April 2019 Newsletter
Dear Family and Friends,
We are amazed that we are already heading into mid-April! The days are really beginning to feel like a count-down for us. We are starting to think in terms of “lasts.” This may be the last pair of shoes we’ll buy before we leave, or, this could be the last time we get an oil change! Those kinds of thoughts remind us how real all of this is getting.
Here are a few updates since we last wrote:
1. Language Study
I (Julie) am inching along in learning Thai! Any time we get to study the language together without a toddler pulling on our legs is a blessing. I can now introduce myself in Thai ("Hi! My name is Julie!--test me the next time you see me!), can recognize and use rising, falling, mid, high and low tones in Thai, and have jumped into learning vocabulary. The fact that my current teacher is my best friend makes a hard thing like learning a new language a fun thing to look forward to! Thank you for praying for retention of what I learn and for long-term vision as we study--without a firm grasp of the language, building relationships at a deep level with Thai people will be difficult for me!
2. Preaching Workshop
I (Phil) was able to attend a Charles Simeon Trust workshop in Canada last month with my pastor, who was one of the instructors. This was a four-day preaching workshop meant to equip pastors to better understand the biblical text and to think through how Christ is present or anticipated in every passage. I was especially excited to find out that such a workshop will be held in Bangkok this September for Thai pastors! I’m hoping to participate.
3. Financial Clearance
The next time we write, we will be able to say definitively whether or not we’ll be leaving this July. We need to be at 100% pledged support by May 13th in order to leave this summer. Currently we are at 70%. God has been gracious to us, mainly seen in your sacrificial prayer and financial giving! Please continue to pray with us that God would provide the remaining 30%.
One question that probably comes to mind is, “What happens if you don’t make the deadline?” If we are not at 100% by May 13th, we will be postponed until the next orientation course in November. We are working hard to make the July course, but feel at peace with God’s timing.
We are incredibly grateful for you all!
With love,
Phil, Julie, and Sophie