Dear family and friends,
God is blessing and we are seeing people come to know Jesus and others growing in interest, so it is a boost for us after years of sowing… living in a fish bowl and seeking to be a ‘light’ and offer hope.

The biannual, YWAM Thailand national staff conference was August 1-4, in Krabi, this was the first ever YWAM staff conference in southern Thailand! The theme of the conference was, “Passing the torch”. During this time YWAM Thailand, as a whole, recommitted itself to raising up young Thai nationals within the mission. Currently, there are over 150 Thais on staff of YWAM Thailand, with 30 of the 60 YWAM ministries being led by Thai nationals. The main speaker spoke about keeping a passion for Jesus at the heart of our lives and ministries. Paul has recently taken on a leadership role (part of the leadership team) for our mission in the northern region, as well as being appointed as location leader of YWAM Chiang Rai, this role carries extra responsibilities and challenges.

Some of you may have heard that Paul has been struggling a little with his health of late. He even had a week stint in hospital on IV antibiotics to aid his recovery several weeks ago. This has improved a lot, however tests have shown that his immune system needs a boost and pretty much he just needs to look after himself more, so that’s the goal. He is trying to adjust his lifestyle to be more careful, so he can stay well and live longer. In fact that is both our goals and I too daily seek to keep focused on looking after my health but not allowing that consume me. I don’t focus on the fact that I have cancer but I seek to be wise about what I do and what I don’t do. I am so grateful that I remain strong with little pain. It is exciting to be here, being a part of people’s lives and sharing important things of life with people we have grown to love.

We love being in the girls house being a closer part of the children’s lives. It is fun and provides many teachable moments! Please pray for us though, as it is tricky at times to slow down and rest enough and not get too involved in all the day to day stuff when living with them.

Our own children are all living in Adelaide. As many of you know, Luke & Pe are expecting a baby in January, so we are excited with them, Pe is feeling better now she is past half way through her pregnancy. Luke is enjoying his visuals arts degree and doing very well. Jaci, just turned 24 and continues to study, even though her health still is up and down, if she is able to keep up her present pace, she will graduate at the end next year. Zac & Michelle moved to Adelaide from USA in January and have settled in well now, Michelle picked up a job in her field, as a baker and Zac is working part- time, as well as studying full-time, doing health science (same degree as Jaci) although Zac hopes to transfer credits next year, to attend a different university to focus on paramedic studies. Next month it’ll be one year already since they were married. Caleb completed his food-processing and baking course and since then has been looking for work, without success so far, but we are cheering him on and hoping he’ll get a ‘good break’ soon, seeing as he has this training. Please pray for Caleb in this.

Trust your lives are fun and full of hope as ours are! We value your prayers and the support of so many of you… thank you for partnering with us!
Blessings,
Paul & Penny