We received a call on Thursday April 2 to notify us of a court date for my case. It was the next DAY! We arrived early, spoke briefly with the Provincial Attorney before proceeding to the court building. I was remanded into the custody of the court police, where I spent the rest of the day in the Thai Jail in Chiang Rai. After a long day, and after nearly six month of waiting on the police to prepare our case, I had my appear before the judged. I was released at 4:00pm with only a small fine, and grateful to be out and given a BREAK from this chapter in my life. As the day progressed, I was not sure if I would have spent more time there or not. I am so thankful for Gods watch care for our family and for our ministry during this time!
The very next day, we boarded a train to head south to the Beach in Dolphin Bay! It has been many years since we have had an opportunity to vacation together as a family and our Daughter Hattie wanted to go to the beach in Thailand before she heads off to college. So… we had a wonderful time by the sea, and look forward to having the blessing off going back again someday. This was an amazing Spring Break and it will not soon be forgotten. We stayed at a resort called the Juniper Tree Dolphin Bay and this foundation was established to provide an affordable place to rest, relax, and retreat. It was located in a remote/developed section of beach and I could not have been more beautiful. We had lots of family time and also got to meet many other missionaries from Thailand and from through-out Asia. Also my mother, who is visiting from the US, got to go with us and have a special time with her grandchildren.
This week, our second week of Spring Break, falls during the SongKran Festival. This is the Thai Water Festival where they celebrate Thai New Year. This holiday, shuts down the city for nearly a week, accompanied by water play and throwing of water everywhere you go. For me, this is a time to be home and quiet with the family. It is also a time to catch up on administrative tasks and things that we may not normally have time for.
Yesterday we received good news and want to ANNOUNCE!
Hattie has decided to attend Messiah College, in Grantham, PA! This has been a long hard decision for Hattie and we are so proud of her in this stage in her life and development! Hattie will be pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She was selected a couple of months ago to apply for a special scholarship because of her experience and work in Community Development, and living cross-culturally in Thailand. After applying to compete, writing essays, and interviews, She was also awarded a four-year scholarship that will cover the majority of her tuition, fees, and books for this prestigious Christian College. This scholarship is focused on Leadership and Diversity.
With this decision comes great opportunity … but also great responsibility. Please pray with us for Hattie as she approaches this next stage in her life and future career.
Recently, Emma (15) was awarded the opportunity to study ballet at the Texas Ballet Theater in Fort Worth. This is a summer intensive program where she will gain experience and skills to propel her towards a career in Dance. Emma has created a Go Fund Me page to share more about what she will be doing, and also to share with you about how you might be able to help her attend. Her deposits and commitment have already been sent in, and the balance of her fees need to be paid before May 1 to hold her position. Please pray with us for Emma as she chases her dream to be a Ballerina. Help to support this program at : Emma On Pointe!
Next week, we will begin hosting a team from the Business as Missions group from Youth with a Mission in Chiang May. They have been studying BAM, and now will come to the field to get practical experience. This group will be working hand in hand with us to develop projects and programs at the farm. Also we will be praying for opportunities in the community for them to engage the Northern Thai people with the Gospel. This is an exciting opportunity for our ministry project at Narrow Gate Asia to help others learn from our experience and program. This team will be living and working with us for the next 5 -7 weeks.
First Day in Mae Sai 2006
9 Years Later - 2015
In March, our family celebrated 9 YEARS of missionary service in Thailand. Many times along the way, we were not sure if we would make it or not, but we are still here and God is continuing to bless the growth and establishment of our ministry at Narrow Gate Asia. Every three years, our family returns to the US for a time of State Side Assignment. This trip we have been encouraged by our board, mentors, and partners to take an extended Sabbatical term. We will be in the US for about one year and in that time we have lots of plans to see and visit family, friends, partners, and churches. During out stay, we will spend time in Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The children will attend school and gain experience in US culture, Pattie work on her teaching certificate, and Harry will complete his MA at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
God has provided a missionary house for our time in the US at FBC Benbrook, in Texas. This will be our base of operations. As we prepare to go on this extended stay we still have many needs where we need your prayers and support.
- Plane Tickets – Thailand to DFW - $6000
- Vehicle / Transportation in the US
- Ongoing Ministry Support Commitment for Thailand - $1500 per month
- Children’s Education / Tuition
- Monthly Ongoing Missionary Support
Brittan Family
Harry, Pattie, Hattie, Emma, Harry V, and Nellie.
Send Letters and Tax Deductible Contributions to:
Narrow Gate Asia
P.O. Box 260275
Plano, TX 75026-0275 USA
Please use this link to go direct to PayPal:
Contact us on Facebook, or at hbrittan@narrowgateasia.org
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