Morning Prayer

Tracy and I got into the habit of praying in the morning about 2 years ago as we headed to missionary training in BC.  We would do it once in awhile in the states, and when we had our bikes as our only means of transportation we'd pray every time we'd get on our bikes.  Then we got our vehicle...and all of the sudden the prayers begin to decrease as our perception of security and comfort increased.  This morning we spent the whole time in prayer.  Everyone prayed, first Judah, then Solas and finally Tracy and I closed it out.  As I was driving away I thought...that was really nice...and so vital, so true.  Who do we think we are assuming that because we've been giving the gift of a reliable vehicle that we don't need to be desperate for Jesus every time we get behind the wheel.  Truth is whether we are in Vancouver or Chiang Mai we are desperate for the grave of Jesus to show up in our lives...oh so desperately in need of it...shame on us for ever thinking we can do this without His grace and on our own strength...Jesus we need you...we're desperate for you...forgive us for the times we rely on our own strength.

Cecil

Hospital Language

So Tracy and I are working on getting our Visa changed from s student Visa to a work Visa.  Since its in my name I needed to submit my birth certificate, marriage license, my degrees, photos and on top of that I needed to go to the hospital to get a physical and to have them check for syphallis.

So I drove to the hospital, and I waited in my car for, I kid you not, for about 15 minutes practicing the phrase-in Thai-that I would say to the nurses and the receptionist.  The phrase in English is, "I would like to get a medical certificate for my work permit."  As I waited and practiced anxiously in the car I thought to myself, "if I was in the states this wouldn't be an issue at all."

After drilling myself I gathered the courage to practice what I had recently learned.  To my delight one of the nurses actually complimented my Thai and told me she was not a Christian but would like to visit Israel because she had been learning about Jesus and was very curious.  Right after that she drew blood and 30 minutes later I was out the door.  Seems like such a small thing but approaching a stranger and trying to communicate in a foreign language is a constant reminder of my desperate need for Jesus and it certainly keeps me humble.

Cecil

Malaysia Visa run

So we are in the process of changing our Visa from a student Visa to a work Visa, so we had to leave the country.  We decided to go to Malaysia because we've heard a lot of great things about it and because we were in need of some R & R.

It feels strange being a such a beautiful place enjoying ourselves because as a "missionary" there are certain expectations about suffering.  But we have come to terms with the Lord wanting us not to burn out and to enjoy the gifts He gives us.  So with that said, we are grateful for His goodness.

Barber Shop

So I've been getting my hair cut from the Barber that is literally down the street, and for the past 9 months it's been pretty brutal.  The guy has been super unfriendly, he literally grunts when I go in and say hi, just so you know he's not a grumpy old man, guy's only a few years older than I.  But it has been, quite frankly uncomfortable and even awkward at times going in there.  I've tried on several ocassions to strike up conversations and just about each time it goes no where.

I have actually at times just stop trying. I thought to myself, "if he doesn't want to talk, that's fine with me, now I don't have to work through communicating. But as of recently I have invited him to the gym and and I think I actually saw him smile.

Today however, was the greatest break through! I brought my boys to get haircuts and we had an amazing conversation. We were all actually laughing hard at one point.  The reason was because I was trying to let them know I wanted the boys' haircut to be short because it grows so darn fast.   And the word I used fir "grow" was "sprout".  That's when they all had a good laugh.  It was around that time I was able to have my longest conversation with the Barber and his wife.  We had a good chat and I was able to find out where he was from, how long he's been cutting hair and how many siblings he had, and that he doesn't really like Muay Thai--which I think is a first because most Thai guys love to at least watch it.  Come to think of it I have never seen any other foreigners, except Andy Owen, go in their to get their hair cut. They fell in love with my boys, which is no surprise. And at the very end my boys said "thank you" in Thai and gave them a big hug.  As I was walking out I thought to myself, "Lord, you know there were many times I just wanted to go to another place that would be easier, more friendly and accepting, but I'm so glad I didn't. Thank you Lord for giving me the perseverance and endurance to keep at it and now, finally, I was able to, somewhat break into his life."

Thankful that Jesus pursues us like that.

Cecil

VISA Run

Well, so it looks like we're going to have to do a Visa run so we will be heading to Malaysia.  We are excited about having a little break.  But we sure would appreciate your prayers as having a change in our Visa could become pretty complicated and stressful.  Not sure if we will see any of these places but I just wanted to give you a taste of Malaysia.  We will be leaving early next week,

Cecil

Future Team

                             

So we would just like to introduce you to our future teammates! Jon and Bonnie Esau!  They have two fantastic children, Callie and Merick.  We met the Esau family back in 2009 on our Vision Trip to Thailand.  We really "hit it off" and we're able to really connect with the Esau family.  They have been in Thailand for just over 3 years and they currently live in Chonburi--about an hour from Bangkok.  We recently took both our families to the Province that we're praying The Lord leads us, with is the province of Rayong.  Just so that we are clear it is not 100% that we would move to that province, but we do feel that The Lord is leading us in that direction.  In fact, our team is not necessarily complete.  We may have other people or families join our team, but as of now it would be at least the Esau's and us.  Please continue to pray for our families, that The Lord would continue to guide us in a might and unified way.  We are praying about our families moving to the new location either March or April of next year.  Thanks for taking the time to read and for being interested on how Jesus is involved in our lives.

Cecil

The Tingle Family

I, Cecil, feel so blessed to have Bob and Jana Tingle as my in-laws.  It was so wonderful to have them come over and be able to see our life and be part of the rhythm of Thailand.  The boys LOVE seeing their "Gangee" and "Pop Pop."  It truly is amazing to know that someone can jump on a plane and in less than 24 hours be walking into our front door, but not before they take their shoes off of course...I mean this is Thailand after all 😉.

We love and miss you guys so much...thank you for coming to visit Gangee and Pop Pop.

Cecil