Newsletter

September 2016

 I greet you from a sopping wet Thailand. It is going very well here but I can not believe it has actually been so long since my previous letter. The main reason for the long delay has been the establishing of the learning center; a big thank you for wonderful help from Ing, our chef, from Ieang our Thai teacher, and from Fiona our English teacher; life skills; my visa mess; we participated in a governmental meeting; we have a new head for the island; and surfing.

We are all in for the rain season here in Thailand - it's raining cats and dogs and scoundrels and goats and water buffaloes! There were a few days that we got more than 100mm and today is one of those days again. It's hard to remember how dry it was here, to the point that our drinking water was nearly totally exhausted before the rain came. I think the rain does something to our South African hearts as we know dry seasons and drought – my heart goes out to all who are waiting for heavenly rain. But wow it is wonderful when every ting grows out of bounds with life-vitality!

It is great to let you know that the learning center is getting on well. Initially it was a rough start but the worst is now behind us. The children that are learning here are progressing so well. All the bigger children can now read and write Thai, and are also progressing well with mathematics. There are few things that are comparable to seeing how the children understand and then run with the work. The Moken language project is also advancing well. There are two woman who are attending this class, helping the children with their translations. We have already translated four bible stories and the children use these to learn how to read Moken. I am really enjoying the translation work and just wish I could spend more time on it.

Ing                                                               Fiona                                                          Leang

We have received wonderful help at the school, in the persons of Ing, Ieang and Fiona. Ing is Saman's wife, with whom I also have a very good relationship. She is our chef and cooks the tastiest food for us! It releases my hands to spend more time in the center. Ieang is our Thai teacher and helps us so nicely. It makes such a big difference to have someone here to help - I don't know how we ever coped without her. She is responsible for the smaller children and they love her to bits. She truly has a heart for the children and we can see the results in them.

Fiona teaches the children English and it is great to hear them speak this language. We have a good laugh every now and again when they swop their words around. But it is not long now before they will speak with ease and will be able to talk to you and other visitors themselves, which means I would not have to be the go-between anymore.

Part of the learning center is also to teach the children life skills. We have a couple of vegetable garden boxes that are doing really well. I teach the children the entire process starting from seed germination, how to look after the seedlings, and then harvesting one day.

 The children also have to give a helping hand to the adults when they return from their daily catch and the nets are full of fish and crabs, thereby learning further skills. We help gut fish right there and then so that the children can see what is inside of it. We also had a volunteer from our island who came to teach the Moken how to knot and weave bangles and necklaces. These are then sold to the tourists. Our future plans include chicken and fish farming, motorbike mechanics, planting of coconut trees and cooking lessons. This can only happen as time allows and resources become available.

There are so many many people who have helped and are still helping, to allow the center to function. I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. This is a big thing that has happened in the Moken's lives and they really appreciate it a lot. It also talks loudly in the Thai community and they take their hats off to us. It took a very long time for the Thai community to respond but they are also now helping us with the Moken where they can. It is truly wonderful to see how many people are touched through this. I also want to thank Father. Without Him I would have given up a long time ago. Unfortunately there are people who are waiting to see when the center is going to close, because not everyone believes in what we are doing here. I have had to chew hard rocks about these processes.

The visa mess. I don't want to say too much about who did or didn't do what, but herewith a brief explanation. I approached an established NGO after the laws changed, to help me with my work permit and consequential visa application. It would have been a simplistic and short process but the paperwork of the NGO was continually wrong. The work permit was concluded after two months of struggle, followed by the visa extension. While that was going on, the NGO's Ranong office called me to come and help them because the immigration police were investigating them and wanted to put them in jail. I had to jump to help them register their dwelling at immigration. So I got my head washed at the same time because things were not in order. And then the NGO's paper work was wrong again. The best of all is that I had to pay the NGO 24 000 Baht for this joke, and write a fifty page report about what I do. Time to look for another NGO.

Then I was again invited this year by the Thai government to attend their meeting in Phuket about the Moken. This time I decided to take Moken people with me, namely Saman and Bago. I also thought to take Ieang with us as she is Thai and from Phuket. And so on the Thursday we first went to home affairs in Ranong to collect their consent letters, which I applied for the previous Monday as the Moken can not legally travel outside of our provincial borders within Thailand. Then we were off to Lotus to buy clothes and shoes so that the two of them were pride-ready for the meeting. After the long haul we arrived safely and was greeted by all the familiar faces. At the beginning of the meeting we each were asked to introduce ourselves. Big was the chairman's surprise because he couldn't believe that I could actually talk and understand Thai so well. But poor Saman and Bago, they could not utter a word. The meeting was well worth it because the government is truly helping the Moken by drafting new laws applicable to all the minority groups in Thailand. They read/showed us the new legislation and I was really impressed by it. This government is still here for its people and I take my hat off to them. I had a good chuckle because every time I spoke the chairman had a comment to make. He wanted to know everything about me and how long I have lived in Thailand. When he heard just eight years, he couldn't believe it, because how come could I speak such good Thai?! After the meeting all the governmental officials walked past us and greeted us. When it was the chairman's turn he wanted to know from where I was. He joked and said if I said from Thailand he would've believed me (and laughed loudly at his own joke). Somebody mentioned that I was struggling with my visa after which he said that he will see how to help me. It is truly wonderful to give all the glory to Pappa for this. I remember very well how the dear language-helper said to me in all honesty that I need to consider the possibility that I may never hear and thus talk the language - but then Pappa's reassurance that I would be able to talk the language as well as the Thai people themselves .... and now after eight years Pappa's words are true. Pure goose bumps!

Then there was an election on our island to choose a new head for the island. Here are only five Moken that have the right ticket-credentials to vote. I had to keep it and only give it to them on the morning of the voting day. The name of the new head of the island is Oed and he is a very pleasant man and I get along with him very well. At the start of his reign the entire island got flue. One of the children got it at the government school and brought it to the Moken village so just about everybody got sick. Luckily I didn't get it that bad but a lot of people were sick for more that two weeks. I used up a whole year's medicine in one month. It's going quite well now although there are still one or two that are sick.

In the middle of all of this the surfing bug really got a good bite on us! Gratefully I am also coming right nicely. The children are much faster learners and comfortable on the boards, in and out of the sea! We are a big crowd that goes surfing as I also got the adults involved. I like teaching them too. We are out wave hunting just about every second day. It is excellent exercise and the competition is on between surfing and soccer. The children are still doing very well with the soccer and have been invited to attend a surfing competition on the 8^th October. It's really great fun to ride the waves.

It was very nice to tell our story to you. I believe that it is a blessing to you too. Again I thank each of you who are making it possible for us to be on this side of the world. To be part of Pappa's special redeeming Kingdom amongst the sea gypsies is a roller coaster adventure. It is truly an unique and a major privilege to be here as a servant of our Lord Jesus.

Much love and peace to you,

Love,
In Pappa, Philip อำนาจ

April / May 2016

Nobody said that life is easy or without problems, whether we believe or not, there comes a time when things go wrong. What makes a difference though, is that we who believe in Him, have Somebody that stands with us in these difficult times, even carrying us. And we call Him Abba Pappa! With this I greet you from a scorching Thailand. It is as if time nearly doesn't exist, that's how fast everything is going by. In the meantime we had our annual cashew nut festival; the Van Tonder family was here; COC conference; island meetings; an orphanage visited us; Moken election; we visited Ban Santisoek; education center; team building and Ieang; and Chanab.

As always we celebrate the cashew nut festival this time of the year on the island. Its a very busy time of planning and organising the work load but in the end, most enjoyable. Some of the Moken children entered the dance competition again and also had a great time.

The highlight is definitely the pole wrestling that the boys go for with great zest. As they are getting older the challenge becomes also bigger. They do their utmost to stay as long as possible on top but sooner or later they hit the water with big shouts and smiles – this is life man!

What a privilege it was to have Kobus, Hanneke and Christof van Tonder here by us on the island. It is always a huge gifting and pleasure to have friends as well as co-brothers and sisters here by us. We visited so nicely and could share our hearts with each other. They also helped to get the education center together and broke a proper sweat for that. I was also thankful that it wasn't to hot when they were here. It is wonderful to see how Father actively participates in their lives and how fiery they are to walk with Him. Thank you guys for a wonderful time here with us!

COC (Christian Outreach Center) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that is helping me in Thailand with my visa and work permit. They had their annual conference to which they invited me and oh man, was it nice to be with fellow believers for two, three days! We were encouraged to hold on, hang in and continue with that which God called us to. The main speaker said that the only one who fails is the one who gives up prematurely. Then Pappa Father gave us something of His dream, namely that we must get up and go fully for that which He showed us. If we are just going to sit waiting for Him, we are going to wait a very along time. I realised again that our Father is busy with big things on the earth as well as here in Thailand. We can only give Him all the honor and praise, and give it again.

And so I was invited to many meetings here on the island. The first one was a meeting where the law-writers of Thailand came to visit us. They wanted to have more information about the Moken people. Afterwards they handed food parcels to each Moken household. The second meeting was with the government about the half completed bridge here over the tidal river. Again I took a group of Moken with me and I was also given a speaking chance on the podium. Beforehand I met with the Moken and thus could translate their hearts desires and requests to the government officials. After a while it started to dawn on me that I would be kept very busy if I attend all these meetings and continue to speak on behalf of the Moken. Then I saw it was the right time for the Moken to stand up for themselves. And so after one Sunday service I invited them to start thinking about who they would like to represent them. Sometime later we attended yet another meeting during which the local authorities informed us that the government was trying to organise citizenship for the Moken and how to fast track the process. Accordingly, in three months time a special group of people will be sent to Ranong to advance the process. With this I was given a heap of homework to gather in all the necessary information. It sounds do-able but in reality I have been busy with this task for a couple of years already.  

 We had the huge privilege to be visited by an orphanage from the Pang Ngaa province. Mark Hawaii and his wife Dorien are the guardian-helpers at Ban Santisoek. We have built a very good relationship over the last years and it was a feast to have all their children here by us. We swam and fished, dived and laughed and then some more. We decided to not make it too long as we are quite secluded here on the island. They stayed over for two nights and because it went so well, thought of doing it again in the future. And as always, it was far too quickly over and they all returned home. Good relationships were forged and our children already miss them a lot. And so they invited us to go and visit them while it was still school holidays.

Just after they left the Moken got together for an election since they nominated seven people to represent them. It was yet another interesting experience. At first they were very shy and scarce but as soon as the first ones came to draw their crosses, just about all of the rest appeared. After the votes were counted, four people were appointed – they are Wieny, Joe, Joen and Bago. Afterwards we also had our first meeting as I had to prepare them for their first public meeting, which was going to be without me. Their first test was whether they wanted electricity in the Moken village or not. I'm so glad to say that they pitched up and attended the meeting, deciding that they wanted these amenities and communicated it to the authorities. I can only give all the glory to Pappa because it is He who brought them to a point of courage to decide and speak for themselves.

I then left for my own short visa-run in Burma and on my way back dropped in at domestic affairs in Ranong, to apply for permits in order to take the Moken children outside of our province. The first reaction from the office was that it can't be done. I showed them the invitation letter from Ban Santisoek Orphan to visit them and was referred to their head. Because I often complete so many Moken forms, he and I recognised each other straight away and he greeted me friendly. He asked for as much info as possible from each child as well as a photo of each. Luckily I had a bunch with me and for the rest I called Chanab, who sent me pictures on her cell phone from the rest of the children on the island. Three days later I had all the consent forms in my hand. So Sunday morning early we were on the boat to Ranong with ten children and Saman to help me. Initially we decided to only stay two nights but could change if we wanted to as we were invited till Friday. A group of volunteers from Hawaii was also there facilitating a soccer camp for the children. It was so nice to get there and greet all the familiar faces from the previous visit. As always the children were shy at first but not long afterward, they were playing a donkey off its hind legs. Monday morning early we went to the beach where Mark Hawaii showed the boys how to surf. At first they were scared and you guessed it, shy. And then, you guessed it, there was no stopping them! On the second try they were up on the board and surfing man!

After a quick wash and breakfast, there was soccer and more soccer. Later on we surfed again, caught crabs, and played soccer on the beach. The Hawaii helpers were really wonderful with the children and their actions were backed up with a beautiful message throughout. The children enjoyed it so much that we decided to sleep over another night. A BIG THANK YOU to Mark Hawaii and Dorien for a most wonderful time! The children enjoyed it so very much and made such good friends.

Thus far, one of the biggest projects I ever undertook in the Moken village has been the education center. Even though the boys are helping me, right from the word go the progress has been very very slow. Its taking so very long that when the official school started, the work was still not done. At this point I also want to thank Mark Hawaii because he truly helps me with just about everything. He not only helps me with physical things but supports me and gives excellent advise. He is truly a pillar of strength that helps me through a lot, a friend in a million. I don't know if I would have coped here without him.

 

Fiona, who has been on the island for a couple of years now, was also here to help beautify the one classroom with her helpers.

She is our English teacher even though she is Australian. In the meantime we are using the one room to teach all our children. We are also endeavouring to give the school children one cooked meal per day and had to hire a local lady to help us with this. Her name is Ing (Saman's wife). We are not sure if this is sustainable as the finances needed are not available yet. When the children were attending the government school they received at least one meal every day, and for most it was the only meal. As I understood from Papa there are great plans for the center and so I can invite anybody who believes the Lord has called them to get involved. The vision is not only to transfer head knowledge but also to acquire necessary skills such as raising chickens and selling them, to start and run a small shop, cultivating vegetables and plants, fixing of motorbikes, and a whole lot more. As always it requires willing and blessed people's sacrifice of skills, time and money. I hope with all my heart that people from all over would like to get involved with the projects. For the South Africans there will be another opportunity this year to join a group that my sending cell will be inviting. But for now the focus is on the center and from there the grassroots for the projects will come.

To build a team here for the deployment of a long term kingdom vision, requires people to hear Father God's voice to be here short or long term. Since the Kwok family's departure, we have been looking out for team mates and so it came that a Thai Christian woman was recommended to meet me. I invited her to come and look at what we do so that she could help the girls. She is also a volunteer like me and her name is Ieang. We pray that she will have the strength to overcome the challenges as it is not easy living here. But we also know that if she is called by the Lord that she will be able to hold out, hang in, keep cool and keep heart.

And then something about Chanab. She is very well. I received feedback from the institution where she is staying and they talk highly of her. She truly adapted well and is doing very well at school. There was a time she didn't want to continue her schooling but has since been talking of studying up till grade twelve. She is one of the children we are supporting financially so that she can attend high school in Ranong. I see her regularly and she tells me she is very happy. Thank you Papa that You are looking so nicely after our child in Ranong.

And again another opportunity for me to thank each and every one of you for who you are and what you do for us here. Just know that I am here because you are making it possible for me. Just know that He who it is all about, sees each heart and stands by you, blessing you. May you truly grow in His love and grace alone.

Much love, in Pappa,Philip อำนาจ

February 2016

 Can it already be the second month of the new year?! Apparently time doesn't stand still because so much has happened to you and us since my last newsletter. In the meantime we were on TV again; the new vegetable garden; many birthdays; I visited South Africa; and I'm back in Thailand with a big bang; playing soccer is big; and the school system. I would like to share with you the news on my side, so sit back and enjoy the letter.

One warm morning I received a call from a Thai lady that wants to know where I am. She says she quickly wants to come and talk to me. 20 minutes later a couple of motorbikes stop at the school and say they want to interview me for about half an hour. Well, a whole two days later the TV crew departed and we could breathe freely again. They and all their cameras and stuff shadowed us in and around the house, to school, on the boat, everywhere. Most of the children didn't like it one bit. A few weeks later the big day arrived – I got a call from the broadcast corporation that the program was going to be screened that same afternoon. Well, this time the Moken children enjoyed it a lot more to see themselves on TV!

About two years ago I started a small vegetable patch behind my house. That time we tried to teach the Moken about planting vegetables but they were not the least interested. With this little patch I tried to get the children interested in the whole idea of planting vegetables themselves. And the vegetables grew very nicely. Every day when we came back from school the children would run to the patch to see what was growing. Often they would simply pick and eat. But I made sure the patch remained small enough to supply just enough for the house because I had a plan.

 So there is enough for the children to taste but not for everybody. And then, about three months ago I heard the words “we also want to plant vegetables”. O man. I then made an agreement with the children that if they help me nicely, we can also build them a vegetable garden so that I can teach them how to cultivate vegetables. With this plan and some savings we made new vegetable boxes. It was a big effort to bring the soil and nutrients in as nothing grows on the sand. It is truly wonderful to see how hard they try to make the plants grow!

 December is birthday time here by us. The old Moken ways don't keep record of their children's birthdays and so it came that first Wood (you know him as Khay Dam) and then Tine could choose their birthdays. We celebrated both their 13^th birthdays together before I left for South Africa. We had such a good laugh because out of the fridge the cake was melting faster that we could take pictures, sing or eat it! Of course the children are also growing up very fast so it is a huge privilege to still spoil them. Then I also had the privilege to celebrate my 40^th birthday with family and friends during my visit to South Africa. Thank you everybody for making it such a special time for me!

 So to those of you that missed me, I was in South Africa for five weeks during December and January. The decision to come happened very fast because of the things that tie me down as well as everything that is busy happening at the school. I thought it best to get away from the stuff here as it could help me get a better perspective from afar. And then it was my birthday and Christmas. Then before I knew it I landed in South Africa – what a shock! I must say that I was not quite ready for everything that is busy happening in South Africa. But with all the love of family and friends it turned out to be a very pleasant and blessed together-time. We really visited nicely! There was also time to talk to people about what is happening here which in itself was a platform of sorts to obtain solutions for my current situation. In the end the one thing I didn't do was rest enough. When I left I had to take time out back in Thailand to recharge my batteries otherwise I would certainly not have survived it here.

 But just as I began to adapt nicely in South Africa, I found myself back in Thailand. O boy but did my body get a shock of note. The heat was just too rough. It weighed on me like a lead blanket; I perspired like a free flowing fountain. And then the exhaustion took me down with a big bang. But there was no time to rest because the children didn't go to school while I was away and this had to be sorted out. At the same time there was a huge soccer event to which the Moken boys were invited to play in a team. So I pressured myself to carry on and on until I realised that my passion for being here was busy fading. At first I ignored it until I got to the point that I couldn't face the music anymore. Slowly I investigated my heart and found that I was totally fed up with all the problems here, and they were not even my problems. Half shocked at what I saw, I went to sit at His feet only to find an instruction to rest. So off I went to rest by myself and slept for two days. I don't think I have ever slept that much in one go. By the time I surfaced everything was working again.

