NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

Some of us probably have read this wonderful little book by Ruth Myers. A few weeks ago when I came to Day 7, I realized none of the blessings and privileges mentioned is accessible for tribal believers who do not have God’s word in their language. Read it, thank God the Bible in your hand, and pray that the 2,000 bible translation work in progress, and the 2,300+ languages that are still in need of bible translation.

31 Days of Praise- Day 7
I glorify You for the Bible- that wonderful, written revelation of You and Your plan….. I’m so grateful that you cared enough to communicate with us in this clear, unchanging, always-accessible way, so that Your thoughts are now available at all times to refresh and nourish and teach me… and that You are still a communicating God, speaking these words to me as i am attentive to You, as i read and meditate with a listening heart. What a privilege it is to store Your Word in my heart, where You can use it at any moment to bless me and guide me… to keep me from sinning against You… and to be a storehouse of inspired words that the Spirit can bring to my mind to help others.

Thank You that in Your word I can see Your face and hear Your voice. I can discover Your will and Your patterns for living and serving….. Thank you that the Holy Spirit inspired Your Word and uses it to enlighten and guide me, and to change me more and more into Your image, from one degree of glory to another.

Last night, when Abby and Wayne had their bedtime chat, she said, “daddy, there is one thing I don’t like about my school.” “What is it?” Wayne asked. “We only pray. But we don’t read the bible. We never read the Bible at my school and I don’t like that.” Only a few weeks ago, Abby asked Wayne to be sure to translate a “early reader Bible” for the children in PNG. So she can tell them about Jesus. We never cease to be amazed by how little kids can understand and treasure spiritual truth. It’s our prayer that all parents see child rearing as an opportunity to disciple our children for God’s kingdom.

On another note, our May 2009 Newsletter is finally out. Please click the links below to download the PDF file(s). Thank you all so much for being part of our team. We’d love to hear from you as well. Thanks again and do keep in touch!

English Version
Chinese Version

This past weekend, Gail was in Taipei visiting her brother and her childhood friend. It’s nice to have 3 days child-free.

Tea House in Jioufen (（九份）

Where the wild things are!

Abby in her kindergarten performance… Chinese folk dance.

Everyday, we thank God for blessings us with the girls and their smile.

These words came from the mouth of Abigail. Tonight before I sent her to bed, I hugged and kissed her as usual, and told her that I love her so much! She smiled, looked at me and said, “But don’t love me the most, please please please!” I asked who then should I love the most? With her big smile which means “you know…” she said, “you have to love God the most!” This is not the only time she mentioned and reminded us about this truth. It’s amazing that this principle of loving God the most is so deeply rooted in her little heart. We thank God that our little girl is learning to place her affection first and foremost on the Lord. It’s our prayer that this affection will not shift left or right as she walks her life’s journey.

Some updates about our life here in Taiwan.
1) Since we got back to Taiwan, Gail started homeschooling the girls. However, in order for the girls to be more immersed in the Chinese/Taiwanese language and culture, we decided to send them to a local Christian kindergarten. The first two weeks were rough. But praise the Lord, they are doing a lot better now, though no Chinese sentence has come out of their mouth yet. Please pray for their trust, peace, contentment and flexibility as they continue to go through different cultural stress/adjustments (US, Taiwan, PNG, tribal).
Homeschooling days

2) Our PNG work permit has been granted. In a few weeks, we will be able to start our entry permit (visa) application process.

3) The 20 some boxes of “stuff” that we are bringing to PNG finally find the container that can accommodate them. In mid-May, our supplies will be shipped out from Washington. Please pray that everything will get to our location without any problem.

4) We continue to speak at different churches/small groups about God’s heart for the nations and our ministry with NTM. Praise the Lord that many have been challenged and encouraged. Pray that many will reorganize their priorities and respond to Christ’s call by trust and obedience.

For those of you that give and pray faithfully for us, we want to say a big THANK YOU for your commitment to the Lord. This team is not complete without you. Thank you!

A big apology to all who are wondering where and how we have been after returning to Taiwan. We have finally settled in our little apartment in Taichung city.

It took us a while to sort out the phone and internet connection situation- since we are here only for a short time. That’s why we haven’t been able to update as often as we wanted. All is well now. Gail has started homeschooling Abigail. Kala is sort of tagging along.

We also got reconnected to our home church here in Taiwan and have started sharing about mission and our ministry in several churches/small groups. Look forward to meeting up with some of you during our time here in Taiwan!

