Thank You So Very Much!!!!

In Thai, that would sound like "korp koon mahk, ka!!!"

I received word from Suradet this morning that the victims of the Bangkok flooding who had been staying at Hot Springs have been able to return home! They have a huge mess to dig out from, but are glad to be in a rebuilding phase, looking toward the future.

Meanwhile, Suradet wanted us to know that he and Fahkrahm Church from Bangkok deeply appreciate the generosity of Highview, and the $2,671.00 that was collected in a special offering here on November 20th. That money has been divided up between expenses incurred by Hot Springs while their guests were with them, and the folks at Fahkrahm Church themselves, to help them in their clean up efforts.

What a joy to be able to partner so meaningfully and quickly in this with Suradet and Yupa on this matter, and to know that they have felt our love in a tangible way.

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

If there are any other pictures or stories, we'll be sure to let you know.

Ruth Anne

Radical Hospitality

News from Bangkok has recently included many pictures like this one.

Flooding has reached crisis proportions, and countless people have been displaced as they continue to wait for the waters to recede.

I've watched with keen interest, given my love for Thailand as a whole. Though half way around the world, when it's a place you've not just visited, but have begun to invest pieces of your heart......everything seems not quite so far away somehow.

Still, all this was happening in the south. Way south. Those I know and love way up north, near Chiang Mai, were unaffected. Until now.

This is a picture of what's left of Fahkram Church, Bangkok.

Recently 120 displaced people from this church have left their homes, their church, their city, and their lives, and have found a temporary refuge in the simple and beautiful space we know as Hot Springs. This is, of course, the church-turned-orphan home led by a young Pastor and his wife, Suradet and Yupa.

I can barely wrap my head around it. The logistics of it alone are incredible. Yet, it doesn't surprise me. There's room at Hot Springs. Not just physical space, but the enormous expanse of the generosity, compassion and radical hospitality of one young but sensationally wise couple serving God with all they have in a remote town in Northern Thailand.

We will be taking up a special flood-relief offering at Highview on Sunday (November 20, 2011). Seems like such a small way to help, but we want to participate.

And we'll keep on preparing for our time there in March of next year, when 13 Highviewers will get on a plane and take our love and language half way around the world to spend time with our Thai family, working with them for an ESL Day Camp for neighbourhood kids. At least, that's the plan.

__________

To My Astonishing and Faithful Brother and Sister, Ahjahn Suradet and Yupa,

You teach me so much.

Humbly,

Ruth Anne

An Open Letter To Potential Asia Trippers

This is a copy of a letter sent to those at Highview who have indicated an interest in going to Thailand on one of two ESL trips planned for next year. It is posted here to widen the invitation. Who knows? Maybe this is your chance to move out of your comfort zone and see what God is doing in Regions Beyond!

If you're interested in finding out more, you can email our Pastor, Ruth Anne Breithaupt at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or our Sponsor Coordinator, Jen Huggins at keepersmom@sympatico.ca.

Hello Potential Asia Trippers :),

Right off the top, I'm going ask for a three point reply, once you've read this email :).

i) That you received this email.

ii) That you are participating in the Garage Sale, yes or no.

iii) That you are attending the Team Trip meeting, yes or no.

Next, I am sending this email even to some of you who have since indicated at this point that you probably will not be coming to Thailand this year, and that's okay. I wanted you to still have the opportunity to participate in some of the Teams' preparation, AND I want to make sure you read the note about the length of the trips as indicated below in 2. Team Trip Meeting.

But mostly, this email is to put two things on your radar:

1. Garage Sale - Saturday, September 17 (exact time not yet decided) at the church

Here's how it works.

Just by giving us your name, you can have a table at the Garage Sale. Al proceeds from your table go directly to your ticket....you take that money home that day and put it safely away somewhere until we're ready to book the flight. We will be asking each table to provide their own pricing and cash box.

Anyone else who has items do donate but who is not going on the trip, can donate that to the "general" table. All proceeds from that table will go directly to the expenses for doing the ESL camp itself. We need $500 Canadian to run the camp.

The Garage Sale will go on Rain or Shine, moving indoors if necessary.

It is our goal to have a "Trip Package" ready for you by September 17th to prepare for the meeting on September 29.

2. Team Trip Meeting - Thursday, September 29 - 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Among other important topics, one of the main elements of this meeting will be to talk about the dates of the two trips, and the LENGTH of each trip. There has been some feedback already that two weeks is too long. Suradet has also indicated that he would prefer to do only ONE week of ESL Day Camp. So, there is some dialogue that needs to happen before we can determine for sure how long each trip will be. We will also talk about team fund-raising opportunity, what you need to begin to prepare, and a bit more about what exactly we'll be doing when we're there (each time, March and July).

Also, please come prepared to share briefly with the group what you believe are your reasons for going on the trip, personally. This is part of our spiritual preparation for what God will want to accomplish in your heart through this trip.
________________________________

The other day I sent a quick email to Suradet that simply said: "Dear Yupa, I miss your cooking!!!" I do! Not just the cooking, but the amazing hospitality of this couple who, let's face it, invited 15 kids to come live at their house....all because God has told us to feed the poor.

Our kids are no longer orphans, and they are no longer hungry. But there are others. more kids who could come live at Hot Springs. AND neighbourhood kids who know nothing about Jesus, but are hungry for what He has to off, just the same. That's what these two trips are all about in 2012.

What a remarkable opportunity God is giving us, to partner with Suradet and Hot Springs Church, to reach out to their own backyard.

Sawat-dee, ka!
Ruth Anne

5 New Children at Hotsprings

Highview is proud to annouce that 5 new children have arrived at Hot Springs this spring. 3 of the children take the place of Sai, Mee-o and Teh, who have all moved on from the orphanage for various reasons, bringing the grand total to 18 kids being cared for by Suradet and Yupa.

2 of these children need sponsors. a monthly sponsorship of $60.00 helps to provide: food, housing, clothes, schooling, school supplies, medical expenses, etc. Please contact Jen Connor at keepersmom@sympatico.ca if you are interested.

Sponsor Needed: Rompo

My name is Rompo and I was born on November 6th 2002. My tribal background is Karen. I am 9 years old and attend 3rd grade. I am the second of three children. I have one older brother and one younger brother. In my village there is no school. My parents are very, very poor. But they want me to have an education. And most importantly, I now have the opportunity to know God. My parents are not yet Christians but are learning about God.

Sponsor Needed: Wirachai

My name is Wirachai. I was born on March 15th 2005. I am a member of the Karen tribe. I attend Kindergarten (Level 2) and I am 6 years old. I am the youngest of two children. I have an older brother. My parents separated and my mother has been caring for us. My mother is very poor and plants rice in our village in the mountains. She does this all herself. My father is no longer involved in our lives. I am so glad to now have a new home and a new family and to be able to go to school and learn about God. Thank you Asia’s Hope!

Kanokpit:

My name is Kanokpit. I was born on December 7th 2001. I am from the Karen tribe and I am 10 years. My parents are very poor. I am the second of three children. I have an older sister and a younger brother. My parents cannot afford to send me to school. I recently came to live at Asia’s Hope Hot Springs Orphan Home. I am currently in the 4^th grade. I am glad to now have a new family with which to live. I can now go to school every day and I also learn about God as well.

Wirapong:

My name is Wirapong. I was born on February 28th 2002 and I am from the Karen tribe. I am attending 2^nd grade and I am 9 years old. My younger brother is Wirachai. My parents separated and my mother has been caring for us. My mother is very poor and plants rice in our village in the mountains. She does this all herself. My father is no longer involved in our lives. I am so glad to now have a new home and a new family and to be able to go to school and learn about God.

Yawalak:

My name is Yawalak and I was born on January 6th 1999. My tribal background is Karen. I am studying the the 7^th grade and I am 13 years old. My parents are still living but my father has mental problems. He is unable to work so the responsibility of caring for our family falls on my mother. She works the rice fields in the mountains. I am the youngest of three children. Both my older brother and sister are now married. I am glad to have a new home and new family at Asia’s Hope (Hot Springs). I am glad to learn about God and what Jesus has done for me.