I must say I learn a lot here and especially one thing – even though some don't like to talk about it. It is that place of humility and dependency on Pappa. It is a place where we can choose to live as always weak, where we are not in control, a place of total dependency on Him. It is a place where we are constantly aware who we are without Christ, but also who He is through us. It is not a nice place to be but more and more I realise it is the only place we are supposed to be. As soon as we move out of that place we become full of ourselves and think we are able to do His thing. But I see that through our best efforts only frustration and sorrow follows. I am learning that there is a principle of loosing power-control when bad things happen to us – and that is precisely where Pappa can come through. When I am weak Pappa works but when I am strong, pain and death follows.

Enough said of that. I was scarcely back when I received a call from my friend Angkaan, asking if the Moken boys wanted to come and play soccer. There were five boys who were willing to play and the rest to accompany us as we left for Ranong to attend the event. The smaller three boys played under 9B and the bigger two under 13A. But what a gas and what fun. The smaller boys had us in stitches because they would kick the ball with all their might for it would just roll forward a bit. Then they kick it with even more might just to totally miss it and fall themselves into a total injury. The tears were rolling as we were laughing and cheering the lot on. The bigger boys really played well. Their team finished 4^th overall even though they could easily have done better. As the last game kicked off, their opponents scored an easy goal as our goally suddenly had to relieve himself.... ag shame I felt so sorry for the boy. Never mind, I am so very proud of the boys and that made the outing so enjoyable.

One of the reasons why I had to visit South Africa had to do with the school here. For a while now things have been derailing more and more for the Moken children. We have yet another headmaster and all the good old teachers have been replaced by new ones. Every time I talk, explain and help but they don't seem to hear. The agreement has always been that the school would teach the Moken to read and write and learn maths. But since they implemented TV education, it's not happening with the result that the Moken are failing and falling behind. An ugly thing that has taken root is that the teachers are bad mouthing the Moken, negatively influencing the other children not to play with them, all the while coming down hard on them. I had to leave the school eventually as I couldn't stand it anymore. Not long after that the scandal on the island was how bad I am. I don't let that affect me but I feel so sorry for the children. The more the teachers push the children, the more they behave like gypsies, the worse the teachers react. All that is left after the beatings, the cursing and the shouting is silent fits and low self esteem. Eventually the children began running away and now don't want to go to school anymore. It is with this issue that I came to look for perspective in South Africa and thank the Lord, found help. For us, home schooling is an option as I am already tutoring the children to read and write either in school or at home when doing home work. At first the school was positive but had a Uturn kickback. This too is in Pappa's hands as we are doing everything to stay as close to His heart as we can. We realised that many of the Moken will return to their boats and their cultural way of life after their schooling. Maybe there is a better way to help them prepare for what lies so closely to their hearts. 

Then I have a wonderful friend here in Thailand. I call him Mark Hawaii because there are many other Marks we all know. He and his wife are missionaries at a Thai orphanage in the south. While I visited South Africa, he and a friend came to install a water pump that replaced my old peddle-the-bicycle-method. Hey guys, this has made my life so much easier and my household much more manageable. Thank you and thank you again Mark and team! Thank you that you come and help regularly and support me here. You are a wonderful pillar of strength and inspiration, a true friend in Christ.

Again I want to thank each one of you for all your love and prayers and supportive care. Please remember that you are as much part of what we do here as we are. May you also experience the love and closeness of our Heavenly Father as we do here in love and loss.

Much love and peace to you,

In Pappa, Philip อำนาจ

September 2015

 There are not enough words to describe the passing of time - in a flash, a moment, quickly or perhaps just busy. Sjoe, I can't believe it has nearly been three months since I wrote my last newsletter. I greet you with a lot of love in our Lord, here from a wet and humid Thailand. It's raining cats and dogs; and if it isn't raining we cook from the heat; there are now 9 boys staying with me at a time; therefore we had to change our sleeping place; in between all of this the bicycle-water pump broke again; two beloved teachers bid us farewell; a wonderful YWAM conference; and the ongoing visa saga.

It started raining later than normally this year but once it started, it rained cats, dogs and then some more. Every year I am amased at the rain. I can't fathom where all the water comes from. Thailand and its neighbouring countries, have been flooded a couple of times already this season. When it rains, it cools everything down and we sleep so nicely but the moment it stops..... it is simply boiling hot. The world literary steams up so that it looks like mist. You can't make a movement without being soaked. I laugh because in this heat the children play soccer and run around; they only come and tell me now and again that its hot.

This year is quite a tough one, with the result that the Moken parents all go out to sea and fish during the rainy season. They then leave their boys with me to take care of them. There are up to 9 boys between the ages of 6 and 13 years. It is very nice and I enjoy each one of them but I had to also adjust to care for all of them. The smaller ones long for their mothers for two or three days but then they play together and thats that. Sometimes they don't want to go home when the parents return. The one boy said, with tears in his eyes, that he is going to go to bed hungry again. I feel so very sorry for them but then this is the Moken life.

Since there are so many boys who moved in with me and are staying on, the sleeping deck was just not large enough in the end. Also with the hot weather we were sweating heavily and sleeping space was simply not enough. Gratefully there was spare money and so we got on the boat one weekend, off to buy wood in Ranong. I laughed because the boys that have been with me the longest knew something good was going to come from this; but the more recent boys refused to believe it because it was just wooden pieces. I planned properly so that the wood was pre-cut to my measurements. After the boys helped me carry the wood into the house, we screwed the pieces together. Great was their surprise when a bed appeared from the planks. We had such a good laugh because nearly all the boys fell off their beds during the night! I must say the beds were a brilliant idea and we are all sleeping much better. Three of the smaller boys still sleep together but the rest have their own beds.

In the middle of all of the busyness and managing logistics, the bicycle-waterpump decided to give the ghost. We already replaced the bicycle when the Enrieus visited us in May, so this was truly a proper unpredictable mess. All the Moken school boys come to wash at my house each night and every day all their school clothes are washed, food is cooked and dishes washed. So we had to walk to the well and wash everything there. But it was wonderful to see how something bad turned into an adventure for the children. The last bicycle totally rusted off and this time we had to demolish the cement block with hammers. I had a different plan and was off to Ranong to have a triangle made. Luckily there were a number of old bicycles at the school laying around rusting. I asked for one and so put a new pump together. Thankfully it works very well! There is a fresh appreciation from the children since the new bicycle water pump's arrival.

Then I was invited to the bi-annual YWAM conference here in Thailand. It was quite grand, accompanied with the best food- a combination of good Thai and good Western food in abundance. The best surprise was to meet so many South Africans there! We decided to all share a table together with the result that we joked non stop. We visited, talked and did it all over again – it was a feast. We also decided to keep contact and since then two of the salted missionaries have already been to visit me on the island. It was really wonderful to talk a lot of Afrikaans. We became good friends in no time at all.

The conference as a whole was very nice. I was impressed that so many Thai people have joined YWAM. The entire conference was bi-lingual and gave me a lot of hope for what is happening in Thailand. They teach them not to only do business for themselves but also for the Kingdom. Many testified that they have more that one shop and use the first shops' income for their own family. They then give the income of the second, third or even fourth shop towards missions. Their entire heart is sold out for God and what He is doing in the nations. For the first time I see people who understand the Lord's economy better than us. It was truly a privileged to see the faith and zeal of the Thai people.

With sorrow we said goodbye to two of our beloved teachers. The school children were sobbing when they left. Khru Taa left to return to her own province in Isaan and although we are happy that she is close to her home and family again, we will miss her dearly. Then Khru Deang left to become an acting school master – he was already here when I started attending school. He helped the Moken children with great care and was a true mainstay. He is not that far away on the mainland and he plans in the future to return as headmaster to the island – we hope with all our hearts it will materialise one day.

Man, the STAMP missionaries are struggling with their visas. It is nearly 5 years and we still don't have a proper visa solution in place. In the meantime the government has closed in on the foreigners and many have left the country already as a direct result of stricter law enforcement. STAMP, as a Malaysian organisation, is now planning to start their own NGO in Thailand that could hopefully assist us with a long term visa solution. But it takes a long time to register a NPO. After that it takes between 2 to 6 months to obtain permission from the government to issue a foreigner with a visa. In the meantime it became necessary for me to apply for a visa through another mission's company – an introduction through the very same South Africans. We pray and hope that they will decide to allow me to be part of their company; my application has already been sent in - so I am currently waiting to hear from them.

Then it is school exams again followed by school holidays. I can't wait and hope that this time it is a real holiday so that I can rest, plant vegetables, catch fish, enjoy the children, and do all those smaller things with no pressure.

Many many thanks for all your prayers and love and support. Know that I can only be here because you stand behind me. With all the things that are happening in the world and all the uncertainty and unpredictability, we can only trust in Him. In spite of the massive weakening of the Rand, there is still provision by His grace and His children's faithfulness to extend and support His Kingdom – in other words I am still here. We can only give Him the praise and glory – He that everything is about. He is truly faithful and totally in control even though it doesn't always feel like that. Hope that you also experience His love and presence like we do here.

With much love and peace to you

In Pappa

Philip อำนาจ

May/June 2015

People, what a privilege! There are not enough words to describe the awesome privilege we have that others can be touched by us simply living out Father's love. I greet you with the love of the One Who it is all about from a wet, hot and very busy Thailand. In the end I didn't have a proper vacation; what a feast to have had Mark and Paulien here; the faith of children; we reached a crossroads; the new bridge progresses; and what is happening with STAMP.

In my last newsletter I mentioned that the long awaited vacation eventually arrived but little did I know that I would need a holiday after my 'vacation'. I just got back from my visa-run and the first baby was born. The problem was that neither the mother or father had legal documents which meant that the baby could not be registered within the prescribed 14 day period after birth. I was still busy with the registration process when the undertaking to care for all the sick and faint fell squarely upon me. It was the beginning of the end – I was nearly like a 24 hour ambulance between the island and Ranong, between the hospital and the harbour. In between all of this I received the shocking medical results that the Moken village on the island is a TB stricken area as more than 10% of the population suffers with TB. By the time I came round it was time to depart for Bangkok to meet up with the Enrieu's. Where did my holiday disappear to?!

The week we (Khay Dam, Tine and myself) spent with Mark and Paulien in Bangkok was wonderful. We spent a day at a water and rides park, went to the movies, visited the aquarium, bought stuff and rode a train. The two teenagers also enjoyed it a lot. We laughed because as brave as they are at sea and on the island, so scared were they of all the challenging rides at the park.

I enjoyed visiting with Mark and Paulien so much. It was a feast to have them here on the island as well. When school started, supper was ready every night. This meant that after coming home and doing homework, we could relax and visit till late. It was all over just too quickly

Father is amazingly wonderful! He teaches me the whole time in what it means to live with Him. One night in deep conversation with Him, I experienced His love and His closeness. In my mind I knew that I could ask Him anything and He would give it to me. I was quite moved because my deepest heart's desire is only one thing and that is Him. But I knew it was not what He meant. The moment after I let my thoughts go I saw how we struggle on the island with the motorbike and without a vehicle on the mainland. I laughed and asked out loud if I am allowed to ask such things!? The next morning I chatted to the boys because I wanted to hear what they thought, will Father give it to us? Without any hesitation Khay Dam answered, for sure He will. He caught me half off guard because in my heart there was doubt but not a drop in this boy's heart. I then gave the request through to my sending cell and talked about logistics, prices etc. It was not quite two weeks and both the motorbike and the utility vehicle was accounted for. The best was to hear the children say “I told you that Pappa will give it to us”. Hey guys, up till today I can't thank each and every one of you enough for helping us so kindly here. It is indescribable to live out His love here!

Because there was time, we could spot the crossroad. It became clear in our conversations that I am not able to manage here on my own. There are simply just too many things that happens here constantly, for one person to catch it all. It is clear that the scope of the service could only be maintained if there were more people willing to come and help on a long term basis. It is wonderful when groups come and complete major tasks, but on a day to day basis things are getting too much. Was it not for Pappa's love and His hands here the whole time, I would have already been gone from here a long time ago.

If you haven't visited us here on the island yet, you might not have the privilege to cross the tidal river the adventurous way. Last year they started construction of the bridge that will connect the Moken village to the rest of the main routes on the island, and they are still busy. In the meantime we still cross the river with the aim to get out dry on the other side and be in time for school. These days Saman helps us when he is not out at sea. I suspect the bridge will bring big changes about. Of course it will be much easier and save a lot of time if we can cross the river by driving the bike-bus over it on our way to school. We might just be in time for school!

Then something that lies close to my heart - STAMP (Strategic Missions Partnerships), our previous team's former missions company. For a while now I have been in conversation with Peter Shankar and I am so glad and excited to let you know that all of our differences have been laid aside. We have also agreed to work together here on the island. I'm looking forward to seeing him again at the end of June when he brings a Malaysian group here for a short visit. I trust and believe that it will be the beginning of a long term relationship through which we can live out God's love to all the people involved.

My heart runs over when I think of everybody who is part of what Pappa is doing here among the people. Thank you that you are all part of it and that you strengthen our hands and feet to be here. In the meantime go and hear and see from Father if you are not also called to live out His love among the people here?

Much much love and peace to you,

In Pappa,

Philip อำนาจ

April 2015

 Sjoe what a wonderful year! Time flies as usual and we are just as busy as in the past. I hope that the first quarter of your year has been full of love and grace from our Father and that you are also looking forward to another quarter of His love, peace and grace. The children wrote exams; Chanab is going to high school; another teacher leaves the school; we had the cashew nut festival, another TV crew came to visit us; and Jon and his family came to visit.

My mom always said she wrote our exams with us and boy, did I study and sit for the exams this last term. What made it so difficult was that a lot of the questions were on work the children were never even taught during the year. At one time I felt very angry towards the school but that is how they do things here in Thailand. I just felt so sorry for the children that tried so very hard but faced an exam they could not make head or tails of. It is such hard work to motivate the children so they can believe in themselves that they can also do it and then be stumped when they get there. However, the good news is that they have all passed except for a pre-school girl that we decided to keep back for another year.

In the new school year that starts in May, for the very first in Moken history, there is a child that finished primary school on the island and that will go to high school in Ranong. Chanab is very excited because she did very well. If you remember there were children who in the past, were taken to the orphanage in Ranong and placed in primary and high school. I looked everywhere for a place for her to stay but in the end she decided she will also board at the orphanage. All her friends from the island are there and so she will also go to the same school as them.

After we spoke to the high school principal, she had to write an entry exam that she passed very well and was then enrolled. In the meantime the head of the orphanage let me know that they will be closing the facility within the next 6 to 7 years and will therefore not take in any new children. They took Chanab on but only if we pay for her expenses.

 So here is a new challenge for us because the children are growing up and in two years time the next island-child will be ready to go to high school and where are they going to stay? Sjoe it is true that the field is ripe with the harvest but where are those who must gather in the harvest? This brings us to the tuition fees. What are we going to do with those children who would like to study further? Chanab would like to become a teacher so that she can come to the island and teach here but studying is expensive. Thus we have decided to start a study fund for the Moken so that we can start to save so that it would be possible for those who do want to study further. The need and challenge to start up a household where the children can stay while they attend high school is a real possibility. Please pray for volunteers with open hearts and willing hands that see their way to be around a group of teenagers in a foreign country, in a foreign language and a foreign culture.

We are heart sore to say goodbye to the last of the teachers who started here before I came to the island. Khru Deang is a gem of a mainstay and we all love him very much. He had to write an exam in order to go to another school and achieved first place from about 40 candidates who participated (only 20 passed). His plan is to study further and qualify as a headmaster so that he can return to Koh Phayam within the next 3 years. We miss him already and hope to see him back here as school master. Since he left the headmaster of Koh Sinhay oversees our school and I must say, it is very nice because everything is going like clock work. We are looking forward to work with her next school year. By the way, Thailand has its new year's celebration between 14 – 16 April which is called Songkran or 'water festival.' - this is why I keep on talking about the new year.

This time of the year the cashew nut trees are bearing abundantly and one can eat of the fruit everyday if you are used to it. And so we had the cashew nut festival on the island which we always enjoy very much and did so again this year. Soccer is always on the agenda and next year the Moken said they want to enrol their own team. Then there is pole-climbing and pole-fighting which is very popular. A lot of the Moken boys participated in pole-fighting and did we laugh! They give one swipe and then the other boy falls in the water. Some of the Moken girls performed cultural dances on the first night and they were so pretty. This time a lot more people helped which also made the whole thing more enjoyable. Afterwards the organisers gave me a bottle of red wine from France and it was very nice! I hope to also have some of you at our festival one day. Believe me it is very different to what we are used to yet very enjoyable.

Then there came a group that donated a bundle of books to the Moken as well as to the school. We left to take the books to my house and upon our return, there was a TV crew from Channel 3 waiting for us. Off to the village again so that they could talk to the Moken and big was my surprise when they all didn't flee and disappear into thin air – even the children spoke nicely. They said the program will be aired in April and that they will send us a copy of the broadcast. Can't say it was enjoyable.

 Some good news is that Jon and his family came to visit us. They were nearly 4 months in Malaysia and will settle now in Phuket so that their daughters can go to school there. I am also negotiating with STAMP (Strategic Missions Partnership) again after we all went our own way. We pray and believe that one day we can all work together again in unity. We trust and hope that Jon and his family will adjust well in Phuket and that they will also fully fulfil their calling there.

It is truly wonderful for me to share with you that it is really going very well with the gathering of the Moken church. We get together every Sunday night and tell Jesus stories (parables). It is very nice – the children and grown-ups alike sing their hearts out. The older children also gather in my house every Tuesday and Thursday nights for bible study.

 The other day the children also helped me to open the well. You won't believe what came out of it.....! Afterwards we placed a very heavy lid over it so that it cannot be opened easily.

The the time has come to replace my dear motorbike because it is breaking constantly with little time in-between to fix it. It catches us especially in the mornings when we are trying very hard to be on time for school. Then big and small have to walk to school otherwise we will never get there.