After 16 hours in the air, Gail and the kids are finally back in Taiwan. Originally we planned to go back together. But a precious church friend passed away suddenly, so we decided that Wayne would stay two extra days to attend the funeral. Since it’s too much to change all the tickets, Gail would travel with the girls home.

Special thanks to all who prayed for our journey home. Two hours into the flight, Abigail who had been complaining about her stomachache threw up. Thanks to the empty seat (the only in the entire flight) next to her, she was able to get changed (thank God for prompting Gail to bring an extra set of clothes) and simply move over to a clean seat. Then she started to run fever, 102F. We had to ask for medical help in flight. Thankfully, God prepared a pediatric nurse with 13 years of experience. He helped make sure it’s not something serious. And the crew was able to locate a children Tylenol. Abby was able to rest and the rest of the 11 hour flight went smoothly. After 2 hours of layover in Tokyo, we were ready for our connection to Taiwan. Just before we get in line for boarding, Abby threw up again. Thankfully, even though she could have freaked out (over the illness and her clothes being yucky) , she tried real hard to stay calm and cooperative. We were almost asked to stay in Japan b/c of airline regulation- they pulled out our checked bags already. Thankfully, again, Abigail’s fever was under control then and we were allowed to board. After 4 hours (the flight was delayed), we finally got into TPE. But, how could Gail handle 8 checked bags all by herself? THANKFULLY, once the bags were loaded to the carts, two airport securities came and helped push the carts until my (Gail’s) parents met us.

What more should I say? God’s grace is sufficient in all situations. And a BIG thank you for all who prayed for us. God indeed has answered your prayers in a very tender loving way. I was amazed by how God kept me very calm throughout the trip. I was not disgusted, annoyed, frustrated or angered as I am usually tempted to. I know for a fact that it is only because of God’s grace.

Wayne also had arrived SF safely. Please pray that he may be a comfort and encouragement to the church family. Pray also that we will get over jet lag soon. Gail planned to start homeschooling Abby early Feb. Pray for good support here in Taiwan and discipline for both Gail and Abby. Thanks so much again for your prayers!

Grandma reading “Three Little Pigs”- the big bad wolf blowing

After driving and flying, we finally arrived at Seattle, where Wayne’s brother lives. To our surprise, we encountered the heavies snow storm in 30 years. Even Walter’s car was snowed in and not able to come pick us up. I am sure the snow has been a great inconvenience to all Seattle’s residence. But for us, who will leave for Taiwan and PNG where Christmas is 30C, we are actually pleasantly surprised.

We made snowman and enjoyed great time with the family.

Some pictures from the past month….

Singing in Awana’s Christmas Presentation

Sunday School Christmas Play- Abigail as Mary and Kala as an angel
Considering this, we are particularly thankful. We understand that for the next few years, our children will not have the opportunity to attend regular Sunday School nor participate in a Christmas play- except with children in our tribal team. We appreciate that ministry of Lake Family Church and how they have been home church for our family throughout our training in MTC.

Abigail and Kala babysat our neighbor’s baby daughter.

I apologize for not updating this blog for the past month. We have been in the process of finishing up the training, shipping things to PNG, and moving back to Taiwan.

Two days ago (12/19 Fri.), we had our last class in the missionary training center followed by commencement that evening. Wayne had the privilege to be the student speaker. Among the many graduations we have been part of, this one is especially humbling and overwhelming. One to two years later, all of us will be at different parts of the world where Christ has not been known and attempt the impossible task of tribal church planting. Our life from this point on will be nothing like what we have known or experienced before. The only way we can get any close to finish this task is by the strength and grace of the God. We are anxious and excited for what God has in store for us next. We thank the Lord for all the family, friends, and partners that have journeyed with us through this training process. You are one of the ways that God uses to make this impossible task possible. Thank you! We covet your prayers as we start our paperwork process with Papua New Guinea, spend time with families and share God’s heart for the world with His churches.

On Christmas Eve, we will fly out of St. Louis for Seattle. We will spend 1 month in the west coast and head back to Taiwan before the Chinese New Year. We look forward to seeing many of you guys during this holiday season. May the peace, joy, and hope of the birth of our Savior be with you and your family throughout this season and the new year!

You can download our December newsletter by clicking the following links.
Going Where the Wind Blows December 2008 Chinese Version | English Version

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!