Dear Norm

Have you noticed that God tends to take our plans and make them bigger than we were even thinking or imagined? That’s what happened after we arrived in Thailand eight years ago.

We came with a vision to find Thai Christian literature that was already written but not easily accessible and make it available digitally on the Internet.  We thought that was a pretty big plan – God was saying – not big enough. If we had known what else God had in store we might have thought there was no way to do it and stayed home.

But here’s another thing you have probably found to be true, God loves to stretch our faith and prove Himself strong in our faith journeys. So, that initial vision has now grown to become the “Thai Church Resource Center” – officially known as  eSTAR Foundation.  

Yes, we do take Thai Christian literature and make it available digitally; in fact, thousands of Christian resources are available for free in both PDF and eBook format.  But in addition, the resource center has also enabled us to:

• Provide Thailand with the most accurate and up to date information on churches and church members.of all the countries in the whole world,
• Help thousands of non-believers learn of the Good News through our Internet evangelism projects.
• Reach into Thai schools and teach English to Thai students by Christian teachers provided through our “Teachers for Thailand” program.
• Train thousands of Thai Christians to reach out and disciple others through the “Follow Me” program and the Thai National Plan.
• Ensure ministries are able to have books printed at high quality and a low cost.

As you can see, God has truly expanded our work here far beyond what we initially thought it would be. And, He isn’t through as we are now replicating many of these programs in other nations.

Since April we have asked our ministry partners to pray for our office situation. The facilities we currently occupy are ideal for all the ministries we provide. However, a few months ago our landlord told us he was going to sell the property which forced us to begin looking for another location. However, none of the options worked out.

Last month our landlord called again and said they did not sell the property and wanted to talk to us about a way that might enable us to buy the property.  We felt God led us to this properly over 3 years ago and now He is giving us an opportunity to purchase it.

The day we were to meet while I was having my quiet time and praying about the situation Psalm 20:4 “jumped” off the page at me. It reads “May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.”  I took this as a word from God that we were to work out an agreement with the landlord.

Even with that assurance, I prayed that God would send a Thai person knowledgeable about property to the office before the landlord arrived.  Amazingly our insurance agent visited unannounced.  He is a Christian businessman and came because he wanted some books printed.  While he was there I told him about the offer I was planning to give the landlord. He said it was good offer and it would be a good investment.  That was the second confirmation.  The next would be if the landlord would agree to the offer.

So, when we sat down to talk, I told him our offer was for the eSTAR Foundation to purchase the property for $180,000 over a 5 year period.  During that time we would not pay any rent. 

After negotiations we agreed to the following terms. The eSTAR Foundation will purchase the property for $180,000 over 4 year time period.

• 1st payment of $50,000 is due on January 30, 2015
• 2nd payment of $50,000 is due on January 30, 2016
• 3rd payment of $50,000 is due on January 30, 2017
• Finally payment of $30,00 is due on January 30, 2018.

During this time we don't have to pay rent!

With gifts we received previously, we have $7,350 available for the first payment.  This  means we need an additional $42,650 before the end of January. The final confirmation will be if you and others will join us in this step of faith and invest in this work with your donation designated to the “Thailand Resource Center”.

We thought about starting a ministry that would provide digital resources. God’s plan was to start a ministry that could play a part in changing a nation that is over 94% Buddhist. Will you join us in this tremendous work and prayerfully help us purchase this property.  It is a big step of faith for us – maybe it is for you too – but we are confident this from God.

 May God Bless You,