  Then a group came to help install a pump so that the water can be filtered for drinking and cooking. It really helps a lot and believe me, everybody smells much better because the water is cleaner. It also helps a lot to prohibit the spreading of worms.

There is so much that's happened and I wish I had the time to write it all down. I think it is better if you come and see for yourself!

Once again I thank each of you that is involved here. Know that without you the work here cannot happen. It is truly a huge privilege to make a difference in the people's lives here.

May you also experience the peace and love of Father that we are blessed with here. And may you also prosper and grow in His love.

With love and blessings to you

In Pappa

Philip อำนาจ

January (2558) 2015

 What a privilege to write another newsletter knowing that our God lives! I greet you from Buddhist Thailand with joy and a steadfast reassurance in our Saviour and our Father, who is the Almighty God, Creator of all things. May this year be a year in which we grow deeper and closer to our indescribable God, Father, Lord, Redeemer, Comforter, the One who shows the way, and with the Holy Spirit.

So there, my year has neither started nor ended. The main reasons being that Christmas isn't really commemorated here and that the new year celebrations (Songkran) are still coming in April. Recently we were visited by a group 'The Plan' to help with registering the Moken; a birthday was celebrated for the first time; the bigger kids went to Ranong for a camp; I had another visa-run; yet another group came to help the Moken; and a Moken woman passed away.

One day a group arrived from Chang Mai 'The Plan' to come and help with the registration of the Moken. It is a very good plan but also a difficult one. Each person in the village is interviewed to find out who their grand parents were and who their parents. The joke is that most of the Moken don't know - as a lot of them were not raised by their own parents. They have no idea how old they are and where they were born as they move around a lot. All of a sudden there are only two or three that know anything and they become the daily target to extract information from for the entire day. On top of that the people were vague as to the specific information they wanted. I had to spend many hours after they left just to hear that it was not the appropriate data. We will just have to wait and see if anything comes from it.

It is our Western culture to celebrate our birthday each year and sometimes we even feel a bit down if people forget our special day. But did you know that many other cultures don't do it and that there are people who have never had the opportunity? It is also the case with the Moken – they have never even thought about it. But once when Jon's children had a birthday party, Khay Dam, one of the boys who lives with me, said he also wanted to have a birthday. I then said he had to choose a day in the year and he chose my birthday.

So this year it worked out nicely as the school closed the Friday and we could leave to go to Ranong. In the morning I I first attended a farewell get-together for one of the teacher's Woed, who had accepted a transfer to another school. I then went cake hunting and searching for presents. I could see it didn't make a very big impression on Khay Dam, until we started to light the candles on the cake.... All of a sudden there was anticipation and brand new joy lighting up this little guy's face! He was so excited he didn't manage to blow out the candles! The sparkle, the happiness, the glee on this child's face was unbelievable! He came to thank me most probably a 100 times. I think it was one of my best birthdays ever. There is no money in the world that can buy those precious moments. Wow, it was truly so amazing!

 Then the 'The Plan' invited the older kids to a camp in Ranong. With great excitement I accompanied five of the island's children on a ski boat to Ranong. When we got there the Moken children from the orphanage were also there but not long after that the children were in tears. They said they were there a previous time and didn't enjoy it at all. But after they saw their friends and family things settled for a while. I enjoyed the camp very much as it was all about children's rights and what the law in Thailand stipulates about children. I learned a lot but sorry to say the kids didn't enjoy it at all. My heart was very sore when I looked at the orphanage children. There is a rebellion among them and they just do enough not to get into serious trouble. It didn't take long for this vibe to transmit over to our children but luckily we only slept over one night.

 And then it was time again for me to go for my three month visa-run to Malaysia. It was a lovely time and I met up with Jon and his family in Penang. His two daughters are enjoying the school very much together with all their friends. Alayssa is very excited as there are Thai children in school to whom she can speak. Denna is now a beautiful grown up girl and is doing very well. The family is coming back to Thailand at the end of March and will settle in Phuket where the children will go to school. It was wonderful to see all my friends again, visiting together and sharing hearts. Pappa has truly brought me together with a group of people to experience His love. It is always a joy to go there and be welcomed and made to feel at home.

I was barely back on the island when another group arrived here to also came and help the Moken. This time it was a group of students that wants' to record the Moken's history. It was so nice to listen to all their stories! At one time many of the Moken were pirates and were subdued by the army – many of the older people remember it still very well. What I appreciated a lot about this group was that there were people who for the first time could really tell me exactly what type of information was needed to help register the Moken. I also now understand why I gathered so much information that was useless. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done but I have no idea when I will get to it.

At the same time that the group was here, one of the Moken woman Thin, passed away. She wasn't very old but was completely disabled. She couldn't talk and was very small. I took her some rehydrate for very bad diarrhoea and said if she didn't get better we had to take her to the island's clinic. The next day her mother said to me she is better and is walking around. She wants to take her the Sunday to Ranong because Thin didn't want to go to the clinic. Sunday morning she passed away after calling her mother. And so we started with the funeral arrangements and the Moken worked together so nicely. They danced for three solid nights in the church hall to greet her – this happening right under my window which naturally meant I had very little sleep. The last day the children also didn't go to school so that they could participate in the funeral.

During the funeral proceedings the Moken used our generator. The last night I awoke and immediately new something was wrong. The lights are burning but the generator is quiet. I jumped up and shone my torch to the spot where the genie was supposed to be but it was gone. I asked them where it is and nonchalantly they answered on that spot but when I shone my torch there they could also see it was gone. Later on one of them said it is on the boat that's building the bridge. And so it was that the genie was on the boat. Since the Moken were using it I asked two of the guys to go and fetch and bring it back. But as soon as the genie was back I got trouble from one of the Thai men who lives in our village. He was shouting at me for taking the generator! I explained to him that it is theft when you take something that belongs to someone else without asking in my country. I then locked the generator away.

The next day we had to bury Thin on another island that is a cemetery. We left here with two boats and more than two hours later we got there. We then dug the hole and placed the coffin in it. Together we read out of the Bible and prayed before making the trip back to our island. A Moken funeral is quite something to experience. It is just wonderful to see that they are realising that there is Hope and that it is in our Lord.

As you can hear I am kept very busy and everyday something else happens. I can't thank you enough that you are making it possible for me to be here. It is truly a awesome privilege to be here. I know it is exactly where Pappa wants me to be. He has given me such a great love for the Moken. It is His love that drives and urges me on to do what would normally be impossible. And know that you are part of it. It is a deep joy to serve the Lord here in Thailand among the Moken.

Much love and peace and grace to you

In Pappa

Philip อำนาจ

______________________________________________
June - Dec (2557) 2014

 Sjoe what a rush! Every month has been a whirl wind and now it is nearly the end of the year. Great apologies for my late news letter but I do want to wish you a very wonderful celebration time before the new year! In the last months I visited South Africa briefly; I had a surprise on my return; the new school program; a marriage; Jon and Cally relocate; and we had Christmas.

In the midst of the monsoon season I went to South Africa in October for a brief 2 week visit. It was wonderful to see everybody again. As per normal my body couldn't cope so well with the foreign food as well as the sudden dry and icy air - my nose burned the entire time I was in SA. It is quite an interesting experience to feel like a foreigner in your own country. Fortunately I have good friends that made things much easier. I also had a pleasant visit on the family farm. It is always nice to spend time with loved ones. But before I could settle in I was already on my way back to Thailand.

But what a nasty surprise I had when I returned to Thailand. After adapting to the cold SA climate I had to re-adapt to the heat here again. I found myself camping next to the watering can and drinking loads of water. For 3 weeks I was lame and tired. And then I was flat on my back with chicken pox which I contracted while I was in SA. Thankfully it doesn't itch nearly as much as the sand flies when they bite me. I had 2 weeks to adapt before the new school term started but I have never experienced such difficulty to acclimatise in Thailand. In this time I accompanied 3 Moken children to Ranong because they took part in a Thai school competition. We enjoyed it a lot because the children stayed with me in our Ranong flat. Did they joll and enjoy themselves. Apparently for a small school like ours we performed quite well.

The next week the school started and we walked right into the new school program. The government decided that everybody (especially the smaller schools) will be schooled through a TV monitor. And so they installed 6 new Samsung 32 inch plasma screens. Now every grade watches TV from 8h30 - 14h30 in order to be educated.....

 Now you know how wonderful children are: those who want to learn are doing very well but the majority are watching TV. Unfortunately it's not working for the Moken as the most of them can't read and write and thus cannot make head or tail of what's busy happening. Now we are helping the children the whole day in front of the TV and then we try and teach them to write and to read at home afterwards..... I have never been so tired in my life. Sometimes it feels as if I am not one with my own body. The 'winter' heat also doesn't help because it is so hot during the day that by the time we brush teeth at night, the toothpaste is luke warm. Not to mention the shampoo. Then again the nights are so cold that everybody has flu.

In between all of this two teenagers decided they want to get married. The one Friday Khay Dam's mom came to me to tell me that his older sister got married to a boy. She is 16 years old and he is more or less the same age as far as we can tell. She was still at school last year. And so I went to speak and lightly scold the two of them as the adults agreed that they will guide their children to first ask the parent's permission, then hold a ceremony before living together. The parents then asked if we could still have a ceremony in the church, followed by a meal and a bit of dancing. It was then decided that alcohol is not suitable at this celebration as they know the Lord and falling over one's feet is not suitable. And so we held a service where we showed the Moken how to come before the Lord and ask Him to bless them as they take their vows before Him. I hope the Moken will accept this and practise it themselves in future. As it is with man's will, we will have to see and wait what will happen when the next couple decides to get married. I want to just say that everything was communicated in Moken so that they could truly understand and hopefully accept it as their own.

And then Jon and Cally and their two daughters left the island lock stock and barrel. They are first going to Malaysia for 4 months before coming back to Thailand and settling in Phuket. Their children are now grown up and will be going to an international school there. From the start Jonathan wanted to get front line experience without being a missionary but rather as a coordinator. He wants to now get involved in teaching missionaries and believe you me, he is one of the best people for that. Sjoe what a wonderful time we had here - learning, laughing and crying together. I am heart-sore that they are gone but we know it is the best for everybody.

Last year it was decided to have a big Christmas celebration for the Moken and everybody got stuck in to make it happen. With everything that was happening here I realised that it was going to be way more difficult this year as I am alone here and have to do everything by myself. We decided to have the celebration on the king's birthday as it is a public holiday every year and Christmas in Thailand is a normal working day. The bags of rice and oil, necessities and gifts for old and young, all the eats and drinks, and of course all the decorations had to be ordered, bought, transported and prepared in time for our special day. Sjoe I was pretty exhausted but it was very nice to celebrate Christmas with the Moken. I will not forget 5 and 6 December.

Then I want to wish you a wonderful festive season! May you experience a wonderful time of rest and peace. May you truly taste the love and closeness of our Father during the celebrations and know that He is closer than a friend.

Thank you very much for a wonderful year here in Thailand. For all your love and support and advice and prayers. This was an exceptional year and made possible by you. I look forward to another awesome year and a continued Kingdom journey with you.

Much love and peace in Him who it is all about

In Pappa,

Philip อำนาจ

__________________________________________
April - June (2557) 2014

Can it be – more than half of the year has past and we are still racing ahead in life like there is no tomorrow. IS IT truly what we are here for? I greet you with a heart full of love and peace from Him WHOM IT IS ALL ABOUT. Thinking back so much has happened since my last newsletter and I would like to share the following with you: a large group from South Africa came to build on my home; the school has started again; and what is it all really about?

Our two month school holiday was well under way when quite a big outreach group from South Africa came to help me renovate and enlarge my home. We got busy chatting, working, socialising and just packing in as much as we could. We cooked and swam, then played soccer with the kids, and did it all over again. Boy it was enjoyable! It wasn't all plain sailing as one of our team mates got stuck in the mud, others got some nasty cuts and most were bitten by an assortment of bugs. It made us realise that although the island looks quite tame, it can't be tackled without gloves. And still it wasn't the end. An arm was broken when a step was missed but with the help of the team and Jon & Cally, she was very well supported and taken care of. She was eventually operated on in Phuket and could leave with the group from there back to South Africa.

I believe everybody experienced something of Pappa's love. There was unity and togetherness that meant a lot. Because the team was very well prepared, the Moken were very impressed that the team could work together fast and efficiently. Every night after the team left us (dirty and tired), they came to look at the work and then said it was beautiful. When the house was finished, a group of women came to visit and laughed. I asked them why they are laughing? They then replied that it is quite comical that me the westerner lives in a Moken home and that the Moken are living in western houses. Some of them are living in brick houses but mine is made from natural raw materials like wood and palm leaves!

Phew but I'm now staying very nice in my home. There is not a day that I do not say thank you for this house. It is so good to be able to have all the children inside when it rains and we can't go to school. Then I help them with school work right here. Also there is space for everybody to watch a movie together and when the adults came to visit I am now able to invite them properly inside. I still cook food for the kids on Saturdays which means we can eat together in the house. The house has become a communal meeting place where we can also do things together. When the noise gets too much I can just go to the upper living space whilst still keeping an eye from my kitchen window. I'm still in the process of completing the finishing touches but it is so nice to live in Pappa's home!

When the school boys come to sleep over, there are eleven of them sleeping on the wide bottom deck. I now have my own sleeping deck above them in the gable of the roof. They and I enjoy it a lot. I can only once again thank everybody so very, very much. I also want to mention that we have had incredible storms this year and that we are expecting no less that 3 super tides and not 1 as usual this year. But throughout it all we are staying dry and the house remains stable.

While all of this was happening, the new school year started. The children went with long faces to school and said it is so unfair that they have to go to school while we are happily building! But so the new school year started - for some the first time - heralding new changes and challenges for all. I was told that there are going to be enough teachers and that I don't have to help any more. So for the first two months I was still teaching until all the teachers showed up. And all of a sudden I have nothing else to do! Even though I have still been helping out now and again, there is an Australian woman that is going to teach English for a year. I'm happy in my heart that they are receiving good tuition and a proper opportunity to learn English. My biggest job now is to ensure the children get on top of their homework and that those who struggle with Thai reading and writing, are helped. The school is just not geared up to accommodate other cultures apart from Thai. I must say I still don't know what lies in stall for me. It has been two weeks and all the possibilities are wonderful. I am learning Moken more tentatively and have time to go out with the adults on their boats in a disciple-relationship.

I would like to write to you about something which I am experiencing right now. It is not theology or something that can be worked out with the mind but rather something that is discernible with one's heart. It also doesn't mean it is something that can be observed with emotions but rather with the eyes of our hearts. To be honest, it is rather difficult to describe it in words but I am going to give it my best try. This is the question then: what is it all about?

I have written about it several times before and you might recall that I talk about it often. What is life about? Is it mainly to be saved so that you can live a good life, make a success of your career, go faithfully to church and give your money, whilst fulfilling good ideals, and finally go to heaven (hopefully after making a few million)? We know what our Lord Jesus did for us on the cross and we know that the Holy Spirit is working on in our inside, but have you noticed how little the core of our being has changed over the years? Even though I keep doing good deeds on the outside I have to continue endeavouring goodness on the inside (luckily where nobody can see)? When we look at what Jesus and his disciples achieved and look at ourselves, then we need to find some answers and excuses as there is no comparison.

Just look at us here on the un-reached mission field. It doesn't take long to conclude that there is nothing we can say or do to try and convince people what Jesus did for us and them. How do you make an invisible Spirit visible? By praying more, or fasting longer, or reading more bible or by believing more? By preaching and witnessing and singing just to hear that they still actually prefer their familiar spirits. The point is how then do you make God a reality for other people? How do you get the invisible God to move and to reveal Himself to the gentiles (as well as apostate city dwellers)?

If I read the Word correctly, God's measure is Christ but the question is, what did Jesus come to show us? Already I know that in myself there is nothing alike to Him. Even though I get it right outwardly, my nature stays subject to a fallen state. But our Saviour came to show us something that is far superior and more than that. He came to show us who God our Father is – but the secret is that He cannot be experienced through a person's knowledge and mind, but rather with our spirit and heart. God is Spirit and has unity with our spirit. What did Jesus truly come to show and teach us? He showed us a Daddy and what it means to be His son and daughter. Because of His love for His Father, He gave His life freely, so that everything and everyone can be united in Him and then reconciled with His Father – and He is God, the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth. There is no other God outside of Him and He is my and your Pappa!

Ponder on it – not so much with your mind - because it is way too small to comprehend – but allow Pappa to shower His love into your heart so that you yourself can experience who Pappa is! His love alone can drive the unholy fear out of our hearts that drives us away from Him. The more we experience His love in our hearts, the more the world will see it and then also want that Love that is in side of us. This way we can't help but to become just like our Father. But we have to experience, each one for ourselves, who Pappa is. Trust and know that He has all the time, patience and love to show and teach you.

My challenge to you is to ask Him who you are in His eyes. We and our dis-functionalities don't put him off because He already dealt with that in Jesus. To tell the truth, He is waiting with excitement for you to discover Him in every area of your life! I guarantee that He is going to surprise you.... There are just no words to describe Him and this is only the little bit that I have experienced about Him here. He is endlessly more than all of our own expectations and thoughts. And don't be scared that He will discipline you, and even if He does, you will feel good about it and be full of His living joy! Unfortunately it is our own (and other's) preconceived ideas and prescriptions about who we think and argue He is, that prohibits Him from revealing His fullness to us. Hey, open your heart wide so that He can pour out His love and reveal Himself to you! 

If my writing doesn't work for you, I apologise but the joy and unity in Him is just so huge to not share it with you! I witness to you with peace in my heart.

Thank you so much for your prayers and love. I am very grateful to you for your faithfulness and support which allows me to discover great truths and thus are able to live out His love to the Moken through all the difficulties & up-hills.

Peace and love in Him,

In Pappa,

Philip อำนาจ

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January - March (2557) 2014

I pray to you the love and peace from Him whom it is all about. There is nobody like Him and there is no greater joy than knowing Him. Eternal life is truly to know our Father as well as Him whom He has sent. I greet you with these words of peace, and it is my hope that this is a truth in everybody's lives!

