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Protect a Child

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To Know God

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.  -Jeremiah 9:23-24

Here in Canada, it is easy for us to be self-reliant and for us to boast or be proud of our wisdom, strength and riches.  However, when I look back at my times in the Golden Triangle, what impressed me most was that the children and ministry leaders alike all truly wanted to know Jesus.  They had daily personal devotions and then each night, they worshipped together.  During the evening worship services, there was always time for anyone to share a testimony.  It was these times that I treasured!  To hear the kids recount a brief story, moment, thought or Bible verse where they saw God and His kindness or teaching, truly blessed my heart.

One evening, we heard several children share their testimonies before their baptism the next day.  These children come from difficult backgrounds and I expected them to share how they felt abandoned by their parents or bitter towards their parents for exposing them to dangerous situations or else not caring for them at all.  I expected them to share how they were a victim and then how God helped them forgive and become survivors.  But I was wrong!  Not one child mentioned their vulnerable pasts.  Instead, they shared stories of transformation such as how one used to fight with the other children and no longer does because God has helped that one become a child of peace. 

Let us come as children and seek to know God, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth.  May we find delight in what delights the Lord’s heart.

Praise for the Light

John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Please pray for our ministries in the Golden Triangle. There are many moments when it seems like the task is so large and when our ministry partners are not sure what to do to help all those in need. Pray that God will give them wisdom as to how they should respond to the situations around them. Pray that God will show them where He is working and preparing hearts for transformation. Pray for protection as they step into situations of rescue and prevention of human trafficking. Pray for them that they will boldly declare the Word of the Lord.

And praise God that Jesus is the Light of the World and can dispel the darkness!

The Lord is my Banner

GNI field-workers. Amber & Amanda, partner up with Josh & Julie (House of Blessing) to help do gospel outreach each week. They also work to counter human trafficking with the goal of catalyzing community transformation through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Just this weekend, our team was given permission to show a Christian video on how to prevent human trafficking. This video, co-produced by Christian Broadcasting Network and YWAM, is a powerful drama on the lives of two young Thai girls who were trapped into sexual slavery. It teaches parents and children what to watch out for.

Amber reported that “It went well. It was mainly kids but Josh was able to explain better to the kids what is not ok and when to get help.” Northern Thailand has many cases of abuse and human trafficking and Amber shares, “Sometimes things are complicated and we’re not sure how to help. But thankfully God does and He lives in us! Thanks for joining us in joining God in His work in this area. He’s seen these people endlessly suffering and it’s time for this abuse and endless cycle of addiction to stop.”

It reminds me of God’s name “Yahweh-Nissi,” “The Lord our banner.” In spiritual warfare, it is the Lord who gives the victory. The enemy can surround us but the Lord raises a banner of His love over us and covers us.
(Exodus 17:8-16). He has heard the cries of the abused and trafficked and He will wage war on our behalf and make us more than conquerors. Let us stand in the gap and pray for our ministry leaders. As Romans 8 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us?” It goes on to remind us that nothing can separate us from God’s love so may the abused constantly know God’s love. Again, Romans 8 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” May God make both our ministry workers and abused “more than conquerors” for God’s glory!!

Developing for Discipleship

November 2-3, the leaders of CBF and surrounding areas met at House of Blessing for a seminar with the Thai Lahu Foundation.  The topic was “Developing for Discipleship.”  They discussed developing their ministry based on the standard of God’s Word.

Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.”

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…”

This is what I love about CBF: God and His Word comes first and influences all they do in the home and ministry.  Pray for them as they keep this focus and listen to God to learn His will.