thinkSMALL, Gary and Paula Hays, Directors

Clowning around

2010-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Two newly trained clowns

practicing their skit at SBC

Church in Udon Thani.

The next day, these clowns and the Udon

Thani team did an outreach Show for 85 kids in

Chiang Phang village. All 85 kids

prayed and asked Jesus into their

hearts--as well as 6 adults. Great!!

New believer

2010-10-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

An intelligent new believer in Udon Thani

comtemplates the spiritual meaning of the clown

skit he just saw.

Tom and Mai

2010-10-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Gary is training with Tom, one of our great staff in Udon Thani.

Mai is holding the cross. She is Tom's wife and they are exceptional

teachers and evangelists.

Trainers in Udon Thani, Thailand

2010-10-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

In October, we trained a great church outreach team in Udon Thani.

One of our new staff members, Pim, is on the lower left in the top photo.

Our National Coordinator, Simon Dong, is in the bottom photo

with the team behind the curtain before an outreach.

Om Koi Evangelism Outreach Aug 5--good results

2010-08-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

The Om Koi Bible students did a great outreach and welcomed many new believers.
Hooray!

Evangelism Outreach Aug 5

2010-08-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

141 kids attending the Outreach on Aug 5., and about 120 prayed to receive Jesus.
The kids were all registered and local churches will follow up with them.

Clown training and performance

2010-08-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Gary and Gook trained several students to be Koko and JeeJee clowns. The kids loved them!

Bible students and thinkSMALL staff

2010-08-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our thinkSMALL staff, Simon, Gary, Paula,
Gook, and Nai enjoyed the good food and the joyful students in Om Koi.

Om Koi Bible College, northern Thailand

2010-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Aug. 2-6, 2010, our thinkSMALL staff traveled to the remote town of Om Koi in northern Thailand to train 50 Karen Bible College students. This is the main Bible College building, and the location of the Children's Outreach they had.

Jee Jee and Koko

2010-07-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

We have trained

hundreds of

Jee Jee and Koko

clowns in Thailand.

They are fun, and kids

love them!

God wants YOU!

2010-07-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Happy kid from

Chiankong Church

in northern Thailand

thinkSMALL staff and guest July 21, 2010

2010-07-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Left: Nai and Kook

thinkSMALL staff

Center: Joe Wainer,

Foursquare Foundation

Right: Gary and Simon

thinkSMALL staff

Good reading!

2010-07-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

New Thai believer reading a Gospel Seekers comic

after a KidsQuest outreach.

Chiang Rai kids praying to receive Jesus

2010-07-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Chiang Rai kids love Jesus!

2010-07-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

New Believers--8200 and counting!

2010-04-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

In April, the team at Nonsomboon near Udon Thani did a Kids Quest outreach for about 50 kids.

ALL of them prayed to receive Jesus.

In the past 3 years, over 8200 kids have prayed to receive Jesus AND are being discipled in local churches through this ministry.

Praise the Lord!

Clown Training for all ages

2010-04-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Gary has a great time training clowns. This training is in Eastern Thailand about an hour's drive from Udon Thani. Everybody loves being a clown!!

And sometimes the clowns are very young!!!

"thinkSMALL" staff Bible study

2010-04-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

Our staff has morning devotions and Bible study at our "thinkSMALL" office in Ramkamhaeng.
From L-R: Gary, Simon, Na and Kook. You can see Paula in the mirror taking the photo.

"One Heart" worship team

2010-04-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

In March, our group, "One Heart", shared a song with a flute intro at a Thai church outside Bangkok.

Drug Prevention Forum Feb 2010

2010-04-13T02:29:00.000-07:00

Gary presented the " 360 Drug Forum" in Chiang Mai in Feb. 2010. Leaders from
CBN, Operation Blessing, Compassion International, Christian Drug Rehab Centers, and others attended.

The leaders agreed with Gary that Christians could lead the way in Thailand to address the serious drug problems. Another Forum is scheduled.

Gary presented the "thinkSMALL" drug prevention materials for children, including an
'edutainment' show, comics, wristbands and drug prevention curriculum for schools.

Everyone at the Forum is excited about being part of the solution!

6500 kids and counting!

2010-01-22T02:07:00.000-08:00

Since we started KidsQuest Thailand almost 2 years ago, over 6500 children
have received Jesus into their hearts and are being discipled in local churches.
Praise God!

