TBMF Newsletter

March 2004

Valuable Instructions

Kit Ripley (IM missionary in Chiang Mai) sent me a list of product labels and instructions. These are reportedly actual instructions from actual products. They came from the internet so it must be true. I'll sprinkle a few of them throughout the newsletter. Here is the first one……

On a bar of Dial soap --- “Directions: Use like regular soap”

Now, here are my directions on how to use this newsletter ; “ Directions: Read every word, memorize, then file with the rest of the TBMF Newsletters.”

Visitors

The cold months in the northern hemisphere seem to spark warm thoughts of Thailand . The last few months have brought us many visitors and volunteers. By no means an exhaustive list, but some of those that have visited us include :

In November, Ian and Del Pattemore returned for a visit and were able to attend Bi and Bill's wedding on Nov. 15 th . In December, former BUS missionaries, Otto & Ulrika Ernvik and their entire family stayed in the Chiang Mai area for about five weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Also in December, son Jason and his wife Lori visited LaMon and Pat Brown. The highlight of their visit was the birth of Nicholas Sundar Adams-Brown on January 15 th . Jason, Lori and little “ Nico ” recently returned to Indonesia .

In early January, Phil & Nathan McDaniel were in Chiang Mai for the 50 th Anniversary and Alumni Reunion of the Chiang Mai International School . At the reunion, Phil was the most ancient alumnus in attendance, having been in school during its' first year of operation. They also spent some time at the Kwai River Christian Hospital while they were here. Also attending the 50 th Anniversary of CMIS was former teacher & coach at CMIS, Edy McCarty, and some MK's of former TBMF missionaries such as Debbie Dickerson, Christine Mann, Matt Mann, Scott Coats, and Jon Conklin. Mike and Becky Mann & family also came back for the reunion and then returned to the US to finish their home-assignment. Also visiting was an early Australian Baptist Missionary, Heather Welch. Former BMS missionaries, Angus and Carol Mac Neill returned in Jan. and visited friends in Sangklaburi , Nan , and Chiang Mai. Retired IM missionary, Emilie Ballard also returned to Thailand in January visiting friends in various places.

Anders and Maria Hovemyr have been coming to Thailand off and on to assist with the work of the BUS. Former BUS missionaries, Ingvar and Eva Skeppstedt visited Thailand in late January for a couple weeks The BUS General Secretary, Karin Wiborn and BUS Chairperson Oskar Permvall with his wife Ingvar accompanied Gunnel Andreasson around a number of places in northern Thailand in the weeks leading up to the TBMF Consultation in February. Later in February, former IM missionaries Dick and Charlotte Worley along with daughter Sara and her husband Pablo and son Alex also have returned to visit Bangkok , Sammuk and Chiang Mai. Lauran Bethell was also in Thailand for a few days recently (early March) visiting friends.

Volunteers

Ryan Hughes from the US has been working with the Dieselbergs in Bangkok as a volunteer since October.

Dick and Marlene Mann returned to Thailand for four months in Dec. to volunteer in Baw Gaew . Glenys Freeman and friends from Australia returned in Jan. to help with the Community Based Rehabilitation Project based in Mae Sariang . Glenys herself stayed six weeks, while the rest of the team stayed two weeks. Two volunteers with BUS arrived on January 26 th . Filip Wallberg is the son of former BUS missionaries Kjerstin and Hakan Wallberg, along with Petter Oscarsson . Filip and Petter will be working mostly with the Karen as volunteers until December, 2004.

Also, in January, Rupert and Dee Nelson (retired IM missionaries) arrived to volunteer at the Upland Holistic Development Project center in Fang for two months while the Burnette's are in the US . Thirty years ago, in 1974 Rupert helped introduce Heifer Project International to Thailand . On Feb. 6 th the Heifer Project-Thailand dedicated their new office complex on Soi 1 – Thung Hotel Road in Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, Rupert missed the grand occasion, but his picture was shown a number of times during the opening ceremony

In late January a group of 17 people from Ohio , came to visit the Foxes in Chiang Rai and helped build a new church building in an Akha village. One of the team members was Rebecca ( Cutlip ) Taylor who served as an IM missionary for one term at the Sammuk Academy in the ‘80's.

Rev. Mary Wood, also from Ohio in the US is currently teaching at the Bible school associated with the refugee camp at Mae La.

On a Sears Hairdryer: “Do not use while sleeping.”

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on the bottom): “Do not turn upside down.”

Missionaries Coming and Going

Current missionaries are likewise, no strangers to their travel agents:

Returning to Thailand in December from home-assignment were John & Vicki Rees who have an addition to their family: 4 year old Thananyu or “ Thanee ” (he turns five in July). In February, they moved to their new location in Chiang Muan , Phayao .

Judy Cook of BMS has returned from home-assignment as of January. After a refresher course in Thai, she is now settling in to her new home in Chiang Rai . Also returning to Chiang Rai after home-assignment are Chuck and Ruth Fox and family. The Fox's return proved more eventful than expected, when just days after their arrival, a man forced his way into the Fox's house and roughed-up some people a bit in a domestic dispute. This was quite stressful for them, in addition to hosting a work team for a week and trying to settle into life here again.

