Summer 2014

Hi everyone! Kezia and I send you greetings from Thailand and hope that this update finds you well. Lots going on for us the last few months. Since our last update in April we have finished a short film and launched the website for our new human trafficking ministry called “Houses of Refuge”, led a team to China, hosted a team here in Thailand, and celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.

Houses of Refuge

The leadership at Sowers International has been praying about what our role will be in the growing fight against human trafficking. The answer we received came through the book of Joshua chapter 20 where it talks about “Cities of Refuge.” These were safe places designated by God for those who were being pursued. Focusing on South East Asia, the Joshua 20 project will partner with local churches to provide houses of refuge for those who are at risk of being trafficked, and for those who are rescued. To find out more please contact me at jason@sower.org or visit the website at joshua20.org .

Summer Teams

We had two teams this summer, the first was to China and the second was here in Thailand. Both teams were a huge blessing and contributed greatly to the cause. I have a highlight I would like to share. For months Kezia and I had been praying for an open door to some kind of Buddhist ministry. The Lord led us to a school for monks in training at the main temple in our province. We met a person of peace there, he was excited to hear we had a group of foreigners coming that wanted to interact with the students. He set up an English camp. For one week we got to hang out and share our lives with the monks. There was one rule though, no singing! Monks are not aloud to sing, they can only chant. So that was a challenge. Anyway, the director one day came to me and gave me a set of keys. He said I could use this place if I want, and told me to follow him. He took me to the main temple where the biggest idol is, but instead of taking the stairs up to where the idol is we took a smaller, less obvious staircase down that went under the temple the idol is in, into this huge underground meeting room. He told me this place was used for teaching the upper levels of Buddhism and to conduct meetings regarding doctrine. So for three nights, we had our “team time” in the main meeting room, under the main idol, at the main temple for Buddhism in our entire province. This was the enemy’s oval office and we did what has never been done there before, what hasn't been aloud there for hundreds of years, we sang. But we didn't just sing, we worshipped. We took singing, an act banned from this place, and worship, an act dedicated to this place, and realigned them for the first time ever in praise to the Father. We felt like we were a part of a victory hundreds of years in the making as we worshipped in spirit and in truth. This victory has laid a beautiful foundation for future ministry.   

4 Years! 

Kezia and I are so grateful for God’s faithfulness in our marriage. We have had some true struggles but are so happy to report that after 4 years our marriage is stronger than ever. God keeps teaching us and using us and strengthening us. Thanks to all who pray for us and support us, and to God be the glory forever, amen.  

So Many Stories To Tell

Indeed I have so many stories to tell, but I will break them down into a few important events to keep you guys updated. 

Past:

I went to China last month for about 2 weeks with Pooka (my mother-in-law) and a team of women from Idaho, Missouri, and Oregon.  This was definitely a treat for me since I have not been back to China after being called into fulltime missions in this beautiful country 5 years ago.  We had an awesome Bible teacher in the team who taught us along with around 25 Chinese women about women in the Bible.  So it was women studying about women!  I learned so much during this time of study, and I felt God rekindle the love He gave me for His work.

With The Team

With Some of My New Chinese Friends

Sometimes we wonder if the work we are doing is helping others know Jesus, and I am not exempt from these thoughts.  As I was thinking about this very question, I met Matthew.  He became a Christian about 3 years ago, and is currently teaching English with the ultimate goal of starting a Bible study group at his apartment.  He is so passionate for God’s ministry that I was really glad I met him.  During the course of our conversation, I found out that we actually met in 2009 with my team.  I did not recognize him and he did not recognize me, until I pulled up Jason’s picture.  He said because of meeting so many teams telling him about Jesus that he finally accepted Him as His Lord and Savior.  Not only did he become a Christian but also so zealous about God and His work.

Jason also had the amazing opportunity of going to Myanmar at the end of March with his dad, Gwynn.  He was filming for the new project Sowers International is taking on with regards to children who are at-risk of being trafficked or who have been trafficked.  There he met an awesome man of God, Pastor Cyrus, who has been taking care of abandoned children along with his wife.

Lunch at Pastor Cyrus' House

Coming Soon

Festival at Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar

 Present:

Currently, I have time off from teaching at Prakhun Language School.  April is summer time here in Thailand.  Students and teachers alike have this short break before classes for the new school year begins in May.  This break, though, means more time for studying Thai as we aim to move to a new level and time to also rest as we prepare for the upcoming activities. 

Jason is also taking this time to work on a movie for the new Sowers project that I mentioned earlier.  It’s called “Joshua 20.”  Watch out for this!  I have only seen the beginning parts of the concept he is trying to develop in this short film, and I am blown away with how he has put it together.  I have to say that I am very proud of my husband’s work.

Future:

We have short-term teams coming!  Please pray for them.

Jason is slated to lead the China team in May.  He will be there for a month with a team from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU, Florida).  Then, he will be back in Thailand to help us lead the Thailand team from the same university.  They are also scheduled to be here for a month with us.

Lift up these teams in your prayers as they come and serve alongside us even for a short time.  We are always blessed to have people come and extend themselves to the ministries God has entrusted us with.

Jason and I continue to be amazed with God’s love, kindness, and faithfulness as He shows them through you, your prayers and generosity.  We are blessed to have you guys as our support system not only financially but also spiritually.  We could not do what we do here without your partnership. 

God bless you and we love you dearly!

In Our Messiah’s Love,

Jason and Kezia