Border Run!

I was able to take a trip to visit a group of refugees with a  friend, months ago.  They have escaped civil war and are living with next to nothing, relying on the gardens they have planted, the fish in the river, and the generousity of others.  They cannot work and they cannot go home.  (They are the same people group as in the movie "All Saints, starring John Corbett.")

We took food and snacks for the children and they lined up to receive their treat.  I wondered how we'd open the lid to the sealed metal container, but they pulled out a machete and the lid was no match!  I also wondered how we would distribute the food.  The kids held their shirt out as an adult grabbed a handful of crackers and dropped them in.  Aren't they precious?

The needs were overwhelming and my heart was stirred, so I started raising money to help buy rice.  Many of you joined in  by coming to a pop-up shop fundraiser in December while we were in Michigan.  You gave and hundreds of people are being fed this month!!!  Here's the link for the origianal fundraiser if you'd like to contibute.  We will be visiting the refugee camp next month!

My friend Bprang and I walk and talk sometimes when our kids are sleeping and I shared my desire to start a ladies Bible study for Thai women.  She had a look of surprise when she explained that she too had the desire for women to gather, but didn't feel she was equipped to take it on.  Here's what has happened: we have been meeting at our house for a month and have 7 to 8 women that come and listen as we study the book of I John, pray for each other and share food together.

The kids finished their first year of Thai school.  Many will ask us if they are fluent now, and the answer is no, but they understand more.  It's a complicated, tonal language but we press on!

Ken's role (volunteer worker) at GIS has kept him very busy this year as he stepped in to fill a need in the running of operations.  He puts in long days, but there is joy in knowing the Lord has given him the education and ability to serve in this way.  He's also on the preaching rotation at the Thai bilingual church plant we attend.  Last month he took Callie to a daddy-daughter event.








The winter Olympics are not very celebrated here in Thailand, but the Mungle home was an exception.  We invited a couple families to come and eat "icecream torches" and play minute-to-win-it games.  We even had fake medals to give away. It was such a fun night and the kids are still talking about it.

See their torches?

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Praise God for the ladies Bible study.  Please pray that the women continue to come and hunger for the Word.

Praise God for our community that is being established!  It's been 3 years and we are grateful for what the Lord is growing here.  Pray that we are faithful to follow Him and don't replace "ministry" for fellowship with Him.

Praise God for making us aware of the Burmese refugees and for the money he has provided for them.  Please pray for help and guidance in this situation, as well as ways for the people to work towards a way of providing for themselves and for peace in their country.  (There are many orphans).
   UPDATE:  2,000 more people are in need of food and basic supplies.  It feels so overwhelming.  Please pray and consider giving.

We praise God for our supporters!  Thank you for praying for us, for giving so that we can be here.  The exchange rate continues to change, which is great for the Thai economy, but we lose about $300 per month.  Please pray that more people will join our team of senders and supporters.