In February, Emi Osato and Kim Brown attended the Asian Baptist Women's meeting in Okinawa along with a number of local women. Kim was a presenter at the conference and Emi helped organize visas and make arrangements and was chief translator for the Thai contingent. Also in Feb., Eiji Osato was in Hong Kong where he took 3rd place in a Kendo tournament out of 23 teams.

Kathy Welch is winding up her term by spending the next few months participating in the Baptist medical work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo .

Lyndal and Luk Gade leave March 11 th for home-assignment in Australia . LaMon and Pat Brown are leaving March 26th to begin their year of US-PR Assignment. Likewise, Muana, Villi and family are preparing to return to Australia/India in early April for their home-assignment.

On Marks & Spencers Bread Pudding: “Product will be hot after heating.”

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: “Do not iron clothes on body.”

Big Events Coming Up

The 12 District of the CCT is hosting the 4 th Conference of the Trans-World Chinese Baptist Missions at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel, April 27 – 30. This is a group of all Chinese Baptists from around the world. The theme of the conference is “Having a Global Vision Going in the Harvest Field”.

The annual TBMF Conference will be August 3-7, 2004 at the Christian Mission Cottages near Hua Hin . The bible study leader is the Rev. Dave Garver from Danville , Illinois in the US . His wife Carol is also coming with him. The theme for the bible study will be “Worship Hymns from the book of Revelation.” Also coming from the Baptist Church in Danville is a team of volunteers who will be leading the program for the children and youth. Retired IM missionaries, Bob and Pat Coats will be coming with the team as well.

The CCT will have its 28 th Biennial Meeting October 19 – 22 at the Dara School in Chiang Mai. It would be good for as many TBMF missionaries as possible to attend at least some of this meeting.

In October of 2005, the CCT will hold the next Ecumenical Retreat for all missionaries related to the CCT. TBMF has been asked to take the lead in organizing this retreat. We'll begin working on that soon, and we may need your help.

On a Japanese food processor: “Not to be used for the other use.”

On a Swedish chainsaw: “Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals.”

Speaking of the CCT….

The CCT has a new website at: www.cct.or.th

Volunteer and Tour Coordinator

Alex Rodgers now has a new e-mail address. It is: tbmftour@csloxinfo.com

Whatever Happened to … .

Loes de Vos first came to Thailand in the late 70s and worked for many years at the Kwai River Christian Hospital as a Pharmacist. She also helped start the Candlelight Program for handicapped children in the area. Loes recently wrote: “My work now is doing rural Locums.  This is taking me to all kinds of country places in this vast state of Western Australia (one third of the continent).  I work in both hospitals and Community Pharmacies (drug stores to you), where ever I am needed, though I prefer the hospital work.  I am getting to see the country and am being paid to do it.  Often with transport and housing provided!”

“Work seems to have dried up for the moment.  I only had 2 weeks work in January and have none at all this month.  Hopefully it will improve next month.  One of the advantages of not having any work at the moment is that two weeks ago I was free to go down to Denmark and look after Dad for a weekend while Tine and Jim had some time out.”

“I had a good time at Christmas with the rest of my family.  My father is now 87 and a great grandfather twice over.  He is getting really old lately.  I am glad that my sister and bother-in-law are there to look after him.”

Loes' e-mail address is: v48loes@bigpond.com

On Sainsbury's peanuts: “Warning: contains nuts.”

On American Airlines packet of nuts: “Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts.”

Educational Opportunity

Eastern University is related to the American Baptist Churches in the US . They recently began to offer two Masters level programs designed for a part time students working full time in Asia . The degree can be completed in two years by attending 4 residencies, two month long summer residencies in the US campus and two residencies in Chiang Mai. Applied assignments are completed interacting electronically with Eastern faculty between residencies. One degree is an MA in Organizational Leadership and the other degree is an MBA/MS in International Economic Development. If interested, we have more information we can e-mail to you or you can contact the school directly at: eisrael@eastern.edu or sjosephb@eastern.edu

On Nytol Sleep Aid: “Warning: May cause drowsiness.”

Meetings & Events

March 13 – 14 Kaw Thoo Lay Karen Baptist Bible School graduation, Mae La

March 15 – 19 Burmese Border Consortium Advisory Committee/Potential Members

Meeting. Mae Sariang & Chiang Mai

March 19 New Life Center Board Meeting

March 25 – 28 Lahu Baptist Convention Mass Meeting. Mae Fah Luang

April 6 – 9 Karen Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. Tee Mae Ga La

April 13 – 15 Song Kran Holdiay

April 24 Kwai River Christian Hospital Board Meeting

April 27 – 30 Trans World Chinese Baptist Missions Conference, Chiang Mai

May 1 CSC Committee

May 4 Coordinating Committee Meeting

May 8 Christian Service Foundation Board Meeting

May 10 -12 International Ministries (American Baptist) Regional Meeting, Suriwong

Hotel, Chiang Mai

May 10 Christian Mission Cottages Committee (subject to change)

May 11 Burmese Border Consortium Board Meeting

May 11 Union Language School Board Meeting

May 13 Conference Planning Committee Meeting

On a child's Superman costume: “Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.”

On a Swanson frozen dinner: “Serving suggestion: Defrost.”