Dan
Bangkok Institute of Theology Logo
Grace and peace to you through Christ our Lord!
Highlights!

1. Liza and I are happily married, back in Thailand and hard at work.
2. We've been blessed to host students, friends and co workers at our new house. (house sitting for the year while the Fujiis are away)Kwan Dancing
3. Some New Responsibilities:
•    Two Friday sermon’s a month next term.
•    International Church youth group aid.
•    TOEFL prep class for students in the faculty development program.
4. Research and Bible study in missions’ philosophy and purpose as well as taking a look at some of the material coming out from the emerging and emergent churches.

Dear friends and supporters,

     The last three months have brought many new challenges and joys to my life, best of all: MARRIAGE!  It has been wonderful to begin our life together in the mission field, among good friends and loved ones here in Thailand. 

     One of the ways we have felt God’s hand in blessing us, is with the home we have the opportunity to house-sit for.  I have always enjoyed hosting and it has been wonderful to have people come over for movie nights, and socials.  I have included two pictures of the first year students hanging out at our place for a movie night.  It was really fun to have them over and for many of them, it was the first time they could eat food from their native regions since they came to school 4 months ago.  It was also an opportunity to get to know them a little better outside of the seminary setting when so much of their time is already allocated to other things.

     The Church we attend here has also given me the opportunity to join the youth leadership team.  I don't get a lot of time to speak English at a regular pace in my ministry at BIT, so helping out at the international church has been really nice, even though it just began a few weeks ago.  The youth group at the Evangelical Church of Bangkok (ECB) has over 75 youth ages 13-18 and a really fired up new youth pastor who is still fairly new to Bangkok.  The youth here have some real challenges as half the group are Missionary and Pastor's kids of various ministries in Bangkok who know the Bible backwards and forward and the other half are new to Christianity.  There are also numerous struggles facing them as they witness a variety of culturally very different gender roles in practice from both their parents and the culture of Bangkok.  Please pray for me in this area as there's a possiblity I'll be mentoring a couple of these students.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:5-7

(Kerm praying with students)  
    
The TOEFL preparation class is tough because the test has just gotten more difficult and the students don't really have time outside of class to study because they don't get credit for the class and are very busy already.  It has, however, given me an opportunity to get to know one of the other professors really well.  Prof. Kerm is the chaplain at BIT.  We meet for the class and for an additional hour every week for informal conversation / English tutoring time.  He has a real heart to be the best teacher, counselor and role model he can be for these students.  Our conversations have given me further insights into the challenges facing the Thai church as well as afforded me opportunities to reflect upon the state of the church in the US. 
    
     Thank you for your prayers, support and this opportunity to share.  Please let me know what’s happening with you too, I‘d love to know how I can be praying for you.
            In His mighty grip and by His love,
            -Dan Stine
Contact Info
Dan Stine             011.66.84.124.2303
Liza Stine             011.66.4.130.6247
Skype:                 518-632-4501
Email:                  dstiner@yahoo.com

Address:                 Bangkok Institute of Theology
                            71 Soi Vachara-Thamsathid 37
                            Sukhumvit 101/1 Prakanong,
                            Bangkok, 10260 Thailand
                            Fax BIT 001-66-2-398-7787


Prayer Requests:
1.    Liza and I are beginning to prayerfully consider where we will apply to teach for next year.
2.    My teacher’s certification would pass smoothly & quickly.
3.    BIT students; October (term break) would be a powerful time of mission and retreat, both of which will be needed opportunities for much needed rejuvenation.
4.    There has been a coup in Thailand.  Everything is fine in spite of all the press.  The coup was a good thing that Thais feel the West will not understand.  The King is still revered and honored, which is what Taksin (former Prime Minister) was trying to undermine. Life continues as usual.

Support Update:
This is my 5th month of work at BIT and I have received just over half of my support raising goal.  However, most of the committed support has already been donated through one time gifts and I still need to raise about $4000.


Praises:
1.    Liza and I had a wonderful wedding and time with friends and family in NY, CO and Bangkok.
2.    The family is healthy and doing well, including Dad’s hip and my grandfather’s heart.
3.    God has been challenging me with some great new insights into His Word and renews my passion for being in His service.
4.    Katie, and Eve, My and Liza’s sisters start their Jr. years in college, in Massachusetts and N. Ireland through Denver U. respectively.  Katie is also preparing for study abroad in Scotland for next semester.

A special thanks to Bay Road Presbyterian Church, Queensbury United Methodist, Bellefield Presbyterian, The Open Door, Harmony Baptist, Schuylerville United Methodist, Hoosic Valley Community Church, Pine Knolls as well as my church here in Thailand, The Evangelical Church of Bangkok, for all their prayers and support.  You are making my ministry possible and touching the lives of Thai people through the love of Christ.  It is, furthermore, an incredible joy to see different demominations get together in the name of Jesus.  Thank you

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