Richardson Family leaves for SE Asia with Asia's Hope

Asia's Hope Missions Trip (July 21-Aug 6, 2010)
 
Wooster Grace seeks to reach out to the world with the love of Christ. Outreach is a primary ministry initiative.

You can read about the experiences of the Richardson family by following their blog.  Please leave a comment to encourage them as you read about what God is teaching them. 

They depart on Tue July 21 for about a 40-hour travel odyssey to arrive in Cambodia.  Ask God to give them stamina, great health, safety in traveling and return home challenged to greater service for the Lord.

Hello,
This is Stephanie Hawkins writing to you from Thailand. I came from Portugal and met up with the team in Cambodia during the first week of the trip.
Altogether I think that this has been a great trip! We have experienced many things that we had never imagined possible, the work God is doing in so many lives and have learned a lot about a rich and beautiful culture, and also about its dark side and how the devil works to lead the lords sheep astray.

Right now we are in Waing pa pao, we spent the day yesterday working on the fence surrounding the orphanage to protect the children, and painting their kitchen, which is an outdoor building with three walls and a roof. We used oven pans to roll our paint rollers on and bamboo stick to make the handles longer. We also organized some games for the kids with the help of our friend Fa the “mother” of the children at the Grow Home. And last night we gave them their sponsors boxes along with four14 t-shirts and bracelets.

Its amazing to see the joy of the Lords love shining on these childrens' faces, knowing that just 6 months ago their had no one to turn to and had never hear the words Jesus or I love you, let alone both in the same sentence.
Thanks for praying for us and these wonderful children of God.
Steph*

Go and do

The team has returned and is adjusting back to life in the United States, but there are still a couple posts for this blog that the team members wrote while on the trip. Here's Greg Wilson's perspective of the trip-

It’s Sunday morning here in Thailand as I write this and Saturday night for all of you back home. This is not the strangest thing I have become accustomed to out here, but it is strange. Nonetheless, you aren’t here to listen to me go on about matters temporal, so let’s begin.

We’re nearing the end of our adventures here in Southeast Asia and it becomes difficult to decide what to say, where do you begin? What do you put in? What do you leave out? Experience crowds upon other experiences and all deserve their own time. Yesterday I ate silkworms, last week I was surrounded by orphans in Battambang and wouldn’t have been able to type if I’d wanted to, by the time I reach home I’ll have been on seven different flights, I’ve eaten fried frog that tasted a lot like a Slim Jim, I’ve danced, worn shorts and flip-flops (anyone who really knows me will find that mental image funny), and basically been thrown headlong into a culture vastly different from my own.

And I’ve come to realize something out here, the furthest and longest I’ve ever been away from home, with an ocean between me and my native soil. I have realized what I thought I always knew, that the world is so much bigger than the little corner of it we call home and that God’s heart breaks for all of it. That sometimes we make decisions to go and see and do that seems, perhaps, headlong and reckless, at least for me who more often reads about something happening rather than being a part of it happening. That we go and do and act because that is what God wants us to do and if we have to cross an ocean to do His Will, then so be it. Only a few people who know me will get the full effect of this statement, but I say it anyway, I would not trade this experience for any number of books.
Greg Wilson


Gregory A. Wilson- Hailing from the dangerous, rough-and-tumble town of Millersburg and frequently found dealing out rough justice in the form of well-placed sarcasm and perfectly prepared bon mots, he exhibits as much flair for literary endeavors as he does for foolhardy plunges into exotic climes, bringing a much-needed sense of reckless courage to this motley band of travelers.

Hello Wooster!

                                                                                
Hello everyone:

Please pray for our team as they head home starting today. I got everyone checked on the plane and in relatively good health. Our big chief, RAD, is going to guide everyone home and we believe all will be well. This has been an outstanding trip. The team worked together well and we were blessed by the people we met. Thank you, Wooster Grace, for making it possible for us to come to the other side of the world to love and serve on behalf of our beautiful Messiah. Glory be to God!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org

Heading Home

Hello everyone,

It's about 1 a.m. here early Tuesday morning. The team just returned from the market and are getting some packing done. Some are already sleeping. Tomorrow afternoon the team flies back to the U.S. It will be a long and arduous process, so I am sure they will appreciate your prayers.

Today was the only day that was almost entirely dedicated to some sight seeing and shopping around the Chiang Mai area. It was a hot day but we all managed to survive. Sandy was much better today but Sarah was not able to join us on our tour today. She stayed back and rested at the hotel. She was with us the entire evening, though.

