We returned to Thailand after a 15-year gap; in 2010 our family was based in Manorom, Central Thailand, where Gabrielle helped establish an English Language Centre, and Scott took over homeschooling our children.
For three months we are here in North Thailand at the James Fraser Centre (JOFC), a discipleship and theological training centre for tribal people from the surrounding nations as well as from Thailand. The majority are Lisu, with some Lahu, Akha and Karen tribespeople. The students come for four years of intensive biblical studies, as well as mentoring and discipleship. Classes are in either Thai or English and our role is helping both tribal staff in their teaching of English, and students in their learning and application of English. Gabrielle is an ESL teacher working with refugees from Myanmar in Nelson, NZ. Scott participates in the ESL Bible classes, working alongside national staff to explain Biblical concepts and enable English acquisition. He’s also involved in maintenance (within 10 minutes of arrival he was assisting replumbing the student quarters), cutting back the rapid jungle growth around the property and whatever else would be helpful.
It’s been a wonderful thing to talk with students and hear about their faith journey and growth during their years at JOFC. For many it seems to follow a similar pattern; the first year is very difficult as they grapple with the self-discipline needed to study the Word and have a heart devoted to God. They struggle with the pull of the world and the desire to be making money rather than studying for 4 years. But as time progresses, they are challenged in their walk with God and develop a longing to become equipped to serve Him.
There are many tribal churches in this part of Thailand, a heritage from the work done by early CIM missionaries like James O Fraser and Isabel Kuhn in these tribal groups in China and Myanmar. However, there is a real need for deeper teaching to help believers stand firm in their faith and grow in understanding. Please pray that doors would open for the JOFC students to teach and serve in these churches once they graduate. This week we are travelling to a conference centre to help with a children’s programme, as families involved in tribal church planting come in from surrounding countries for a week of teaching and prayer together.
We have so enjoyed our return to Asia – the heat, the food, the people; but most of all to see God at work in the lives of so many. Discipleship and thorough biblical teaching are close to our hearts, and we are blessed to see these at work at JOFC.
It has been such a gift to us to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this year, and to honour God by serving here.
