Life of a King

So I was recently up late watching a Netflix movie and came across this one..."Life of a King."  It is truly an inspiring story.  It reminded me of a part of my own life.  The main character is Euguene Brown played by Cuba Gooding Jr, his interaction with his son really struck me.  I think the reason is because it reminded me of how my relationship was with my Father.  After high school I had so much anger and hurt inside, when my Dad reached out to me seeking my forgiveness and love I refused to give him the time of day.  There were actually a few instances where I lashed out at him.  It wasn't till I came to a point where I surrendered my life to Jesus that I understood forgiveness.  Today I am happy to announce I have a wonderful relationship with my Father.  We had some honest conversations and Jesus has done an amazing healing in both our lives.  I love him dearly and an grateful for him.  The fact that I was pretty much raised without a Father has allowed my to identify and sympathize with those experiencing it as well.  It has also given me a stronger resolve to be there for my boys.  I am grateful that Jesus loves to redeem past circumstances and situations of pain and difficulty and transform them into wisdom and compassion.

Cecil

Do you want to go to the temple

So my neighbor saw me outside and asked me what I was doing.  I told him just got back from a coffee shop with my lovely wife.  He was loading up the back of his truck, I asked him if he was heading to work and he said he was heading to the temple to make merit.  He is an older man, could be my Father, and he put his hand on my shoulder and gangly asked me if I would like to join him.  I respectfully looked at him and said, "I'm sorry, I won't be joining you.  I follow Jesus."

This was just another reminder of how different our lives are here in Thailand.  Please continue to pray for our neighbors here that they would fall in love with my Jesus and give him their lives.

Brothers learning Thai

So this was a special time of my boys doing their homework together and Solas helping Judah, after having an amazing Father's Day dinner, the boys sat down to do their assignments.  Solas was passing along his vast knowledge of the Thai Language as Judah looked on and occasionally answered his questions and then thanked big brother with a kiss on the cheek.  I realized again that my boys are experiencing something very different from their friends back in the states.  Grateful for this amazing opportunity.

Cecil

Virtual Thai with the Rami

Wow!!! What a blast!!!!!  That was so much fun!!! Can't believe the amazing turnout!!!  We heard there were around over 200 people!!!

We are so thankful to all the people who helped out!!!  Many friends and family members helped make the event happen.  LBC allowed us to use their facilities, The Bridged provided the food, KAXL promoted the event, and so many people gave if their time and donated to the auction.

Tracy and want to express how grateful we are abd thankful for those who decided to partner with us financially that night and those who increased their support.

Thank you so much! We thank Jesus for you!

Ramos family 

Noodle soup...all day

So...Thai noodles...would you believe that I have come to LOVE this dish-this is Cecil by the way, Tracy doesn't  care for this stuff too much, but I gotta say that I love it.  So yesterday I literally had this soup for 3 meals!!!  I think the reason I started falling in love with is was when we lived in Chiang Mai, there was a point where we were primarily eating Western foods.  I started getting a craving for some cheap Thai noodle dishes...and since then I have had that craving.  Well we just went to a new restaurant down the street and this is all they served...literally.  So Judah and I were as happy a "pigs in mud."  We also had the opportunity to meet the owners, they always have a huge smile when they see us coming, and even bigger when they hear our boys talking to them in Thai.  Much of a persons culture pertains to their food.  When the Thai people see my family and I enjoying their food, and the fact that Tracy and I like the spice, it brings joy to their face.

Too much to drink

So Tracy and I pull up to the Hope Center in Chacheongsao and we see a Thai man who is very drunk.  So the ladies go into the center to start their language studies and I stay outside to talk to this man.  I attempt to communicate with him, and we someone spend the next several minutes getting to know each other.  I had the opportunity to pray over him, and shortly thereafter P. Knot walks up.  I was so impressed with his compassion for this man.  P.Knot told him about the love of Jesus and how there is true forgiveness and happiness in Christ.  He then asked if the man was hungry and if so we would like to treat him to a bowl of noodles.  Next thing I know we are sitting down at an outdoor stand enjoying a bowl with him.  P. Knot received a phone call and then had to run a quick errand.  The funny thing was, by the time we got back I was having the older man help me with my Thai homework as I helped him with English.  After that we set the man back on his cart and set him on his way.  I was honored that the man who he was just taken care of by followers of Jesus.

Brother Knot...P. Knot

So allow me to introduce you to P. Knot.  He has recently been following Jesus for a little less than 3 years, however, he has grown tremendously in his walk with Jesus during that time.  Has has helped us get settled in our new place, and has such servent heart as well.  I didn't think that I would have such a great Thai friend after only being here in Phan Thong for a month; however, we have formed a wonderful friendship.  I can honestly say I care for him as a brother.  He is currently my language teacher, which is a blessing for both of us, and I am currently teaching him English as well.  He has a strong desire to learn how to make disciples, and that has been a topic I've been studying for the past 3-4 years.  Thank you Jesus for this opportunity to meet and encourage P. Not!