short post - English Camp Update

We've been involved with teaching English to 19-21 year old students from Chiang Rai Vocational College for the past week. During the day, it is non-stop English teaching, and I am learning lots of... um... patience. Yeah. I think all the non-English countries I've been in in the past have still had plenty of young people who spoke English. Here, though they've been studying it for a few years (these are in their 5th year of vocational college) and still they have very little understanding. I mean, we are asking questions like, "What time do you eat dinner?" and getting responses like, "Yes." Or... "Vegetable." But, nonetheless, after they participate in the 2-day camp, they usually have a much greater understanding and ability to communicate in English.

Okay, so the nights have been an opportunity for us to share about what we believe as Christians, so we have shared stories from the Bible that have been real big hits with them (for learning English, learning stories that are acted out seems to be a good tool.) And we have also shared testimonies, stories from our own lives of how God has changed us.

We are more of a seed-planting team, if you like. If kids want to know more about what we believe, or if they want to believe in Jesus and accept him, or if they just have questions about life, they give the local guys here their contact info so that there is follow up (watering in the analogy!) We aren't forcing anything on them, just sharing the joy we have found in knowing Jesus and offering the same to them, if they are dissatisfied with their lives, their religion, etc. What is awesome is that we've already seen one girl VERY interested and asking all sorts of questions... "Can I believe in Jesus if I am Buddhist? Do I have to give up Buddhism to follow Jesus?" Tough questions from a genuine seeker. Pray for this girl and many others who may not be bold enough to ask the questions yet. Many young people in Thailand are questioning religion and are coming to faith in Jesus, and in doing so, they are influencing their entire families.

Okay... I've got to run, we're leaving the internet connection spot!!!

Thanks for your prayers and support, photos to come soon!

Love,

Jillian