Dear friends, what a year and so far four months have passed. It's great to share with you that we were on the island of Koh Had Sai Dam for something like boy scouts. We had a sports day on the island of Koh Chaang, then wrote the Thai government's exam. Thereafter our little school was visited by a representative of the minister of education. Some Moken children ran away from the Ranong orphanage and I had a captivating and incredible week with Pappa!

                    

The new year barely started when two of the Moken children and I went to the island of Koh Had Sai Dam for something like boy scouts. Did we enjoy it! On the first day we went hiking after which we had to rig tents – that is a canvas pulled over a bamboo pole. The second day there was an obstacle course that the children really liked. That night we had a concert and our island's boys had to be Zulus! The poor children were smeared black with charcoal, with only their underpants and leaf-tutu's on – man did they look cute! Unfortunately my cellphone didn't want to take pictures that night but was that something to see. The real job was to get the children clean again afterwards as a swim in the seas just didn't do it. After the outing we were given 3 days off from school before the new year started properly.

About two weeks after that, just after I returned from my visa-run, we went to the island of Koh Chaang for a sporting event. Normally our little school achieves last place and from the on-set the children decided that we were going to loose everything again like all the previous years. Our soccer team has the smallest players and received a huge hiding, which drove the morale to its lowest. I scolded everybody saying that if they are this negative we will surely loose every single item, why don't they just try and enjoy themselves at least. They then promised me that they will try and then a miracle happened: one of the pre-school youngsters won the 50m race. I saw the gap and encouraged the Moken to also try. Wow guys, then the children ran their hearts out! We won race after race. Later on Khay Dam raced in 3 age categories older than himself. It looked so cute to see this little guy run against these giants and kick dust in their eyes. Our school did so much better than usual and we returned to Koh Phayam happy and full of joy, eager to share the good news with all.

When I was at school, my mom used to say that she also used to write exams with us each year. I didn't fully understand what she meant until this year when my class had to write the Thai government’s exams. Boy, together with the children we were preparing to the point of not getting anything more into our heads – until the big day arrived.   

 The exam consists out of two parts: the first the children write Thai, maths and science; the second part happens a week later when the children's reading skills were tested. Two teachers from another school oversees the exam after which the papers were taken directly to Ranong and sent to Bangkok on the same day. We are unfortunately still waiting for the results. I looked at the papers and must say that it was really very difficult. The poor children are only in grade 3. The joke of the century of course is that the whole country fails the same exam because most of the work in not in the curriculum or in the books. The good news is that my children all passed the second part of the exam. Everybody can read as well as understand what they are reading. The boy with the lowest score got 75%. Man, I am so very proud of the children!

And if the children didn't have enough, the school was then visited by a representative of the ministry of education. Now was that an interesting experience. Every little bush and skew thing had to be fixed. There were huge posters of this man with welcoming words. The school underwent a metamorphism and there were flowers and bouquets. The tastiest meal was prepared and a big container of ice cream was also bought. The poor guy had such a fright when I started speaking Thai to him. He must have told me three times how wonderful it was that I could speak with such clarity. In front of everybody he thanked me for the work that we are doing. He was also supposed to visit the Moken village but after he heard how to get there, he changed his mind. And we worked so hard to clean the village. On the one hand I was relieved he didn't go because his good looking clothes would most probably have gotten dirty.

During this time four Moken children from the orphanage appeared on the island. At first I thought they are there for a visit but found out later that they ran away from the children's home in Ranong. As I made inquiries I realised the children are very scared and that they don't really want to talk to us about what happened. Later on I heard that the one boy had a skirmish with the head of the home and then encouraged the other three to make a break for it. Apparently he went into the girls section of the orphanage to see his sister who had to help him pull the hair out of his armpits. (Don't ask.) It appears to be an old habit of his but this time he was caught by the head. Then something happened between the two of them and he left. I then tried to encourage the children to go back and at least write their exams after which we will speak to the relevant parties. But every time I mention it there are many tears and a refusal to ever go back. So a week passed and the next Sunday we all came back from the cashew-nut feast to find out the children were taken away by four men. The one girl ran away and another boy went to hide at his mother's. The other two left sobbing and were threatened with great sums of money as a penalty if they don't return. The saddest of it all is that the Moken are scared of the people who did it and they are unfortunately also believers. The story now doing the rounds on the island is that the Moken were beguiled to become Christians. Apparently they were given houses and boats if they become Christians. The Good News that was suppose to be brought to the lost world, turned out to be not such good news here on the island. At least the people who shared with us their views, say that they don't think of us as the same and that what we are doing is a great challenge and an inspiration for everybody on the island. It remains hurtful that believers can believe that God's love can be forced through violence and intimidation so that their good works to the poor can be shown.

In saying that I must say that we all make many mistakes here on the mission field and that we are all guilty of wrongfully trying to extend the love of God. See, we can only give to others what we ourselves have received from Him. With this knowledge I decided to take a week off and go and spend some time with our Father. To be honest there are no words to do justice to that time. Everything inside of me has changed and yet nothing outside is different. Everything is new and yet in reality nothing is new. To try and pose it the best is to say that the position from which I observe and see things, has changed from myself to a place where self is not overpowering because self cannot exist there. During that week I stopped everything that I would normally do in a day and just quietly waited upon Him.... To do this I went to another place for isolation. The first day or so exhaustion overcame me and I slept like a dead man. Then there was the most wonderful reassurance that He is always there and will never leave not forsake me.

Even though I can't hear or experience Him, the truth is that He is always with me. And then silence.

Sjoe, thereafter every single thing that could accuse me came against me and corned me until I had to admit that I am guilty. Later on it was so intense that I couldn't eat any more as I was busy fighting the black wolves that were accusing me. It brought me to a place where I could see myself clearly for who I was and what I was. Later on I just cried out. Is there any hope for us? And yet it still was not the end. The last session the accusers all came at the same time. It was like a sea storm with 20m high waves trying to get me under and to kill me. At this point I had no more hope for myself and cried out to the Lord. I thought it was best for me and this world that He comes to fetch me. But there was no word from Him, just the slight memory that He would never leave me – this small thought was all that was left of me.

And then He came and lifted me above the waves! The frightening storm became a hard rock under me and He is there! All the wolves and devils are crushed under His feet. At this place I approached all the wolves in my life and He spoke the truth into all the hurt until I knew He is the truth. This is the most frightening road that I have ever walked with Him. I didn't know if I wanted to cry or be happy about what happened. But what happened afterwards made it all worth it. Here He said it was enough and came and revealed something of His love to me that I did not know before. Well, I could never before, because that what was with in me withheld me from it. For this kind of love there are no words to try and begin to describe it.

Pappa then said the entire reason for me coming to Thailand was to bring me to this point. After this He gave me two choices: to return to SA or to stay with the Moken. I asked Him, the one in which my relationship with Him will grow the most? Pappa made it clear that both carried the same weight in the growth of our relationship with each other. I must say that at this point in my life there are no desires for either in my heart because I stand totally neutral in this place. I then asked Pappa in which choice the Body or then the Church, will benefit the most? And clearly He showed me - with the Moken. But even that didn't awaken anything. Then I said to Pappa that I choose the place where His Name will be glorified the most because it is not about me. His answer to me: go back to the Moken and be who you are.

Again with conviction I can say that it is important to see that Pappa doesn't want us to do things for Him but to be who we are. I pray that our Lord will also reveal to you who He is and who we are because without that security we are nothing. And if we are nothing we will be nothing of Him wherever we go. The isolation was not a formula and will be different for each person and thus I won't share more about what happened to me. All I want to say before I close off is that if this last part was too much for you, forget about it because then it was not meant for you. If you think I am trying to make something of myself, the opposite is the truth because I saw myself for who I truly am. There is no hope in myself. But in Him is all hope, all life, everything for the entire world! May this be an encouragement for all who have also decided to walk a road with Him.

Much love and peace to you from Him who it is all about. Thank you for all your love, prayers and support. Know that without you it is not possible to walk the road with Him and because of your obedience to Him, He touches the nations.

In Pappa,

Philip อำนาจ

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Oct/Nov/Dec 2556 (2013)
And so the year is on its head even though it only feels like I wrote to you yesterday. I hope you are very well and that you are living from our Father's love and grace. So much has happened that its hard to get to the beginning of where to start sharing with you. Let's see - my last visa run with the school's letter, as well as my time in Malaysia; what we see and hear about what is awaiting us; Loy Kratong was so enjoyable; I received an unexpected call; the Moken are called and we celebrated Christmas.

At the time of my October visa run in Malaysia, I nearly got into trouble as the authorities said that the letter from the school was not acceptable any more unless I have proof of being registered by the Thai educational department. They demanded it on the spot for the application but the heart of the man helping me softened and he issued me another 3 month visa. Unfortunately the school can't register me as they then need to pay me a salary which they can't afford. Thus in future I won't be able to use their letters which leaves me a little in the lurch. But there might be light at the end of the visa-tunnel. I was approached by the informal education department to help with educating the Moken adults on the island. We are now going to wait patiently and see what their plan are. I have already forwarded the documents they requested from me but have not heard from them yet.

During my visa application Jon and his family were also in Malaysia. We had such an enjoyable time together. The believers there thoroughly blessed us in that we could peacefully pray together and spend time together. Sjoe, it was enthralling to meet and seek our Father's face in unity. The most wonderful was that the Holy Spirit spoke into all of our hearts, each in a special manner, each with their own image or message but all with the same meaning. It is “goose bumps” special when Pappa teaches you something and then the rest of the group gets the same message as confirmation – each one seeing and hearing it in their own way. It was not planned at all, we just wanted to pray together when Pappa showed up in His special way.

Pappa showed us some things that were going to happen. The most important is that we don't want to do anything that is out of ourselves unless it comes from Pappa. We can actually only move ahead when our eyes are firmly fixed on Jesus. Everything has always been about Him and it was never about us. The time has come for us to have earned the right to speak into the Moken's lives, with love and humility. He is going to do a big thing among the Moken. Our time with the Moken has only started and we are still going to be here for a long time, especially me. However, the best is that everything that is happening is trying to prove the opposite of what we heard.

The conclusion: this is truly a road of faith based decisions and faith steps with our eyes on Jesus, otherwise the world and things that happen will convince us that He is not the truth.

We know that Jonathan and I are still going to walk a long road together, how exactly we don't know yet. Further more, Father is going to extend His work here among the Moken. In this vein we would like to build a platform for meetings as well as more accommodation for the children. We are not too sure where exactly this will happen as yet, as the property story is still hanging over our heads. Please pray with us about the option to acquire other property as we do not want to make our own plans - only that which comes from the Lord.

During November it was Loy Kratong again - directly translated meaning floating crowns. In the past we built the little floats at the school but because our new school master was transferred, we didn't have time for it. During full moon all the children got together under my house, this time cutting their own banana plants and gathering flowers. I bought the incense and candles and so we started building the floats. It looked so beautiful! That evening the moon shone breathtakingly clear over the water and with the incoming tide we lit the candles and incense. We first gave thought to Jesus who forgives and takes away our sin, before placing the kratongs on the water to float away. Sjoe, it was so very special!

After that a normal week started with all its daily activities. But Tuesday afternoon just before 3 pm I received a call from the Moken. I was busy with a class and as a rule don't take any calls at that time, but for some reason I answered my phone. One of the Moken men Goi is talking but I can't hear so nicely, just know with everything in me that I have to get to the Moken village. I immediately ask for permission to go and raced there. On arrival Goi is waiting for me on the other side of the tidal river. The river is about waist high with a very strong back pull, but I struggle through. The the news: Thoen was shocked by electricity. Quickly we ran to the house and there lies the young man of 17 years. Immediately I knew what to do after years of EFR knowledge even though I had no practical experience. After my examination I started with CPR and told Goi to call the doctor and say it was an electric shock. There are no words to describe how one feels and what you experience at that stage. To be so powerless and know there is nothing you can do to this person that you got to love so much. The last hope was that the doctors might have the right equipment to help the boy... But as time passes there is a knowing that there is no more hope, just peace in Him because what has just happened here is His will. You know that one word from Pappa can call the boy back but as you find rest in Him you can see His heart and know what is the right thing to do.

About 15 to 20 minutes after I got there, the doctor arrived. Exhausted from CPR they took over the process but even with the right equipment, Thoen was out of their reach. In the meantime a lot of people arrived and that's when I found out what had happened. Apparently he came off the boats, washed and went inside the house to switch the fan on and with his wet body got shocked. His friends heard him scream and ran to help him. Luckily they had presence of mind to pull the plug out of the socket. After that they called me. Everybody was in tears because he was really a nice young man. And then the big question arose: where is Theon now - in heaven or in hell?

That night I couldn't sleep and lay in bed spending time with Pappa. Thoen was the last couple of Sundays with us in church and I could see that he was truly hearing what I was saying. And so Pappa showed me how He was working in Thoen's life. Later I had peace that Thoen was indeed with Pappa. We didn't go to school the next day and congregated with the other people. I then said to the Moken that Thoen doesn't want to return because he is so happy where he is with our Father in heaven. But Thoen's father is Thai and in their tradition he had to be cremated and then merit had to be done for 5 days. Apparently it either helps to get someone out of hell to heaven as quick as possible, or shortens their time in hell. And so we also were invited to be part of this. In the meantime the Moken asked us if we can have a church service and we decided to have it back at the Moken village and then afterwards go pray in the temple. The Thai's were very friendly and gave us permission to pray at the temple. So before our service I spend time with our Pappa and knew what He wanted to say to them.

 During the service Pappa called the Moken to make a decision. It was if there was an audience that could hear me for the first time. Normally when we talk we can see clearly that they are not present, but this time they heard how Pappa was calling out to them! It seemed like something fell off their hearts and they could hear me. We could actually see how the Holy Spirit spoke into their hearts and how they started to see that God is indeed a reality... So after the service we went to the temple where one of Thoen's friend's shared something about their friendship and how much he was going to miss him. Then we prayed together and in the prayer there was hope and life and peace. The Thai people were bold over that we could speak with such surety about where Thoen is and that we were going to see him again. Later the Moken came to me and told me the Thai's say that Thoen's spirit is still here and that he is apparently waiting for us at the float we built. Then again after the cremation one of the Thai's said that Thoen's spirit is still crying in the Moken village each night as he doesn't know where to go. But even though I am firm in saying what we know, the Moken couldn't resist - they had to know for themselves and went to fetch their mediums to call up the spirits.

Obviously I was quite upset but felt I shouldn't intervene at that time but asked the next day what the spirits said. Sheepishly they laughed and said the spirit scolded them and was angry with them that they disturbed him. Thoen clearly said he doesn't want to come back and is very happy where he is. There is no place as beautiful and wonderful as where he is! Well, I then also laid it in a bit because I told them already that he is in heaven with Pappa and doesn't want to return. What else can we do but smile as Pappa can even use the spirits to make His presence known to the Moken here.

The 5^th of December was Father's day in Thailand which falls on a long weekend, which gave us enough time to celebrate Christmas. We decided to start early evening on Saturday 7^th and celebrate all the way through to Sunday morning the 8^th. Sjoe, but was it lekker! Jonathan's parents and his brother with his family, were also visiting. We started the evening with a meal fit for a king. We then sang together and held a main service. It was again very nice to have another opportunity and see how the people could hear every word I spoke. Then we played many games which was such good fun. Everybody participated and did we laugh at each other! Thereafter each family received a 10kg bag of rice with 2 litres of oil and each child a sweets-bag, sponsored by a lady in Malaysia. After our very nice pudding it was already very late but decided to watch a movie on a grand scale as we organised a projector. By 3h30 I killed the generator. Early the 'next' morning those who didn't sleep in the church, were there again. Out came the coffee and biscuits. Very tired but very happy we cleaned up everything and I must say, it was one of my best Christmas celebrations ever!

There are truly not enough words to explain what is happening here. All I can say is that Pappa is busy with something really big. The people's attitudes towards us have utterly and completely changed. For the first time they are buying us sweets and are starting to look after our stuff. They are guarding us as if we are precious to them and say that if we go away from here, they will go with us. The most beautiful is that they are starting to care for each other and helping one another. Pray that these people will truly get to know our Pappa for who He is and not only for what they hear us and others say about Him.

Pray that we will always keep our eyes on Jesus, whom it is all about. Pray for our decision about the property and that Pappa will give us the necessary wisdom and guidance to do it according to His will alone. 

Just another thousand thank yous for each and every one that has been with us on the front line over the years, as well as to those who have recently joined us. We are here because of your love and prayers and support. Pappa is truly busy doing something big and He saw it fit to include us in it. May you also share in the joy of what we are doing here with the Moken and Pappa. Much love and peace to you from Him whom the whole of mankind's existence hinges on (even if some don't think so). 

Love in Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we call the Almighty God and Creator of all things, Father.

In Pappa

Philip อำนาจ

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July / Aug / September 2556 (2013)

My, time is catching up with me! It is already spring there in South Africa but still pouring with rain here. The weather is tangibly cooler but only until it stops raining for a day or so, then we're back to an even perspiration. I hope that all of you are truly very well and experiencing the fullness of God's love and mercy in greater measure. So much has happened again here and this year is earmarked by storms. This time I would like to tell you specifically more about some of the Moken children, as well as about the boat.

This year there has been storm after storm. The nights are then pitch black and it feels as if I will disturb the darkness should I want to put a light on at that time. Most of the time there is no lightning with the storms but you can hear how the wind approaches over the sea - it is a loud drone that sometimes send shivers down my spine. It is truly something to experience as words fail to describe the scope of such a sea storm. Of course the children are fast asleep, peacefully unaware of my scrambling to close the windows (or rather shutters) before the rain pelts down on us. The next morning they ask me innocently if it rained last night? Just as we think the worst of the storms have come and gone, the next one is busy developing. Every second week the sea rises up and washes through under my house - I can only say thank you and thank you again that it is lifted up. Sometimes the wind jerks so heavily at the house that I can't sleep at all. Big fat raindrops sounding like stones fall on the roof, but don't think it is hail because I checked it out before. During such a storm small pieces of leaves rain down on the inside of the house, which reminds me that I have to replace the roof next year if I want to stay dry. Our roofs are made out of thickly woven palm branches stacked over each other and which are then sown onto the roof frame.

