Chiang Mai Ministry Center

The CHIANG MAI FREE METHODIST CHURCH needs their own facility.  They have been patiently waiting on the Lord for over nine years.  They have met under the pastor's carport for a few months, another rented facility for several years and now this very small room in a hotel.  The cost of building the ministry center, approved by the Board of Administration of Mission Thailand, is $60,000 USD.  Buying land will cost another $60,000 USD.  This is an Extra Mile Project with the Free Methodists and can be found on their web page at:  Chiang Mai Ministry Center

We're pictured in the back row on the far left.  30-35 adults regularly attend services.  The hotel room pictured above is rented for services while 8-10 children are taught Sunday School under a patio outside.  A few ladies are setting up the afternoon meal and the children's Sunday School hour was still going on when we finished church and this picture was taken.

Prayer & Praise Points for the Week of March 29, 2014

MOUNTAINOUS PRAYER AND PRAISE POINTS

PRAY FOR...

1.  FACULTY and STAFF needs we still have for the 2014-15 school year.  Check out the link here to see the needs.  They're also listed below.  Please be sharing the opportunities with others.  

2014-2015 Academic Year

Elementary

• Elementary Teachers – 2 vacancies [ Job Description ] - updated January 2014
• Elementary Art Teacher [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013

Secondary

• Secondary Teacher (Religious Studies) – 2 vacancies [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Secondary Teacher (Math) [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Secondary Teacher (English) – 2 vacancies [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Secondary Teacher (Social Studies) – 2 vacancies [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Secondary Teacher (Chemistry) [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013

Special Needs

• English Second Language (ESL) Coordinator [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Special Education Teacher – 2 vacancies  [ Job Description ] - updated January 2014
• Speech and Language Pathologist [ Job Description ] - updated December 2013
• Occupational Therapist [ Job Description ]
• Gifted & Talented Coordinator/Teacher [ Job Description ]

Other

• ESD Director & Home Education Consultant
• Home Education Consultant [ Job Description ]
• Executive Assistant to Superintendent [ Job Description ] - updated February 2014
• Recruiting Coordinator [ Job Description ] - updated January 2014
• Webmaster [ Job Description ] - updated June 2013
• Director of Health Services [ Job Description ] - updated October 2013
• Health Services Associate (Nurse) [ Job Description ] - updated January 2014
• Curriculum & Instruction Director [ Job Description ] - updated March 2014
• Curriculum & Instruction Administrative Assistant [ Job Description ] - updated February 2014
• Spiritual Life Director [ Job Description ] - updated February 2014
• Facilities Engineer  [ Job Description ] - updated September 2013

2.  the NEW CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT for the first two buildings on the new campus.  The mountain we are climbing is 4.5 US million dollars high.  Pray the Lord would raise up partners to fund the first building (high school) and get it started this summer.  The cost of this first building is 2.5 US million dollars.

3.  The CHIANG MAI FREE METHODIST CHURCH needs their own facility.  They have been patiently waiting on the Lord for over nine years.  The cost of building the ministry center, approved by the Board of Administration of Mission Thailand, is $60,000 USD.  Buying land will cost another $60,000 USD.

We're pictured in the back row on the far left.  25-30 adults regularly attend services.  The hotel room pictured above is rented for services while 8-10 children are taught Sunday School under a patio outside.  A few ladies are setting up the afternoon meal and the children's Sunday School hour was still going on when we finished church and this picture was taken.

PRAISES FOR...

1.  94% of our 2014 Commitments for our MSA Budget have been declared by individuals and churches.  We give praise to the Lord for his incredible promise of provision.  To make a commitment, if you haven't already, here's the link

2.  Don gives praise for Kathy who turns 60 years old Sunday, March 30th.  Please join him in giving thanks to the Lord for Kathy being a huge blessing to her husband, family, friends and the ladies involved in Community Bible Study International and the students at Grace who visit her in the library.  If you see this and would write her at kathykwms@gmail.com and wish her a happy birthday and offer a prayer of blessing for her you'd be giving her the best 60th birthday present ever.  Here's a picture of 60 red roses given in the school library (they cost only $24USD for 5 dozen).  The students using the library were great.  They helped sing happy birthday and cheered for the PDA (personal display of affection) kiss.  We asked they not "tell on us".  

Prayer & Praise Points for the Week of March 2, 2014

PRAYER AND PRAISE POINTS

PRAY FOR...

1.  FACULTY and STAFF needs for the 2014-15 school year.  Check out the link here to see the needs.

2.  Michaela as she's playing catch up, taking mid-term exams, writing two term papers, tutoring, etc. after being away for 10 days on her ministry trip.

3.  Tad as he's been looking for a full-time job for six months.   Fortunately he's been able to work the "odd jobs".

PRAISES FOR...

1.  the safe return of the Michaela and the rest of her Spring Arbor University classmates from their successful ministry trip to Puerto Rico.

