CHILDRENS CAMP

Joshua and I helped out at a 'childrens camp' for orphan children in northern Thailand. About one hundred children came from about 8 'childrens homes' to the camp. Most of them are from the 'Red tribe' of the Lahu Hilltribe. The children were mostly aged from 11 to 14 - but some were younger and there were older ones as well.

The time with them really broke my heart as they were so needing love. Every bit of attention we gave them caused them to stick with us like glue.

The different homes sang such beautiful 'songs of worship' that they had been taught.

The boys loved to play games such as 'ping pong', badminton, and soccer.

These children need love - as they have lost loved ones, family, and all they ever knew. Sometimes they would just sit and stare into space - until you smiled at them or spoke to them then their faces would just 'light up'.

Jesus needs to be 'our life'. It takes denying 'our self' and continuing on as Christians through every trial, difficultly, and circumstances. To have Jesus 'shine' through us to the poor, the lonely, and the lost, is what He desires. He lives in us.

When we first arrived at the camp I thought that I wouldn't be able to do all He wanted me to do. But I felt His love for the children - and it flowed so easy - but I had to be willing to be used of Him.

Joshua had so many boys follow him around - and everywhere Joshua went, they went. It truly was good to see the Lord using Joshua.

Blessings,

Mark

Rainbow Trout

Lahu Village

Last month we visited a Lahu Village in northern Thailand with a Christian couple from that village - they were the only Christians from that village.
This was their 'new year festival ' according to the Lahu calender. But the festival involved many worship to demons - spirits who control the land, river, trees, health, etc.
We were there for 4 days - and it was an intense time of praying.
The Lahu have about 20+ tribes: Black Lahu, Yellow Lahu, Red Lahu, Green Lahu, etc. This village was a Yellow Lahu village. Our son Caleb comes from the Red Lahu tribe.
Originally the Lahu came from China but were pushed out over the centuries until they came to Thailand. There are still many Lahu in China. As well, there are many Lahu in Burma - but they face terrible persecution there, where they are put to death.
Reading Lahu is easy as it is in the English alphabet.
Pray for the Lahu to come to Jesus.
We go to a Lahu Baptist Church often - but it is far from our house.

Joseph 6 Months

This week Joseph turned 6 months. What a blessing to see how the Lord has brought him so far. He was in bad shape when we got him - now he is strong and healthy.

Caleb Walks Now

Caleb turned 14 months on March 6th. Now he walks and can go everywhere.

these pictures are of me havesting bananas and holding a home-made rifle in a Lahu village

gunsmithing

Ever since I saw a homemade rifle in a lahu village a couple weeks ago, I have been trying to make my own. The stock I cut out of a board with a machete and the metal parts I heated in a fire until they were red hot and then shaped them.

First Day Blogging

Hi there,

We are the Parsons Family - Diane, my wife is the Mama; Joshua, our 'eldest' son is 14; Caleb, our 'adoption-in-process' son is 13 months; Joseph, our 'unadopted' son is 5 and a half months; and I Mark am the Papa.

This coming May of 2010, we will have served in Thailand for 2 years. Previously, we served for 4 years in Hubei Province of China.

Since this is our 'first day' of blogging, I want to tell a little more about our family. We are from Canada, but both Caleb and Joseph are Thai citizens. Caleb, is from the Lahu tribe which is a minority 'hilltribe' people from China, Burma [Myanmar], and Thailand. Joseph, his mother is maybe from Burma - but we know nothing about his father. We are missionaries in Thailand and also to China. Here are some pictures of Joshua, Caleb and Joseph.

We have just come back from a Lahu village yesterday where we stayed for 4 days. The village is out in the countryside from Mae Chan in North Thailand. Unfortunately, almost the whole village are 'animists' or under the influence of 'demon worship'. They pray to 'spirits' and offer many sacrifices to have protection. They also worship trees, rivers, and many other things.

Pray for the Lahu people.

Thai people are Buddists - they worship the 'image of Budda' who is supposed to protect and bless them for their 'merit' [good works]. As well, Thai people keep 'spirit houses' on their property' to keep peace with the spirits [ghosts and demons] who occupy their land. Every day we come into contact with the Thai people and see their lives without the 'One True God'.

Today, it is very hot - but mostly it is only hot in the afternoons this time of year. Joshua is out raking our yard. Caleb is just up from his nap and Joseph is still sleeping.

Blessings!!

Mark