This outreach is at an Ekamai slum for Youth Day, Jan. 9, 2010.

Sa wa dee from Ruth, Gary and Paula

2010-01-22T01:54:00.000-08:00

Gary's beautiful Mom, Ruth, gives a traditional Thai "wai" greeting with us at her home in Everett.
Ruth passed on to be with the Lord on Dec. 13, 2009. An amazing Christian woman, full of
unconditional love, she has been an incredible blessing to our lives and we thank God for her.

AIDS Outreach Christmas 2009

2010-01-22T01:16:00.000-08:00

KidsQuest Thailand joined with Siam Care, a Thai charitable organization, to sponsor a Christmas outreach in Bangkok for children affected by AIDS.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-01-22T01:08:00.000-08:00

The Foursquare World Base Thailand church, Our Home Chapel, used KidsQuest in several community outreaches in 2009, including a slum community,
Ramkamhaeng University, and Central World Plaza mall.

Global Children's Conference NYC Sept 09

2010-01-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Gary was chosen as the Thailand Delegate for the first global missions conference to focus on young children (4 to 14 years old). 65 countries sent 300 delegates to New York City to participate.

Gary was part of the Spiritual Transformation track which did a drama at the conference (see photo below.)
Gary and Paula are now part of the 4/14 Transform the World global team, which will do pilot programs and present results at the next Lausanne Conference.

Unity Networking Summits--great idea!

2009-10-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 2009, Gary began holding Unity Networking Summits for communities.
These photos are from one in Pattaya, which is the sex-trade capital of Thailand.
People from various churches of all denominations, and NGOS (Non-government organizations such as World Vision Pattaya) came together to discuss the challenges and opportunies in their community.

Then, in workshops, they found ways they can work together to solve problems, support each other, and help the children in Pattaya.

Good work!!

Train the Trainers University--it's FUN!

2009-10-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

In June and July 2009, we held several weeks of Train the Trainer classes.

The top photo is of our staff, Kook, Simon, and Ann. Simon is the Thai National Coordinator for all of our training and outreaches. He travels everywhere with us, and is our translator. Kook and Ann are KidsQuest trainers as well and also work in
inventory, administration and communications.

The middle photo is of Ann, Simon, Kook and Gary working on the KidsQuest Thailand website.

The bottom photo shows Kook, Ann and Paula after a Christian Clown Make-up session.

Training is fun!

Success Seminar

2009-10-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

On May 22, Gary gave a Success Seminar at the request of Our Home Chapel (Foursquare World Base) Church in Bangkok.

The seminar itself was a success! Over 50 people came, including about 25 business people from the community who had never been to the church before.

Pastor Dton (next to Gary in the group photos), has asked him to teach a Success Series.

Burma

2009-10-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

In May 2009, we visited Burma. The Foursquare Church is active there and have several building under construction. Gary and George are at one of the new churches.

Many Burmese children have never seen a doctor. The medical care is poor.

In the photos below, you see some children waiting at the new medical center, which is under construction in the background behind Gary and Philip.

The last photo is of the Friendship Bridge between Thailand and Burma at Mai Sai.

Stay away from drugs!

2009-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

In April, we trained students from Indochine Bible College to perform "Drug Free", a fun, but powerful show for Drug Prevention for kids. They perform this outreach for public schools in the community.

800 students receive Jesus!!

2009-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

In May 2009, we trained a team at Wittaya School in Chonburi. The team did outreaches to all of their 1200 students. Over 800 received Jesus into their hearts.

Students praying after an outreach.

Outreach training May 2009

2009-10-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

In May 2009 we trained several church and NGO teams in Issan (East Thailand), Ransit (central Thailand), Chonburi (southern Thailand).

Photos are:
Paula teaching clown makeup
Simon making learning fun.
Gary with his trained clowns
A trained outreach team

Sa Wa Dee from Thailand

2009-04-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

UTurn, the high school team from Eastside Church in Bothell, (our home church), visited Thailand on a short term missions trip Feb 10-21. They are an amazing, talented group and ministered to hundreds of kids and adults. What a blessing!

Burmese Kids Have Ears to Hear

2009-04-17T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Eastside team did a great job teaching English and sharing love with the Burmese kids at Elpis School.