It is my privilege to share with you that it is going very well with most of the Moken children. They are very busy and keeping us on our toes! I was asked to I write about the children so as to give you a closer introduction to some of them. From the start there were 3 boys who I believed the Lord entrusted to me: James, Thong Dii and Khay Dam. I spent a lot of quality time with them and they were also the first children I took to the government school on our island. As I was assisting them with learning and reading Thai during school in the classroom, I myself eventually became a Thai teacher. From the start it was an uphill battle of note. It was also these 3 that taught me so much about the Moken culture and language and integration within the larger Moken community on this island. Over time I taught them to wash themselves clean and brush their teeth, how to use a toilet in Ranong (that is 'civilisation'). We buy food and then prepare it together, paying attention on how to eat properly, washing dishes, house cleaning and washing clothes clean. They also had to learn to use the correct Thai in more formal situations as this is very important here. I took them everywhere with me so they could get to know the world. We started to read the Bible and pray together - it was truly wonderful to see how they discovered our heavenly Father and got to know Him.

And then the tearing happened. While I was visiting SA in April, the parents of James and Thong Dii agreed that their children should go to school at the orphanage in Ranong on the mainland. I was terribly cut-up and couldn't believe it happened but every time I went to Father about it, I knew He was in control even though it was very difficult for all of us. The Lord was very merciful and left Khay Dam here to console me. And how are the children in the orphanage? It is heartbreaking to say but not well at all. James does the barest minimum at school and will not cooperate with anyone. Thong Dii is such a special child and needs a lot of special attention and is suffering heavily. He has regressed so much that he cannot read Thai any more. Every time I speak to him the tears are flowing. Apparently they were told that if they don't pass the year they will be sent back to the island. Of course they all want to plug so that they can just come back. James told me the last time that he is old enough to start working and that this is the last as he hates school. He is only 13 or 14 years old. It is such a pity to see all the care, hard work and attention being wasted. Thankfully the Lord knows what the hope is for the future.

But with Khay Dam it is going very well. He also doesn't really like school but is doing his best. He passed his reading exam and does well in mathematics, English and Thai. The other day he came to me and asked me to teach him more about God as our Father. This makes everything worth it! His sister who also went to Ranong, calls him just about every night to talk a bit and then you can hear the heartache in their voices. Every now and again I also talk to the other children in the orphanage and every time Thong Dii is in tears. Taynie is Khay Dam's little friend and they play and do mischief together. All that is on Taynie's mind is soccer. When he opens his eyes he wants to play ball. He struggles at school but we do good exercises at home that helps him with his writing skills. After Khay Dam he visits regularly and often. Then there are other children who we helped to read and write that are also in Ranong. Q is the youngest and is doing the best from that group. Then there is Phen (Khay Dam's sister) who is also doing well but doesn't want to be there any more because she is so home sick. Then there is Biem, who is also a special child and struggles a lot. I long for them so much but have to stand strong on their behalf.

Gracefully there are many other children on this island that we can love! There is the one family I told you about, the one where the man beats the woman so badly. Even though it is going much better because they are not in each other hair so much, the children got it in a bad way. The eldest is Iang, he is in grade 0 and is experiencing an identity crises as he doesn't know if he wants to be a boy or a girl. I encourage him to come and stay with us every now and again which he enjoys a lot. His younger brother Am, is suffering terribly to say the least. Every so often I have to make peace  

between him and his little friends because he pummels them with his fists and then there is a trail of tears. When I speak to him and ask Am what happened, then the tears just roll down his cheeks. He also comes to visits us now and again and it helps him a lot.

Apen is the boy who's mother died in the very beginning as we got here. He therefore only has a father and a younger brother and sister who are raised by an aunt. He was with them for a while but is back now and cries about everything. The Thai word for cry sounds very much the same as sings - of course the children are teasing him by saying he is going to become a singer soon. He visits here regularly and we can see a clear difference in him since. He is a dear child and I believe it will be well with him in the future. Then there is Yeam who is from Myanmar and currently being raised by foster parents. His own parents have both passed away and with him a 1000 baht was sent to the family to raise him. I enjoy him a lot as a little person and he also comes to stay over whenever his fosters parents go out to sea.

Then there are Meak, Mot, Ed, MoJo, Paa Gaw that also goes to school with us. Their parents normally make a plan so they have never stayed over. They do their homework here by us and play with us, joining us every Saturday when we give all the children a good meal. The little girls are Poe, Yoie, Faa, Keam, Bytong. They play and eat together. Chanap is Taynie's oldest sister - she is also in my class and is a real mainstay. She does very well at school and is very diligent and obedient. She helps me with the children's homework after school and to get everybody fed on Saturdays. Urn is Khay Dam's eldest sister and is also in my class. She is actually too old for my class but will not go to school unless she can be in my class. She also helps us on Saturdays with feeding all the children.

These are then some of the Moken children that we engage with on a daily basis. There are still others but are not that much involved with us. I hope this helps you a bit more to pray specifically for the individual children. We also realised that some of the children most probably got brain damage before birth. They look normal but after a while it becomes apparent that all is not well when attempting schooling. They are Poe, Biem, Thong Dii and MoJo. Most of the mothers smoke and drink when pregnant which naturally impacts the unborn baby negatively. And then there is the violence. At the end of it we ourselves need tons and tons of love ourselves to give attention, tenderness, understanding and care to all of these children. They are so beautiful and Pappa loves them endlessly that we can't help but say thank you to Pappa for each one of them.

Lastly just something about the boat. From the onset is was evident that a boat was one of the most important things a Moken family could posses. We prayed about it and Father confirmed that we could also acquire a boat and so it was done on my return in May this year. Normally the Moken have to hire boats at a high cost but now it helps them to use the profit for themselves. But heavens, has there been drama with the boat - they have gone to sea, they have fought, they have shouted and they are jealous. Then it is too small and then it is right. Then everybody wants it, then nobody uses it. After all of that there is now one family that uses it regularly to put their nets out and because they are working quite hard they are reaping the rewards. We had such a laugh in the beginning because whenever we were with them they had a good catch but when I have to go to school there is nothing. Now the Moken believe we are very special and have very little sin (!). I also use the boat to go and fish with my friends and have experienced a couple of storms on it. I must say that a storm and the little boat are not friends. We are looking forward to the school holidays in October when we are planning to visit neighbouring islands with some of the adults to dive for sea cucumbers, fish and other seafood. We and the Moken enjoy the boat a lot and it makes a big difference on our stay and discipleship here. A thousand thank you's for your contributions that made it possible!

Then just a thousand thank you's to everybody that faithfully prays for and supports us. God is truly busy doing something big among the Moken. I will tell you more about it next time. Our biggest prayer request is to please pray for a specific child or children that Pappa lays on you heart.

Much love and peace to you in Him who it is all about,

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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June 2556 (2013)

Shoo but time flies! Half of the year is already on its head. I greet you in the Name above every other name, the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that you are truly well and find yourself more and more in the midst of God's love and grace. So much has happened here to keep me busy so let me get right to it. It is well with the Moken children that are going to school on the island; the TV documentary was broadcast; we had a 'teacher's day'; letter from ajaan Siean's church; the army visited our school; invitation to Bangkok; I went for another visa-run to Malaysia; we had a funeral; we went on a church camp; the children who were taken away are crying; and what we see for the future.

It is often a big adjustment for small children that go to school for the first time, and so it is the same for the Moken children that started school this year and who still need to be comforted. They don't like the discipline and they can't understand why the teachers don't want to do what they say. It might sound wild but the children are beautiful! They are adapting very well and are surely stealing the hearts of the Thai teachers. Even though it remains a big adjustment they are at home in the afternoons where things are familiar and their families wait for them.

After the magazine article appeared the TV documentary was broadcast and we received very positive feedback from particularly the unbelievers. To the Thai it just doesn't make sense that someone with my background would actually leave everything behind so that I could help the poorest of the poor in their country. The documentary further resulted in an invitation to go to a conference in Bangkok. Initially I immediately declined as it interfered with my visa-run and would have taken a lot of time. Later on I apologised to the Lord because it was I that didn't want to go and didn't first hear from Him about His will in the matter. The dates were then changed and so I got invited again, but this time I first heard from the Lord before I accepted. A lot of Thai Christians were touched by the documentary which resulted in some giving a little money towards the children. Unfortunately not everybody sees this as positive and some church goers didn't take well to it. They are very jealous of the things that are happening here.

In between all of this we had a 'teacher's day' – it is a day specially set aside so that the children have an opportunity to thank the teachers! The teachers then use this time to wish the children much success and bless them. It is very interesting and I also had the privilege of being thanked by the children. As a sign of respect, the custom is for the children to walk on their knees until they face you. They then bow twice and give us flowers, upon which we speak a blessing over them, they bow twice more and walk away on their knees. It was something to see.

A week after I was in Bangkok I had to go to Malaysia for my next visa-run. This time the school gave me a letter and I obtained the visa without any problems. It is also just valid for three months which means I have to leave the country again in three months time for the next visa-run. The nice thing about Malaysia was that I met with Jonathan's parents and sending cell. I was thoroughly spoiled and enjoyed the fellowship and praying together so much. I also had the opportunity to bring them up to date with what is happening here. A very big and warm thank you to everybody in Malaysia that embraced me when I visited you!

While still in Phuket, waiting to catch the bus back to Ranong, I received a call from one of the Moken – Chamon had passed away. She is the lady who was so sick that I had to carry her on our way to hospital. Gratefully Jon & Cally was on the island and could start with the funeral arrangements. On my arrival the body was in the coffin and standing in the church while the Moken were busy doing what they do during funerals. That is dance and eat. The Thursday night everybody was in church and we gave a short message. Afterwards Oe – Chamon's husband – came to thank us for helping him. He told us that with his father's funeral nobody helped him, not even the Moken, and so he had to do everything by himself. Then it was time to eat and dance. It is strange to dance at a funeral and that at 2am. But the Moken were so exited that we were participating in the activities. The next morning we loaded the coffin on a boat and left for Koh Moo, an island where people are buried. Buddhist's don't bury their dead, that is why there is a special island set aside for burials. It took us about three hours to get there as the open sea was quite rough. After digging a shallow grave of about a meter we again read a short message from the Bible and prayed. After placing three baht (Thailand's monetary currency) on the coffin, it was all covered. The money is apparently to pay for the land. After another rough sea trip home we only got back late that night.

funeral gathering

Eat and dance

On the way to the funeral island

Oe and his children

The very next day we had to hurry to be in time to catch the boat to Ranong as we were invited to ajaan Sien's church camp. There were five Moken children with us – three boys who cabined with me in the same room and two girls with Jon and his family. When we arrived we were greeted by Thong Dii, Q and Phet that also wanted to sleep in our room. After being given permission we landed up being seven in one room on two single beds pushed together. But we had such a good visit! The next day we had to face lecture after lecture. What a pity – because I kept company with the Moken children the Thai church people ignored me completely. The great divide was very painful. The Moken and I might as well not have been there. Apart from the people who saw me on TV and one or two others, nobody spoke to me. The second night James also came to cabin with us and we had an even better visit. The next day we had to say goodbye but the children were crying so much that later on I was also in tears. They are sick with longing and say it is terrible to be there.

Out of the blue we received a letter from ajaan Siean of the Ranong church. The original translation from Thai to English was managed by STAMP and in the end the missionaries are accused and ordered to get off the Koh Phayam island. Bowled for a six we immediately went to talk to ajaan Siean to try and figure out what the motivation is to chase us off the church grounds. He told us that since we no longer work under STAMP, he cannot allow us to remain on his church grounds. We tried to explain that my SA congregation and sending cell are busy replying to his letter and that we have not received any communication what so ever from STAMP severing our relationships. After more conversations it seems that they are not willing to show us any grace and are not in the least concerned about the welfare of the Moken community, especially the children's lives that will be thrown into dis-array. Should we want stay faithful to our calling in the Moken community on this island we are necessitated to look at other options to stay close and with them, even perhaps buying a small lot of land. However, it is more important to know that this is what our heavenly Father wills for us to do, so please pray with us about it.

It is monsoon season again and wow, this year it is living up to its name. It is raining cats and dogs with regular forceful storms. If it wasn't for my house on pillars, I would have been under the sea three times this year. One Friday when it was raining heavily, the Thai army came to visit our school. They spoiled the children by donating sports equipment to the school and provided a scrumptious meal for all. Later on it rained so hard that it became dark outside. It was still very nice even though we were soaking wet by the time we got home.

Not long after that it was time for met to go to Bangkok. TV Burepaa bought my air ticket and so I left. On arrival we were hosted in a hospital and also lodged there. The next day was a big affair - there was a senior official woman with five men buzzing and running around her. The rest of the TV Burepaa group was to scared to go close to her and so I was directed to go and sit next to her on the stage. At first she totally ignored me until I laughed at one of her Thai jokes which made her talk to me. Luckily I didn't have to say much as she talked non-stop. Just to give you an idea: as I entered this hall there were about 350 people seated and I got the fright of my life. I wasn't prepared for this at all. I recognised a familiar anxiousness taking hold of me when I had to speak in front of a large crowd in Afrikaans, now it is in Thai! I prayed and said 'Lord I can't!' and immediately He gave me peace and made me calm and then He did it. Wow, He spoke so nicely to the Thai people. He challenged them to take the next steps that will take them closer to Him. Sometimes I said something and was immediately angry with myself for saying it but moments later I saw how He meant it and how He used it. It was an indescribable experience! All I can say is that when we do it, it is one big mess. If what we say is not birthed out of Him, there is no life in it. All the glory to Him. The Thai people were so touched by what happened there that they opened their hearts toward the Moken children. It means that we can now buy food for all the children every Saturday.

Seven of the children that were taken away to the orphanage in Ranong, ran away from the orphanage as soon as their school started. They were apprehended before leaving the mainland by boat to return to the island but were then permitted to visit the next weekend with a message to their parents. Should they wish to take the children back and out of the orphanage they needed to pay 5000 baht and in case the children don't return to the orphanage after the weekend, the amount increases to 6000 baht. The children cried to us for help but we felt that we can't interfere at this stage. It is very hard to hear that the children were forbidden to call their parents for more than a month. Every time I asked the parents about their children they said that ajaan Somsak said they are not allowed to call, but they think everything is well. We are told that the children don't adapt to the school environment and often receive hidings. Thong Dii and Biem struggle the most. During the church camp I realised that they have made no progress at school. Some of the children don't do any homework but with all the children there, it is easy for this to happen. There are now 31 children in the orphanage and four overseers. The reading skills of the boys that used to be with me, have lapsed greatly. It is quite hurtful to see that all the care and love to which the children responded so well, is coming to nothing. The children have a very different appreciation for us now and know that we truly love them.

It is clear that the Lord has great future plans for the Moken and the discipleship processes here. It is also very clear that it will happen on a very different way than before. Here is a major battle on the go in the supernatural and we are caught in the middle of it all. It is also becoming more apparent that should we want to remain here we might have to purchase our own piece of land. We don't know yet what will happen but surely don't want to act unless we know for sure that this is what Pappa is busy doing. So please think about us in your prayers, that we will truly only do what Pappa is busy doing and not what we think or feel to do.

This was indeed a letter and a half. Thank you so very much for all your support and love. Just know that what ever happens here you also have a share in it. We are only here because you make it possible for us and without you it is not possible. May you see the love and grace of our wonderful Father in what I wrote here.

Loving greetings in Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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March/April/May 2556 (2013)

My visit in SA feels like a dream gone past because before I could wipe my eyes I was back here in Thailand. In a way it didn't even feel as if I had ever left. I had a very good visit in SA but I must say, it is much nicer to be back here where the Lord has called me.

I would like to share the following events with you but the danger of this is that you might mis-understand me, in which case I would have failed to transfer the truth to you. The goal is to show you the heart of our Father because it is not about me and I am not aiming at putting anybody else in a bad light. I would rather like to show you what it truly means to walk the road the Lord chooses for me. It also shows how easy it is, without intending it, to hurt one another and how easily we take possession ourselves of what is the Lord's doing (and so fail in what Father is). Remember, it is not about me and if you choose sides you might have mis-understood me.

About a week before I left for SA at the end of March, I received a call from ajaan Siean (Ranong church leader), informing me that the church decided not to give me another letter which I needed for my next months visa application. Their reason is that they are not going to support me any longer if we are not part of STAMP. It was a big surprise because after our meeting in January, at which it was decided that our team on the island and STAMP will each continue until such time that there is more clarity about what we are going to do in future. I chose to ask for the letter from the church because we share in the ministry on the island, but if I was notified two weeks before there would have been enough time to request a letter from the school. And so I left without the necessary letter to apply for the next visa.

During my the third week in SA I received a call from Jonathan (the family that forms part of our ministry team on the island) telling me that ajaan Somsak has been canvassing among the Moken parents to rather let their children go to school in mainland Ranong - that was while Jon was also not on the island. Jon also shared that someone said I was a very bad person and that I was never going to return to the island again. Shoo, but it was very difficult for me not to pack my bags on the spot and fly back! So with a very heavy heart I tried to see the heart of God in all of this and it was quite clear that we had to leave it for now and trust Him that all will work together for the good. Time could not go past fast enough so that I could be on the island myself, even though my responsibilities in SA were good and necessary.

Look at our new bags!

As I landed here I was told that my suitcase was left behind on Doha airport. Sweaty and unwashed I was forced to stay over in a hotel for the night which meant I had to wait another day longer. After receiving my suitcase I was able to take a bus back to Ranong that afternoon which meant I arrived only at 22H30. I eventually had to walk back to the Ranong house as no motorbike taxi wanted to give me a lift with my heavy suitcase that time of night. Tired but glad 

to be closer to home. Early the next morning I took a speed boat to the island. When I got there, two of the boys had been waiting for me since the previous day... there are no words to describe the joy of us meeting again...

When I got to the Moken village, I was told that there are five children going away to the school in Ranong: James, Thong Die, Q, Phen en Biem. Heart heartbreakingly four of the children stayed with me. I also discovered between the lines that ajaan Siean wants to evict me from the village (the Ranong church are the trustees of the ground where the Moken village is situated). Just then I also received an urgent message from Thomas (Gereformeerde Church Randburg minister) letting me know he received a letter from Beram (STAMP) and that he had to speak to me right away. We then Skyped and it was clear that STAMP had a problem with our proposal on how to go ahead into the future. (Jon emailed the proposal to STAMP within the first week I was in SA.) Thomas suggested we go and speak to ajaan Siean straight away which we did. We explained to him that we heard that one of STAMP's personnel is spreading bad reports about us. His reaction to our conversation was quite positive and it seemed that it was just stories that was being spread around.

