A month of firsts.

(A market in Bangkok that is right along the train tracks. Every few hours, they pack their stuff and move out of the way to let the train pass, and then move it back afterwards.)

This month, we were so thrilled to have our first visitors from the States! Ryan's uncle Rodney, his wife Denise, and their four girls made the long trip over to Thailand and it was such a blessing to be able to spend time with them here. We spent the first weekend with them here in Lopburi, and then they went to the beaches in the south of Thailand for a week, and then we all reunited in Bangkok the following weekend to explore the big city together! It was refreshing for us in countless ways: to connect with like-minded Christians, to experience Thailand through new eyes again, and to share the beauty of this country with people we love. Thank you again, Rodney and Denise, for coming to visit us! 

In Thailand, we are currently transitioning from rainy season to cool season. It is still warm, with the temperatures still reaching the 90s during the day, but the humidity is a little less overpowering, and it feels noticeably cooler. We were thankful for these cooler days to enjoy while family was here visiting!

The weekend after they left, we traveled down to Bangkok with our church family for our first church conference experience in Thailand! It was a great opportunity to get to know members of our church better. Pictured below are two young couples from our church that we spent some time with over the weekend. We are thankful that the language barrier is continually growing smaller and smaller, but at times like these, we wish it didn't exist at all. Some in this group have been believers for a long time, and some have just come to Christ within the past few months. It was encouraging to talk at a little deeper level with them and make some memories together!

In between all of the excitement of weekend travels and hosting, we have still been meeting with our Thai tutors. Neither of our current tutors are Christians, but we have been able to share the gospel with them both and have some further conversations. Please join us in praying for Ryan's tutor especially, as he has really shown interest and has continued asking questions to Ryan! 

Some other "firsts" this month are regarding our future plans in Thailand. We are so thankful that God has given us some clear direction in pursuing starting a business as our means of ministry in Thailand. We are excited to use business as a framework for sharing the gospel, discipling believers, providing financially for those in our community, and engaging men specifically in our context. As we have been digging deeper into what BAM (Business as Missions) could look like for us, we have connected with Tri-Venture. Tri-Venture is an alliance of three organizations that provide the training, coaching support, and capital needed to launch and grow a BAM business. If you would like to check it out for yourself, here is their website: https://triventure.com

We are a few weeks into their online path-to-capital course, which is a 4-6 month program, and looking forward to continuing to be coached by them until we open our business (potentially a restaurant), Lord willing, next year!

And we are thrilled to announce that we are soon-to-be first time parents! Our little one is due in May and we are so thrilled. We are praising God for the gift of this little life!
 

PRAISES & PRAYER REQUESTS:

- praise God for little baby Steffen! Please pray for a smooth pregnancy, uncomplicated labor, and healthy little one that grows to love the Lord! We plan to give birth in Thailand.

- pray for Ryan's tutor, P'Ai. 

- pray for God's continued guidance as we take steps towards starting a business here.

- pray for two little boys that had been coming to our children's outreach days. Their names are "Moss" and "Mass." They told us that their mom found out we are Christians and doesn't want them to come anymore. Pray for wisdom to know how to navigate this situation, and that this family would come to know the Lord.

"O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: 'Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit. Can man make for himself gods? Such are not gods!'" (Jeremiah 16:19-20)