Elpis is in Mae Sot, on the property of the Foursquare Church, pastored by Pastor John, President of Foursquare Thailand.

Slum outreach in Pattaya

2009-04-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

The Eastside UTurn team helped with a KidsQuest outreach to kids from a slum community outside Pattaya.
Kids of all ages received Christ, including the older woman in the back of the photo below.

Praise Report- How shall they hear unless we go?

2009-04-17T01:48:00.000-07:00

We went to a village where people had never heard the gospel, and lived in constant fear of evil spirits.

The Eastside UTurn team joined with us on Feb. 20, 2009, to visit a hill tribe village in northern Thailand. There was not even one believer in the village.

We drove up in 4 wheel drive trucks with Pastor John, President of Foursquare Thailand, and did an outreach for the village children for several hours.
Then after dark, the village turned on a few lights outside, brought a microphone, and we had a full-on evangelistic night meeting.

The UTurn worship team played music and gave testimonies. Brandon preached the gospel, then Gary preached some more, then finally Pastor John preached and invited the village to receive Jesus. About 30 children immediately responded, as did about 30 adults, including a leader in the village. The adults were given Bibles in Thai, which many could read.

Pastor John was overjoyed and will return regularly to teach these 60 new believers. Amazing!

3 preachers, Brandon, Pastor John, and Gary.

Youth Prison Outreach "Drug Free"

2009-04-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

"Drug Free", a KidsQuest drug prevention show, was performed at the Youth Prison in Pattaya on Feb 25, by a KidsQuest team sponsored by World Vision Thailand.

After the powerful drug prevention message, an evangelist from a local church came and ministered to the prisoners, who were from 13-17 years old. About 250 (of the over 600 prisoners) prayed to receive Jesus and were given Bibles. The church group will come each week to the prison to teach them.

A group of Thai government officials were present at this outreach. Later, they approached us to thank us and invite us to do outreaches at more youth prisons in other areas. Over 80% of Thai youth prisoners are in jail due to drug related crimes.

Helping Children at Risk

2009-04-17T01:17:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Children is an 8 Module course designed to help, and minister to "Children at Risk". It was developed by PhD educators from Viva network. It is being taught for the first time in Thailand throughout the year of 2009. We, (Gary and Paula), taught Module 1 and will also teach Module 5.

This photo is of the children's workers who are attending the Celebrating Children training. Simon Dong, Thailand Assistant Manager for KidsQuest is holding the sign at the top, and Gary is holding the heart. Others are from World Concern, World Vision, and various NGOs and Thai churches.

Unity Conference, Bangkok

2009-04-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

Our Home Chapel, Worldbase Thailand, hosted a Unity Conference led by Beth Barone, March 23-27 in Bangkok. Foursquare leaders from 25 countries attended and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship.

Phuket Kids

2009-04-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

Thai and Burmese Kids in Phuket (southern Thailand) hear the gospel and pray to receive Jesus into their hearts on April 10, 2009.

Compassion International Thailand team

2009-04-17T00:42:00.001-07:00

KidsQuest team from many different churches and denominations, all of which partner with the Thailand branch of Compassion International.

Dale Larson, President of KidsQuest International is 2nd from left.
Koko and JeeJee are in the center. (There are a lot of Kokos and JeeJees in Thailand now!)

Thai Kids Praying, April 2, 2009

2009-04-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Kids in Pisanalouk, Thailand pray to receive Jesus after a KidsQuest outreach.

Compassion International hosted this team and outreach.

East meets West at Our Home Chapel

2009-02-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Many new friendships were made at the Grand Opening of the new Foursquare Church, "Our Home Chapel", in Bangkok.

Kids in Thailand want to know Jesus!

2009-02-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

New Foursquare Church Building!

2009-02-06T23:41:00.000-08:00

Jan. 9, 2009, the new Foursquare building, "Our Home Chapel and Study Center", was dedicated. Leaders and family from all over SE Asia came for the celebration.
George Butron, SE Asia Director for Foursquare Missions International, did the opening ceremony with Thailand National Missionary Kelly Hilderbrand and other leaders.

Youth Prison Outreach

2009-02-06T23:36:00.001-08:00

The World Vision Thailand KidsQuest team has done many outreaches in the Pattaya area.
This one is at the Youth prison where over 80% of the inmates are serving time due to drug related charges.
The World Vision team will be bringing our KidsQuest Drug Free prevention program into the prisons and prison schools, as well as to secular public schools.

