Dear Family & Friends

Culture Corner

You have probably seen stories about the "Red Shirts" in Bangkok and the violence that has ensued. This political group wants the current Prime Minister to resign and for the government to dissolve. They began peacefully and legally protested, but quit the negotiations and now are attacking the government officials, army and police personnel. There is talk of possible civil war if they're not stopped soon. The newspapers are also talking of a plot to depose the king and the royal family. We have not been effected by this in Mae Sot. There will be a big meeting of people in opposition to the Red Shirts here in Mae Sot next week. It seems a possibility of things spreading to provinces outside of Bangkok, but everything is speculation. We are trusting the Lord. We do not feel threatened or in any danger. Please pray for this situation to be resolved quickly and as peacefully as possible.

It has been hotter than normal this year, so the Songkran Festival was more than welcome as we celebrated the Thai New Year from April 13 through 15. The water fights and splashing are actually extended a day or two either side of those dates and is a lot of fun for those who enjoy being soaked on hot summer days. Read more about it on our web site: www.gilbertthailand.com.

Diana's Delights

The Home of Hope children have been keeping busy during their "summer vacation." They went on a boat ride and had a picnic at Bhumibol Dam, went to the hot springs, the youth group went camping, to the waterfalls and swimming. They also enjoyed a couple of nights during Songkran, going to what we in the U.S. would call a small fair with games that they can play and win prizes.

Beginning in May we will be renting all six of the apartments where the kids are currently living. This is to make room for more children to come; there are so many waiting! We will trust God to supply the extra funds needed to do this. Since construction on the new building has stopped for lack of funds, the construction crew and their families (70-80 people) are now residing on the land until their next job. Please pray for funds to come in that are need to continue building. Visit www.homeofhopethai.org to learn more.

Neill's Notes

We traveled seven hours up north to Fang, near Burma, this past week for a seminar, then two hours south and three hours west to Mae Hong Son to visit a new church plant, then back one hour east for a church dedication and baptism in Bahng Mapaa. In Fang, Pastor Alan Bay spoke one day on blessings and giving. Neill continued the next morning on giving. Pastor John spoke in the afternoon and evening. The Lahu Hill Tribe people at the seminar were like sponges, soaking up everything and even asking questions! (not common in this culture) Our hosts were so gracious and the Lahu food was delicious and spicy! It felt so good to be back in the mountains with these beautiful people.

In Mae Hong Son we visited with friends who are starting a home church in a Hmong village, about 30 km (19 miles) from town. The first 22 km were fine, then we turned off the road and headed straight up the side of the mountain on a one-lane road with no guard rails. Once in a while I got to use third gear but mostly second and first. The village has about 70 families and 400 people with 10 believers. One of them is a teacher who came back to her village to teach - not many people want to return to their poor villages and teach. We had a wonderful time of teaching, prayer and fellowship. We also enjoyed the beautiful traditional Hmong clothing.

The next day we were blessed to witness the baptizing of six believers, all youth! This church has a great mix of age groups and seeing the youth baptized made us excited. We then had the church dedication, where they sang Lahu songs, some of the children sang songs with motions. This, of course, was followed by a meal of Lahu food, not quite as spicy as in Fang, but just as delicious.

Additional Prayer Requests

Below is a list to help guide you as your pray for us. Please pray for:

The Hill Tribes people and their churches

Pastor John (Somphon) & Sarah Srivichai

and their two sons, Gift and Got

Foursquare Thailand

All missionaries working in Thailand

Home of Hope children, building and finances

Oasis Coffee Shop to be a beacon for the people in Mae Sot

Neill & Diana's marriage to be strong, for our daughter and grandchildren and other family in United States.

Thank you again for partnering with us in prayer, networking, teams and finances. We mean it when we say that we could not be here without your support. Thank you for believing in us.

Love, Prayers and Blessings to you,

Neill & Diana

Your missionary partners in Mae Sot