Christian Mission to the Orient

P.O. Box 2363, Joplin, Mo 64803                             June, July, August 2017 Report 
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Lanna Theological Center students evangelistic outreach team, Karen Youth. 
June, July, August--rainy season.  And it has been a wet one.  This season reminds us of 30 years ago when rainy seasons were really rainy.  The last few years have been rather dry and much of the country is in "drought" conditions.  Earlier in the year rice farmers had been advised to plant only two rice crops as  there was no guarantee there would be enough water for the third crop.  Other parts of Thailand have experienced flooding, but we have been spared that here in Chiang Mai (for now).  In this edition of our newsletter we celebrate a major milestone in ministry, begin the 2017-2018 school year, update on the LEADERSHIP in COMMUNITY Capital Campaign, and report on our July Community of Blessing Medical Ministry.
LEADERSHIP in COMMUNITY Capital Campaign update 


God continues to bless the LEADERSHIP in COMMUNITY Capital Campaign As of September 1st we have received  $34,293.95 with $25,000 in pledges yet to come in.  This gives us a total of $59,293.94 received or pledged towards our goal of $800,000.  

The LEADERSHIP in COMMUNITY Capital Campaign is raising funds for dorm, chapel, cafeteria, and library spaces on the new campus of Lanna Theological Center.  This will allow LTC to accommodate up to 80 students in the LEADERSHIP in COMMUNITY train9ng programs offered at LTC.  The new facilities will also be used for short term training offered through the Church Lay Leadership Development (CLD)  program. 
You can send your tax deductible contribution to:

Christian Mission to the Orient:  LIC Capital Campaign
PO Box 2363
Joplin, MO 64803 

Or make an online donation at WWW.CMOTHAILAND.NET
30 Years:  David & Sharon Filbeck serving in SE Asias 1987-2017  
June, 1987.  David & Sharon Filbeck boarded
a Thai Airways
David & Sharon, Day 1 Bangkok. A little jet lagged, and little culture shock.
  International Flight at Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport for the 36 hour flight to Bangkok, Thailand.  For David it was a return to the country of his birth. For Sharon it was her first adventure to SE Asia.  They were greeted at Don Muang International Airport by David's parents (David & Deloris).  A few days in Bangkok was followed by an overnight train ride to Chiang Mai, their home for the next 30 years.
The early years: Filbeck Family 1995
David & Sharon raised their family in Chiang Mai. Daughters Rachel, Michal, Kara, and son Aaron were born in Chiang Mai and grew up there.  All four have left home for their own life adventure.  And all four are active in the church and faithful in Christian ministry.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai David & Sharon began teaching at the Institute for Biblical Studies, a church leadership training program for Northern Thailand. David became the director and Sharon began learning the
The early years: Sharon learning Thai.
  Thai language.
 
Over the years David guided the leadership training program through
The early years: David teaching at a village church.
  several transitions culminating with a merger with Chiang Mai Bible Institute to form Lanna Theological Center, purchasing property for a permanent campus, establishing the Youth Development Foundation, and the beginning phases of construction of the new campus.   Sharon served in various capacities including dorm mother to 12 girls living in their house, and  teaching English.
 
30 years on, Sharon visits with two graduates.  They were students in the early years and still faithful in service.
 
In 2003 David & Sharon par tnered with graduates of LTC to establish the Gate of Heaven Church. T he church is now self sufficient, led by a national preacher and his wife. The congregation has built their own worship center, and have had to expand it twice to meet ministry needs.
 
 
David & Sharon have also been a part of one of the fastest growing church planting movements in SE Asia.   For 20 years students from the Khmu language groups came to LTC for leadership and church planting training. David & Sharon mentored and taught many of these young men and women who then returned to their country to evangelize their people.  The Khmu church in Laos is now one of the largest church groups in Laos.  
 
 
Present Day:  David & Sharon teaching Christian Family & Marriage.
 