Hair must be cut

With great sorrow and a flood of tears the five children left the island. Their parents believe that as poor people they are giving their children the best chance to not also be poor one day.

In the meantime there are eighteen children going to school – you know our morning routine to get the children ready for school, then over the river with the float, little groups in the trailer and to school with the motorbike until everybody is at school. Gratefully the children are doing well and are enjoying the school routine. They all received new suitcases, school clothes, writing materials, books, socks and shoes, and they look all too smart! Out of the blue I received a letter from Beram that says he received a letter from ajaan Siean that says that if we are not part of STAMP any more we have to leave the ministry on the island. Thomas and I had another conversation and this time we think it best to ask all the role players to be present at a joint meeting so that all the misunderstandings can be openly tabled. Beram's answer was that ajaan Siean will not allow it and that such a meeting will not take place. Bold over I requested a copy of the letter and Beram says he first had to ask ajaan Siean's permission. After a week he let me know that he hadn't heard from ajaan Siean and took it as a no.

Nobody thinks about the mess if we had to leave the ministry on the island. Who will look after the children? Who will look after the sick that have to go to hospital in Ranong every second week for tests? Who will help the children in school and help if something happens? Who will maintain things in the village that everybody uses but nobody fixes? With whom will the children stay and who will take them to school when the parents go to sea? Who is going cook food for them and be Father's love to them? And even if there are people like this, how will they get the Moken to trust them and work with them?

It feels at times as if I can climb into them and jolt them to their senses, but our Father is adamant that this is His fight and that we have to stay out of it. Therefore I don't talk a lot but rather keep my eyes on Him who it is all about. I believe He is totally in control. At times it thunders and shudders on my inside but I will be obedient to Him. It is His fight even though I have all the lawful ammunition to make a strong case, I will wait on Him. It is not about us and it never was. It is also not about the Moken but about Him. Shoo but it is not easy. To not retaliate when you can but to wait, still trust and believe. As a farmer, sitting and waiting has never exactly been one of our strong points. But I know the fight is not mine.

It is up to here that events have played out. I hope you see the way which Father is busy teaching us. That it is not about us but also not about being wrong or right. It is all about being obedient to Him believing that He is always there and totally in control. That everything that happens here, He permitted and that He will let it work out to the best for everybody. We tend to lift our finger up to God when things go wrong and it gets heavy. How much more once we have sacrificed everything for Him. But it is not about us. It is not about what happens around us. He has already fulfilled everything in Christ for us, proof of his perfect and never ending love, which is enough. Yes certainly His grace is enough for us. May you, as we do, find peace in what happens to you every day. Be grateful with me, that He is with you and totally in control.

Thank you people for everything!

A thousand thank yous for all your love and support! I am here because you are there for us. The children look too smart and are so happy with what they got! We are truly a visible witness of Father's love here in Thailand. May you also find rest and peace every day knowing that Pappa is always there and is totally in control.

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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The Feb newsletter was Flip's last. His next newsletter will only be written once he is back in Thailand,which will cover the months of March and April.
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February 2556 (2013)

 Believe it or not but another month of the year has passed and my newsletter is on time. I hope your year has been filled thus far with His love and grace. During February we prepared for exams; a highly regarded magazine heard of our story; there was a Cashew-nut feast; and I am coming for a visit to SA.

Early morning to school 

What a busy time we had in preparing for the children's school exams. Every day we practised the tables, reading and maths. However, there was a big surprise waiting for the children as we are busy with Grade 1 Thai language and maths but they will be writing for Grade 2... Personally I feel that if they are able to just read the paper and make a cross themselves (multiple choice papers), they have improved a 110% from last year. The joke was that all the teachers were not at school the week before the exams and the grade one teacher Noei, would be leaving just before the exams. So it was a busy time for us. All the things that have happened here, plus Jon and his family not being here, all took its toll on me. I am exhausted to my core and hope to take a bit of time off during the coming school holidays.

In between all of this I received a phone call from a highly regarded magazine here in Thailand. Apparently they heard about us from the TV group that was here the month before, and also wanted to write a story about us. One day two people arrived on our front porch to write about us, and wow did they dig deep into our story. The woman who asked all the questions is called May, and she was accompanied by a photographer. They were very pleasant and the children enjoyed them a lot. However, on the day before they departed Khay Dam and James said that it all got too much for them. All the different people following us around all the time is not so nice any more. I must say it feels quite awkward when complete strangers follow you around continuously, but luckily they only stayed for a day or two. The reason why we are here touches people's hearts profoundly. It just doesn't make sense to the Thai that we can be here simply because of the love of God in us. I can't wait to see what this magazine wrote about us.

Cashew nut festival

Then we had a Cashew-nut festival. The school grounds were completely transformed for the feast so that all the money that was collected, could be used to build a new dining hall for the school. So we were once again hectic to get everything ready. During the festival two of the Moken girls danced, people were playing soccer from early on throughout the day, they had pole climbing and thalea (the guys sit on a pole and fight until they fall into the water). There was a lot to eat and drink and a Cashew-nut princess was crowned. Everybody enjoyed it a lot! Then there was a band and the children were two-stepping till very late. Okay I didn't know the Moken children could do that but it was a very enjoyable time.

Soon I am coming to visit in South Africa for a month or so during our school holidays. If everything works out according to plan, I should be flying into Johannesburg on 24^th March. A large part of my time will be spent with my sending church, Gereformeerde Kerk Randburg, so that the members of the congregation can get to know me better. I also hope to spend some time on the farm and to take a bit of a rest. You are all very welcome to contact my sending cell if you would like chat or visit – I hear there is going to be a potjie on Saturday 6 April in Bronkhorstspruit.

Once again I would like to thank you for all your love and support throughout the years. Our Father is busy with big things here among the Moken and none of that would have been possible without you. Remember that your love, prayers and support carry us here in Thailand.

Much love and peace to you in Him whom it is all about,

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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December 2012 & January 2556 (2013)

 Sjoe but was this a busy time we had! I hope you had a wonderful festive season and that your new year will be filled with love and grace from our Lord. So much happened in the last two months that I am going to try my best and tell you about the highlights. At the beginning of December STAMP brought another group from Malaysia to the island, at which time we also had a meeting with Peter. The school was visited by the inspectors and I again fell ill with Dengue fever. At school we also celebrated children's day and went on an outing. Immediately after that our team went to Bangkok for a weekend to meet with Beram (also from STAMP) and Peter. I left there just in time for my 'visa run' to Malaysia, after which we were visited by an informal education-body on the island. Shortly after that a media team pitched up to make a documentary about what we are doing among the Moken. The one thing followed so quick on the other, that I could only now take a break to write about all the news.

So, at the beginning of December, we received yet another large church group from Malaysia. They were here specially to celebrate Christmas with the Moken. Great was our surprise, when at our return from school the one afternoon, we were interviewed by them. We then were invited to join in a meal with them and the Moken, who gave a performance afterwards. The Moken gave of their best in their traditional dances that reminds one of a combination of Thai and African rhythm. It was most enjoyable to see. Early the next morning we went to school as usual and about an hour later the whole group also pitched up there – without prior arrangements. They then tried to teach the Thai children English but the big language gap soon made it a futile attempt. I then had to run around like a headless chicken from class to class and try and explain to the children what is expected of them. Afterwards the teachers let me know in no uncertain terms that this mustn't happen again. They suggested that overseas groups should rather stay home and send their money over to the Moken children if they want to do something good....

This incident at the school as well as things that continuously go wrong when the groups come to visit here, moved me to speak urgently to Peter. After a big struggle, Peter eventually agreed to give me some time the Sunday after church, when I had an opportunity to make my concerns known to him. Last year June, when the special needs building team and members of my sending cell were here, we also had meetings with Peter, and then again when dominee (pastor) Thomas was here in November. I was very disappointed in the way Peter handled the problems and conversation. I then requested that a third person, Beram from STAMP, be brought in to help us find much needed solutions, but unfortunately Peter was dodgy and reckoned there was not enough time to spend on us.

Just as the Malaysian group left, we had to start preparing the school for the inspectors. The poor children had to work their butts off to get everything ready and before we knew it, they arrived. They were there already early in the morning and were looking at everything the children were doing. I was also asked to prepare and present English lessons for each class. After school the first afternoon one of the inspectors cornered me. She took me to task about the dirty Moken children who's clothes are never washed. I simply had to laugh and say that they are the cleanest when they come to school! Luckily the khru (teacher) Noeie could explain to her the reality of the Moken children's lives and recommended she go and see the village for herself to understand the situation. After that her whole attitude changed. She couldn't believe where I stay and witnessed why I said the children are clean at school. Before she left she made a recording of what I do here, with eyes full of tears. So the inspectors left and our school passed the inspection. I want to mention that this all happened over Christmas and because Thailand doesn't celebrate Christmas, we couldn't even think about it as we were so busy!

 The children made me birthday cards

  One of the cards

After the inspection it was the end of the year and we had a two day break, during which time I and three of the boys went to Ranong. After the first night I said to Jonathan (Jon), who was on his way to Phuket with his family, that I have flu or something – that is apart from the chronic sinus infection I had since August. Tuesday on our way back to the island, I felt something was seriously wrong. With every movement an unbearable pain shot through my whole body and my fever was over 40ºC. I suspected Dengue fever but wasn't sure. Off to the doctor the next day but no fever or pain in my body. He gave me something for flu, however that night it was much worse than before. I have never been so sore in my life, it felt as if every bone in my body was broken! Friday morning Jon (who returned in the meantime to help me) got on a speed boat with me to go look for help in Ranong. Chanita and her husband waited for us and took us to the clinic. They are from the Ranong church, with whom we are very good friends. But again I displayed no Dengue fever symptoms but managed to persuade the doctor to take blood, which meant we had to wait until the evening for the results. While we were waiting at the house, we watched a dvd called “The Finger of God”. It was wonderful to see how our Father loves all people unconditionally. Our hearts were filled with His love and the next moment all my Dengue symptoms disappeared. I felt a 100% and even the sinusitis cleared up completely! Singing to the Lord, Jon and I left there to get the results and just as suspected, it was Dengue as well as a heavy dose of flu infection. Sjoe but Pappa is good to us! Now it is just the long road to recovery that can take up to three months.

Luckily we are so busy here at the school that there is no time to think about being sick. The next week Friday it was children's day here in Thailand. Many of the Moken children had the opportunity to dance and jive and wow, were they cute! The boys did a 'gangnam style' dance and they were excellent. There was free-bee food, games and prizes with a lot of fun all around. We can truly learn from Thailand what it means to celebrate children's day like children. After that day we were all exhausted and had a good rest.

And still it was not the end of the fun for the children. The school organised for us to go on an outing and the Moken children were also invited. Six of the children showed interest to go with and was I happy to see that! Can you still remember how shy and scared the children were before? Just to mention it made them disappear like mist in front of the sun and it took a lot of begging to get one or two to go. Well, this time everybody that could went along and did they enjoy it! Our group consisted of me, three teachers, eighteen children of which six were Moken. We left the Wednesday afternoon by boat and slept over in Ranong. Three o'clock that morning we were up to get on the bus only to get off eight hours later at Phrathuab Khiriekhan. There we visited a floating market, a temple at Hua Hin, as well as a play park and lastly we stopped at a Swiss sheep farm (can you believe it?). The children enjoyed the animals a lot and found it a little creepy when the calves licked them. Then it was the bus ride back to Ranong. We only arrived 23h30 after which I had to take the children back to the island the next morning, just to catch another boat back to Ranong so that I could get on the overnight bus to Bangkok, because STAMP eventually agreed to meet with our group that weekend.

Swiss sheep

So I arrived in Bangkok at 5 am the next morning, caught a taxi to the hotel where I met with Jon & Cally, who already arrived the previous day. We then decided on what was really important to discuss in our pre-meeting with Beram, in case there were any misunderstandings that had to be cleared up between us. After that we went into the meeting with a clear conscious and clean slate without any preconceived ideas. It could have been so different. Unfortunately the conclusion was that I realised that I can no longer work with Peter. Jon & Cally also said they are not able to continue after two years. STAMP was of the opinion that when someone leaves their organisation, they also have to leave the missions field, but the work among the Moken cannot be switched on and off. The Moken will suffer great damage if that happens and all of our foundational work will be lost. It was decided that we will go to STAMP at the end of February with a proposal to see if we can work along side each other in future.

Still in this frame of mind, I left for my three monthly 'visa run' to Malaysia. Upon my arrival in Penang I was met by old friends and was that nice! The first night we went for supper with Jon's parents as well as members of his sending cell. While we were enjoying the most delicious seafood I had to relate to them the events of the Bangkok weekend. The next day I was off to the Thai embassy for my visa application just to find out it would be closed the day after – I could only collect it the same day I had to leave for Thailand. I asked very nicely and the man was friendly enough to give me grace for the Friday morning. In the meantime I met the most wonderful people in Penang! I was so encouraged by a word from the Lord and prayer for what we do here. It was a wonderful time to be with them and I left the Friday afternoon, strengthened and full of love. Back in Thailand I faced a five hour bus ride back to Ranong. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Jon and family but Cally was very ill with infected boils. It forced them to then go to Phuket for better medical treatment and I am so glad to say that she has recuperated very well in the meantime.

And so I was back on the boat to the island. As I arrived I was greeted by a group of excited children, of which my boys were part. My, was it nice to see the children after a week that felt like an eternity! Sunday, Wasana from STAMP was there again to teach the Moken religion and that night two strangers approached me and said they are from the informal education-body of Thailand. Apparently they are there to help the Moken with education and so on... I told them the children are going to school but it is as if they didn't hear me – they continued to say there was another group coming the next day to film the children for TV. The teachers at school said that I shouldn't take too much notice of them. Well, after school Monday these people waited for us in the village. In the meantime they arranged with the Moken to give a traditional show that evening after which they will have a meeting to discuss how they are going to 'help' them. And so night fell and believe it or not, the Moken called for the older folkies to take the lead with the old rituals. Believe it or not, but the bunch brought a meal-offering to the spirits and not long after that the spirits indeed showed up! Man, was it distressing to see the people whom we love so much behave like that. But the truth was out. Some of the children were so angry with their parents because the parents had previously undertaken never to do those things again. Other children were so scared that they came to hide by us to feel better. After all the years that STAMP has been there, built and planted a church, faithfully held services on Sundays, good heartedly bringing groups there, it was now clear that the wool had been pulled over their eyes in believing the Moken were believers. The worst is that it was the most visible participants in the church who were also towing the line with the spirits. The next day there was 'informal training' held in the church hall so that the cameras could record the children, and then they left quickly. The Moken grown-ups were highly upset and called me so that they could complain – these people never interviewed them or gave them anything! I could only shrug my shoulders as neither I nor the school had nothing to do with it and I was never consulted about what the exchange-promises involved.

It remains beautiful

In between all of this, I was contacted by a media company that let me know they wanted, in cooperation with us, to make a documentary about what we do among the Moken on this island. Wow, was that interesting! They followed us for two days non-stop, from before we woke up in the morning until after we got into bed at night. With their sound-poles and video cameras they interviewed the people in the village as well as the teachers and then the children. They asked me a thousand and one questions about everything. In the end they asked, as a Christian, am I doing all these things so that I can with certainty go to heaven? The love story of a Father that wants to be reconciled with all His children took the wind out of most of their sails. Afterwards they gave the children clothes and blankets (yes we sleep under blankets). It truly was a different experience.

I know this is a long letter and hope you could find some truth and wisdom out of what happened here. A thousand thank-you's for all your love, prayer and support. Please remember that nothing that happens here is possible without you. Therefore, rejoice with us in God, who is indescribably good to us all and never forsakes us.

I would like to ask you to please keep our small team in prayer in this transition phase so that we can do the will of our Father.

Once again thank you for all your love,

In Pappa , Philip อํานาจ

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November 2555 (2012)

Good day to all my friends across the globe! Jip, another month has gone by and the new year is just around the corner. It is going so well with the Moken children; we had another and most enjoyable visit from SA; I realised how easily others can mis-use my bi-cultural bridge; there is change on the horison; and we play Loy Krathong.

I am glad to let you know that the Moken children are so very well! They are doing great at school and everybody is telling me how their manners have improved. My own class is also thriving. All the children can read (apart from Thong Dii) and they are starting to perform well in the spelling tests. Maths is still a big challenge but we are constantly working hard at it. It is truely wonderful to see how quickly the children have adapted and how school is not as big a threat as it used to be in the past.

Khay Dam reading from the Bible

Then I had such a good companion join us in our daily routine when dominee Thomas Dreyer from the Gereformeerde Church Randburg in SA came to visit us. Eish, did we enjoy his company! As he arrived he joined in with our play, our schooling, our home and everything else we do here. We spent quality time together and I had someone I could share and speak Afrikaans to. Jonathan also had a good visit with Thomas (in English) and I am very excited about what Thomas shared with me about our congregation in SA. They are busy with big things and I am so excited because I see the heart of missions in it. We also had an opportunity to speak to Peter from STAMP again, just like we did in July when my sending cell was here with the house-lifting project.

Left in the black t-shirt is Jon, the Peter from STAMP, and Thomas on the right

With Thomas being here I saw how the children took to him and because they trust me, they immediately accepted him and forged a tie with him. They played together like old friends and this made me realise that my bi-cultural bridge into the Moken community, could very dangerous. I realised that all the visitors need to be informed beforehand and that their motives need to be carefully scrutinized before they are allowed to use my trust-bridge. This is a precious bridge that I have established through relationships over time and must ensure that it does not get mis-used. Outsiders are accepted by the Moken community because of my introduction and this is where the danger lies.

It opened my eyes to what is happening here. I realised we have to carefully investigate groups that come in to do their own thing before we side with them. It has been a while that we have realised that major changes must be made if we are going to succeed. All I know is that things are going to happen, but we will have to wait and see how and when.

