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TBMF NewsletterJune 2005 I am almost too embarrassed to write a newsletter now as it has been such a long time since one was produced. But in response to those thousands of e-mails asking for the next one, here it is. But first, a thought provoking question to set the tone: If it is said that 4 out of 5 people are suffering from diarrhea, does that mean that one is enjoying it? Bird Flu Prevention Tips This newsletter will focus on some health issues. To help prevent bird flu and just for good general health, the Center for Disease Control has these tips on food preparation:
Speaking of food, if western mothers feed their babies with tiny spoons and forks, do Chinese mothers use toothpicks? Dang that Dengue Dengue fever is always a threat and it is making the news in Thailand already this year. The peak season for dengue is late June through July. It is mosquito borne, so prevention involves limiting the hatching sites for mosquito larvae and limiting your risk of getting bit. Here are some tips:
Hepatitis Outbreak An outbreak of 906 cases of hepatitis A was reported in Chiang Rai and Lampang Provinces . Inspections were pointing to an ice factory using well water contaminated with coliform bacteria, indicating fecal contamination. Particularly hard hit were Wiang Pa Pao , Mae Suay and Wang Neua Districts, names those that travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai will easily recognize. So be particularly careful of the ice water and food if traveling in those areas. Hmmm…. I think I will have a warm Coke. Here is a thought: If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call the combined company Fed UP? TBMF Annual Conference Speaking of Fed Up, many at the TBMF Conference this past April got fed up to their limit and beyond. Maybe it was the shock of having the conference in April instead of the traditional August or maybe it was something in the air. But whatever it was, and where ever it came from, some kind of stomach bug blitzed the conference. No one kept a strict count, but I would guess that more than half the people attending the conference got sick at some point. People would feel fine but then within an hour or two be streaking to the bathroom with a sense of real urgency. A day or so of rest would generally produce a cure so at least it didn't last a long time. Other than that, it was a great conference. Special thanks goes to Bob Santili who flew half way around the world hobbling with a broken leg to be with us as speaker. Special thanks too, goes to Andrew Bermudez who came along just to help Bob. In what is probably a record, every evaluation form gave Bob high marks so his study of the Philippians was well appreciated. Another thought: If we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for? What's up at NLC ? A TBMF health discussion has to include the recent appendicitis epidemic. A few weeks ago, the pastor at the international church in Chiang Mai made a comment about visiting a couple of members that had appendectomies. Evidently inspired by the pastor, Karen Smith had her appendix removed soon after. Kit Ripley was kind enough to provide some nursing care for Karen. Just a few weeks later, Kit Ripley was in the same hospital, with the same doctor having the same procedure done, this time with Karen providing the nursing care. It makes you wonder what's in the water at the New Life Center . Both Karen and Kit bounced back well. Thailand Karen Baptist Convention Celebrates 50 Years April is the big meeting season and the Karen had their annual meeting in the Mae Chaem area. This was a special year as the KBC celebrated their 50 th year as an organization. In a new personal record for me, the event was celebrated with a 4+ hour service. Many leaders, past and present were honored. Honoring so many might make the service long, but it also shows that we don't do much by ourselves. His Kingdom grows because He leads and many others follow, filling their special roles. Congratulations to the TKBC. Did you know that before Boaz married he was Ruthless? I suppose the same could be said for Chuck Fox. TBMF Website Don't forget the TBMF website found at www.tbmf.org . Go into the secure section for the most recent telephone numbers and addresses that we have. Bi and Chatchai update the website as soon as we get new contact information. You will also find forms so that reports can be completed and a list of office holidays among other things. Links to a number of TBMF related project websites and links to our sending boards are provided as well. If you see something missing that we should include, be sure and tell us at the TBMF office. Meetings & Events June 6 Conference Planning Committee July 1 A bank holiday July 22 Buddhist Lent – Office closed July 30 Kwai River Christian Hospital Board meeting August 12 Queen's birthday and Mother's day – Office closed September 16 Coordinating Committee Don't Forget…… October 17 – 20 The CCT Ecumenical Retreat will be held at the Wang Tarn Resort near Chiang Mai. Dan Buttry from IM will be the main speaker with the theme: CCT – Diversity – Unity. Finally….. There are three religious truths: Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, Protestants don't recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian Faith, and Baptists do not recognize each other in the liquor store. |