KIdsQuest Christmas at the Mall!

2009-02-06T23:19:00.001-08:00

Dozens of KidsQuest Christmas outreaches were done during December.
This one was at the Mall Bankapi in Bangkok. 8 outreaches were
performed in 2 days, viewed by hundreds of people.

CHILDREN AT RISK TRAINING

2009-02-06T22:35:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATING CHILDREN Module 1 Nov. 2009
Trainers Gary and Paula Hays

This is the first training in Thailand of this Course, which was
developed by Viva Network to help children's workers understand, identify and help Children at Risk.
It combines Christian worldview with current child development theories and practical application.

Representatives from 11 Thai NGOs attended. They most appreciated the scriptural point of view and the application of God's love to Children at Risk.

Children at Risk have many adverse situations influencing them, but God's love can penetrate them all! We can help children develop resilience to overcome adverse
circumstances.

DRUG FREE-Kids say NO to Drugs!

2009-02-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

Drugs can enslave you --BE FREE, say NO to Drugs
TJ encourages kids to BE STRONG--Say NO to Drugs!
Alcohol abuse can turn your life upside down! BE WISE--Say No to Drugs!

Kids want to know Jesus!

2008-11-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Kids praying in Chiang Rai near Laos after an evangelism outreach show.

Bangkok Kids praying to receive Christ after a KidsQuest outreach.

Kids praying to receive Jesus after an outreach in Hang Dong in northern Thailand.

Kids Evangelism Outreaches

2008-11-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

A Bible drama of King David and Mephibosheth.

Kids receive Jesus after the show.

Coming to the cross of Christ.

Reaching out to God.

Kids want to know Jesus.

Evangelism outreaches for kids!

2008-11-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

Kids love Koko and JeeJee the clowns!

This outreach for about 85 kids was in
Bangkok. About 40 kids gave their hearts to Jesus!
Gary after the show with Koko and JeeJee. He has trained dozens of Kokos and JeeJees all over Thailand. They are becoming famous!

Paula helping with Clown Make-up training in Mae Sot, Thailand, near the Burmese border.

Chiang Rai KidsQuest Outreaches

2008-08-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

We trained a team at Indochine Bible College. This team of students have taken KidsQuest around their area and have done several outreaches.

Here, many Thai children pray to receive Jesus into their hearts.

First Karen Church, Mae Sot, Thailand

2008-08-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

The First Karen Church in Mae Sot trained in KidsQuest in August 08. They were amazed at how professional they became in just 12 hours! Many of the Karen hill tribe people are refugees who fled from the oppressive regime in Burma.

Tender, one of the leaders of the Karen Church, is applying make up to Gae, also known as KOKO the KidsQuest Clown.
The entire church was amazed at how hilarious KOKO and JEEJEE (also known as church members Gae and Wawa) were in performance.

The team did an Evangelism Outreach for about 100 kids.

Evangelism Through Church Businesses (ETCB)

2008-06-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is Oasis Coffee Shop in Mae Sot.

Gary developed a ministry called ETCB (Evangelism Through Church Businesses) and he was a consultant for this business, which is operated by Foursquare Missionary, Diana Gilbert.

Mae Sot is in northern
Thailand on the Burmese border.

The Oasis sells items made by the at-risk children at Home of Hope and also by Karen and Burmese refugee children from ELPIS Migrant School, by which the profits help to support the children.

Oasis also offers English classes and an
International Church service. In the ETCB
program, profit is encouraged, and community
outreach and evangelism is essential.

Oasis offers free wireless internet, as
well as great coffee, exceptional bakery items
and other services.

Spring 2008

2008-06-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Gary gave a presentation about
Children's Evangelism/Disclipleship and the KidsQuest program to a group of 8 churches in northern Thailand.

Dr. U and Paul from Burma. We are working with them to translate materials into Burmese.
There are millions of Burmese refugees in Thailand.

Gary outside of Hope of Maesot Church before
a presentation.

One of our house church meetings. From left to right: Joy is from Burma, Rosemary was born in India, John is Thai, Gary is from America, and Mark Amir is from Pakistan.

