Turbulent, Testing Times

Dear Family and Friends,

We are just back from a two week visit to friends residing in our big northern neighbor. This is our 2nd visit there in 2 months. Our last was an emergency trip whereas this was a scheduled trip to friends in different cities. The climate of intimidation and fear has markedly increased in the last 2 months. Many cross cultural workers have lost their visas and been given short notice to leave the country. Our ministry trip involved supporting and strengthening those still in country who wonder if they will be next to lose their visas. Most of the longer term workers have already processed their next steps should they be "asked to tea" by the authorities. Newer arrivals struggle with their plans being upended so abruptly. One wrong answer to the myriad of questions the authorities are asking can mean severe consequences to those who have invested so much to serve overseas. Join us in praying for workers to have wisdom to know what to say if they are questioned and  courage and peace in these uncertain times.

Prayer Requests: 

1. Pray for Alberta - as she works on one of her last online courses while, at the same time, attending a 10 day conference with "Equipping Women Int." It is the perfect storm of learning in two different formats. 

2. Pray for Heather as she wraps up her time in Glasgow in advance of visiting us here in Chiang Mai in early November. She graduated Oct. 25th from the Royal Conservatory of Scotland with a masters in Theatre Direction. Pray for her as she pursues a visa to return to England in January to look for work in the theatre industry.

3. Pray for us as we continue to prepare for our Member Care Facilitator Training in January. We have opened up attendance to several other organizations and expect up to 40 to attend. It means more logistical work for us but more benefit for other organizations, helping them develop their pastoral care services.

Serving Christ With You, Steve and Alberta