David has since turned over the directorship of LTC to Carmen Filbeck. Carmen's back-gound is in curriculum and instruction and is using her skills and knowledge to take LTC to the next level.  David & Sharon are  concentrating on teaching, writing, and fund raising.  They currently teach several Bible and Doctrine courses, and are writing a commentaries and textbooks (Books of Acts, Romans, Christian Family, Biblical Leadership). David is also primary fund raiser  for phase 2 of construction:  $800,000 to build dorm spaces for students.

Present Day: David & Sharon Filbeck still serving in SE Asia.
 
Sharon is teaching Christian Family & Marriage and Biblical Leadership courses. She is writing course material in the Thai language to be used at LTC.  Students and graduates will also be able to take these materials and use them in their own ministry.
   
David:  "It has been a wild and crazy ride, but we are thankful that God has given us the opportunity to serve Him.  We are thankful for His provision for our family and the ministry.  And we are thankful for all our faithful supporters who have prayed for us and our family throughout the years." 
 
                                                                        
2017-2018 SCH OOL YEAR BEGINS (Carmen Filbeck, Director LTC)
LTC started
Carmen Filbeck teaching 1st year students.
  the new school year with 6 new students and a transfer student.    They come from   3  different ethnic groups.  One is an orphan who grew up in a home for at risk children.  She is from a language group that has very few Christians and has historically been resistant to change.   Two of our alumni are currently focusing evangelistic outreach into this same group.    
 
As a high school student  Ammee  went home to see her relatives. It was a  weekend dedicated to spirit worship.   She  realized how blessed she was to not have to fear the spirits.     So, she decided to choose a life dedicated to ministry and s  haring the Gospel.    
 
 Another st udent is a professional drummer who also is an orphan and grew up in Christian orphanages.    Since leaving high school he has been using his musical talents to make a living.   He has strayed in his life and finally got to the point when he realized that playing the bars  was not filling the empty spaces of his heart.
     
 
 
These are just some of the stories our students bring with them. It is a joy to watch them grow and see God's calling mature in their hearts.     Please continue to pray for all LTC students as they prepare to serve.

Community of Blessing Summer 2017
July 2017 Community of Blessing Team (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)


Carmen Filbeck greets patients waiting for the clinic to open. (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)

Christian Mission to the Orient hosted a summer 2017 Community of Blessing Medical Ministry trip   in July.  Team members came from Australia, the United States, and Thailand.  This trip went to the Om Koi District in southern Chiang Mai province.  Our hosts were Bundit and Mai, graduates and former teachers of LTC. Bundit and Mai are from the Lahu Shele language group and asked if we could host a COB clinic in a village where their team is attempting to plant a new church.



Ron Fauss (Joplin MO) and Anne Webb (Australia) at the vision clinic table. (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)
We were in one village two successive days. It was rainy and cold, being at just over 4,000 feet in elevation.  On the first day the electricity was shut off and we could not use some of our equipment. Someone talked with the local electric authority and by afternoon we had power.   The third day (Sunday) we were at a Karen church.  David preached in the Sunday morning service and then the COB team used the church building for an afternoon clinic.
Carmen Filbeck translates fore dental technician Kimberly Pierson (Illinois).  (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)


We had 420 patient contacts over the three days. In addition to the regular medical check up (216 patients), there were 59 patient contacts in the dental clinic and ,  145 patient contacts in the vision clinic. 56 prescription glasses and 84 readers were distributed.

Pray with us that this ministry helps  open a door in  the first village (which has only 3 christian families).  Pray for Bundit, Mai, and the evangelistic team as they share the Gospel with families in this village.
 Kay Fauss (Joplin, MO) gives a youngster a health check-up. (photo by Wicky
Pastor Bundit translates for Rod Hugo (Australia).
CNX used with permission)
Sharon Filbeck and happy camper with his new lenses. (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)













David Filbeck preaching Sunday morning at Karen Church. (photo by Wicky CNX used with permission)







Our next COB trip is scheduled for January 2018.  You do not need to be a medical specialist to participate. Slots are filling fast. If you want to participate you need to contact Carmen at [email protected] to see if there is an opening.

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
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David & Sharon Filbeck