Kids, Training, and Preaching 2008

2008-06-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Gary and some of his friends after a kids evangelism outreach in Hang Dong in May. One of these kids has AIDS. All of these kids have received Jesus as their Lord, and are in an ongoing discipleship program.

The New Life Center youth team that we trained in the KidsQuest children's evangelism/disclipleship program. Their vision is to have a thriving Children's Church, and they are well on their way!

Here, Gary is preaching at Foursquare Church of the Promise in Bang Na, Thailand. His translator, Hin, is the son of the Foursquare Pastor, Louis.

Children's KidsQuest Outreach May 2008

2008-06-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

A KidsQuest outreach in Hang Dong. The youth team from New Life Center performed this "Show" for the kids on May 10, 2008.

The Thai youth team picked these kids up in trucks, brought them to the Center ,and did a great job ministering to them.

Part of the Outreach includes this game which teaches kids about right and wrong.

About 90 of these kids prayed to receive Jesus
into their hearts! These kids are continuing to
come to this center every week to learn more about God.

Paula and a couple of sweethearts.

Phayao Bible College main building

2008-02-11T03:54:00.001-08:00

From Jan. 28 to Feb 1, 2008, we were honored to be invited to teach at Phayao Bible College, the largest and one of the most respected seminaries in Thailand.

Bible students from Thailand, Laos, and neighboring countries, (about 60% are from hill tribes), attend here. It is an interdenominational college with many denominations, including Foursquare, represented.

Eager to learn

2008-02-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

A great group--3rd year seminary class, Phayao

2008-02-11T02:33:00.000-08:00

These dedicated, enthusiastic young people offer great hope to Thailand as servant-leaders.

What a great group!

Please join us in prayer that they will have fruitful ministries.

Good Students!

2008-02-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

These students are attentive, and smart!

Catching the vision!

2008-02-11T00:39:00.001-08:00

These students really do see the big picture and want to make a difference in their nations.

Teaching Children's Curriculum

2008-02-11T00:29:00.001-08:00

Students break into small groups and teach each other segments of the Thai Seeker's Children's Curriculum. These lessons are a bit hit with the students!

We also provided the students with a 52 week Children's Curriculum. They will be well equipped when they go out in March as interns to various local churches for 10 months all over the country.

Learning an illusion

2008-02-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

This rope trick looks easy, but takes a while to do well. This illusion teaches how only Jesus can "undo the knots" in our lives.

Clown training

2008-02-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

Gary loves to train clowns. And the Phayao students love BEING clowns. (Secret note: Gary loves being a clown, too!)

Koko make-up session

2008-02-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

All the students were trained to perform clown skits and to apply clown make-up. The guys were great make-up artists!

Finished make-up for JeeJee (girl clown)

2008-02-10T23:54:00.000-08:00

Tik, a student from the Yong hill tribe, was one of the girls who performed as JeeJee the clown. Here she is in finished make-up, but without her costume. Good job!

Drama of Mephibosheth (story from 2 Samuel)

2008-02-10T23:44:00.000-08:00

One student from Laos, Simon, said he was incredibly blessed by the Children's Ministry teaching and plans to take the teaching and the children's evangelism program into Laos this year. Here, he plays Mephibosheth (in green) in the drama.

Audience watching outreach performance

2008-02-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

The culmination of the training came on Friday, Feb. 1, when 2 different teams of students each performed an entire kid's evangelism outreach show including games, memory verses, object lessons, clown skits, drama, illusions and more!

Other student, families, and kids in the area were invited to attend. It was fantastic!

Gary at Lake Phayao

2008-02-10T23:24:00.001-08:00

In January, we attended the wedding of the daughter of one of our close friends, Sukhum, who is standing next to Gary. Sukhum is a successful Thai businessman who took Gary's "Business English" class last year at the Foursquare Good News Study Center. He and his club members invited Gary to join the Thai Rotary Club as the first and only "farang" (foreigner) member.

Paula at Phayao Park

2008-02-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

In January, we attended the wedding of the daughter of one of our close friends, Sukhum, who is standing next to Gary.

Sukhum is a successful Thai businessman who took Gary's "Business English" class last year at the Foursquare Good News Study Center. He and his club members invited Gary to join the Thai Rotary Club as the first and only "farang" (foreigner) member.

