January 2019 Newsletter
Dear Family and Friends,
The Thai language has 44 consonant symbols, 28 vowel symbols, and 5 tones. That fun little fact is one reason why our first year in Thailand will be spent not on ministry, but language study. This is because we believe that the best way to reach a people with the gospel is to enter into their world. Paul said, “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win the Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law...that I might win those under the law” (1 Cor. 9:20). We can imagine God saying, “To the humans I became a human, taking on flesh in order to win humanity.” Incarnation is a bedrock of the gospel. For me and Julie, living out the gospel right now looks like learning Thai.
Language study is just one way Julie and I will be spending the next several months preparing to move to Thailand. We plan to give you an update on our progress in our next newsletter!
Here are a few other things that are happening in the life of our family…
I (Phil) finished seminary and a pastoral internship in December. Phoenix Seminary and Church on Mill have given me essential training for the work of church-planting. Church on Mill has graciously allowed us to continue living on site through June so that we can give our time more fully to preparing to leave.
We are sharing our vision with people. This month we’ve had many encouraging meetings to share what God has put on our hearts for ministry in Thailand. We are convinced that the mission to make disciples of all nations is a community effort. Paul planted and Apollos watered (1 Cor. 3:6). Some sow and others reap (John 4:36). Some send and others go (Acts 13:2-3).
We are meeting weekly with a few other members of our church for accountability in our preparation to leave for Thailand. We’re grateful for consistent encouragement and insight from those who are a little farther down the road in similar ministry callings.
Julie spends a large portion of her week caring wonderfully for this little one. Sophie turned one this month!
Our accountability group and good friends, Erik, Maddie, and Brandon.
How you can be praying:
1. Pray that God will give us diligence to use this season of preparation well.
2. Pray that God will provide all that we need to leave for Thailand, especially in the categories of committed prayer and financial partnership. We need to have 100% of our support pledged by May in order to meet our goal of leaving for the field in July. (If you are interested in more details concerning our financial progress, simply reply to this email.)
With lots of love,
Phil, Julie and Sophie