CMO – July 2016 Report from the Filbecks, Lanna Theological Seminary, and more

LTC Professors David Filbeck and Subin Chiangnoon baptizing Noi and Uan.

 June 11, 2016 began with

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Left to Right: Mr. Kiat, (Evangelical Fellowship of North Thailand) Mr Prawanwit (LTC board)  Mrs. Buakhap (president Evangelical Fellowship of North Thailand),  Mr Isara, President Association of Churches, Thailand), David & Sharon Filbeck,  Mr. Siohn (Khmu Christian Connection).

  rain.  All week we had been preparing for this day, praying for no rain.  But it came.  At first I was a bit aggravated and questioned God why He would would send on this of all days.  Butthen He reminded me I was not the only person praying about rain.  We have been going through a drought in this part of Thailand and farmers were beginning to worry about water supply for their rice fields.So there were many Christian farmers who were rejoicing this day because God had answered their prayers and sent rain.

And it was fitting that there should be showers on this day. Because as farmers were rejoicing in the rain, we too were rejoicing “in the rain”.  We were rejoicing in the showers of blessing God has rained down upon us.   This day was a day celebration as we  dedicated for our new educational building on the new campus of Lanna Theological Center. 

Our staff and students worked hard in

	300 friends!.

the month leading up to the service.  Committees were formed to plan and oversee each aspect of the day.  The leading up to the day we all worked together to get the place ready.  It was a great team effort.

We set  up chairs for 300 people.  With the rain we were afraid people would not come.  But come they did!  Every chair was filled and we had to get out more chairs! The only hitch the rain caused was our main speaker was delayed due to wet road conditions causing heavy traffic.  Someone started the service without checking to see that all the major participants had arrived. About halfway through the first song I noticed our speaker was not here.  So I told the worship leader to “sing more songs”, I began to hastily put a few thoughts on paper. And one of our professors started calling our speaker’s cell phone.  About 10

Students from Daughters of Ruth Foundation provide special music for the occasion.

minutes later the speaker arrived.

 Although we set up tents, everyone still got a bit damp, but even damp we all celebrated and gave thanks to God as we dedicated this building to His service and His glory.  You can watch a short video summary of the dedication here.

The building is being used every day to train and equip church planters and church leaders.  It is our prayer that God will use this building to shower blessings on the South East Asian church and community.

Nopachai “Nop”and his wife Kanlaya “Hawm”  are both graduates of Lanna Theological Center. Nopachai is from the Karen people group. After graduating from LTC he enrolled in the law school at Rajabhat Univeristy.  Prior to coming to work full time with LTC he was owner-operator of a computer service center.

 Kanlaya is from the Lua people group where David and Deloris Filbeck began the mission in 1960.  We have known  her family since she was in grade school.  After graduating from LTC she completed a degree in psychology at Rajabhat University and is now working on her M.Div from Bangkok Bible Seminary.

Nopachai and Kanlaya are teachers and mentors here at Lanna Theological Center.  They teach regular classes and lead student outreach teams on weekends.  Both are also actively involved in different administrative roles at LTC.

In addition to serving at LTC, Nopachai and Kanlaya are the pastoral team at the Philakolia Church.  Phlakolia Minestry was a ministry established by Jerry and Pam Headen that for over 20 years helped families dealing with HIV/AID.  Over the years as the Thai health system was able to help these families live more normal lives through ARV treatment, the purpose of Philakolia Ministries changed.  AsJerry and Pam transitioned out of service in the Thailand the ministry was  reorganized as Philakoilia Church.  Many of the members are those same families that struggle with HIV/AIDS.

	Members of Philokalia Church. Nopachai 4th from left front row.  Kanlaya 2nd from right, back row.

Nopachai writes “Right now our family is serving God at Lanna  Theological Center in tandem with Philakilia Church. Sometimes we get tired and discouraged. But when we think about the promises of God, our family gains strength, and we have peace in this opportunity to serve God“

We are so thankful for this family’s commitment to serving God.  Please keep them in your prayers, pray God continues to give them the strength (physically and spiritually) to continue their faithful service to Him.