THE BEAUTIFUL ZOE CHILDREN'S HOME

Beloved,

Following a decent night’s rest with the added impact of the time change (our bodies were awake when we should have been sleeping and vice versa), your team members were having personal devotions and breakfast starting at 7:00am this morning.  There was good chatter at the dining tables as our regional teams, who first met the day before, began to bond with one another.  Thank you for your prayers for team unity; the Lord was faithful in His response to this need.

At 9:30 sharp, the vans were loaded and began the 45 minute drive to the ZOE Children’s Home.  We had a good time of prayer in the vans during the drive.  As we traveled from busy Chiang Mai to the rural areas outside the city, the lush and beautiful green forests engulfed the highway.  When we eventually transitioned to a single lane dirt road, it was evident that the ZOE home was deep into the thick forest.  Once we were through the security gate that guarded the entrance to the home, there stood the two newly constructed buildings that connected 40,000 square feet of space.  The Lord is our great provider.

Here are some tidbits about the new ZOE home which was completed about 2 years ago.

-          - Everything built and bought was paid for up front; no debt.

-          - The floors are concrete; no shoes in the building.

-          - The living space is maintained by everyone, including the children – and it is neat and clean!

-          - Their large dining room is simple – a roof over a large slab of concrete; no walls; mats are laid out and everyone sits on the floor for the meal.  So simple; so good.

-          - Care and protection of the 81 children are a priority.  The average ratio of caregiver to child is 4:1; unmatched and unheard of anywhere.

-          - Much of the food is grown in gardens on the property; a pig farm provides some of the meat.

-          - They waste nothing.  Everything is used.  We have so much to learn.

-          - Yes, the Lord is good and provides for the needs of His children.  AMEN!

We spent the day going through an orientation with Carol, packing up the supplies for all of our elective classes and ministry outreach activities, and rehearsing our part in the outreach program.  Remember that this team was practicing together for the first time today, and heck, we were good – at least this writer thought so.  Again, thank you so much for your prayers; how could we not be good because of your faithfulness and the faithfulness of our great God.

This evening, the team was able to get in some shopping at the night bazaar.  Even Bryce and Stan lasted for at least 10 minutes of shopping.   God can do the impossible.  The team will be up at 6:00am for breakfast tomorrow morning, team devotions at 7:45 and off to ZOE at 8:30.  We are ready and eager to serve.

Thank you, beloved, for your prayers.  Thank you.  Thank you.   May the Lord bless and keep each of you always in the strength and joy of His loving arms.

Your Thailand Missions Team.