Thailand - Caleb

Gary and I talked to Caleb a couple of days ago and he wanted you each to know that your notes are very encourging.

I cannot believe how blessed I was by going to Thailand. I spent two weeks with Pastor Eric and his wife MJ in the far North of Thailand. He and MJ have been missionaries for over ten years; they speak several languages and are on fire for the Lord and His glory. They both taught and showed me and Dennis so much love and hospitality, it was hard to leave them. We attended a Karin church on Sunday and I was asked to speak. I could not believe it; I sat in front of the church in the place of honour almost in tears and grieving the man that I am. Realizing that I had no right to be up there. I was with several other men who should have been asked before me, but I knew the Lord had something to say, so I got out of his way and the Spirit gave much freedom in the teaching.

Thank you so much for everyone who prayed for the decision to serve in Thailand or elsewhere. The Lord made it clear to me that there is so much work to be done right where I am and it would be a terrible thing to walk away now. So the Lord really strengthened my heart towards the work right here, and I am so thankful for that. After leaving the North, Dennis and I travelled 24 hours on a bus to the south. Once again, we were welcomed with so much love by our Burmese brothers at Calvary Chapel Ban Nam Chim. We spent most of our time with Pastor Echo, who took us to the Burmese school and local fellowships every day. I was blessed to see the Love that the Burmese have for the Lord and each other. This fellowship, the meeting together every day, no matter how for they had to travel, to pray and praise the Lord, encourage and exhort one another was something I had never seen. Everywhere we went we were treated as the guests of honour, the Lord really showed me the weaknesses in my own life in the area of fellowship and hospitality. I thought I might be going to Thailand to help the people there, but it turned out that the people in Thailand helped me. I realize I cannot help others until I truly know and understand my weaknesses, until I truly see, grieve and weep over the fact that there is no good thing in me. It is when Jesus reveals His glory and my only response is "please depart from me Lord, I am a sinful man", seeing clearly the darkness inside in the mist of His glory, can the Holy Spirit have room to do His work and it is at this point that others will be helped and Jesus will be glorified.

One last thing, whether in the North, or the South of Thailand, or in the Philippines, I am being asked to stay and serve. Everywhere I go, the leaders are earnestly praying for help, for the workers are very few. Please pray for workers to be sent out, the harvest is ready, it is the workers we need to pray for. Also, if the Lord ministers to you to help, where ever it may be, than please be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is saying.

Caleb