Teaching, inspiring, and encouraging followers of Christ
to serve God more effectively as Spirit-led leaders
January E-Newsletter
What's happening in Thailand right now!
Encouraging refugees to keep trusting in God and never give up
Greetings!
It feels good to be back in Thailand. I'm here for five weeks to teach seminary students and pastors, minister to Burmese refugees, and reconnect with some of my former MIT students on this side of the Thai-Myanmar (Burma) border. FHLGM staff member, Saw Newton, lives here now with his wife and provides invaluable assistance as my interpreter and administrative coordinator for all our programs.

I also like how it feels to be closer to my students, colleagues, and friends in Myanmar, who continue to live under a continual barrage of air strikes, arrests, and village burnings. Seeing the mountains of Karen State from where I'm staying, beyond the Moei River, helps me feel more connected to their suffering and daily struggles. Also, being in roughly the same time zone makes it much easier to reach people in Myanmar all day long, and meeting with some of those fleeing from the horrors and dangers keeps the reality of the crisis vivid in my mind and heart.
Saw Newton & Tim looking across the Moei River dividing Thailand and Myanmar
While in Chiang Mai, I preached at the Tiberius Baptist Church, where I was especially touched by the dedication of Pastor Htin Oo and the church. They are doing so much to care for approximately 40 Kayan, Karen, and Kayah refugees (three of the 135 ethnic groups living in Myanmar), just as many churches are doing for thousands of displaced people on both sides of the Moei River.
Joking with refugees to gladden their hearts amid so much heaviness
After the worship service, Saw Newton and I had the privilege of meeting with 22 Burmese refugees for about an hour. Each of them is struggling to build a new life here in Thailand. Most of them are in debt, struggling to find anyone who will give them even a few days of work a month, and live in fear with so much uncertainty.

On one hand, it was heartbreaking to hear their stories and to learn of needs that cannot be met. On the other, spending time with them, praying for them, laughing together, and just looking lovingly into the eyes of each refugee, one by one, all felt like a precious gift to me as well as an invaluable encouragement for them. The love and support they are receiving from their brothers and sisters in Christ are making a huge difference for them. I was pleased to be able to provide bags of rice for each one, with the promise of a six-month supply to come, thanks to the generosity of donors who sent me money just for purposes such as this.

Over the coming four weeks, please pray for the many teaching and ministry opportunities, some known, some to still be revealed. These include the following:
Tiberius Baptist Church Service
• Teaching New Testament Theology to nine students at Kawthoolei Hope Theological Seminary (Jan. 23-27)
• Teaching listening and conflict resolution skills to Sphere students (Jan. 26)
• Meeting with faculty from KKBBSC, a seminary and college located within the Mae La Refugee Camp (Jan 28)
• Preaching for the Mae La Refugee Camp community (Jan. 29)
• Teaching the Spirit-led Leader curriculum to Karen pastors from the Tanausarim Association (Feb. 6-10)
• Many anticipated one-on-one mentoring and pastoral counseling meetings
Surely, standing with those in need and linking arms with others who are trying to love God and neighbor above all else is what it means to be a follower of Jesus. This is what the Kingdom of God looks like in Myanmar, Thailand, and everywhere people are being abused, exploited, and deprived of what most of us take for granted.

Thank you for your concern, prayers, and support. Together we are making a difference.

Gratefully, in Christ’s service,
President and Visiting Professor
Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries
Sermon
"What's Worth Striving For?"
Calvary Baptist Church
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 8, 2023
In this sermon, I explore how to live out Jesus' greatest commandment--to love God with all your mind, heart, soul, and strength (Mark 12:28-31). At a time of the year, when many are considering New Year's resolutions--or at least setting their intentions and priorities for 2023--Jesus' command is extremely relevant. This, combined with a better understanding of your spiritual temperament type, provides much-needed direction for anyone who wants to become more of the person God intends for them to be.
Testimonial from an MIT Student
"Thank you so much, Sir. May God continually bless your ministry and your family as always. I am really grateful for your time, concern, passion, energy, wisdom, and love for MIT and our country as well. Nice to meet with you on my spiritual journey. Thank you again, Sir"
-Nay Htun (MDiv 3 student at MIT)
You Can Make a Difference
If the stories and the people in this newsletter touch your heart, please consider donating to Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries. We are continually finding new and creative ways to offer much-needed teaching as well as tangible support for people in Myanmar, Thailand, and the Congo (DRC). If you want to designate your gift for support of the refugees and IDPs (Internally Displaced People), please mark your donation, MCR (Myanmar Crisis Response). Thank you.
Find out more about Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries