted in northern Thai *the dialect this man speaks* with English subtitles. It's a powerful film done by YWAM Create in Chiang Mai, the Gospel is portrayed in this movie in an amazing culturally relevant way to the Thai villagers.
SO, the fisherman and his wife invited us to host a "movie party" at their house (they have a TV and player) next weekend! Awesome!
This will be our opportunity to share the whole Gospel with him and his family. Please pray for this to go well. That we would be totally on God's page.
Relationship with the teachers on my end has been awesome. I have never been able to "hang out" with them so much. God is improving my Thai so much while I am here. Pray that I would get more opportunities to pray for them and that they will see these prayers as ones with power. Unlike the ones of the monks. Most of them know the Gospel we are preaching, but have not yet given their heart to it. May it be soon!
Anyways, Love and blessings to you all!
Chey
PS- How is the US holding up while I'm gone? Let me know! I don't get time to web surf. But I enjoy e-mails very much :)
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