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.
