God is Faithful

First year students with Professor Kanyalani frnt. row (3rd from right)

If you have been keeping up with world events you know we live in uncertain times.  This uncertainty sometimes makes planning for the future difficult.  In Thailand, recent political events have caused a certain amount of uncertainty for us at Lanna Theological Center.  Many of you have been praying for us at LTC as we navigate the ever changing political landscape of SE Asia.  Although we feel the pressure of uncertainty, we have the calm assurance that God has a plan.  We rest in the promise that when we rely on Him, He will make straight our path. (Proverbs 3:6).  As I reflect back over the past 9 months I see where God has made straight our path through all the uncertainty.

Part of that uncertainty involves how to obtain visas for missionaries and for international students. Although it is still not clear how the visa situation will eventually work out, God has allowed our international students to continue renewing their temporary visas to come to LTC.  The first trimester of the 2014-2015 academic year began September 7.  In the week leading up to the first day we were not sure if any of our international students would be granted visas.  There was a minor hiccup on the paperwork for one student. But in the end all received visas for 90 days.  This is less than requested, but enough time to complete the first trimester.  The information given us was that an official of the foundation asking for the visas must present in person to the Thai consulate to guarantee the students.  So we will reapply in January and someone from the foundation will get to take a trip to a neighboring country.

In spite of the uncertainty God has blessed us with one of our larger groups of first year students in recent years.  Thirteen new students from two countries representing 5 different language groups registered for classes.   Total enrollment for this trimester is 30 students. (Of the thirty, 13 are from a neighboring country and represent 2 languages groups in that country.)  Our male student dorm is full!   

Thank you for praying for us and LTC.  God is faithful and continues to bless our efforts to train, equip, and send leaders out who will impact SE Asia for Christ.  Please continue to pray for our students and staff. Pray especially for our 13 first year students as they grow and mature into Christian leaders in church and community.

David Filbeck is currently in the US through January 10, 2015.  He and Sharon are available for speaking and presenting the needs of Lanna Theological Center.  Contact him at dsfilbeck@yahoo.com or 903-806-6639 to schedule a visit.

Carmen Filbeck will be in the US for November and December.  Contact Carmen at CLfilbeck@gmail.com to schedule a visit.