We visited a temple atop of a mountain in a area called Doi Suthep. People say that you haven't really come to Thailand until you visit this place. Along the way we saw the markings of spiritualism and a religion based on preforming merit in order to achieve a better live. My heart yearns for these people to be set free.

I have to turn in now. Thank you for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org

Back in Chiang Mai

Hello everyone,

It's almost 1:30 a.m. here in Chiang Mai. We returned from Wiang Pa Pao today, a drive through some of the hottest weather we've experienced while here. Tonight we did some shopping at the Sunday market, after a program that lasted more than 2 hours, at the main campus of Asia's Hope -- in honor of Pastor Dave Atkins and his wife, Joyce.

Please pray for Cindy, who is still sick and pray for all the details of the trip back. We are definitely on the home stretch now. I know some people can't wait for that Big Mac...

We will write more when we are able to. In a few hours we will do our wrap up meeting at the top of a mountain area called Doi Suthep. It will be great!

Thanks for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org

More Pictures

Pictures from July 3

Matt Yoder's Thoughts on Asia

                                                                             
Monday morning after having spent the night at Grace Place, we prepared an American breakfast for the kids. We made them pancakes and scrambled eggs. They loved it! What amazing children they are as a few of them had to be practically drug out of the kitchen for us to serve them because they had such a willingness to help. But this once it was our chance to serve them.

After breakfast we headed back to the hotel for a quick breather. Then we went out with the Kanes to a market which is their walmart and grocery store. You can buy everything from pigs feet and snake meat to clothes and make-up.

Monday night was our outreach which went very well. Despite having a sound system that desperately needed some TLC, it went fairly smoothly. The dances were awesome and I was told our skit was good. We were at first worried because one of the other dance teams performed a very similar skit. But, it’s all about planting seeds. I have heard that about 100 people raised their hands that prayed for Christ to come into their lives out of about 310 that were there.

-Matt Yoder

Matt Yoder's Bio - I'm 27 living in Massillon. I love God above all things. Second though, I love flying. I also like riding my motorcycle, a 1983 Honda Nighthawk. I am currently employed at Preferred Airparts in Kidron. Another hobby I have is fish keeping. I have a 75 gallon freshwater tank.

Todd Cooper's Thoughts on Asia

                                                                             
Hello from Grace Place, Thailand! We left Chiang Mi today to come out to the orphanage. It was a great trip as we drove into the mountains. The land is much more vegetated than Cambodia was. It is beautiful here! We are sleeping up here tonight, the girls in the house and the guys get to sleep in a newly built “Bamboo Hilton”, as named by several members of the team. We set up mosquito nets over beds once we got here, and shortly after, the local people fixed those nets. Ha ha. Today was a work day and it felt good to get dirty and painted up. Some of the group worked on the fencing area, which included clearing trees the old school way: axes, saws, and machetes. The other members of the group spent the afternoon painting. An entire coat of primer was put down, which was a lot.

I am very encouraged by our group. I am impressed that it’s been over a week now that we’ve been gone, there has been a lot of travelling and late nights, along with sicknesses and exhaustion, and today we did some manual labor, all the while keeping a good attitude! The group is a great group. Your prayers have really helped with all of us keeping our patience with our purpose and with our teammates, we thank you so much for that.

They fattened RAD up and fed him to us tonight. I know that sounds bad, but it’s not! The people here have a pig that they named RAD, and they prepared it for us for dinner. It was very good. The people in Thailand have a real talent for cooking. The spices are delicious! We haven’t had much of the spicy food though. They’ve fed us American hot style of food. Everyone is still enjoying it. I haven’t heard any complaints about the food.

Again, we thank you for all your prayers! We miss you all. God bless.
Todd
PS. A special hello to Steph! I miss you very much!

Todd's Bio: I was born and raised here in Wooster. I'm 26 years old and graduated from Waynedale High School. In high school I played baseball and still enjoy a hobby of church softball, including playing for four14 this year. After high school I attended and graduated from Ohio Northern University. I have a bachelor’s degree from there for Technological Studies and am using that degree in my job at TechniGraphics. I also have a diploma of Christian Studies from Ashland Seminary. I really enjoy theology and enjoy sharing my thoughts and investing in people. I don't go to Wooster Grace Brethren, but instead I go to a small church in Fredericksburg. I volunteer there with the youth and help coach the softball team. I heard about the trip at four14. I am a regular at four14 and am involved as a life group leader and sometimes help out as a photographer. Photography is another hobby of mine and I hope to bring back some great photo's from the trip!

