Chiang Rai update - March 2021 - Smokey Season

Hello from Chiang RAI!

Dearest Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. What a year it's been! We hope you can read this letter with a good cup of coffee or tea in hand!

Family Life/Next USA visit

update from Jenn:

We have now been in Chiang Rai for a few months and we are really enjoying our new town! Chiang Rai is a mountainous city and home to Northern Thai, many hill tribes (Akha, Lahu, to name a few) and to many expats. Our kids have been making friends and our girls are meeting with some other homeschool students for Thai classes and an Art class. We are now entering the HOT season (fondly known as “Mango season”) and we are also in what’s called “Smokey Season.” The air quality is at unhealthy levels so we are mainly indoors with air purifiers and special masks for when we go outside. This should stop sometime in May. Because of the Covid situation, we still have no idea when we’ll be able to return to the States for a visit. The process to get back into Thailand is very complicated, inconvenient, and expensive! We are trying to ride out this wave as the Lord gives us the grace to do so. We miss you and our families very much!

Ministry in CR

update from Jason

Training believers in addiction and recovery work

The first week in CR our family attended a Lahu church. Some of the men knew about my current counseling studies in addiction and recovery They are eager to talk about how to help drug users and their families among the Lahu people. Since the Lahu people have been overwhelmingly impacted by drug abuse, they have been praying for a recovery ministry to take place. Therefore, I (Jay) have been able to meet with three Lahu men and provide some basic training in addiction recovery. Our first session involved looking at some of the aspects of our inner man-cognitive, volitive, and affective-emphasizing that the goal is heart change, not just behavior modification. The second session we focused on counseling families who are impacted by addictions. For session three the guys have suggested that we create an action plan for ministry!

Good Soil Community Center (GSCC)

Good Soil Community Center (GSCC) is a new community center located in a Tai Yuan (Northern Thai) area. The Tai Yuan are the majority peoples in Northern Thailand and historically were the ones who set up the Lanna kingdom. Unlike many of the hilltribes, the Tai Yuan are unreached. Our family helps at the center two times a week. We help develop relationships and teach English during after school programs. I (Jay) have the role of getting to know the community, history, and needs.

Isaan Communities

To our surprise and joy, we have discovered a multitude of Isaan migrants living in CR; also, Isaan migrant communities that have settled in CR over sixty years ago and still function in Isaan language and culture. This discovery has opened opportunities to do some basic ethnographic records in these communities. This gives Jenn and I joy that we are still able to mobilize and work with Isaan peoples while living in CR.

The Lord be with you and keep you!

Jason & Jenn

Moriah, Isobel & Titus

Christmas 2020- On-our-way to Chiang Rai!

Seasons Greetings to our Family & Friends,

 By the time this letter gets to some of you, the holidays will be over and we will be settling in our new house. We are actually writing this letter as we are driving/moving  to Chiang Rai! We pray you had a Spirit filled Advent season and that you are continuing to find your joy and peace in Him alone. Here’s a little recap of this whirlwind of a year!

Kalasin, Thailand (Isaan):  In July of this year, we said good-bye to the area we’ve called “home” for the last several years. We are thankful for the time that God gave us there and also for the confirmation/peace to leave. These rural, unreached areas are often isolated and not easy places to live, but our experiences have taught us much!  We are thankful for technology and that we can still stay in touch with Bethlehem Church, Jason’s Lao student Mike, and our good friends/Thai teammates that are still there.

Chiang MAI Detour:  After not being able to move to Chiang RAI because of the Covid situation, we decided to move temporarily to Chiang MAI with our current foundation. Our kids THRIVED in Chiang Mai as they played with TCK friends and made good Thai friends at church. Jason was able to get in at a Christian English Center where he tutored/ministered to a Thai dating couple.  Because of the Covid situation, we met many Christian workers in CM that are waiting to return to their country of service or home country. We also have many friends still stuck in the States and still unable to return to Thailand. Please pray for these displaced workers/families as they continue to ride this uncertain wave.

Chiang RAI:  With Covid restrictions, we still are unable to change our visas and help out at the international school. However, our foundation found another avenue for us to move to Chiang Rai on our current visa! Jason will be working with The Way Foundation in the meantime. The Way has many projects among Northern Thai peoples. Jason will work at their “Good Soil” Community Center and do some ethnographic research on one of the Isaan groups in a neighboring district. Please pray for us as we start over in this new region!

Family update: Moriah is in 4^th grade and has enjoyed dance and gymnastics this past year. Isobel loves practicing her ninja skills and loves Science. Titus loves dinosaurs, trips to 7-11 and playing with/antagonizing his big sisters.  Jenn continues to homeschool the girls and enjoyed being in an English speaking Bible study while in Chiang Mai.

 Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we serve in Thailand.

Blessings on you and your loved ones!

Jason, Jenn, Moriah, Isobel and Titus

                                       

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

Seasons Greetings 2019

Seasons Greetings to our Family & Friends,

We hope you enjoy this holiday season with thankfulness and joy for what the Lord has done! We are thankful for your prayers, support, and ongoing friendship. Here’s a short update of what’s going on during this Thai Cool Season.

Bethlehem Church:  I (Jason) still teach the adults about once a month and help with Sunday school every week. Tuu (Pastor’s wife) has diabetes which has affected her eyesight. She received eye surgery a few months ago and will have to operate a few more times. She can use a lot of prayer!

