Hi Friends,
Praise God for His mercies which are new
every morning. Great is His faithfulness! I can hardly believe how
quickly the past two months have gone since our previous newsletter. We
had a really great time away as a family down at a quiet coastal spot which is
run by an a mission organisation family, primarily for missionaries. The children made some
new friends, did lots of swimming, and we had several special times on family
outings. Soon after our return, we were off again to the annual mission organisation
Reunion, which we were invited to as new affiliates with this
organization. Although the affiliation process has been a long one (and
isn’t officially finished yet), we are now considered as part of a mission organisation.
We will join with the ‘Shan’ team which reaches out to the Shan people, mainly in the border regions, around the Namgat area (the village we have been visiting). Although the teams primary focus is to initiate the planting of indigenous, reproducing churches among the Shan people ( a displaced and largely unreached people group from Myanmar), our family will work with both Shan and Thai in the main Northern regional town of Mae Hong Son. This town is extremely strategic, and is surrounded by scores of villages and refugee camps. Although Buddhism still has a strong influence in this region, it is significantly mixed with Animism and other forms of spirit worship and superstition. We sincerely covet your prayers, as the spiritual battle for these people groups is intense in these regions. We understand that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor.10:4).
Speaking of battles, we have spoken in our previous newsletters about some serious challenges we are having with Samuel. The battle continues. Samuel was diagnosed with a form of epilepsy that effects the emotions, and so medication was started. After 3 weeks, the medication doesn’t seem to have had any positive effect at all, and in fact the neurologist has now recommended that we cease the medication (which is fine by us, and Samuel), citing that the irregular brain wave activity picked up on the EEG, could actually be caused by other things! Please keep praying. I have recently fasted for Samuel, and although we still need a breakthrough, our trust is in the Lord. Specifically ask for sustaining grace for Sarah during this trial, discernment for us, and of course, complete deliverance for our precious son. We are also seeking the services of a ‘special needs’ teacher who has experience in the area of an experiential style of teaching including kinesthetic/tactile approach. The Psychologist conducted a Wisc test and found that along with visual learning this is the way that Samuel learns the best. If anyone you know fulfills this criteria or you know of someone who does and is willing to help us out, here in Chiang Mai, we would love to hear from them. We envisage that the person would raise support from their local churches to be able to finance their stay with us. We would love someone to come for an indefinite period of time but with a six month trial period. They would become a missionary to missionaries!!
I mentioned in our last newsletter about a man who was diagnosed HIV positive, David gave his life to Christ at our men’s fellowship meeting. He decided to go back to the States to tell his family about his condition (medical and spiritual), and received a sympathetic response. After going for further testing, he was told that the initial results were a mistake. Praise the Lord! He is rejoicing and going on with Christ.
The youth rally that I was involved with, was a powerful night, with over 200 young people in attendance. A band from Bangkok led in loud, but Christ-centered worship. A message of challenge and commitment was preached, and about 40 young people responded by earnestly crying out to the Lord. We just received news that 7 out of 25 young people recently baptized, testified to the impact of the Youth Rally. Praise God for His work amongst the youth of Chiang Mai.
We sincerely thankyou again for your support and correspondence, praying that the Lord will be glorified in all of our lives. I am currently putting together a short video of our ministry direction for your viewing back in Australia, especially as at this present time I am unable to come myself. Signing off for now.
Yours in Christ
Dave (for the tribe).
Here is a song recently written by Christina:
I can feel your Holy Spirit, flowing through the land
Stirring up the people with Your, mighty command
Set us free today Lord, release these bonds on us!
Cause we wanna praise, we wanna praise Your name
Praise Your name! You are above all.
Praise Your name! You are the King.
Praise Your name! You are my savior,
Always there, always there! (x2)
I can’t escape the mystery, of your unfailing love
When I’m all alone, You’re always there for me
So stir up the fire within me, make it burn bright
I need You more than life Jesus, I need You more than life!
Bridge:
We’re all God’s disciples in His holy plan, taking God’s land
Help us with your Holy Spirit, guide us with your mighty hand!
Desperate for your calming peace, no one else can satisfy
We are waiting for your help, we are wanting to
(CHORUS)
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