Sarah Judy's Thoughts on Asia

Today is July 2nd Friday. I’m Sarah and here is some info on what we did today. Last night was the first night we stayed in the Grace Place orphanage in Thailand. The guys slept in the “Bamboo Hilton” and us ladies slept in the orphanage. We were served some amazing breakfast by the widows living here. Our main plans for the day were to go to the Mae Rim Youth Prison for a youth outreach. I think a lot of us weren’t quite sure what to expect since most of our other visits were with people who believed in God. It was a tough experience on my part because most of the youth there did not care that we were there. They goofed off, talked, and screamed the whole time, which was difficult for me to understand. I actually felt foreign in this place because I had no idea what they were saying or what they thought about what I said. We performed the Lifehouse skit for them and they mostly cheered when we brought out the sins in the skit including drugs, alcohol, money, and weapons. The main thing was that the seed of God was planted and if even one young adult was saved then it was worth it.

After the youth detention center and eating we went to the Huaypong Lahu tribal village. Wow talk about being out in the middle of nowhere. We were deep in the mountains and the village was mainly made of bamboo houses. They do not have many luxuries like we do in America. There was one man there who grew up Buddhist and decided to turn to God because he had no money to feed the pigs and provide for his family. He shared with us some of the songs he plays and shared his story with us. It was neat to see how the tribal people live. It made me appreciate all I have and how easy life really is for us in America. I certainly miss a good toilet and shower . Last note of business – today is my cousin Heather’s 30th birthday and I wanted to wish her a very very happy birthday since I cannot be there to call her like I usually do! God bless all!

Sarah Judy's Bio - I recently moved to Wooster, OH for a job opportunity at Wooster Orthopedic and Sports Medicine as a Physical Therapist. I grew up in Oregon, OH just outside of Toledo, OH. I graduated in May 2009 from the University of Toledo with my degree in Physical Therapy. I started coming to Grace Brethren Church about November 2009 when I first attended the young adult group Four14. Since this time, Grace has become my home and I cannot imagine my life without being a part of this church. There are so many opportunities and events that I have been blessed to attend, which were new and a growing experience for me. Going on a mission trip is something I have never done, nor thought of doing until the past year. I’m excited and very nervous at the same time for the Asia mission trip that I will be attending in June. It will be a challenging experience that will test me mentally, spiritually, and physically. I will only get through this with the help of the Lord. I ask for all of you to please pray for a safe journey for myself and the team both across seas and within Southeast Asia. I ask that you pray for good health and confidence as this does make me nervous, but I know the Lord will protect us all. And lastly, pray that I will hear and follow His guidance so that I may serve the individuals and children in the areas we visit.

Thank you all. I love you and God bless!

Keith Hannah's and Stretcher's Thoughts on Asia

                                                                                     Jim ("Stretch") Rhea

Keith ("Howie") Hannahs

Greetings from Stretch and Howie! This morning we are sitting at the pavilion at the Imm Eco Inn in Chiang Mi waiting for the pickup truck that is going to take us to the Grace orphanage in Waing Pa Pao, which is 1.5 hours away. We very much miss the orphans and the ministry at the Grace Place in Battambang Cambodia. The orphans were very loving and expressing their affection towards us and it is hard to leave that. It seems that each of the members of our group bonded with at least one specific orphan at the orphanage. We are encouraged about how the last outreach event went that was directed towards college aged students. There were not many there, but out of the few that were there, several expressed deep gratitude toward what we had done. On the plane rides from Cambodia to Thailand, we celebrated Howie’s birthday! There was a cake waiting for him at dinner here at the hotel and he was sung happy birthday to a couple times. Last night we visited the GROW home with Faa. The children were full of energy. We worshipped with them. First Faa sang some songs that she does routinely with the kids, then Matt took over and we taught the kids some new songs. We’ve never eaten so much until we came to Thailand! We ate before the plane, on the plane, on the next plane, at the hotel, and then at the G.R.O.W. home with Faa! It was a lot, but it was amazing! Well, it looks like our truck has arrived to take us to the orphanage! Thank everyone for all their prayers and continued support for us on our trip.

Stretch and Howie

Bios:

Keith Hannahs- I currently live and work in Mansfield. I am engaged to Amber Williams. I grew up in Holmes County and graduated from West Holmes. I have been on several trips with four14. I have been attending four14 going on eight years.

Jim Rhea. aka "Stretch"- Ohio native, living in rural Bellville area. Vocation: Lexington Schools, transportation dept. Avocation: ministry located where the "fish" are! i.e. youth and young adult. Interests include hiking, motorcycling, and God's magnificent creation. Also travel with purpose.