And so we had our annual celebration of Loy Krathong. It is the cultural Thai festival when people make 'floating crowns' that are placed on water to drift away. This time we had the whole afternoon at school to make the Krathongs or the crowns. It was very nice! To make the float we used a banana plant stem, cut into a coin of about 3cm thick. Then the banana leaves are folded and weaved, and attached to the stem, to form a beautiful crown. In the middle flowers are placed for decoration, as well as small candles and three incense sticks. At midnight, just before we let the floats on the water to Loy or drift, we lit the incense for a sweet fragrance and the candles to shine bright in the darkness. We made seven Krathongs altogether that we placed in the canal. It was truly something very special.

Then I just want to thank each one of you for your love, support and prayers. Please remember that without you it would not be possible for me to be here.

Much love and peace to you, in Him, whom it is all about, Jesus our Lord.

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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October 2555 (2012)

Here is a nice surprize for you! Don't get a fright because I am on time this month with my newsletter! I greet you all in the Name above every other name, the only Person in whom we are able to reconcile with the Father, the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This last month was such a nice month. My mom and aunt came to visit, two of the boys went with me to Phuket and I had to go to Kuala Lumpur for my visa run.

Wow what a nice surprize it was for me when I heard that my mom (Elsabi) and my aunt (my mom's youngest sister, Sarie) were coming to visit me! The visit was on real short notice but in the end everything was organised and ready for their arrival. The children were busy writing exams but since I had to go and fetch my family at the Phuket airport, the school agreed to postpone their exams by a day or two. When the day arrived, two of the Moken boys accompanied me to Phuket. After a long bus ride, we sat waiting at the airport for the plane to land any moment – and then the sms arrrived: “Where are you, we have been waiting for more than two hours for you....” At first I thought my mom was pulling my leg but immediatley realised she can't sms me from the plane. So yes, believe it or not, they got off at the wrong airport – they were waiting for me at the Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaisia! And so their visit started off on a high note. Quickly we arranged a flight for them with Air Asia and eventually they landed later the same night in Phuket. Then they experienced all Thailand's best modes of transport: the bus, the song teaw, motorbike rides, taxi and boat trips. We enjoyed the time with them very much and it is wonderful to know that your mother approves of the place you stay!

My aunt and my mom 

Safely in Phuket (not KL...)

If you are born on an island and the biggest town you have ever visited is Ranong, then your world is rather small and a big surprize awaits you the moment you start to explore the rest of the world. With this in mind, I took two boys, KhayDam and James, with me to Phuket to go and greet my family. For two days we stayed in a hotel and everything was new for them there.... from the lift to the food they ate. They were so shocked to see so many people and told me later that they thought all the people in the world must be staying in Phuket. They sternly believed the lift is alive and how do the shop doors know to open when you stand in front of them? For me the funniest was breakfast. Imagine, about fifteen different items to choose from: succulent fruit, coffee and all sorts of breads with butter and jam. They gave the food one look and decided that it was not fit to be food as such, how can one eat these things, even the rice looks different! Eih, it was a big thing for them. My mom and aunt helped a lot by introducing the boys to all the new things, with the result that they just want to go back. They can't stop talking about our time with my family in Phuket.

My mom in my new home

I had to go to KL again for my 3 month visa run. Normally I'm quite comfortable to hop on a plane and fly over and make use of this opportunity to spend time with Peter for a week or so. But since the rand has weakened, busing out will be my mode of transport. This time it was most enjoyable in that I met a number of new people who are in different ways working in missions. I met the leader of Tent Making International, Jonnie, and found our time together valuable. Then I also met Mong, chairman of OMF Malaisia. She is a dear old lady whom you would also like straight away.

And then I met a minister who is helping the illegal immigrant's children in Malasia. There is already 700 children in his school and he is like a true dad to them. He says that this is now his church in which he is truely making a difference in this world. This ministry is desperately looking for people that can help at the school. So, all the young people who have a heart for missions, this is a golden opportunity to get involved, full or part time, at the school and by so doing, touching precious hearts and lives.

So here we are! Once again a thousand thank you's for your love, prayer and faithful support. Just know without you we cannot execute our work here.

Loving greetings in Him who it is all about

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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Aug & Sept 2555 (2012)

Good day to all my friends around the world. I have never been as late with my newsletter as this one! But it has been one of the busiest times for me since my move to the island. The children celebrated mother's day, an unexpected prayer, the new school master arrived, and then I have had a solid dose of sickness.

Different to SA, mother's day in Thailand is celebrated on the queens birthday. It is then an opportunity for children to bring honour to their parents at school. This was how I decided to personally invite every Moken mother to school for this special day. Only one or two mothers showed up before because they are terribly shy of people and things, and I kind of expected the same this time. Great was the surprize when just about every mother showed up at school! The Thai have a beautiful tradition: the children kneel before their mother's, then get up and give them a big hug. Normally Moken children don't receive hugs from their parents so this was a huge happening. The children cried and couldn't get enough of their mother's attention. One of the mothers said afterwards that they enjoyed it a lot and were very glad they were invited. Since that day I have noticed here and there mothers showing affection by giving their children hugs.

Since the Moken children go to school regularly, there are about two to four that always stay with me. It is because the parents go out to sea and thus can't keep up with the school routine. Therefore children either go with the parents to sea or stay with me. I have a children's bible with beautiful illustrations. I am in the habit of giving them the book to look at the pictures and then tell the stories. They really enjoy it and are especially fascinated by Jesus' crucifixion – I think it is difficult for them to comprehend why He did it and why, He that is God, allowed it. Often the question is why did Jesus not fight back, He is after all God. And so I explain to them the whole story. One evening I searched the internet for Moken videos and found a short extract about the very same piece and when I showed it to them, Khay Dam (one of the boys) was in tears. So it happened again one day that I had to relate Jesus' crucifixion. At night before we sleep, each boy gets a chance to pray, but this night was so very special. Khay Dam prayed for everybody in the house and their families, and finished off with these words: 'Thank you Father that You had Jesus die for us so that we can know You as Father.' Well, it took the wind right out of my sails!

Enjoying a meal in our new home

Our little school has been without a school master for half a year already. In some ways it was nice but it also had its draw backs. One of the benefits was that the acting head liked me a lot and thus offered to help me with obtaining a permanent residential visa. Unfortunately the food at school wasn't very nice but unfortunately  his hands were tied in that he was not able to make decisions.

In the meantime a new school master was appointed and luckily the food improved. However, he wants to check me out first before committing to help with my visa application. So I am exactly where I was before – going to Malaysia every three months to renew my visa for the next three months.

This is how the Moken community have a meeting

About six weeks ago I got a 'cold'. Now I know that it wasn't the usaul flu because it is still with me. In the last while we have had tremendous rain here. I know us South Africans think we know what rain is, but I have never experienced anything like this. It must have rained here for a solid three weeks, more that 100mm every day, and I am not excagerating. It is something to see! The wind is gusting, the waves crash and smash, rain is falling without stopping. Thankfully we are high and dry in our new home, even though the wood became white with mould - what can I say? Of course everything was sopping wet which didn't help my cold. Later it became a sinus infection and after three antibiotic(!) treatments it still didn't clear. I also started loosing energy as the weeks went by. Recently I visited a ear-nose-throat doctor and am only now starting to feel like a human again. I trust that from here on I will be feeling myself soon again.

Again it is my privilege to thank you a thousand times over for all your prayers and love. Just know that without you the work here is not possible. It is truly a privilege to have you as part of my team. Love and peace to you from Him who we call our Father (Pappa).

Liefde

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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June & July 2555 (2012)

Wow time flies! For a moment it feels like yesterday that I wrote the last newsletter, but then I think back at everything that has happened since and I realise, time really flies!  I greet you all in the Name that is above every other name, Jesus Christ, and I trust that you live everyday in His abiding love.  I don’t quite know where to start.  Umm, let’s see, how about when the sea washed right through my home and before I knew it, it was lifted in the sky. I want to tell you about the Moken children and the school, and the vision I had.  The rest you will simply have to come and hear for yourself over a 3-in-1 coffee while an insect or three bites on you!

Well, did we have storms here on the island for a week or two.  The wind gusted, the rain showered down and the normally flat sea became a giant.  The waves got so high that I prohibited the children from swimming in it.  It is quite something else to see, and then spring tide on top of that! Normally spring tide is not a problem but this time it came with violent force.  There are no words to describe the crude power of water.  There is just about nothing that stops it and you have to just witness how it wipes everything away.  And so my house was also in its way, luckily not totally swept away – the sea rushed in on the one side and out the other way.  We built a wall of sandbags daily that broke the worst of the waves but after every high tide the bags were gone.  Then we started again.  After the third day I felt as if the sea could now crush my home. Thankfully the tide turned and the water didn’t continue to push up that high.  The poor children who were with me were just as tired as we had to fill the sand bags every day after coming back from school in order to stuff sand in under the foundations.  The miracle is that, with this entire calamity here, a lot of people’s hearts were touched in SA, to the point of sending a group over to come and rebuild and lift my house.  The nice thing for me was that I was able to carry on with my daily tasks as if nothing was wrong.  The crowd brilliantly outdid themselves with the result that we are living high and dry far away from the water.  I believe it was also an amazing experience for them.  A thousand thank you’s to everyone that came here or contributed in any way to our wonderful house!

Jon and us in front of our new home

Inside the house it s much more spacious

As you by now know, there is a group of Moken children that goes to school.  I can’t help but think of the saying ‘a flower is an educated weed’ or something to that effect – you will understand what I mean when reading the following.  For a week one of the teachers did not come to school as he attended to his very sick wife in hospital.  He teaches the second grade pre-school that consists mainly out of the Moken children.  So one morning one of the boy's Tiny, didn’t want to go to school and I didn’t have time to find out what the real problem was.  Arriving at school, one of the other teachers called me to the empty class room and I immediately knew why Tiny was suddenly feeble . . . the walls were covered in the most beautiful children’s art - boats, fishes and palm trees everywhere you looked!  Best of all, there was an important function planned in the same classroom for the next day and therefore the crayon art had to be removed. Since Tiny was the big instigator, I got on my bike there and then and went to fetch him. Thank goodness the walls were clean for the next day.

The children of this very same class have to take an afternoon nap at school but since their teacher was away, other teachers came to settle them down and wait just long enough for them to fall asleep before leaving for their own classes. It didn’t take the children long to work out that as soon as the teacher leaves, they can climb through the window to go play at the back of the very room they decorated.  Next to this classroom is a shrine with a knee-deep fish pond and the main road running right past it. It wasn’t long before the clothes flew off and they swam in the holy water in plain sight of all the bystanders! Man are they busy.  If they are not breaking the mugs in the classroom, they are plastering each other with the teacher’s cream.

Then I had another wonderful experience with our Lord. The year before I left for Thailand, I went to Zambia with Johan Beukman. We were attending a gathering of the Tongas as they thanked the Lord for everything He did among their people.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  I remember clearly how a blind little old lady was healed right before my eyes.  Her eyes were snow white and it became filled with colour in front of me.  It was at this gathering that I had a vision:  I stood by the sea, leaning on a tree. The sun was either setting or rising over the sea. I smiled and knew this was where I was suppose to be.  Five years later on Ko Phayam island, I walked on the beach one sunset and got the feeling to turn around and there is was, the exact vision.  There was even a tree against which I could go and lean - I then knew for sure that this is the place the Lord wants me to be.  After that our Father even blessed me with a new home, the school that is going to help me with my visa and to put the cherry on the cake, a stranger put five thousand Baht in my hand for the work I am doing here.  You don’t understand how wonderful it is when things work out this way.  All I can say is how indescribable our Father is and that I am madly in love with Him.

My vision....

One again a big thank you for your love and support and all your prayers.  Without you it would not be possible for me to be here. Much love and peace in Him to all of you.

Loving greetings

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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 May 2555 (2012)
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Greetings to all my friends and family on this globe! Surprise, my newsletter is on time in spite of it being a very busy month. I enlarged my house, the new school year started and I put a couple of infections behind me, to name but a few.

As you know I built a small house on the island where I live. But since I started looking after all the children, my home has become quite small. So I decided to enlarge my home before the school starts. What fun! The problem was not so much the complexity of the structure but rather to get the building materials there! I went to Ranong one day to go and buy the necessary wood and stuff, which had to go all the way back to the island by boat of course. This part was still do-able but to get the cargo off the boat onto the island and then to the Moken village is not easy at all. I managed to transport most of the load on a little Moken boat from the main docking point to the village but then the storms started… The waves were eventually too big for the little vessel too fare around the island which forced me to fetch it by motorbike, one by one. I then had to put it on the float and cross the lagoon and then carry it to where my house was being built.

I know it doesn’t sound that bad but picture this: it’s raining buckets and I am totally drenched, then I had to load 40 wooden poles, 32 bags building sand, 10 bags stone and 5 bags of cement (that had to stay dry of course) on the motorbike plus other things. I had to leave it on the other side of the lagoon which meant I had to put a load on the float and pull it 100 meters across, off load and carry it another 50 meters to the spot for my house….And it was at this point that I discovered I was given the wrong poles….while we were building, it was spring tide causing the waves to break into the house! Thankfully, a step father of one of the boy's who lives with me came to help which made the work much easier. This was quite a story and I was very grateful for the cooler weather. So now the house is finished and I can’t describe in words how nice it is to live here.

 The house was just done when the new school year started again. It was back to school for all of us! I was still exhausted from building house but we simply had to go. There are now 13 children who go to school every day and they are all transported with the motorbike and attached trailer. It’s quite a sight and every day we are greeted with friendly smiles when we are on our way. The school is very grateful that the Moken children are attending school regularly. I was also asked to help out with the English classes. We were only at school a couple of days when the teachers were summonsed to attend a meeting in Ranong. Without hesitation I was seconded to teach simplistic Thai and mathematics. The headmaster was most impressed and the news about the ‘farang’ that is teaching the children spread quickly. A week later I received an invitation to teach at one of the top notch schools in Ranong! Our schoolmaster was visibly relieved when I declined the offer and promptly visited me the very next Sunday in order to encourage and thank me for continuing the good work. She told me how grateful she was for my effort and again encouraged me to keep it up.

 

While we were busy with construction, I stepped on broken glass that lies everywhere. Most of the wounds healed quite quickly but a couple of them decided to give me a hard time by becoming badly infected.  One night I woke up because my right foot was itching like mad, but so badly that it felt as if I could cut it off just to stop the itch. The itch was simply indescribable! The bacteria formed what looked like small tubes under the skin and looked like a moving worm but the itch was maddening! When I pricked a tube it was full of fluid. I put pure alcohol on it which made it burn like hell but which was way better than the itch. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than that itch but boy, was I wrong!

I simply cover the wounds with plasters to try and keep them clean, but there was another surprise waiting for me…. It is constantly wet and I’m in and out of the sea and lagoon water. In one of the wounds another bacteria started to eat my flesh under the skin. It turns purple-black and the pain overrides the itch by far! The worst is you can see it spreading and later on I couldn’t even stand on the foot. After just a half a day I couldn’t take it any longer and went to the clinic. The doctor said that if not treated it will spread till the whole leg is purple-black and swollen. She put me on some kind of anti biotic and I am feeling a whole lot better already. 

So you can hear there is not a moment that goes by without us experiencing some sort of excitement. A thousand thank-you’s for all your love, prayers and support. Without you all of this would not be possible. There are so many other things that have also happened, like the boy who started comprehending what out Saviour did for us, the fridge that arrived and that is making my life so much easier on the island, the inverter that burned out , the gas stove’s seal that perished, things that happened at school and a whole lot more.

May the love of God be a constant truth in your lives as well!

Loving greetings

Philip อํานาจ

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March & April 2555 (2012)

Good day to all my friends across the globe! I’m sure you might think it has become a new habit to send my newsletters out only once every two months. However, I trust you understand why it sometimes happens. Just before I went to visit SA we wrote exams at the school, some of us learned to play the drums, we all went to a sports event on one of the islands and then something happened. After that I spent nearly a month in SA resting and realised again how much the mission field has changed me.

The days have slipped by taking the children to school and before we knew it the Thai school year came to an end and we all had to write exams. I knew straight away that the Moken children would not be able to write them because they can’t even read, ooo my! Here the children write exams already in grade one and not only one paper, no, nine altogether! All the Moken children had to write and had a very hard time doing so. However, the nice thing about this Thai system, is that the children are assisted. The teacher can see who finishes first with the exams and they are then told to help the Moken children. Later on I was also told to help them. So much so for exams. Yet the children are not promoted to the next grade and thus will remain in grade one again this coming year.

After the exam slaughter, all the children are asked to still come to school regularly for the next couple of days. Then the sports practice starts for a sports day on another island called Haad Say Dam. Sports will be played, as well as a band playing and a whole lot more is to happen. In my endeavour to encourage the Moken children to also participate, I found out they are scared. Later on I forced a couple to at least take a chance with playing the drums and as you will have it, the little man Khay Dam took to it like a duck to water. He was even chosen as a band member to partake in the procession, and thus the Moken children had no excuse but to join in and go on the excursion. The school also asked me to accompany the Moken children and help with them.

And so we departed one morning early, with great difficulty, for the docks to go to Haat Say Dam island for the sports event. When we got there we waited for all the other island’s children to also arrive. Then the procession started through the town to the school terrain. It was so good to see the Moken children participate in the procession! They played their hearts out! The sports event took place over 2 days, so we had to sleep overnight, well to be more precise, we tried to sleep that night. There were four islands, three places and no losers - because there was first and second place and a shared third place. It was priceless to see how they cheered each other on. Everybody was always on the losers’ side and a little cheating happened to help the losers not lose too much. It was truly a sports event to enjoy and lift each other up. Everybody was a winner and nobody returned home empty handed. 

After all this excitement, I was ready to travel to SA but something had to happen first. One morning just before the school closed, one of the Moken men showed up at my house and asked if I can please come and pray for one of the little old lady's, as the spirits had come to visit her the night before. I finished quickly with the eleven children, who were on their way to school with me, and left to go to her. When we arrived the old lady looked as if she was busy having epileptic fits. I immediately sensed that there was no coincidence that the children were with me and I sought in my heart what to do. Our God is an awesome God and I knew He was going to do something big. I took the old lady’s hand in mine and experienced the love of God for her. With a simple prayer the children could understand, I commanded the sickness to leave her body and she was healed.

