"plans"

  As you hopefully know by now: we are Christians.  We are absolutely in awe of what God has done for us ...  the length Christ went to save us...   we are grateful. Well, since the beginning of the year we have been praying about how our family can best serve Him, whether it be in our home church in Wenatchee, or somewhere else in the state or country... 

  So now I suppose some "filling-in" is necessary...  Everything has moved so quickly that I forget it’s not common knowledge- but yeah, we've moved.  We're currently living in Oregon with my (Luke's) parents and have our house in Wenatchee rented out.  We'll be here through Thanksgiving, and just bought our tickets to England. We leave December 2 and we'll be there for the month of December and then...  Thailand.

"The Plan" (Proverbs 16:9; James 4:13-15):

  The plan is to move to Pattaya in early January, to work there for about 2 months, and then to fly back to England and prepare to have our baby (by the way, Sarah is 13 weeks pregnant, baby due April 27th). While in England we'll pray about whether to commit in Pattaya for the long term or to pursue other ministry options elsewhere.  Either way, we feel the Lord is taking us into full time ministry.

  Pattaya is on the coast about 2 hours south of Bangkok.  There we'll be working mainly with a ministry called Bridges to the Nations.  We've been in touch with an American couple named Randy and Edie, and they have a church in Bangkok, plus a ministry in Pattaya that they oversee.  They were praying for a young family or two to take on the work in Pattaya as they continue their work in Bangkok.  

What we would be doing in Pattaya: 

  Pattaya is home to a huge prostitution industry. Many Thai people move there (and to many other Thai cities) looking for work, but when none is available they become desperate.  The ministry we will be involved with has three main outreaches. First is the church in the city.  It is a growing church of about 100 people, many of whom have been saved out of prostitution, drugs, and life on the streets.  Next there is what is called "beach church".  This offers hope to homeless, drug addicted, and prostitutes (men and women).  We offer food, direction toward specific rehab centers, and help finding legitimate work (connections have been made with various Christian businessmen in the city and throughout Thailand to provide jobs). This outreach is limited by resources, but many people are helped greatly. Last but not least is a welcome center.  A building has just been purchased right next door to the bus station where villagers come in from remote areas looking for work.  We will be able to direct them towards jobs, educating them of the dangers of life on the streets.

  So yeah, that's "our plan".  We have sold or donated most of everything we own to raise money and hope to find supporters along the way.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Please pray for us: for wisdom with our steps and for GOD'S protection and provision in each one.