2.  the WONDERFUL news from the Advancement Department of Grace International School in the following recent announcement in the March publication of Sawadee:

3.   This GREAT news and huge encouragement for the Business Class students (again taken from the March publication of Sawadee):

Prayer & Praise Points for the Week of March 16, 2014

PRAYER AND PRAISE POINTS

PRAY FOR...

1.  ...Don as he prepares and shares as the speaker for the Grace International School middle school chapel this Wednesday (Tuesday night in the states).

2.  ...the faculty and staff needs in the 2014-15 school year.  See the website link for specific staff needs.

3.  ...the persecuted church around the world.  Specifically in N. Korea and Pakistan.

4.  ...Michaela and her Spring Arbor University classmates safe travels as they return on Monday from a ministry trip to Puerto Rico.  Check out their blog.


PRAISE FOR...

1.  ...a new place for the Chiang Mai FM Church to meet.  They were able to move from the pastor's carport to a nearby hotel.

2.  ...a successful ministry trip for Michaela and her SAU classmates to Puerto Rico and our daughter-in-law, Megan's safe return from her world travels related to her NGO job with SPLASH.

3. ...how the book of Isaiah continues to minister and encourage the 25 ladies involved in Community Bible Study International.

4.  ...the opportunity Don had to be "incarnational" with the Thai Kitchen staff sharing the love of the Lord.

Prayer & Praise Points for the Week of March 2, 2014

PRAYER & PRAISE POINTS

Prayer for...

1.  the unreached in Thailand.  Less than 1% are Christian. Pray the Lord would help the Thai people to see God's love and plan of redemption in their cultural context. 

2.  the faculty and staff needs of Grace International School for the 2014-15 school year.  To pray for the specific needs check out the school's web site here:  GIS Faculty and Staff Needs  and share with others.

3.  for the country of Thailand to move towards peace and reconciliation in the coming days and weeks.  For an end to the political and social conflicts mediated by someone who will be acceptable to all sides.  Ultimately that the Lord would be glorified becoming more famous and known through these circumstances.  Here's the pictures of the week from the Bangkok Post.

Praise for...

1.  reaching 92% of our commitments this week needed for our 2014 budget.  Please join us in giving praise to the Lord for his provision through His church and so many faithful individual partners.

2.  the opportunity to introduce CBSI to a Thai woman who's is interested in starting a Bible study group in the near future.

3.  all the positive classroom experiences for the students at Grace as recorded in Don's "Day Out of the Office and Into the Classroom Tweets" from last week.

Prayer & Praise Points for the Week of February 22, 2014

PRAYER & PRAISE POINTS

Prayer for...

1.  Our fellow-missionaries, Corey and Connie Persing who just lost a loved one.  Connie's father passed away unexpectedly last week.  Please pray for safety in their travels and for Connie's extended family as it has been less than six months ago that her mother passed away.

2.  For the Chiang Mai FM Church as they continue to look to the Lord for where they will meet on Sundays and the resources needed to pay the rent.  Please pray the Lord will open up just the right rental facilities.

3. Megan, our daughter-in-law as she travels internationally and returns very soon to our son Tad.  Pray for health and safety in her work-related travels and activities.

Praise for...

1.  89% of our Commitments confirmed for our 2014 Budget Missionary Support Account.  Please join us in giving thanks to the Lord for faithful churches, individuals, couples and families who are partnering with us in ministry through their financial gifts again this year.  What a tremendous blessing. 

2.  Katelyn's safety in a recent car accident on icy Michigan roads and for her car being returned repaired and ready to go.

3.  Encouragement from the Word and in the fellowship of believers in Chiang Mai.

Prayer Points for the Week of February 16, 2014

Please pray for the following:

1.  ICCM Lahu Youth Hostel...that the Lord would continue to bless this ministry in fruitfulness in the lives of the children spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.  That the hostel parents would have wisdom in meeting and ministering to the needs of each child who is an incredibly unique image bearer of the Lord.

2.  The Chiang Mai FM Church...continues to meet under the carport of the pastor's home.  This can only continue temporarily as their neighbours agreed this could be a short term solution.  Please pray for a more permanent and affordable solution for the small congregation of around 30 people who make up the core of the fellowship.  

3.  Please pray for the faculty and staff positions needed for the 2014-15 school year at Grace International School.  See the link here for a current list of needs:  http://www.gisthailand.org/serve-at-gis/staff-needs/foreign-staff-positions/

Prayer Points for the Week of February 9, 2014

Don and Kathy's Prayer Points

For Family...

...Katelyn, our daughter was in an accident this past week in Michigan on I-94 due to snow and icy road conditions.  We're so grateful to the Lord she's OK.  The car needs extensive work.  Please pray Katelyn will see the Lord making a way in all her circumstances and for mom and dad who are far away. 

For Thailand...

