Now that we have celebrated our graduation from Wheaton College, we are concentrating our efforts on preparation for moving to Thailand in July. Below is some information about where we are headed and why.

(*Feel free to tease Phil about his mustache)

Why Missions?

Over the past few years, we have become increasingly passionate about global missions. Hearing stories about the Lord moving powerfully among various people groups has given us the desire to be be a part of what God is doing around the world.

We will be going to Thailand for a 3-year term with OMF International, a Christian mission that serves in East Asia.

Why Thailand?

As many of you know, the Lord has given us a heart for the people of Thailand. Phil lived in Thailand for a number of months in 2006 and 2007. He developed a love for the Thai people which has continued to grow.

Thai Buddhists rub gold leaf on statues of Buddha
as a method of merit-making to improve personal karma.

The situation in Thailand tends to be very dark spiritually and the need for Christ's love and healing is deep. Buddhism mixed with animism (spirit worship) is the religion of 92% of the Thai people. Most Thai people live in constant fear of spirits as they attempt to appease these beings with food, drink, and financial offerings.

Our Vision

By the power of Jesus, we long to see the Gospel of love and grace take root among the Thai people resulting in: salvation through relationship with a personal, loving God; freedom from fear (1 John 4:18); emotional and spiritual healing; and a body of Thai believers who carry this Gospel to their own people.

Next Steps

For the next several months we will be preparing for our 3-year term in Thailand. A few aspects of this preparation are getting medical clearances, receiving vaccinations, and doing Partnership Development.

OMF International has a wonderful theology of Partnership Development. The idea, briefly, is that mission takes place on every side, the home side and the field side. Those sending and supporting the missionary are just as vital in God's mission as those who are on the front lines. The relationship is a true, mutually beneficial partnership.

Partnering: 6 Ways 2 Reach God's World
Partnership is a multifaceted concept which includes and goes far beyond financial support. OMF Int'l was founded by Hudson Taylor, a man of prayer. To this day, Taylor's emphasis on prayer is a driving force in OMF Int'l.

These are the 6 categories under which one can partner with missions as identified by OMF Int'l: