Dear family & friends,

I went to the doctor last week here in Chiang Rai and had tests again, Paul came along with me. The results are that the tumour has grown considerably since my last scan here at the Chiang Rai hospital (last April) however I think that if I had have had a scan about October last year, it would have shown up as even bigger than now. I did not have a scan then but from my symptoms then to how I feel now, I can tell you for sure that I am improving since Oct/Nov. All this to say…… I am encouraged to continue on my present home therapy regime, but I do need your prayers. I remain confident in God’s hand on my life and I continue to live as the bible says in Mark 11:24 “Believe that you have received these things, so you do not doubt in your heart and they will be yours”. I am determined to persevere with my faith. Believing it before I see it.

There is a spiritual law of choosing, believing, abiding, and holding steady in our walk with God, which is essential to the working of God in our lives and in our healing’. (my paraphrase from ‘Days of Heaven upon Earth’.

I plan to return to the health retreat in Malaysia again in March for 10 days this time, last time it made a marked improvement and I am sure this will help me to keep on track with my present health program. I am hardly working; trying to take care of my self, and thus allowing my body time to heal, reading and prayer is a huge source of strength to me. Having my family around me, supporting me is a blessing and encouragement.

We are planning for our ‘furlough’ toward the end of this year and we are wanting to take time to communicate about our work/ministry in Chiang Rai or simply visit with you, if you’d like. We plan to visit Australia for 6 months and if you are interested in catching up with us or having us share in your church/group please email and we will make sure we connect with you & plan a date.

We had a really terrific 7 days at the beach over New Year, thus… the photo’s with this email. Plus Luke has just finished a new promo DVD of Baan Nam Jai, so if you’d like to see one, please write an email back and we’ll gladly send you a copy in the post. (include your mailing address) Plus we have just a few calendars left, if you didn’t get one but would like one, let us know and we’ll send one.

The rest of our big family are doing hugely well. All the kids are healthy and our mums are doing well. Waan, our newest mum, has settled in well but please keep praying for her and her baby girl who is one month old now.

So, as well as my health, here is some more specific stuff you can pray about for us:
*Caleb who is almost to the end of his year 12 (graduates on June 6th) he has lots of assignments & pressure…. + continued healing for his feet. (‘specially the left one)
*Jonothan (4) & Garin (6) who are being particularly ‘testy’ for a while now…..wisdom for us all in training them well. They all have special needs.
*Paul just started a new DTS last week, with 16 students plus the staff he is training.

Thank you for being great family & friends who care, we couldn’t do what we do without your help! It is a huge joy to be trusting the Lord all the while, knowing He is in control. My hope is that you too experience this in your journey, so that you also know the peace and joy it brings daily.

love & hugs,
Penny (for Paul & all the family here in Chiang Rai)