Tuesday, November 22, 2016

"Goats at Abundant Life Church in Myanmar!"

In the book of John, Jesus tells us that “I have come that you may have LIFE… and have LIFE ABUNDANTLY.” This verse gives us a full picture of what it means to approach ministry from a holistic perspective.  Evangelism and Church Planting leads to Eternal Life, while Agricultural and Vocational Development opens the Narrow Gate to Abundant Life here and now.


This past week, we had the opportunity to begin the training process with a new partner across the border in Myanmar at Abundant Life Church.  The Pastor and his staff visited our farm to experience farm life, and participate in a discussion about the Goat Raising and how that could be used as an outreach ministry of the church.  Over the past 25 years, the church has had a vision to approach outreach through holistic community ministry.  As a congregation they not only worship together but they also volunteer to work together.  They have land where they plant vegetable gardens, have a production Rubber Tree plantation, raise pigs, chickens, and ducks.


Historically the people of Myanmar have had very limited resources and income.  This outreach has been able to provide much needed food for church members, the needs of the local community and for the financial needs of the church through the sale of products.  Their vision is to expand farm operations at the church and also distribute these programs to other villages where they have outreach points and new churches.


Last week they came to visit us at Narrow Gate Farm and Dairy to learn about how raising goats could be incorporated into their project.  This group was brought to us by our friends at Asian Rural Life Development Foundation where we served when we first came to Thailand back in 2006.  We talked about herd management, feed planting and production, milking, breed selection, animal housing, and about the process for beginning a farm operation.


We are planning for more detailed training and practicum in the farm in the future, and are also planning on visiting their church in Myanmar to fellowship together, do a site assessment, and help to consult on how best to work with them to start a goat raising project.  They look forward to helping other churches and outreach projects to experience abundant life through small goat farms that are run and managed by the local churches.


I continue to be amazed at how the Lord uses his people to provide for ministry, and in the case of Abundant Life Church, it is the hands of the church members at work that brings life to the community and to the church.  For the Brittan Family and our ministry with the Narrow Gate Project and SEND International… The prayers, encouragement, and financial support of churches and people that make our work in North Thailand possible.  We are so grateful for each and every one of you.  We thank God for your availability and willingness to support our family and ministry in North Thailand.


This Thanksgiving week… be in prayer for our project and how God is leading you to partner with us financially.  We are still raising funds for a ministry vehicle, school tuition, personal monthly support, and outreach expense.  As we approach this time of year end giving, we have an overall goal of $25,000 usd, and also are praying for commitments for new monthly support team members.  These funds will be used for immediate needs as well as to be applied to ongoing costs of doing ministry in Thailand for 2017.


PRAYER REQUESTS:
  • Pray for God's provision and our year-end goal of $25,000 usd.
  • Pray for Harry's Healing and continuing recovery from Ulcerative Colitis.
  • Pray for continued adjustment of Pattie and the kids for health and life in Thailand.
  • Pray for Hattie in America and her life and studies at TAMU.
  • Pray for God's Kingdom to come and Will to be done in North Thailand.
Mail a check made payable to "SEND International"and (Include a note with our account #216155 - Brittan)

SEND International
Attn: Lynn Karidis
P.O. Box 513
Farmington, MI  48332

Or for your convenience, you can also give online at:

Brittan Family - Online Giving Link

Thank you again for your partnership with the Brittan Family and our project at Narrow Gate in Thailand.

God Bless, and Happy Thanksgiving!!
The Brittan Family
Harry, Pattie, Hattie, Louise, Harry V, and Nellie


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