Two Roosters and a Grandma

The other morning Rachel and I were enjoying our quiet time when all of a sudden a couple of roosters flew over our fence and began exploring our yard. To us it was no big deal. It is pretty common for chickens to come over for a while to scratch around for something good. They usually leave after a while. Well, this morning was different. The grandma living directly behind us poked her head over the fence and made gestures like she wanted us to catch the roosters and give them back. Our dog was tied up, so we weren't too worried about it. Rachel didn't quite understand them. So she just smiled, then went back to putting breakfast on the table. Then another grandma showed up, and did the same thing. They were very nice about it, but felt quite sure that the roosters were in danger or something. Maybe they thought we were in danger. Maybe they thought...well, we're not sure what all they were thinking. Except that it became obvious that they wanted them back. So, with breakfast on the table...we began our chase. These roosters are big! They have long legs and run not a little like a small ostrich. Picture if you will, Rachel and I trying to corner these big guys, then pounce on them, not loosing a feather. All the while both grandmas are watching. One is wringing her hands and the other is clapping and cheering us on. Finally, the bantams ran under some bushes and I was able to slide an arm under and grab for a drumstick. Squawk!!! Success! One down. One to go. Around the house, up on the porch, over by the dog... back up... dart this way, that way. Finally, it tried to squeeze into our garden. Squawk!!! Mission Accomplished. Grandma 1 thanked us and bowed very honorably. Grandma 2 smiled and basically thanked us for the entertainment. We sat down to breakfast. Such is cross-cultural ministry. Our days are full of experiences like this. We never know if we are doing it quite right. We just pray that as we interact with our neighbors that we will learn their culture, and obey the promptings of God's Spirit. God is at work here, and we are always looking for ways to join Him. Even if it means catching a phantom bantam. martin.

genuine love

Yesterday I was treated to a "foot treatment" by my 5 year old daughter. She went all out with a cool wet rag first, then 2-3 different ointments which she tenderly rubbed in to my feet. She looked up at me and said, "I have been wanting to do this for a long time Papa. Do you know why I want to do this Papa?" "Why?" I said

"Because I love you so much, Papa." A hot tear began to roll down my cheek as I thought about her unconditional, unfeigned love for me, and compared that with my love for Jesus. Do I love Him that much. Do I love Him in word only, or am I constantly begging Him to let me "massage His feet" so that I can express my love to Him. I confess that as I searched my heart, I found I was coming up short of that kind of love. It made me weep inside, all the while she kept lovingly soothing my feet. It humbled me that she took the lowest part of my being, my feet, and confidently took them into her hands to cheerfully show me how much she loved me. How dirty am I willing to get to show my Lord and Saviour how much I love Him? Somehow it made me feel like I was the child, and she was the adult ministering love and grace to me. How is this possible? Father, I pray that You will inspire me, and fill my heart with more love to Thee. I have come up so short, and I pray that no earthly affection would ever steal the love I owe to Thee. Thank you for saving me. Now, enable me to love Thee and Serve Thee in any place, condition or circumstance. Your Son, Martin.

family trip to the south

We took a two week trip to the south of Thailand. We had basically 4 objectives for this trip, and it seems that we reached all of them.

1. See more of Thailand, and get more of a burden for the millions who live here.
2. Visit Dave K. and Michael S. who are living in Ranong, and working amoung the sea gypsy people.
3. Meet up with Rachel's brother Jon and his wife Chris in Bangkok.
4. Get away and relax. Rejuvenate from the stress of the last 6 months.
We had such a wonderful trip. God blessed us with health and travelling safety. We drove the whole way. Bangkok was interesting driving, but not as horrific as I imagined. We spent 1 week on an island called Payam. It was very beautiful. We were dissappointed about a few things like the expense of things on the island, the abundant mosquitoes, and a few other things, but over all the weather was gorgeous. We were basically the only tourists in our whole bay, so it was very very quiet and private. Praise the Lord! We had much time to think, pray and meditate. Oh, and play in the water too. The work that Dave and Michael are doing is so inspiring! The Mokan people's villages were destroyed in the tsunami of 2004, and has left them very open to the gospel. What better way could a couple of single guys live life, than working amoung a people group like this. God bless them! It was so good to be with family again. Even if it was for only one evening. We could feel their love and support for us which meant so much. By driving all over Thailand like that, we were able to see so much of the country and people that we wouldn't have seen from the window of a bus or airplane. As we drove through city after city, we kept commenting how MANY people there are without knowledge of God. May God move our hearts with His Heart. So, we are praising God for a good trip, and now we are so thankful to be home again! Praise the Lord for His wonderful works along with us. martin.

The Poor have the Gospel preached unto them.

Today we went to Thai church we had never been to before. After the service the pastor was telling me about some of the outreaches they are involved in. One group goes to a slum area in the city where the people are very poor. There are many problems there. Some of the parents work at night and there's no where for the children to go. Some of the parents get drunk and fight each other, and the children are caught in the middle. There's many more problems as well, and some too deplorable to write. The good news is that the gospel is being preached to them, and some of the children are believing in Christ, and God is changing their lives. I thought of the Scripture that says "the poor have the gospel preached unto them." Praise God! I asked the pastor how we could be in prayer for his church, and he said that God would provide the funds to build a safe house at the slum area for the children to come to in the evenings when they need somewhere to go. The house parents would help them with their homework, and also teach them the Bible. I was inspired and blessed to see these things today. Praise God! .martin.

Saved from the Lions

Yesterday I bought this can of roll on deodorant, and on the front is a picture of a lion. When Dinah saw the can and the picture on the front she said, "What does this do Papa? Keep the Lions away?"

Let the little children come unto Me...

This is one little girl who we often see on a big bike, riding by herself around the village. She likes to come over on Friday nights. She is quite feisty with the other children, but is quite sweet to our family. She seems so hungry for love...one day I hugged her, and she looked at me, startled, and then smiling, hugged me back. We don't know much about her home life, but it doesn't seem good.

Another child who likes to come play is Bon. He is probably about nine. Already influenced by evil, drawing grotesque images on his legs, but still loves to shinny up our tree or play UNO. Sometimes I wonder what the spiritual world looks like. What forces are beckoning him? And who will do battle in prayer for this boy's soul?
- Rachel

Field Trip

Yesterday, Oldest Daughter and I went on a field trip with my language school. It was quite fun. We went to a pottery village which is actually our neighboring village. We saw how they make pottery, and interacted with them to practice language skills. We even were given a lump of clay and told to make whatever kind of vessel we want to with it. They will bake it then give it to us later. It's not as easy as they make it appear to be. I thought often of Jeremiah's trip to the potter's house. I also thought about how yielded the clay is in the hands of the potter. That is exactly how we are to be in the hands of our Heavenly Potter. Am I willing to say whatever and wherever to HIM today? If so, then I am living in His will. Martin.