Integrated Ministries for Ethnic Minorities Foundation (IMEMF)

Prayer and Praise for October, 2012

I am always encouraged by how creatively and wonderful (and completely differently!) God works in each of our lives.  One of my special joys is when the HOL kids share their testimonies.  I have included one for you so that you can give praise to God for what He is doing here in Thailand!  To share a bit of background on this young woman—both of her parents had died because of AIDS, and she was being raised by her older sister who wanted to keep the parents’ deaths secret.  Once the truth was known by this girl, she felt sad and betrayed.  Because of her own HIV status, she also started to experience poor health, and her grandfather made the decision to have her live at the HOL so that she could receive needed medical care.  Her story picks up there--

 

When I came to live at the House of Love, I felt very sad and I felt as though my family did not need me and that they did not want to care for me.  While I was living at the House of Love, my feelings of fear, my feelings that no one wanted me and that no one accepted me began to change because at the House of Love I received love, concern, and treatment at the hospital.  At the House of Love I had many friends and all of the children were orphans just like me; we understood each other.  I have much happiness living at the House of Love. 

 

I received Jesus Christ into my life when I was in the sixth grade.  I went to a camp for new believers.  God touched my spirit so that I wanted to accept Jesus into my life as my savior.  After that I received baptism.  I have grown in Christ.  I can now praise God and pray to Him. 

 

During the school break after I finished 9^th grade, I had the opportunity to visit my sister in her village.  I had the ability to forgive my family for the things they had done to me in the past.  I now know that God has a good plan for my life due to His love for me.  Whether or not I receive acceptance from my family in the village because of the disease I have, I still have the ability to be strong because I have the staff and friends at the House of Love who give me encouragement and I have a God who loves me just as I am.

 

Praise and Prayer Points:

·         The Center for the Development of People with Disabilities (CDPD) increased its enrollment this past semester, and the program is going well with the added numbers.  Thank you for praying!

·         I can hardly believe that the first semester is nearly completed for everyone at the House of Love (HOL).  Please pray that final projects and exams are completed to the best of each student’s ability.  Everyone is looking forward to completing the semester, and enjoying a 3 week October break—which brings me to my next prayer point!

·         Please be praying the staff for the HOL who are planning a 3 day camp for our kids on Oct. 10-12.  We will have a special speaker in the mornings, and then in the afternoon, fun activities are being planned.  We hope it is a time of refreshment and fun and spiritual growth for all.  And pray for the staff as they work out an October break schedule that can balance work around the house and times of relaxation.

 

 

·         We have a new intern for the next 3 months—and we praise God for her!  Casey De La Cruz is a Junior at Azusa Pacific University in California, and is here helping at the House of Blessing daycare.  The kids seem delighted with her, and she has been a big help, jumping right into the program.

·         Many of you are aware that my younger brother passed away suddenly this summer after a short illness.  I was able to travel back to Ohio in late July and be a part of the memorial service, and have time to connect with family at this time of loss.  Thank you for praying!  There were also times of celebrating new life, as I did have time with my 3 new grandnieces!!

·         I also want to thank each of you who have prayed for me as I have served as the chairperson for the Thailand Baptist Missionary Fellowship for the past three years.  Being in leadership was at times a stretch, and I am grateful for the prayer support I have had.  I am happy to report that in October someone else will take over the head role so that I can devote my energy to HOL, HOB, and CDPD.