I then asked her what happened and she started telling us that there were four spirits that came to visit her. One spirit was female and went upstairs while the other three male spirits went to sit at the head and foot of the bed. They demanded to know who gave her permission to stay in that house, but as she tried to explain they just insisted that she had no right to be there. She said although their faces were deep-set and black she was not scared of them. When they disappeared she started to shake uncontrollably. She invited us to come and pray for her in her house on our way back from school that same afternoon. While we were walking to the float, one of the boys said to me that now he knows for sure that God is real even though we can’t see Him – “you prayed so easily and He heard you...”

At the height of all the excitement here in Thailand, I had to prepare to visit SA. It was wonderful to see and visit everybody of my own family. I also had a very good rest at the coast. I would have liked to see more of you but there was simply not enough time. Yet it was a very fruitful time as well as a very sorrowful time for me.

They say that the mission field changes those that are there but believe you me, I am not always ready for those changes. Most of you have been to or know where Thailand is and how open the idol worship is. The spiritual world is familiar to the inhabitants and is publicly displayed, open and seen. However, in SA it is much worse in the way that you are not able to single it out or point to it. What is bad for me is that it is accepted by everybody as the norm and okayed. I am talking about the idols that are worshipped by the same people who say God is Lord over all.

Personally my heart was ripped apart while I was in SA. I saw the hate in people towards others which was very difficult for me. On the one side we bring praises to God and on the other side we hate our neighbours. The way white's and black's act towards each other was unbearable for me. From the government to the church, it is all about self, it is just all about self.

In Thailand we often see demon possession where the evil spirits take control of a person’s faculties. I saw the same anger and uncontrollable behaviour there in SA – it was when I read the newspaper and saw the parents next to the sports fields. Many of them

sit in church on a Sunday yet the same behaviour is acceptable here. The idol temples are packed at every kind of sports event, TV broadcasts the adoration services over and over. The children are sacrificed to the idol Mammon, who is consuming the country.

When I look at Thailand I feel relieved to be back, removed from the unseen and masked idol worship in SA. The worst for me is that believers are de-sensitised and don’t know it, yet they are quick to point out and judge others for similar or lesser things that are present in their own lives! At this time it looks to me as if we who think we are on the right road are more lost than those who we think are lost. We are also just practising another religion that is controlled by rules and regulations. The True Life has left it long ago but it suits us to do it this way. If there was True Life in it we would have been changed by it. But who likes to be wrong, lost or in need of change?

A thousand thank you’s once again for your continued love and support. Remember that without you it would be impossible for us to be here. May you find true peace and love in Him who it is all about.

Loving greetings

In Pappa, Philip อํานาจ

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January & Febuary 2555 (2012)

Good day to all my friends across the globe!  Believe it or not but 2 months of the year has already passed again.  I know it is my first newsletter for the year but please have some grace.  This is the first time I am writing from my home on the island and to keep the battery charged takes some maneuvering!  (Have to add that I had to eventually finish this letter back on the main land in Ranong.)

           

 
I am now living permanently on the Ko Phayam island and I must say it is really wonderful.  It naturally has its own challenges but nothing that can’t be resolved in time.   The biggest challenge is that I am now technologically dis-abled.  No electric power or internet, just the cell phone that I am battling to keep charged.  I try and charge the phone and laptop whenever they run the generator.  So this is my first attempt to share with you about what happens here with these limited resources.

I am now also going to school every day of the week with the children.  It is most enjoyable because I have the opportunity to continue my Thai language studies.  It is far more difficult than what it sounds like because I am doing it at school level.  The teachers don’t allow any mistakes so the sounds and words have to be repeated over and over again until it is right.  I am learning quite fast and so the teacher uses me to teach the Moken children in turn what they have taught me.  In other words, I am student first and the moment I get it right, I become teacher to the Moken children.  I am dead tired after these sessions but enjoy it tremendously.  It is also very rewarding to experience how the children are growing when they receive so much attention.           

Then I am also ‘dad’ and ‘mom’ to a group of boys that are left with me when their parents go to sea.  The group has grown from 3 to 4 and even though it is indescribably enjoyable it is also quite difficult.  Through this Father teaches me so much of himself.  Sometimes they can anger me to boiling point but the very next moment I love them to pieces.  I tell them a bible story every night which they really enjoy, followed by an opportunity to pray.  What a story in the beginning: they were too scared to pray but now they fight to go first.  At first their prayers were single sentences in which they thanked the Lord for something that happened that day.  Then it was 2 or so sentences until they started praying for their families and community.  It is amazing to hear them pray and witness how their trust in the Lord is starting to grow.

In the times when the children stay with me, it has happened that they cut teeth.  I then told them that they must take the tooth and place it in my slip-ons under the bed.  They of course wanted to know why and I then told them the story of the tooth-mouse.  They obviously didn’t believe me but placed the tooth in my slip-on in any case.  And so they forgot about it until the next morning.  Great was their astonishment when the tooth was gone and in its place was 10 Baat.

They were so excited!  Then I had to tell the story again and since then we have been looking for that mouse.  I also said that the mouse does not like rotten teeth and that they have to take good care of their own teeth.  Now the brushing teeth problem has also been solved.  Thank you Mr. mouse!

And lastly, Peter our leader from STAMP has decided that it would be good if the whole team goes home for a visit.  It has been a rough year all round and the new team has had to make many adaptations.  I have lost a bit of weight and the team was worried about it but the doctor’s verdict is that I am fine and healthy.  I am coming to South Africa for a month rest before returning to Thailand again.  Since this is not a normal feedback situation, I am most probably not going to be able to see all of you but please know that you are in my heart and prayers.

           

 A thousand thank you’s for all your love and prayers.  Without you all that happens here is not possible.  Please know that I sincerely appreciate it.

Loving greetings
In Pappa

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21 Feb 2012 - Philip has unfortunately not written his January newsletter yet.  We will publish it as soon as we have received it
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December 2554 (2011)

And so it has happened, it is the end of the year and this is my last letter to you before the New Year starts.  I hope it was a wonderful year for you and through everything that happened - and didn’t happen - you still experienced the incredible love and mercy of our Father.  I pray and believe that 2555 (2012) is going to be a year in which we all grow closer to and deeper in Our Father!  So this last month was again busy, I have a new house to show for it, Peter and the crowd were here and many other things happened.

My house in the Moken community on the island has finally been completed and it is wonderful to live in it.  Oe & I were working at it until it was done so that I can live in peace in my own house with the children that I look after.  The house is not very big and has a kitchen and a washroom as well as one large area where we sleep, eat and sit.  The walls are made of wood and the roof of palm leaves which makes it pleasantly cool.  I now often receive guests who come to look at my new house.  I am really enjoying it because normally the Moken are very shy to talk to people and all of a sudden they are coming to me to sit and visit.  So far it has been one of the best things I have yet done and that was to build a house that is close to the old Moken building style.  Everything I did in the house is self made.  It offers the Moken an opportunity to also manufacture things for themselves if they wanted to.  And believe me, this house is the talk of the town!

Just before my house was completed, I had another visit from Peter, his family and a group.  The house was already livable which made it possible for the Moken to come and hide in it to observe the visitors – very interesting.  The group presented a Christmas program to the Moken, who enjoyed it very much.  They distributed gifts to the children and community.  At the same time, the ‘water filter team’ that built Jonathan’s water filter, was also here.  It was hairy with all the people here.  The nice thing to experience was that the Moken didn’t see me as one of the visitors anymore.  And so we observed the visiting groups together from the sideline so to speak.

The new house and the fact that I am watching over the children when the parents go out on the boats, has its advantages.  One of the new things the Moken have started to do, is bring me fresh seafood.  I am given a variety that includes crabs, shell food, fish and even bats.  It is really nice to be given such delicacies but I have not managed the bats yet – I choose to have no idea how to cook it at this stage…

I also had my first birthday on the island and it was quite interesting!  It was only the Moken & I and they don’t even know what day of the week it is, never mind that the day was my birthday.  I must say I had a very pleasant day even though there was nobody that understood the event or celebrated it with me.  The simplicity of the Moken made it a very memorable time for me.

It is time again for me to leave the country so that I can renew my visa.  I did try to apply in Thailand but there is no lawful way for me to obtain it.  Therefore I am flying out on 27 December to Malaysia to obtain another 3 month visa.  I truly need your prayers regarding this.  The visa run severely interrupts my work and we have to see if there is not another way to obtain a visa.  If any of you know, please me.

There is so much that can be done among the Moken.  There are more than enough opportunities for everybody to get involved in what the Lord is doing among the nations.  We are the hands and feet of our Lord on earth and if we don’t move, nothing will happen.  We are here for His plan and His purposes.  Everything is about Him!  I want to encourage you to put shoulder to the wheel and to go out to the nations and to start moving!  Listen to how the nations are calling for The Savior!  Who will go out and lead them all in the right direction?  Who will go out and grab the opportunity to show them the Love that they don’t know?  I pray that you would truly experience the heart of God and will come to see what He wants to do in and with your life!

Thank you very much for your love and support through the years.  Remember that you play just as a vital a role as we who have gone out.  Without you we can’t be here and thus the nations will not taste the love of our Father.  You are an example to all of us!

Loving greetings

In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ
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November 2554 (2011)

Indeed, this month I am on time! Yes, the second last month of the year has gone by and it feels as if it was just the other day that I started counting down the months. What a month! A brief overview of November’s “What lies ahead”, the children are going to school and our Father continues to touch the Moken.

Was I busy in November on the island! I must say, the more time I spend on the island the more it helps to get things done there, the longer I want to stay! The time there is just not enough and the more I am there, the more the Moken relax and are forthcoming to me. I spend quality time with them while they teach me Moken and laugh themselves silly for the things I say wrong. After that they get on their boats to go and catch shrimp.

Initially we had a rocky start with getting the stuff needed to the island to build the water filter. That was due to several storms, once turning the boat back because it took in too much water. In December we are going to be quite busy trying to finish building it since there are two groups coming to help us with its completion. They are from Australia and America and have covered half of its costs - I thank them all in the meantime!

The vegetable garden is looking good and the seedlings are coming along nicely. We have a bit of a problem with bugs that have also discovered the garden, thankfully the plants are growing quick enough that their foraging is not slowing it down. The best of all is that the Moken are watching us and have also started to clear the ground around the garden. So maybe if the garden starts to produce, it might have the desired effect of setting them off to do the same.

Hanging the toilet doors was a huge struggle. It works a bit differently here than by you in South Africa. The door is made from plastic and is hollow on the inside, which makes it difficult to plane it to size. But there is nothing a farmer can’t do! So with much wheeling and dealing the doors were cut, taken apart, planed and put back together again. And there you are, hanging doors.

Concerning the Moken language and strategy, I have no set idea yet. It is much harder than I thought. On the one hand it is problematic because my Thai language skills are not quite up to scratch, while I desperately want to learn Moken. The Moken I am learning is very informal but what about my Thai that I have invested three years in learning already? The consequence of the work previously undertook among the Moken by others is like a huge wall blocking us from doing the work the Lord has called us to now do with them. So I am with my hands in my hair about it all and know it is only the Lord that can help us here. Then there are the children that have crept deep inside my heart and the team I am part of – some are still learning Thai language in Ranong while there is a Thai lady that works with us as well. We really need your prayer and suggestions regarding decisions now. It is very difficult for other people on the island and I can only thank the Lord that I don’t struggle with it. But how do you keep everything in mind and settle everybody?

Talking about the children, we encouraged the parents to send their children back to school after the holidays. Since we arrived on the island we have never seen them attend school. There are now 10 Moken children that go to school every day. But most children hate school! The problem is a teacher who likes to cane the children often. The four boys that always stayed with me, have now dwindled to three because the other one fled to another island. They cry just about every day before they have to go to school. Then the adventure begins - the first obstacle is the water channel that has to be crossed with not the best of floats. (Luckily the float has not capsized with the children yet. At this point we have decided to encourage the Moken to build a better float to use over the channel.) Then they are all picked up with the motorbike and trailer and taken to school. Well is this a sight to behold and a load of fun!

Between all of this it has been hectic: the children get sick because we must take care of them, we have to take them to the doctor; some Moken men got injured – one at work and one who fell off a motorbike; first Jonathan and now Cally got sick; and then the motorbike that broke down again and many other things! There is not a moment that we are not challenged. Through all of this Father comes and does something wonderful. Where we are tired and when we get despondent about everything that is happening, He comes and shows us again He is in control. One man’s right arm was paralysed and the doctors said they need to operate on him. So we went to pray for him and the next day he came to tell us that his arm is much better and if we can pray for him again. His arm was completely healed. We can only worship and praise the Lord for the way that He loves the Moken. There is nobody like Him!

I just want to thank you again for all your love, prayer and support. Without you we cannot be here. I truly appreciate it all!

Loving greetings
In Pappa

Philip อํานาจ

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September – October 2554 (2011)

I know that you might think I have forgotten about you, but no, I haven’t! This time I have written a combination letter covering the last 2 month's events. Since my last newsletter I needed to take some time off, I attended a mission's youth congress in Malaysia, we have a new trailer and we also had a big clean up. We then tackled a vegetable garden, we had a meeting with Peter from STAMP and yes our Father surprises us around every corner. As you can see, this is a longer letter than normal.

After my great tiredness I planned to take some time off although it did not materialize as I envisaged at first. In the end I had a wonderful time with Deon and his family. During that time, I spend a great deal with Deon attending a bible counseling course. I must say that although my Thai let me down badly, I got the just of it and was able to apply it. After that I went with Deon and his family up to Chiang May where I really had a good rest. In the end, it was only the 22 hour bus ride back home that was not so pleasant.

Before going to Deon and Corne, I first attended a mission’s youth congress in Malaysia called “The Plan 2011”. It was truly wonderful to see how God touched people’s hearts and captured their attention to what He is doing in the world today. I also had an opportunity to extend my visa for another 3 months in Thailand. We could also spend time with the group members that will be joining us in Thailand next year. They are from Brazil and are busy learning English in Malaysia.

I know that most of you don’t know what the circumstances are like here on the islands.  Let me try and give you a glimpse. The Moken village is pretty secluded and entry is rather difficult. So every time I arrive from the main land, I carry about 40 kg of baggage with me. During the week I also walk about twice or so with the children to the other side of the island to buy new provisions. It is not too far, about 5km or so, but I carry myself silly with all the stuff. We then came up with a good solution and got ourselves a little trailer to ease the load. In South Africa a car or a bakkie would normally pull the trailer but here in Thailand we use our motorbikes!

We were also necessitated to start with a big clean up here on the island. There are no real amenities here on the island, I mean like toilets or so. Yes, there is one available but only one. Previous groups tried to build three more, but it is full of sand and ‘things’ the children pushed in it. You can imagine when the groups come to visit that things get pressured with just one toilet. We eventually got permission to salvage the other three toilets which meant that new doors needed to be fitted and the sand and ‘things’ needed to be scraped out of the bowls. It was and still is  pretty vrot lot, if you understand what I mean. 

The children on the island don’t really eat any vegetables. Their diet mainly consists of rice and fish or mussels, or something out of the sea. It is very tasty but it is also necessary to pass something green over one’s lips now and again. Most of the families can’t afford vegetables and so the parents have asked us if we don’t want to teach the children how to plant vegetables. So how do you get children interested in a vegetable garden…? I tried everything to convince them but nothing! In the end I bought seed and called the older children together. Every day we put a couple of seeds in a layer of wet toilet paper so that they could see the seeds germinate and grow in front of their own eyes. It was just enough to get a couple of them to help us with the small beginnings of a green patch.

We eventually had the long overdue meeting with Peter. For three days we met, normally starting at 10am and finishing around 10pm, sometimes even later. This was a very necessary process during which we sorted out a lot of problems as well as agreed on the reasons we are working together here. We each now know where we fit into the picture and what is expected of us. I must say that there is now a lot of peace in my heart about STAMP and that they are truly in line with what the Lord has called us to. I have been released to truly learn the Moken culture and language, so that we can understand what is in the depth of their hearts.

We know that there is nothing we can do out of our own, but we can open our hearts so that the authentic agape love of our Father can manifest through us. It is a huge challenge but also an amazing privilege to be used by our Father as an instrument. We know that as we draw closer to Him and live in His presence, He is faithful to touch those around us. Because it has always just been about Him and it will always just be about Him! 

I must say that the last couple of months have been a great challenge for me. As I tried to explain in my previous letter, there was just too much to be done and too little of me available. One of the things I was also responsible for on Sundays was to bring a Thai message in the small Moken church. You must understand that my biblical Thai is not that good, but never the less it was done. The worst is to look into their faces and know that they have no idea what I am saying. When I ask them if they understood, they just shrug except for one or two who’s Thai is a bit better.

Then there are the children. In the beginning they said they know the Lord and that He is real to them. But as they got used to me they are saying that God cannot be real. When I ask them why not, their look is that of amazement when they answer that He is not to be seen of course. What about the spirits then I ask? No, these they can see and then start to relate how real those are to them.

It brought me to a place of indescribable powerlessness. You realize that you can talk and talk and relate story after story but that it is the Lord alone that can touch their hearts. It truly brought me to the end of myself and my endeavor to ‘save’ people. And it was at that point that the Lord came through, there where you least expect it, there where nothing is left of you.

At this place where you expect nothing, the Father comes and surprises us around every corner. So we were called one night to go and pray for somebody that was very sick. Pocking air and mumbling for the correct Thai in trying to say a prayer, the person got healed on the spot. I don’t know who was more surprised! So our Father comes and brings hope to our hearts. Now they say that it is not the doctors or their spirits that can heal them, but when we pray they are healed.

One of the elderly ladies related to us how the Lord touched her after we prayed for her. Sunset one evening we were called to go and pray for her. There were many people at her house, which is normally not a good sign. People gather like that for two reasons: birth and death. After we prayed for her it was already night and they left to go and see the doctor. When the doctor arrived they were told there is nothing wrong with her. That night she dreamt that two men came to visit her. They asked her why she didn’t come to the Lord in the first place when she got sick?

Our Lord is truly busy doing something among the Moken. I know it is not in our hands. Yes, it is truly all about One, our Lord Jesus Christ. We are just instruments in His hands.

Thank you very much for your prayers and continued support. Just know that if it was not for you, we would not have been able to be here.

Loving greetings, In Daddy

Philip อํานาจ