I Can't Help But Marvel!

"Gone to Thailand!"

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.

On my recent trip to the states, I took the opportunity to visit with a close family friend, who coincidentally lives in my childhood home where I was born and grew up during those oh so formative years. Who'd a thought - back in 1970, that rather than Arlington, Texas, I would call Mae Sai, Thailand home? I recall murmurings as a child from parents and relatives; as they watched me baptize my sister and GI Joe in the bath tub, or try to preach in the living room; that someday, I might possibly be in ministry,but it was not until as an adult in 2003, that I heard so clearly, that God "has a job for me." And that job was to serve overseas in a place that I had never heard of before.

I arrived back to Thailand one week ago today, and it has been a whirl-wind of activity since my return. After a short rest at home, we celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving with the church and school members in Chiang Rai, and had a great time of play with the family after having missed them all so much. Then it was wonderful to be back in church to worship together with our Thai brothers and sisters on Sunday. When I sing praises in the Thai language, I am always overwhelmed when I am reminded that God created each and everyone of us for a special purpose and plan, and he knows and understands us in a way that only God can, no matter what language we speak!

The time spent in the Dallas / Fort-Worth area was an answer to prayer. I had been asking that God would fill my calender with appointments and events that would be encouraging and productive times to further the work of the Kingdom in North Thailand. Nearly every evening provided me with an opportunity to share about our work here and to share the vision of Narrow Gate Asia.

I want to thank the Dunavant's, Tyer's, Lykin's, Tillman's, and Birchman Baptist church in Fort Worth for their hospitality and service. Also, in the Plano area, we want to thank the Cox's, Bolin's, Warren's, Yost's and Prestonwood Baptist Church for there generosity and love that they showed to me. You and your families provided us with a wonderful opportunity to share our heart, vision for Narrow Gate Asia, and get to know you better. We could not remain here if it were not for the commitment of people like you to open your homes for us.

In the book of Acts we are reminded that when we travel into a new location we are to look for fellow believers and enjoy the hospitality of staying together with them in their homes. In today's culture, this is not always the most accepted or comfortable mode of accommodation. But I was completely blessed by the time that I spent with may aunt and uncle Gary and Marian Cummings in Weatherford, as well as our dear friends Dennis and Jerry McGraw in Plano. It was not only great to be in their homes, but more than that, to get to know them and spend time with them in a special way. Thank you all for allowing me to stay and be part of your family, and I look forward to next time.

During my travels we also conducted our Narrow Gate Asia Board meeting and continued to finalize organizational details that will move us into the future. God continues to reveal himself in this process and we are excited about the future as I return to Thailand.

"Getting Around"

"Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24. Prayer is an amazing gift. It provides to us uninterrupted communication with God. Think about that for a moment. Have you ever know some body really famous? I did once. When I was in construction in Dallas, I worked for one of the most famous football players of all time. He was always very gracious to me and one time I even played catch with him in his back yard (A dream of every man no matter who you are). At the same time, he was very busy, and I would have to make a special appointment or go out of my way to see him. But praise the Lord, we have a standing invitation (no more than that), a commandment to converse with God on a continual basis. We should have a lifestyle of prayer, where we Commune with God, Praise God, Confess to God, Share with God, and even ASK God for the things that we need in our lives.

I share this, because sometimes we even get to see the answers to those prayers so that our "joy may be complete"! You have been praying for some time now for a vehicle for our family to use in Thailand. During my trip to the States, God has provided everything that we need to purchase the perfect vehicle for our family, volunteers that come, and ministry. Through your prayers, and through your generous participation in the ministries of Narrow Gate Asia, we will be making this purchase next week.

Thank you all! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise the Lord for a great trip to America.
Praise the Lord for the new Vehicle he is providing for NGA.
Pray for the proper site to establish Narrow Gate Farm and Dairy in Mae Sai.
Pray for Narrow Gate Language School to open in May, 2010.
Pray for our volunteer teams coming in the summer of 2010.
Pray for our long term volunteers coming in the summer of 2010.
Pray for National partners to join our work and team.
Pray for BOLDNESS to preach God's Word as we should.

To Become a Narrow Gate Asia Partner
Send Letters and Tax Deductible Contributions to

Narrow Gate Asia
P.O. Box 260270
Plano, TX 75075 USA

Contact us on Facebook, or at info@narrowgateasia.org

Thank you for your prayers and support,
In His Grip
Harry and Pattie