MOVING TO NORTHERN THAILAND

Dear Friends and Family,

We hope you all are hanging in there during these interesting times. Overall, we are doing well. We were supposed to be in the States right now but we cancelled our trip and we are still here at home in Kalasin, Thailand. The COVID cases in Thailand have significantly lowered this last month, but Thailand remains in a state of emergency.

We have some sad and exciting news. This month we will be moving on to a new chapter of our ministry in Thailand. We have spent most of our time living in the Northeast region (Isaan) since 2014. As our kids are getting older, providing for their social and educational experience in an isolated region has become very difficult. Jenn and I have worked hard to try to find solutions that would meet our family’s needs and allow us to continue to live in the Isaan region, but to no avail. We have felt that God has shut the door on Isaan and allowed us to move on.

I was accepted in March as a part-time teacher at CRICS (Chiang Rai International Christian School) in Chiang Rai province. Our family would have the international community and ability to serve missionary families for the next 2 years. In the meantime, I would continue to complete the Masters degree in Pastoral Counseling and we would be seeking Thai ministry opportunities for our family to serve in. But Covid-19 has put these plans on pause. In order to teach at the school, we have to acquire new visas in a different country and enter back into Thailand. This is almost impossible at the time being, with facing 14 day quarantine in the country we cross in to (say Laos), then 14 day quarantine in Thailand, and many other challenging requirements.

In light of all of this, we have decided to move up North to Chiang MAI. We will continue to work with our current organization, FCF (The Family Connection Foundation) until borders open up/when it’s a wise time to make a move to Chiang Rai. We are very thankful for FCF’s kindness and their leadership! We are already familiar with this city, as both Isobel and Titus were born there and we spent 6 months there in 2016/2017.

Please pray for us. Moving out of the Isaan region is a big move. And though we are excited for what’s ahead (especially for our kids), we are sad to say good-bye to our friends and church family here.

Please send us an update on how you’re doing and how we can be praying for you!

-Jason & Jenn
Moriah, Isobel & Titus

Byers Spring 2020 Update

Dear Friends & Family,
 

Byers Family Financial Update

Over the years we have been very blessed by faithful, ongoing financial support from many of you, THANK YOU! As we have come in to this new year, we have realized that though our monthly giving is steady and makes up a large portion of our budget, we are lacking in our pool of one-time gifts that will carry us through the year.  Titus is now an extra plane ticket, our Christian Healthcare sharing ministry will go up in April, and our aging cars are very frequently in the shop for repair (thankfully repair here does not cost much!). Eventually we will need to raise money for a more reliable vehicle that can travel long distances. We know God is able and will provide for all our needs as He has in the past!
 

We ask that you prayerfully consider giving to our ministry this spring, either by a one-time gift or monthly giving. Our online link is www.cten.org/jasonbyers.  To send by check, please see bottom of email. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: lukafour@gmail.com (Jason) or mrs.jenn.byers@gmail.com (Jenn)

Student Story
 

 “They all just need to believe in the one God who loves them!”

By now my ears are perked, my heart somewhat shocked, and I’m thinking, “Did she just say that?!”

Thank you for joining us as we are using English tutoring to connect with college students at Kalasin University. There are two students who are very keen to develop their English skills. One is a Kalasin local that we call “Jessica.”

Jessica speaks English very well. Therefore, we can dive into deeper topics, such as depression, suicide, family life and so on. Gradually, I have been able to introduce Jessica to some key elements of the Christians faith, such as monotheism, intelligent design and divine love. During our discussion on potential root causes of suicide, to my surprise, she zealously proclaimed, “They all just need to believe in the one God who loves them!”  Coming from a girl who only has contact with maybe three Christians (myself, my coworker Neung and possibly another student on campus), appeared to me as evidence that God is doing something in her life. May the Lord continue to use simple means like English tutoring to reveal Himself to the unreached! Please pray for Jessica!

We thank you our friends and supporters for continuing with us in the work in Isaan!
 
In Christ,
Jason & Jenn
Moriah, Isobel & Titus

 

Family Update

The kids are doing well. Moriah is in the home stretch of her 3rd grade year, loves her new dance class and drawing. Isobel is learning to read, enjoys math, and loves doing dance class with big sister. Titus is a busy 2 year old, loves chasing the cat, climbing, and fixing things with his tool kit. Jenn continues to homeschool the girls, study the Thai Bible and exercise.
 
We love getting snail mail, so if you or your kids want to write letters to our kids (or us), please do!
 
Jason Byers Family
66/2 Saneha
T: Kalasin A: Mueang
Kalasin 46000
THAILAND
 
Birthdays: Titus- Jan 31, Moriah-Feb 9, Izzy-June 11