Wednesday, August 15, 2012

"I Only Took my Sandals!"


When Jesus sent His disciples out, "He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that men should repent." Mark 6: 8-12.

We just returned from our trip to America a few days ago and after having a bit of time to rest and re-group following our long travel, I have had a chance to reflect on our journey over the past two months.  

On June 5th I left my old worn-out cowboy boots in Thailand and boarded the plane with Pattie and our four children,  you guessed it ... in my sandals (Which some people found humorous when I stepped into the pulpit to preach).  We limited each person in the family to three outfits and were able to keep our luggage down to a mere three suitcases for a family of six.  We left our house in Chiang Rai with our neighbors, and we left everthing else with Phii Nat Ta Nii to care for at Narrow Gate Farm and Dairy. 

In preparation for our trip, we had made arrangements for places to stay, a car to drive, and places to share and celebrate about what God had been doing through Narrow Gate Asia. BUT... we were not prepared for how God was going to use those plans to pour out blessings upon our family.  I wish I could list and tell stories about all of our experiences, but you will understand that space is not sufficient when I summarize by saying that in two months we:

Moved and packed 16 times to 7 cities in 3 different States.
Shared in 24 Bible Study Classes and Groups
Shared with over 600 children and workers at Birchman's VBS in Fort Worth
Visited and spoke at 6 Churches
and Met with 8 different Pastors. 
We also met with family, friends, ministry supporters, and partners whenever we had a chance.

The outpouring of love and support to our family can not be described.  And as such I find it diffucult to put into words a "Thank You" that will be sufficient.  During our stay in the US, we were not only left without want or need, but rather, the Lord showered down great abundance on us through the prayers, service, and care that you all showed to our family.  When we entered a new place, we always felt at home.  Along the way, some-one even bought me a new pair of boots!

When the disciples in Mark were sent out, they were sent to preach to the lost.  On our trip to America, our message was one of celebration about what the Lord has been doing along the Thai-Myanmar border and our audience was believers from the churches, the Sunday School Classes, and groups that support and partner with our ministry.  BUT ... our purpose was the same!   We "preached, that men would repent".

My prayer this week, has been that the Lord will give us all of the nations, and do this through the provision of His work and  ministry at Narrow Gate Asia through our Co-Workers.  If you are not already, I want to invite you to pray about how you and your church can partner with us financially as part of our monthly personal support team.  This team is what gives us the confidence to focus on the task that the Lord has called us to.  No gift is too large or too small. And know that 100% of your monthly contribution of $5 to $500 dollars will go to support our family, our out-reach programs, pastor development programs, and church partnerships.  

Celebrate with us!  Pray with us! And give thanks to God for all that He has and will do through the preaching and sharing about His works among the Nations.

Thank you, and God Bless.
In His Grip
Harry, Pattie, Hattie, Emma, Harry V, and Nellie.
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Narrow Gate Asia
P.O. Box 260275
Plano, TX 75075 USA

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