Dear Family & Friends

Culture Corner

The Bangkok bus ride is always interesting, if not exciting at times. During our last trip, three weeks ago, we observed passengers arriving at 8:05 and later for the 8:00 a.m. bus. Finally, we left the Mae Sot terminal a little after 8:10 a.m. We then traveled to the old Mae Sot bus terminal where the bus picked up more passengers and our 'breakfasts.' These breakfasts usually consist of some kind of bread filled with anything from shredded pork to something sweet to something strange tasting, along with a packet of instant 3-in-1 coffee with a stir stick. If we hadn’t asked for hot water, we would never have been able to drink our instant coffee. They also gave us a small bottle of water and then later in the afternoon we got a small cup of Coke to drink.

About 20 minutes into our journey, we came around a blind curve and, lo and behold, we came within 50 yards of the front of a semi-tractor-trailer. There were two lanes at this spot. One semi was passing another semi going uphill at this blind curve. Those of you who have been here know, these large trucks going uphill usually travel at speeds of 15 mph, and neither of the trucks will brake nor can they move over. We prayed that the driver would hit the brakes and use the shoulder. Fortunately, the three huge vehicles made three lanes and we had no accident. These types of meetings occur regularly with all sizes of vehicles at all kinds of speeds (exciting, huh!?).

This particular morning we had actually left Mae Sot city limits early, around 8:20 a.m., but then two women, one is a friend of the driver, got out to buy something at the Doi Muser Market located in the mountains between Mae Sot and the 'super highway' to Bangkok. This was a first for us to have a 'stop and shop' bus trip. We finally made it to Bangkok without too many additional incidents, other than people getting on and off at places other than bus stops. I’m sure glad we ride the first-class bus!

Then in Bangkok we got a taxi with a driver who prefers to use the shoulders of the expressway as an extra lane. This gives us a great scenic view of the cement guard rail about 18 inches from the window. We were on our way to the hospital anyway but we prefer to and gladly did arrive there safely.

Diana's Delights

I would like to share a few exciting things that have happened lately. Visanuk built a roof over the outside area next (see picture) to their apartment so the children have a place to eat, study and worship out from under the sun and rain. Teams will enjoy it, too. Gary, a friend we met at the Oasis, buys 22 pounds of fresh fish every week for the Home of Hope. Everybody loves it; it is a big treat for them!

One morning, we served breakfast to a team of 47 before they went into the streets to evangelize. That day a Burmese monk listened to them and came back to the Oasis with the team. He asked for a Bible to practice reading English and said that he wants to know more about Christianity. Please pray for his heart to be turned to Jesus.

I am now taking a little more pain medicine but otherwise, I am feeling better, little by little. Thanks for all your prayers! If you, or someone you know, would like to come and help with the ministry here for 6 months or longer, let us know. We and Pastor John would love to have you come.

Neill's Notes

Pastor John and our engineer/contractor asked me to send you an itemized list of what is needed to finish the new Home of Hope building, so here it is:

Project: US Dollar Amount

Finish stairway (cement, plumbing for 3rd floor): $17,500

Roof and related structure: $15,400

Build all walls on three floors, paint, plaster, etc.: $24,800

Ceramic tile for three floors: $16,900

Doors, windows and room divider: $19,000

Water drainage (prevent grounds from flooding) & car park: $11,100

Total(current prices & exchange rates): $104,700

We shared with several people for quite some time, we sensed God changing our ministry. We were not sure if we were to pastor in the USA, go to another country, move to another area in Thailand or stay in Mae Sot. Through much prayer and counsel from godly people, we decided to stay in Mae Sot. Since that time, many new things have begun to unfold. Pastor John has asked us to visit various churches in Thailand to encourage them on his behalf because he doesn't have the time anymore—too many churches for only him to visit!

We sense a new move of God in Mae Sot and we have had several people come into the Oasis Coffee Shop with opportunities of new ministry connections. Pastor John has also told us recently that he is so happy we are staying in Mae Sot and that is why he is trusting us to go to the other churches for him. We feel there has been a breakthrough in our relationship with him and the church members. Finally after almost six years, we are being accepted. This is a very normal occurrence in Thai culture; the people watch your life and see if what you do and say are the same for a long period of time and then they accept you. We will keep you informed as God leads the way for us.

We cannot thank you enough for your prayers, your financial support and your love and friendship. We really could not be here without faithful partners like you.

Love, Prayers and Blessings to you,

Neill & Diana

Your missionary partners in Mae Sot