On Dec 27 we have a team of 21 leaving LAX for Chiangmai. We dont arrive until 10.30 am Dec 29, however we will be prepared for an action packed time in Chiangmai and Museekee. Dr Churness has arranged visits to Agape House, as seen on the video "Small Yet Significant part 2", where AIDS children have recovered. Siami has organized a 1 day tour in the local mountains with elephant rides in the jungle, bamboo rafting on the river and lunch in a Hmong village. As well all this fun, we will set up an Eyeglass Clinic, do medical check ups on as many students as available and interview sponsored students who are not at home on vacation.

 

GIFTS

If you would like send a special gift to your student, write a note in English or send a check to Handclasp with a note showing the student's name. Handclasp is providing each student with a backpack and warm rug, thanks to a sponsor family.

 

SPONSOR 2001

Siami has asked Handclasp to sponsor more students. A team from the Center has been going out to more remote villages where the leaders have asked for more teaching about Jesus. The result of these visits is that more parents want to enroll their children in the program. I will photograph another group in January. If you know of anyone who might be interested in participating, please contact me or one of the Handclasp Directors and we will send you details of the program. 90% of sponsors have been referred. Many prefer to give through our program because they can see what their $14 per month does for these children. We continue to send 100% of the gift to Hill Tribes Development & Resource Center. No admin fees.

 

WATER

David Palacios, a Handclasp Director, has just returned from 5 weeks at the Center. He took time from his business to travel to Thailand to install a water system at the Center. He worked with the men of the village, instructing and teaching them in an area they had not ever seen. They built a tower, installed large tanks, pump, shut off valves and a 240 volt power supply to get water from a dam on Center property. Then installed pipes for a delivery system to most buildings on the campus. Here is a letter from Siami showing her gratitude. We add ours and bless his family & business.

 

Dear Parents in Christ, 29-11-2000

Our God is so great for calling David Palacios to help us in Musekee with our water supply system so that we are able to enjoy the benefits of running water here at the Center. "With Joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" Isaiah 12:3. Having this system is truly a gift from God- all of the children are so thankful that they no longer have to carry water up from the river for everyone to use. They have expressed their gratefulness for this gift and also for the gift of Davids presence here. Praise God for making David so precious to the people in Musekee, as he makes everybody happy. We have learned so much from him,not only from his hard work but also from his loving heart that melted many hard hearts so that they came to learn how to love and understand others. Praise God- many lives have been changed because of his loving heart. Though we have nothing to give in return, our prayers will always be with him, his work and his family.

We also extend our thanks to all the people who gave prayer and monetary support to make this water supply system possible at the Center. We ask God's blessings to each individual who participated in this project in so many ways. May God richly bless you all. picture will follow tommorrow,we are so sorry to hear that you do not get the picture, we will try again tommorrow,

 

With much love in Christ.

Zothansiami Ralte