N.T.I.M. newsletter
Taking the Gospel to the Heart of the 10-40 Window
Greetings from Chiang Rai – NTIM Field Update – October, 2013
God continues to work in supernatural ways in Northern Thailand. Below you will see how NTIM is entering the most exciting, and challenging time of our existence. We are seeing lives change as increasing first generation believers are living for Him. God is opening up amazing doors of opportunity to impact not only villages throughout Northern Thailand, but also people groups in other countries in Southeast Asia. Finally, God has set in motion a God-sized vision for NTIM for 2014 and beyond.As you will see below, in order to equip our team to obey these promptings, we are calling on our faithful supporters to join us in a 30-day prayer covenant as we seek direction and guidance.
God is at Work Changing Lives
God is changing lives in Northern Thailand. We have 10 people who have committed to follow Jesus and who are ready for baptism to signify their commitment to Christ. Many of these new believers are 1st generation believers. A first generation believer is a person who gives their h
eart to Jesus and becomes a follower of Jesus as part of the first generation in their family to become Christians. All 4 of our full-time Thai staff members that partner with NTIM are 1st generation believers, with 2 of them being the first person in their family to give their heart to Jesus.
eart to Jesus and becomes a follower of Jesus as part of the first generation in their family to become Christians. All 4 of our full-time Thai staff members that partner with NTIM are 1st generation believers, with 2 of them being the first person in their family to give their heart to Jesus.
God is Opening Doors to Plow New Ground in Neighboring Countries
We are very excited about the doors that God has opened for our team to go into a neighboring country through our Grace Language School. We have had two very positive meetings with government officials from the Ministry of Education in that country to discuss our English language program. A team from a partner church in Tuscaloosa, Al – my place of birth – will be joining us soon in this country as we put on a 3-day teacher training program for them. We see this as a first step of being salt and light in this very needy country. We do not want to mention the name of this country since it might jeopardize our opportunity, but please know that your prayers and your financial support are being used to take the light of Jesus into many very dark places.
Operation: Listening Videos
Many of you know that God is using English in a major way to build bridges to the hearts of the lost in this part of the world. We are so thankful for our partnership with First Baptist Church-Florence, MS who have taken on a project of preparing “listening videos.” We use these videos to help provide our ESL (English as a Second Language) students with opportunities to listen to native English speakers who speak slowly, clearly, and briefly as they answer some very simple questions. This partnership with FBC Florence, MS is one example of the exciting opportunities we have to partner with churches and teams to impact lives in Thailand.
Other Upcoming Events
We are looking forward to spending a few days in Chiang Mai with a team from Shades Mountain Baptist Church in November as they host a Missionary Retreat that will include the Johnson family, several partner friends, and Zoe International in Chiang Mai. Please pray for a time of refreshing and renewal for all.
We are also in the beginning stages of our Christmas programs that we will host in December. The celebration of Christ’s birth provides one of the best opportunities we have each year to clearly share the Gospel throughout Northern Thailand.
Baan Athitaan Church
Most of the people whom we see come to Christ through our church are either the first person in their entire family to know Jesus or they are in the first generation of people who are embracing Christ. God is moving in Baan Athitaan Church as we seek to reach whole families with His love … one heart at a time. God is truly changing lives through the power of His Word. Our family of faith is made up of over 23 different people groups from all over the 10-40 Window. Our desire is to lead a purpose driven church that welcomes every ethnic people group that comes through our doors. A Call to Prayer: 30 Days of Prayer for NTIM Nov 24, 2013 – Dec 23, 2013
We urge you to join us in 30 days of focused and fervent prayer for the work of NTIM. Mark your calendars for November 24, 2013 through December 23, 2013. We are asking all of our friends and friends of friends to join us in 30 days of concentrated praying for various individuals, people groups, ministries and opportunities for NTIM’s
work. We will send additional details in mid-November, including information on how you can receive daily prayer requests and encouragement during this Call to Prayer.
“Holding The Ropes” for NTIM
Although all of you may not be able to join our work on the ground in Thailand, you can help “hold the ropes” for us back home. The Bible clearly teaches that God is in control of all the affairs of men. We believe this is one of those times. We are keenly aware of the difficult economic
times that the United States has experienced over the past few years. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of NTIM’s regular contributors. As a result, we really need your help at this important time to finish the year out strong and prepare for 2014!
When God entrusts us with God-sized vision for His Kingdom, He shows up to supply our every need. God is entrusting us with such a God-sized vision for NTIM. We believe that God is calling us to make a bold statement that we are putting down roots for long term through creation of a “beachhead project” that strengthens our roots in Chiang Rai. As we prepare to commence this journey to expand God’s Kingdom in 2014, we ask you to join us in praying for God’s provisions for NTIM during this critical time. We also encourage you to make a tax deductible donation.
You can send donations to support God’s work to NTIM. All donations made are tax deductible and can be made either online at www.gontim.org or mailed to NTIM, P.O. Box 26115, Birmingham, AL 35260
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