Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ who has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col.1:13). I don’t know about you , but I need to be reminded of my deliverance through Christ constantly. Many times our faith is tested through trials and circumstances, which can cause us to question our faith. God understands our frailty and humanity, which is why He gave us His word and sent the Holy Spirit to bear witness of His faithfulness.
Well, the dust has settled on our first year here, and to be perfectly honest, we are feeling somewhat tired. Chiang Mai is not a difficult place to live in terms of ‘standard of living’, but it seems that many missionaries can testify to a battle of weariness that is very real. Of course having a large family has its challenges also, and we would appreciate your prayers for some issues we are currently working through. In particular, we would ask you to uphold Samuel as he is going through some stuff relating both to learning and behavior. We have been able to get some professional Christian help for his situation, but I feel we need a breakthrough in the Lord. In general, the family is well but looking forward to a couple of weeks break at the beach, which was made possible by my dear mum.
The Lord’s work is progressing in Namgat village, although we are looking to the Lord for a breakthrough. There are still only a few committed believers in the village, but O and Meela are faithfully testifying of Gods grace and power to save. Many villagers are afraid of upsetting the village monks too much, and others see Christianity as a Western religion which is not relevant for them. Having said that, the numbers of people in the village ‘hearing the Good News’ are increasing, and O and Meela’s lives are greatly testifying to the reality and relevance of Christ. There is no doubt that a strong spiritual battle is taking place for the souls of these dear people. Join with us in prayer to see these strongholds broken in the Name of Jesus!
Back in Chiang Mai, our language learning is continuing and we are active in our local fellowship. I have been part of a leadership support group in the church, which has been meeting regularly to pray and plan for the direction and development of the church. The church is an elder led body, but to this point the eldership has consisted only of full-time missionaries, who just don’t have the time for much needed body ministry. It has been a great blessing to be working with men of God from a diversity of backgrounds, but who only want to see Christ glorified in their lives and the church. I am currently organizing a worship seminar and youth rally for 100’s of young people from both international and Thai churches. As someone getting a little older now, I long to see the young people ‘on fire’ for Christ, and making His kingdom their priority in a world that is bombarding them with the lures of pleasure, entertainment, and ‘success’. If you’re a little older as well, pray for the youth and get along side them to encourage them. I’ll tell you what, the overseas mission field is desperate for workers, and a fantastic opportunity, especially for young people that may not yet have the commitments of family.
As mentioned in our last newsletter, we will be teaming up with a mission organisation here in Chiang Mai. This mission organization has workers all over Asia and specifically targets unreached people groups. I have been very impressed with the godly and experienced leadership, which include men that have served in Thailand for over 20 years. They will be having input into our lives and are very supportive and understanding of our family situation. As things stand just at this time, the timing of our planned move is in the Lord’s hands as we seek to work through some issues, particularly with Samuel. A mission organisation are in agreement with this and are committed to working with us on these matters. We will be attending their annual reunion in May where we will meet all the workers from around Asia and learn more about their work in this region.
Figure 1 A Boy from the Hmong tribe
I am just about to sign off, but I wanted to share a precious time I had last night at a men’s fellowship group that I coordinate. A good friend of mine who runs an AIDS charity that attends the group, brought a volunteer (from the States) to join with us. This guy didn’t know the Lord, but knew his need of Christ. He is 41 years old and has just been told he is HIV infected. Amidst tears, prayer, and the grace of God, this man surrendered his life to Christ. Hallelujah! I don’t feel to give his name as his own family don’t know of his condition yet but please pray for him as the Lord would lead you. Oh, how I want to see more people like this man experience the saving grace of God.
Thankyou for your support and prayers. Please keep writing to us as it seems our incoming correspondence has dwindled in recent times. We are in need of increased financial support, but praise God for his faithfulness and want to express our gratitude to those who have been able to sow into our family and ministry in this area. Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Corin.13:11).
Your brother and fellow servant in Christ
Dave (For the tribe)
Rare meeting with Long Neck tribal folk 1
Email: info@evanstribe.org
David and Sarah Evans
61 Suthep. Soi 4
T. Suthep A. Muang
Chiang Mai
Thailand 50200.
Phone: 0011 66 53 810446
Don't forget to visit Evans Family on Mission in Thailand web site