Who could have known 15 years ago, when we moved to Chiang Rai, that the small home school co-op of 19 children (including our three) would grow into a school of more than 140???!!!

As many of you know, I have given a part or most of my ministry time in Thailand over the past 14 years to the Chiang Rai International Christian School (CRICS).  The formation of the Family Learning Center, which then led to the development of CRICS, provided our children, Rachel, Rebecca, and Kenny, with the academic foundations they needed to be able to return to the USA and successfully attend college.  This school continues to provide a quality Christian education using an American curriculum to the children of those who feel called to serve God in northern Thailand.  We are also reaching into the community as about 30% of our student body is now from the Thai community. 

For CRICS, there is lots of GOOD NEWS and there is CHALLENGING NEWS!  Sometimes what goes up, must come down...

But, first the GOOD NEWS: 

1) In April, 2015, the three accreditation agencies that are involved in approving CRICS for accreditation (ACSI, WASC, and ONESQA) all came to evaluate us on the same 3 days.  It was the first official visit for each of the agencies, and we were blessed by their presence and the process they followed for this purpose.  We received good feedback from the representatives that came, but we needed to wait until July to hear back from the agencies they represented.  Almost unbelievably, all three approved us for accreditation after this very first visit!  We thank God and all those who had a role in preparing, participating and praying for this important step in our development.

2) In August, we also received official word that American Baptist International Ministries has accepted CRICS as an IM partner, allowing for both  teacher and financial resources to come through IM directly.  Angela Sudermann, Director of IM Volunteer Services, has been helping CRICS for years by connecting volunteers with CRICS.  Now, those who are interested in a long-term relationship with IM as a missionary may also consider CRICS as a possibility!  On the financial side, donating to the development of CRICS will be possible on IM's website beginning in October.  Look for "New Building Blocks for CRICS"under "Projects" on the IM website.

Now the CHALLENGING NEWS:

Chiang Rai City is growing and, as a result, there is new super highway that will encircle the city.  When we checked into this at the time of purchasing the land, we were aware that the road would be constructed within a kilometer of our property.  But over the past two years, without our knowledge, the route was changed to come across the front of our property, requiring that 4 of our 5 buildings will be demolished!  The government is reimbursing the school, in part, for the land, buildings, landfill and moving costs.  With these funds, and gifts and donations already received, there is an active campaign underway for the remaining funds, totaling $300,000, to furnish the replacement classrooms and facilities needed to served our current student population with some expansion room to accommodate up to 200 students by next year.  Within the next 5 years, there will be additional monies needed to grow to a maximum student population of 250 students and to furnish them with a library, sports facilities and music and art rooms. 

If you want more information about how you can be a part of helping CRICS to continue providing a quality Christian education to deserving students, please contact me directly by e-mail;  development@crics.asia.   A video explaining more about the history and the future of CRICS can be seen by connecting to this link.  

Thanks to all those who have helped us get this far.  With God's help and the continued support of people like you, we will see CRICS continue to grow in quality and quantity.  We need both teachers and financial resources! Please share our story with anyone you think would be interested in partnering with us!

Blessings,

Ruth