With the Teacher still unheard from, the wife and family are having some real struggles. We need to keep the prayers going for him and the future of the Tai Dam Church.

Phil 1:29- For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His Name's sake. 

As I looked at this verse, my mind went to the Teacher and his family.  Today is 19 days since his arrest and still no word from him.  His wife continues to have some difficult days, thinking she may not see her husband in this world again.  He also has an 11 year old boy who is very attached to his father!  What is God saying to these people??  What is the Evil One saying??   Faith and the group she went with returned to their homes last Friday. They were very glad to have the chance to see and to encourage the wife and kids.  The first few nights they were there, the dogs barked almost the whole night, which made them all think they were being watched.  Finally the day came and the dogs were quiet and they were more peaceful!  A bit more of the story was learned, but still no one really has much of an idea why this man of integrity, joy, and conviction was taken.  It could be because in the few years he has lived in this location, he was very vocal about his faith and MANY people were led to the faith.  Secondly, a few months back, he was talking about the Lao being such a jealous people.  In their communist system, everyone is supposed to be equal.  If one person sticks his head above the rest, either through financial or physical means, he gets "his head cut off!"  The Teacher, however, being aware of this feeling was "above reproach", doing all he could to abide by the law, help his neighbor, his community, and his province.  On several occasions he was seeking to assist the local school, which is run down with a leaky roof, broken equipment, and no places to store things where they wouldn't get stolen or broken. 

Please Pray:
-Please pray that the entire family would be protected from the Evil One.

-That they would experience the Truth in God's promises to them.

-That the Teacher would have enough warm clothes and blankets to make it through this cold season, and that he would be graciously given enough food.  If people are in prison, the family is responsible for providing food, firewood, and anything needed to keep alive while in jail!

-That the believers would be given boldness and joy to live for the Glory of Christ. 

If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, and if there is any fellowship of the Spirit . . .   Phil 2:1  Is there any for you this week??  May we all continue to grow in the understanding of what Christ has done for us.