New house church in Baan Phru

2007-11-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

After a KidsQuest Outreach in the small village of Baan Phru, we were invited to this nearby house church for lunch.

After lunch, we shared stories, then Gary preached a message to the group.

The house is owned by a very kind man and his family. He is in the picture with Paula (below).

Hat Yai KQ outreach Oct. 13, 2007

2007-11-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Gary and Paula trained a Thai KidsQuest performance team from Cornerstone Hat Yai Foursquare Church, who then performed an Outreach in the community center in the small village of Baan Phru in southern Thailand.
The whole church got involved, some made signs, some drove buses to the site, some were in the show, etc. It was great.

Some of the drama performers were quite young, and very good!

More than 50 kids from the village responded to the gospel message.

Bangkok new church building groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 2007

2007-10-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Gary and Paula Hays

2007-10-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Kids Quest Thailand: Outreach Pictures!!

2007-08-07T12:12:00.001-07:00

God uses the 'foolish' to shame the wise (1 Cor 1: 27).

Perhaps that is why Kids Quest is 'rocking' through Thailand! So far, we've had outreaches from Maesot (Northwest Thailand) to Hat Yai (Far south)! We've even done outreaches at Buddhist Public Schools where most children confessed to wanting a new life in Christ!!

In the first few months over 600 kids have come to Christ---and the local churches are following up to disciple them into a new life!

We train THAI church teams to do the outreaches AND disciple kids into the local church! AND, we train 'trainers' to work with churches and train the teams all over Thailand!

Additional outreach requests have already been received from churches in the Southeast and North.

We are currently 'booking:'

Churches (all over Thailand)
Shopping Malls (In the lobbies and shopping areas)
Bible Colleges (We are training new pastors to bring the program to their churches)
Public "Buddhist" Schools (Amazing!! God is kicking down the Buddhist doors!)

Here are several pictures from various sites including Bangkok to enjoy!

Getting ready for showtime!

'Super-hero' comics that REACH the kids at THEIR level!!!

Fun!

Entertaining!

Learning the TRUTH and the LOVE of Jesus!!!

Even kids at BUDDHIST schools come to Christ!!

GOD IS BUILDING:

A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF CHRISTIANS!
A WHOLE NEW KINGDOM!!
A WHOLE NEW FUTURE IN THAILAND!!

Accepting God's invitation:

Kids indeed understand the TRUTH AND LOVE of God when it is presented in a way THEY understand!!!

Kids Quest 2007; Training Thais... Reaching Kids for God!

2007-08-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

April 07: NATIONAL TRAINING for church Shows (Outreaches).

125 people from all over Thailand (over 30 churches)

Clowns, drama, memory verses, games, illusions...and FUN!

All to bring kids to Christ and into the local churches!!!

It's raining clowns!

National Children's Ministry Seminar (April 07)

Conducted by Quest Ministries for 32 churches!

Children's pastors from all over Thailand:

"Discipling a NEW generation for God AND Thailand!"

Teaching the techniques for Childrens' Sunday School and Church

Sunrise for the Son

2007-01-25T04:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2007-01-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

Elephant Adventure

2007-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

What a Life.

