David handing out diplomas.

On Saturday LTC held graduation at the ABBA House Found ation worship center.  Over 200 friends and family came to celebrate 34 graduates of the Leadership Training programs offered through LTC. There were 18 who completed their BTh in Church leadership and another  16 who received their certificat e in Ch urch Leadership Development. This second group are church lay leaders in Laos who are unable to participate in a tr aditional college program.

LTC Alumni enjoying homecoming dinner.
Homecoming Buffet Dinner.

Sharon Filbeck (L) visits with Laotian CLD grads.

This spring David and Sharon took turns with Carmen leading a student outreach team out almost every weekend. The teams were in churches, camps, and Christian youth hostels located in Nan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

and Mae Hong Son Provinces.  These included two huge camps with the Mien language group, and a Hmong youth camp.  The outreach teams have two goals.   First it is an opportunity for LTC students to practice their organizational and leadership skills.  The activities and program are all student led.  Faculty who travel with the team drive the vans, and 

San Jaroen Church  Mien youth camp. This church was established by CW Callaway.

do what the student team leader assigns to them.  On one occasion the team received last minute information about the start time and age group of the youth camp.  The team leaders spent the four hour van ride revising the program to fit the new information. They did a good job adapting on the run

A second goal is recruitment.  The churches in Thailand need leaders who can lead the church in community.  Fewer young people are considering entering into full time Christian service.   This past year we have implemented a plan to build relationships with different youth organizations in the Northern provinces.  Many of these organizations provides educational services for youth through high school but

do not have a program beyond 12th grade.  Many of these young people become nominal believers when they leave the Faith based organization to attend college or enter the work force. 

Our goal is to visit those organizations with whom we have  contact at least once and year and  encourage young people to consider Christian service, and to consider attending

Carmen Filbeck talks with prospective LTC student.

Lanna Theological Center for training and preparation to serve in church and community. 

At the same time we recognize not every one is called to be a minister, but that all are called to serve.  So we encourage young people to consider how God might be calling them to serve in different occupations.  They are encouraged to consider the dual degree program LTC offers in conjunction with Rahabhat University.  In this way they can live in the safe environment of our dorms, take Bible and Leadership courses at LTC, and figure out how to use their secular education in Christian Service.

We have  produced a new video featuring some of our alumni who are serving in Laos.  You can access the video by clicking on this link.

	Sharon (L) & Kara Filbeck (R) Kara is preparing to do a summer  internship with Freedom Films, Asia. .

David and Sharon's daughter, Kara, is a student at South East Missouri State University. She is in the mass communication program for television/radio/video production.  This summer she is doing a internship with Freedom Films in Thailand.  Freedom Films was founded by Tom and Gayle Silkwood to make Christian films and video for South East Asia.   The internship will be from  June 14th-August 15th.  Kara is raising the last of the funds she needs for the trip.  You can find more information about her mission trip and how you can support her at her GoFundMe page.

We are grateful for your continued support in helping prepare Christian leaders in Southeast Asia.  You may click here for a Print version of this newsletter.   

Sincerely,

 The CMO Team 

           

Carmen Filbeck

	David & Sharon Filbeck