Prayer and Praise for February, 2010

Excited, happy, blessed—the emotions associated with our worship celebration were all positive as we gathered together and worshiped on the new property on Jan.23, 2010.  Do check out the pictures on our website www.thaitribalhealthservices.info.  A special blessing was having Dr. Wayne Paulsen, his wife Julia and a team of American Baptists celebrating the day with us.  Five years ago, when we earnestly began to pursue the dream of owning land and building, Dr. Paulsen worked with the American Baptist churches to pray and give.  It was fitting that he could join us in our celebration.  Of course, I should mention that his whole team helped us to get ready for the opening, doing everything from painting all of the playground equipment, scrubbing walls and washing windows, and even taking the daycare children on a field trip so we could ready the house for the celebration.  I praise God for the wonderful gift of a home for all of the HOL children, as well as space for the Health Project and House of Blessing daycare.  We are indeed blessed.

Praise and Prayer Points:

·         Celebrating seems to be a theme this time, as we are also celebrating the graduation of 3 of our young women at the HOL.  Da (many of you will know she came to us as a baby--the first child at the HOL), Sang Ngern and Daw Song are thrilled to mark this significant time in their schooling—finishing 9th grade (in Thailand, this is considered the end of compulsory education).  Da and Daw Song have chosen to go into vocational training (business computers) and Sang Ngern will be finishing regular high school.  We praise God that all 3 are in good health and pray for them as they start new classes in May (after our hot season break).

·         Please pray for all of the House of Love children as they study for end-of-the-year exams and finish up projects before school ends March 5.  Pray also for new staff for the HOL as 2 of the house mothers will be leaving at the end of March (one to marry, the other to enter the army).

·         We are hopeful that the construction will start any day now for the boys’ dorm/daycare classrooms.  While the plans have been completed for some time, there are some glitches with the contract with the Japanese Consulate.   Pray that we can all come to good understanding and start building.

·         The Health Project staff is working on planning a new survey for border areas to see what needs there are.  The HPTP has had several invitations to work with ethnic minorities along the border, but we first need to have an understanding of the current situation.

·         Please join us in praying for the adjustment of Ponfahluang, a little girl who goes to our daycare who has now started living at the House of Love as well.  Although she has a loving mother, this parent needed to work late hours, which meant that Pongfahluang was left in an abusive situation. 

·         I traveled to Maesariang in late January for board meetings at CDPD.  One decision that was made was to make needed roof repairs and renovations at the center, and I am grateful for the funding that has made this possible.  Also, please pray for Brad, who recently completed some filming at the CDPD and will be editing and making decisions how to best use the film.