2007-01-25T04:08:00.000-08:00

Trip to Nepal, a Hindu nation. Dec. 2006

2007-01-25T04:02:00.000-08:00

Shining the light of Christ in Nepal where it's illegal to evangelize

2007-01-25T03:54:00.000-08:00

Preaching the Good News, Dec. 06

2007-01-25T03:43:00.000-08:00

Mae Sot Foursquare Church, Thailand,Dec. 06

2007-01-25T03:37:00.000-08:00

Baptism at Good News Church, Bangkok, Nov.06

2007-01-25T03:14:00.000-08:00

Nov. 2006, ECFC Missionary Retreat, Bangkok

2007-01-25T03:07:00.000-08:00

July 06: Tsunami Region---Interviewing the Poor

2006-08-21T03:07:00.000-07:00

In July, we were invited to join with World Concern and Habitat for Humanity in interviewing the poor who were affected by the tsunami of 2004. The goal: Find program opportunities where we can help them help themselves, such as micro-enterprise through small business loans. It was an incredible experience!
On the way to Lanta Island (Ko Lanta). This island was hit hard by the 'wave.'
Interviewing the Mogan people (sea gypsies and fishermen). These Muslim people were supported by the fishing industry (catching and selling). The fish AND the tourists are 90% gone from the area. It will be years before full recovery. These people are looking for ways to preserve their heritage and, yet find new financial alternatives to fishing. They want to learn new skills. And, perhaps, seeds can be sown to share the Gospel.
A 'typical' home. No running water. No electricity. Sleeping on the floor. Cooking in a hole in the floor.
A very nice pregnant woman who Paula befriended. The poor have a huge heart...but not much else.
Hope alongside the roadway!
A fish farm in a local Muslim village. They raise fish and sell them to middle men from the mainland.
Happy fish farmer! But, he lost all his customers when the tsunami washed them away. He is earning about 20% of the little money he made before.
On our way to Jam Island (Ko Jam)! Paula getting ready for a soon-to-be monsoon we encountered!
The entry to Jam Island. The island is a very small island about 1 hour boat ride into the gulf. Before the tsunami, there was fishing and toursim. Fishing is now about 10% of normal levels. Tourism is virtually gone.
This is a poor village of Muslim sea gypsies (Mogan people). No running water. No electricity. A few chickens. They eat the fish they catch...few as they are.

Hey....You gotta love this girl! Tired after 3 days of interviewing?? Nope.

June 2006: Bangladesh Micro Enterprise Trip

2006-08-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

We were very honored to join several national managers from World Concern in Bangladesh. We observed the micro enterprise projects in the Northern half of the country. It was an incredible experience! This is Pastor Prodip, who oversees World Concern Bangladesh. A terrific guy!!!

On our first night in the capital city of Dhaka....a monsoon outside our guest house! But, in true form, when you love soccer, NOTHING can stop the game!

We were asked by Pastor Prodip to deliver a sermon on belief to a small church in Dhaka. The congregation sits on the floor..women on one side and men on the other. They are a small minority in Muslim Bangladesh....but STRONG in their beliefs, and filled with the joy of God.

A couple of days later, we delivered the same sermon to the World Concern staff. The large staff oversees a fantastic micro enterprise program. The staff is almost 100% Christian! They start their work with prayer and devotions.

Pictures of the poorer section of Dhaka. Dhaka does not have a 'modern' section, per se. But people here live in very dilapidated conditions, rarely have running water or electricity.

I hope that Paula forgives me, but I love this picture! She was a very poor woman who is a recipient of a small loan for her micro business. She lives in a house about 10 X 10 feet. Yet, she insisted on giving us fresh mangoes from her tree.

Paula learned early that covering her 'blonde' hair was a good idea...

I learned that keeping a hat on over my slowly expanding bald spot was just as good an idea!

The sun??? It was hot....(OK...IT WAS HOT!!)

This woman in Dhaka received a small loan to start a sewing business.

She was crafty enough to find a machine that made a particular stitch that other tailors cannot make. She has created a 'stitch niche.' (OK, sorry about that)

Millions bathe in the nearby river.

This man received a small loan to make bangles.

Paula is now the bangle maker's favorite person.....He bought a Mercedes right after she left with his goods!

Roadside scene. Child and mother harvesting in a field.

Once you are out of Dhaka and heading north toward Pakistan, the color becomes very green.

Beautiful, huh?

This is an unusual plant, called an image plant. Its roots take on the appearance of the farmer who planted it! (OK, I'll stop the jokes soon).

A very happy baker! He received a small loan and delivers his bread (by bicycle powered cart) to local villages. He employs 4 workers.

Amazing what about $75 can do in parts of Asia!

These pictures are from a popular business in Bangladesh and Thailand. Fish farming allows people to support themselves as well as feed their families.

And if they choose, the water can support the growth of fruit trees and other agriculture!

Tons of great kids in a very poor Hindu village in Bangladesh. What a welcome!

Paula teaching the "Shaka" sign from Hawaii.....Still an island girl at heart! So far, no adoptions to the Hays family to report!

What does she dream of for her life?

What does she want for her child?

What can we do to bring the Giver of all dreams to her?

Monthly meetings where micro business owners share ideas, friendship, encouragement (and make their monthly payments).

Isn't it amazing how a simple little hope can change a life?

We are committed to helping people find their smiles again....and to find the Lord for the first time!

Beautiful people who need the Lord. Micro Enterprise helps open the door to sow the seeds.