Prison: Our FCF team has been able to get into the prison about once per month. The discipleship group has about 6 people, the seekers group has about 20, and the English group that I teach has about 15. I am always able to share a short gospel message after I teach, please pray that my students would become interested!

College: This last semester was the first semester where I was on campus. There was a consistent group that came for a while, but after many interruptions (graduation events, school breaks, travel, etc.), the group has dissolved. One of the students who we call “Mike” will continue to study with me. I am looking forward to seeing what happens during this next semester.

Masters in Pastoral Counseling: Counseling ministry has been on Jenn and I’s hearts for a few years, so we decided that I should pursue an MA in Pastoral Counseling. I’m studying through Liberty University online (part-time) and specializing in Addiction and Recovery. We pray the Lord will use this degree here in Thailand as drug and alcohol abuse is rampant and destroying families.

Family update: Moriah is in the 3^rd grade. She loves dancing and drawing. Isobel is learning to read and loves playing with friends. Titus is a BUSY toddler and loves playing his beloved GUNG (ukulele). Jenn is homeschooling the girls, chasing Titus, and trying to continue language study.

Blessings on you and your loved ones!

Jason, Jenn, Moriah, Isobel and Titus

"For here we have no lasting city..." Homesickness as a cross-cultural mom

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Heb 13:14 ESV)

photo credit: Britney Thompson

Lately, I've felt desperately homesick. Living in a different culture has abundant blessings, but some frustrations remain for me as a mom, functioning in a culture not my own. Although language bit by bit gets better and I have a language plan for myself, my days are pretty busy and my language just isn't developing the way I thought it would. Homeschooling and toddlers are wonderful gifts, but as any mom knows, most of your time is in the home and this can be very lonely.

For Titus's birth, we were in Chiang Mai (a bigger city in Thailand) and a fellow expat laughed at us when we told him how excited we were go to the international school's carnival.  "But sir, you don't understand, where we live..."  The things that we miss are the simple things, watching football scrimmages/games, going to baby showers, free city carnivals, dance classes that are close by, being part of a church community where we can volunteer for things and use our mother tongue, family, etc. You get the idea.

Our struggles might be unique as we live overseas, but I know that everyone is struggling, whether living in your home culture or somewhere else. 

God's Word was my encouragement once again.  

First the author of Hebrews compares the OT system of sacrifices with Christ.  

"We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood."  (13:10-12 ESV)

Then this part. This verse, of course, is not just for missionaries. It's for every believer.  But I resonate with this as a cross-cultural mom, longing for home. 

Verse 12 again. "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (13:13-14 ESV)

These verses provided the humble reminder that this is our calling. Part of our calling is sacrificial; suffering is to be expected. Jesus laid down his life to sanctify the people. My loneliness and frustrations are allowed for His bigger plan, that we might be tools in His hands as He draws people to the ETERNAL city.  

I hope this is encouragement for you in your own life as you sacrifice for Him.  Someday in the near or distant future, the Lord might call us back to the States.  But as it's not our time to go back, I ask for your prayers that we would be patiently in tune with what the Lord is doing and that He would sustain myself and our family in our continued journey here.
  

Please also pray for all the missionaries around the world who would stay for the duration of the course that the Lord has called them to and not leave early!

Today is the Queen Mother's birthday here in Thailand and Mother's Day.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mommies and spiritual moms out there!

Blessings,

Jenn

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."  (13:13-16 ESV)

Seasons Greetings (December 2018 End of Year letter)

Seasons Greetings to our Family & Friends,

We have been Stateside almost 3 months and it has been great to be back in Jenn and I’s “home” culture. Communicating in English, hearing English sermons, Sunday school, nursery, Walmart… these are the things we used to take for granted! We are so grateful to have this time with family, especially during the holidays. It’s been 5 years since we’ve celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas in the States, making them “firsts” for both Titus AND Isobel!

A little recap of our family’s time here: We have been staying with friends in Ephraim, Utah, the town of our sending church, Ephraim Church of the Bible. Our friends have really taken care of us! We were also able to borrow family cars during our time in Utah and California. Our girls were able to take a dance class each and perform in the Christmas recital, they were beyond excited. We spent Thanksgiving with Jenn’s parents in Palm Desert and then a few weeks with Jenn’s brother’s family in Orange County. We were able to spend some quality time with Jenn’s grandmother Ethel (age 93) and great aunts. As many of you heard, Titus developed pneumonia in the month of October so sadly it has limited our time visiting with supporters. But praise God, he is doing well now! We will be spending Christmas this year with the Byers clan in Park City, Utah and we are hoping for a very snowy Christmas.

It has been really good for us to be with the Body of believers over here. By the end of our Stateside time we will have shared at 6 churches in Utah and we’ve been very encouraged.

In 3 weeks we will make the big trip “over the pond” and start our 3^rd term in Thailand. My prayer during our time in the States has been for more people to commit to praying for the Isaan peoples. We want to see more disciples! Would you consider praying for them regularly?

As we are preparing our hearts to say good-bye to family and friends I am reminded of how blessed we are to have such great support here in America and how blessed we are to be in missions. We want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our financial supporters and those that have carried us in prayer.

Blessings on you and your loved ones!

Jason, Jenn, Moriah, Isobel and Titus