(November 20, 2023) Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, share from Chiang Mai, northern Thailand…

Lahu people of Myanmar
The Lahu people have been caught up in the fighting between the Myanmar military and the resistance in Shan State. Our friends have been able to transport many Lahu to safe zones within Myanmar.

Praise God that we have been able to provide food and other needed supplies for over 600 of these internally displaced people (IDPs). The name Lahu is of Chinese origin and literally means to ‘drag favour from heaven.’ Pray that this may be so for the Lahu people during these desperatetimes.

Kar-en and Karenni people ministry

We continue to help the internally displaced Ka-ren and Karenni people of Myanmar with food, tarps, and medical care, as well as prayer and encouragement. We are also helping those who have fled the atrocities into Thailand.

This beautiful Ka-ren lady, together with 40 members of her village walked for over 12 hours along jungle tracks to receive the provisions that we were able bring. It took them 18 hours to walk back to their village while carrying the supplies. Keep this in mind if you feel like complaining when your caramel latte hasn’t arrived within 10 minutes (:-)!

Churches, schools and Bible colleges
We thank the Lord for the many opportunities to serve Him in Thailand. As well as our work with the ethnic minorities in Myanmar, we also fulfil teaching and preaching roles in various provinces in Northern Thailand. This ministry includes preaching in local churches, teaching in Bible colleges, leading Bible study groups, and teaching the Book of John to high school students.

It is tremendously fulfilling to see people coming to the Lord throughour ministry, and to see many growing in the grace and knowledge of God.

Angels on Assignment!
We recently hosted a team from Neuma Church. On our way to a Kar-en Bible school, we drove up to the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand, 2565 mts.

Halfway down this very steep mountain the brakes failed!

We somehow made it down the bottom without going over the side by using low gears and lots of prayer. Thank you, Jesus, for sending your angels!

While the Neuma Church team from Melbourne were with us we ministered together at the Ka-ren Bible school, close to the Myanmar border. I practised my ‘Melbournian to Thai’ translation skills as I interpreted for Pastor Rob Morris.

It was a fantastic time of ministry by all the team with an incredible move of the Holy Spirit. The Ka-ren students were so hungry for the word of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

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Ross and Donna, Mandate Ministries, have been missionaries to Asia for many years. Based in  Chiang Mai, they work with local pastors and church-planters, developing in-service leadership training programs that address challenges and issues unique to this area of Thailand. Link ross@investeternal.com
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