(By the way, someone has to help Paula get over her shyness!)

This picture just seems to 'move' us. Mothers and babies are among God's greatest joys!

This family borrowed about $100 to start a snack business. As it grew, they used the profits to help develop this mustard oil business. 1 cow, 1 person to direct the cow in a circular pattern, and 1 grinder....and you HAVE it! Very creative, huh? (I believe they could use this in Italy instead of stomping on all those grapes!)

The final result: Mustard seed and oil! Bangladesh cooking utilizes this a lot!

Another monthly group meeting in another village. Micro enterprise CAN make a difference!

This woman borrowed about $50 to start a candy business. The candy is put into jars and is a favorite among the village kids. She actually employs 5-6 other women to help her. Today---Taffy pasta. Tomorrow---PowerBar!

Caramel is rolled and stretched before a powdery dough is added.

The ultimate teamwork!

The flour is mixed with the caramel to make a pasta-like candy...ready to be cut and sliced!

Final step: Munch and enjoy!

(We did!) Pretty good, actually!

This entrepreneur group was in Northeastern Bangladesh. Most are women...inspired and fired up with hope! As Muslims, this is a first step and a door opener to sharing the Gospel!

Nike...made in GERMANY???? Hmmm...Something rather 'fishy' going on, don't you think??

Paula with a new friend....We'll return to Bangladesh sometime next year.

April 06: Easter Services @ Good News Foursquare Church

2006-08-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

What a great worship team we have!! Easter service was a day to celebrate His rising...and afterward to attend a Buddhist funeral, as one of our member's father passed away.

It was a great reminder of what Christ offers for those who choose to believe!

Preaching at Easter Service. Wun is a tremendous young woman, a leader in the church. She is translating (Making me sound a LOT better than I do normally)!

At the Buddhist funeral. Very strange to do this on Easter Sunday. And a sad time for this family when we know that all who believe in Christ will be resurrected! The casket is being prepared for cremation.
Several Buddhist monks chant and walk to lay flowers on the casket.

Preaching with Pastor Tommy, our pastor for the Burmese congregation. Pastor Tommy and the Burmese come from an oppressed country, very anti-Christian. Most of them 'escaped' to enter a land where they can worship freely. They are inspired people, filled with God's peace and joy. It was a privilege to share with them.

Nov. 05 Baptism and Celebration!

2006-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Feb 2006: Foursquare Convention Cambodia

2006-04-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

In Feb. we attended the Cambodia Foursquare Pastors Convention with the national leaders from many SE Asia countries: (Sitting from left)---Vietnam (Peter) Thailand (John), Vietnam (Joshua), George Butron (Regional Coordinator, SE Asia). Standing (from left): Henry (Malaysia), Val (Philippines), David (Singapore), Gary, Kelly Hilderbrand (FMI Missionary to Thailand), Gilbert (Singapore), Pastor Dton (Thailand). John Watson (not shown), the FMI Senior Regional Coordinator led this 'visiting' team. Cambodia is now about 30% Christian! The convention was overfilled, with 2,500 pastors!!! There was no room for anyone else. Cambodia is adjacent to Thailand and we expect to have very similar growth in Thailand over the next few years. Paula and I want to do our part in God's great plan! (I wish Paula was in this picture, but she was elected to be the photographer! But she was a key component to the entire event, inspiring us all with her openness and heart.)

Missionary to Cambodia (Ted Olbrich) and Pastor John Watson on night 1!

The above slides show various Cambodian dances, as the convention kicks off. Cambodians are discovering the Lord as well as re-discovering their heritage after the fall of Pol Pot's regime.
There is nothing like sharing and laughing with believers from other countries. We find ourselves in the common love of the Lord!

The Foursquare orphanages in Cambodia houses about 3,000 currently. In Thailand, too, churches are building orphanages to help children change their futures...and their country. These children were praising the Lord in song!

Is there anything more beautiful? These orphan children whose families were destroyed by the K. Rouge in Pol Pot's regime find Christ....and new hope!
Pastors Joshua and Peter from Vietnam!!! I wish you could meet these 2 great men. They have been persecuted several times for sharing the Gospel....and yet their hearts and smiles are as wide as the Mekong River! They are true heroes!
Pastors John (President, Foursquare Thailand) and Dton (Pastor, Good News Foursquare Church, Bangkok)