December 2000

Dear Family in Christ,

I knew you were praying, not only because of the number of questions I have received during this month, asking "How was the camp?" but also in experiencing the grace of God at work in my life and the lives of others at the camp. Thank you.

Our BIT (Bangkok Institute of Theology) students, who are on break during the month of October, had invited me to accompany them in a time of ministry. We participated in a "Power of Love" camp at a Karen village in the hills outside of Chiang Mai (a ten-hour bus ride north of Bangkok). A series of revival meetings, building some Sunday school classrooms, and activities with teens and young adults sounded good. It would help me get better acquainted with the villages from which they come and to which they would one day return to minister. Then I began thinking about my inadequacy with the language (and being the only "farang" (foreigner), the unanswered questions about water, housing, malaria, etc., and no defined role for me). The six days seemed uncomfortably long to be without some personal sense of control over my circumstances. I went looking for a mosquito net, made plans for having my own vehicle and began to think of a schedule of activities and appointments. Then I began to sense that this was not God’s plan for my time. With Carol’s encouragement, I eventually boarded an overnight bus and headed out for Chiang Mai with the same agenda and provisions as our 25 BIT students—minus a lot of understanding, ability and experience about what lay ahead.

At this point, some might be saying, "So what else is new? Isn’t your being in Thailand all part of this journey of being out of control?" And you’re so right! But, after being here for a couple of years, one does begin to find some comfortable niches here and there and venturing out of these, no matter where we are, doesn’t come without some struggle. But, oh the blessings are sweet when we do "Trust in the Lord and not lean on our own insight," for indeed, He does "make our paths straight (secure)" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

The "Power of Love" Camp was a highlight of my month between school terms. It was an opportunity to be in the midst of a God-anointed time of ministry, seeing significant developments and steps of faith occurring in a number of lives. Gifts of ministry became apparent as I observed students and alumni combining their talents, training, and experiences in a powerful blend of ministry. Significant matters were transacted in personal lives and a number of decisions of faith were made. I was especially encouraged to see our students and alumni using their training as a channel of blessing to others. And God more than provided for all of my insecurities and inadequacies—total immersion in Thai, some of the best air, fruits and rice in Thailand, and precious time to concentrate and listen for God’s voice.

I returned to the new term in November with renewed enthusiasm. Through the ministry at BIT we are equipping and sending out valuable laborers for God’s harvest! I also am facing new areas in which I need to trust God as I increase my teaching responsibilities by two courses. One of the courses is evangelism, in which I must use Thai. Thankfully, God has provided M.Div. students, my team leaders, who will assist me in a number of ways. I pray it would be a time not only for equipping practically, but gaining a burden and passion for those who do not know Jesus yet.

Supharang Kay, a first year M.Div student at BIT, joins us on the weekends. She comes to learn and do her field experience at the international church that we attend. We feel like we’ve gained a daughter! Kay is half my age! Please pray for good relationships to develop with our girls and the teens at our church. It is a challenge to relate to teens, but especially cross-culturally.

In other ministries, God is still giving me the privilege to meet weekly with Rattanak, our Cambodian friend. We are now discussing the differences in the Bible and Mormon doctrine. On Sundays before worship, Chamnern and Tawan and I open the Scriptures together. I am seeking to encourage them as they grow in their relationships with Christ.

Thanksgiving was a special time to invite some of our students from BIT and neighbors for an authentic Thanksgiving dinner with American Butterball turkey and all the fixings. It is amazing what is available living in the big metropolitan city of Bangkok. All enjoyed, although some thought the taste was a bit "plak," or strange, without hot peppers, fish, and soy sauce, which are the typical Thai garnishes.

As Christmas season is already here, would you please join us in praying that we would focus on and bring glory to Jesus our Lord, our King, and that we would take opportunities to share the "Good News" that the birth of our King brings? Thank you for standing behind us in prayer!

God’s richest blessings and growth to you in 2001.

With our love and appreciation,

Leith and Carol Fujii

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 171