Andy McGinnis' Thoughts on Asia

                                                                               
Hi, my name is Andy McGinnis. The best way to describe myself is to tell you one of my favorite jokes of all time. Q: What is green and fuzzy and if it fell out of a tree, it would hurt you? A: A pool table! Yes, a corny joke from a corny guy. That is just the way God made me. I love life and want to enjoy everything that God has given me. And if I can share that joy with someone else and make them smile then all the better. I was born, adopted, and raised here in Wooster, Ohio. Even though I have spend most of my life here in Wayne County, I have had the privilege to travel all over the world visiting 5 of the 7 continents so far and working side by side God’s people as we share the good news of the Gospel.

Besides traveling, I enjoy camping and hiking, drawing, music that I dance badly to, and Reese’s Pieces. I am a Cleveland Indians fanatic, a fan of James Bond, and the caretaker of a goat named Chewbacca. I love working with youth and young adults, and I feel that is where my calling into full-time ministry lies. I truly appreciate all of the prayers and support people are already giving us as we prepare for our trip this summer. Thank you so much and God bless.

I dunno about you, but the shower can be a place of worship. Back home I love to sing in the shower. Lord, I lift Your name on High, Little Cabin in the Woods, Amazing Grace, and even Ace of Base have come from my bathroom from time to time. (Yes I saw the sign!) Today in Tutu’s Parents house here in northern Thailand I had another moment of worship. They had gracious let me use their only shower to rinse off and I had just finished up when the radio that was on in the kitchen caught my ear. A familiar tune wafted through the door. While the lyrics were in Thai, the melody was instantly recognizable. “Jesus Paid it All, all to Him I owe…” I sang along as I gathered my things and opened the door. Outside the ladies were preparing the meal for tonight. They too were singing along to the radio in their native Thai. I immediately joined in the chorus of Praise to the King. Oh what a picture of the church. Different Languages but Unified under the same faith. Praise God from letting come half way around the world just to take a shower.

Andy's Bio:

Hi, my name is Andy McGinnis. The best way to describe myself is to tell you one of my favorite jokes of all time. Q: What is green and fuzzy and if it fell out of a tree, it would hurt you? A: A pool table! Yes, a corny joke from a corny guy. That is just the way God made me. I love life and want to enjoy everything that g9od has given me. And if I can share that joy with someone else and make them smile then all the better. I was born, adopted, and raised here in Wooster, Ohio. Even though I have spend most of my life here in Wayne County, I have had the privilege to travel all over the world visiting 5 of the 7 continents so far and working side by side God’s people as we share the good news of the Gospel. Besides traveling, I enjoy camping and hiking, drawing, music that I dance badly to, and Reese’s Pieces. I am a Cleveland Indians fanatic, a fan of James Bond, and the caretaker of a goat named Chewbacca. I love working with youth and young adults, and I feel that is where my calling into full-time ministry lies. I truly appreciate all of the prayers and support people are already giving us as we prepare for our trip this summer. Thank you so much and God bless.

We are alive and well... most of us!

Hey everyone:

Finally able to connect to the Internet again. We've been busy in Wiang Pa Pao. Today we should finish painting the kitchen and we are continuing to work on the fence around the property. We are tired but overall in good spirits. Sandy is under the weather so please pray for her.

Yesterday we went back to Chiang Mai for the outreach at the Youth jail. There must have been 400+ young men and about 25 girls there between the ages of 15-20. It was hot, noisy and completely outside our comfort zone, but we delivered the message of the gospel in several different ways. The drama was a big hit with them and they applauded when Jesus overcame all the people who were trying hard to lead a young woman astray. The director of the place turned to the pastor who was helping us and gave thumbs up. He said this is exactly what the young people needed. What a blessing to be a part of that yesterday. Though it was nothing anything we had experienced before or will henceforth, we believe that they paid attention to the message and for some they heard it for the first time. Praise God.

We will have some more posts here a little later.

Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. We are in the home stretch now but this is the time when the enemy will try to attack us for sure and we are already experienced it. Thank you.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org

In Wiang Pa Pao

Hello everyone:

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are in Wiang Pa Pao, northern Thailand, where Grace Place is. Today was a full day of hard manual labor as well as interaction with the children. Oh how lovely they are and how blessed we are to be loved by them! We had a wonderful worship time with the children tonight and we ourseves taught them a couple of songs. They recited about a dozen Bible verses together, all in unison. What an outstanding work these leaders are doing with the children. We are blessed to have this caliber of leadership here.

And before I forget, everyone seems to be doing well. No one complained of bein sick today and everyone worked very hard today. We praise God for that. Please keep praying for us!\More later.

It's past 11:30 p.m. here and we have an early start tomorrow morning.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org