...the Chiang Mai Free Methodist Church, is now temporarilaly meeting at Pastor Joshua's home.  Please pray they will very soon find suitable space to rent that fits their budget and will accommodate the churches needs for worship and Sunday School for the children.

...the two Free Methodist Churches in Bangkok, with Pastors Art and Pat leading their congregations.  Please pray for resources to come in to fund the CSA (Country Share Account).  Funds have not yet come for February and this creates hardship for the national church.   If you want to learn more about the Thailand CSA please check out the link. 

...this weekend the Williams and Persing families will travel to Chiang Rai to minister to the 20 children in the Youth Hostel.  Pray with us the Lord would use the trip to help the children experience the love of the Lord.  Kathy and Connie Persing have planned activities that will help the children know God's love.  Pray for those who haven't yet put their faith and trust in the Lord for their salvation that they would make that decision this weekend.  To learn more about this ICCM (International Child Care Ministry) check out the link:  Lahu Youth Hostel



...a part of the Lahu Youth Hostel is the work of The Set Free Movement and Freedom Sunday...please check out the link here to view a brief video:  Help End Child Trafficking.  Will you also lead the way with your community of faith, family and friends and help end 21st century human trafficking?  Pray for freedom for all children and all people.   We invite you to also check out "The Set Free Movement" and its "Freedom Sunday" initiative to re-abolish slavery in our time. Click on the button below to learn more.

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Prayer Points for the Week of 01/26/14

PRAYER POINTS 
01/26/14
FROM 
DON AND KATHY WILLIAMS


Please continue to pray for:

1.  Thailand.  This week the leaders of the country imposed an Emergency Decree.  Their goal is to curb certain protest activities.  Please continue to pray for:  a) sustained peace in the hearts and minds of the opposing parties, b) a way forward for the country in the middle of this crisis, c) the important impact the church can have in times like these, d) and for wisdom for church leaders to know how and when to speak and lead the church in spirit-led Christ-like responses.

For Photos of the Week check out the link using the blue letter font.  The picture below is from the collection of photos for this past week from the Bangkok Post.

2.  For the church in Chiang Mai.  They're in the middle of their very own "rough patch".  Please pray for Pastor Joshua and his wife On (pictured below) as they lead the church through a difficult transition of losing their rented facility, losing members because of this set-back, a new facility or place to meet.   The rent for a new place will be much greater than what they have paid and the income is even smaller now because several families have left over the uncertainties.  Please pray the pastor and the members who remain will have a deep abiding sense of the Lord being with them and that very soon they will find a new meeting place.

On and Pastor Joshua

3.  For Grace International School.  For the on-going court case - that we might find favour with the Supreme Court, for the capital campaign - that funding will come in to build the first two buildings (high school and middle school) and for the 30 staff needed for next year.
    

Prayer Points 1/20/14

PRAYER POINTS 
01/20/14
FROM 
DON AND KATHY WILLIAMS


Please continue to pray for:

1.  Thailand in the middle of their political storm.  The country continues to experience demonstrations in Bangkok and in various provinces.  For sustained peace in the hearts and minds of the opposing parties.  For a way forward for the country in the middle of this crisis.  For the important impact the church can have in times like these.  And finally for wisdom for church leaders to know how and when to speak and lead the church in spirit-led Christ-like responses.  For Photos of the Week check out the link using the red letter font.  The picture below is from the collection of photos.

2.  An end to modern day slavery and human trafficking.  That the young people of today would become the catalyst to bring this about.  For the church to engage and be a voice by considering one or several ways listed in this link using a blue letter font listing 30 Ways to Help End Modern-Day Slavery and Create New Futures.

3.  The Lahu Youth Hostel, a Free Methodist ICCM  (International Child Care Ministries) project in Chiang Rai, Thailand for 20 school-age children who without the hostel would be vulnerable to being trafficked.  Pray for the hostel parents, for wisdom in mentoring and raising the children, for the partners who make the ministry possible through ICCM.  The link below using red letter font, takes you to the ICCM page and to be able to read about the "Beauty Blooming in Thailand".  This is one of the projects Kathy is involved with in Thailand.  In February the Williams and Persing families will travel to Chiang Rai to host a Valentine Celebration sharing the love of the Father and our love for these very special children.

JANUARY 2014
WEEK TWO PRAYER POINTS

1.  For Thailand as the country navigates its embrace of democracy.  For peace and calm in the midst of political turmoil and demonstrations.  And finally for a peaceful solution bringing sustainable solutions.

2.  Health for a couple staff members at Grace battling with severe pneumonia.

3.  Favour with the Supreme Courts as they consider reviewing Grace International School's appeal.

4.  A location for the FM Church in Chiang Mai to meet.  They lost their lease and are having difficulty finding something they can afford.  More and more families are leaving because they have no place to meet other than the pastor's home.  Please pray for a breakthrough.

5.  For continued blessing financially, as Grace International School looks to the Lord to supply her need for resources to construct the first two buildings on our new campus.