Sharon’s Thoughts
Ric and Sharon
Bruce
Thailand 2010
We’re down to the wire. In this episode: our summer in the sun, a prayer request, a ministry update and a financial update. More about that later. I took the photo above in Gaylord, Michigan at the Big Ticket Music Festival. Left is Piom (my friend Josiah disguised as a Kaulong tribal man). Right is festival-goer David who is experiencing firsthand what it’s like to learn the language and adjust to the culture of a people untouched by the gospel. Piom is repeating “arrow” in his language so David can write it down.
During the three day festival I guided well over 1,000 people like David through the experience. After ten minutes each one began to realize the need for extensive training, a team of prayer supporters and years of unwavering patience. It was hard! Fortunately I was there to provide them with a few survival words and phrases such as “What is this?” in Piom’s language. We know many people walked away from our tent changed. Now we’re waiting to see what God will do in their lives as they respond to His call.
Ric and I feel so blessed and praise God for how He has worked in our lives this summer. We are so excited as we see the Lord continue to provide for our monthly and our onetime needs. My favorite part of the summer so far has been spending time with family, friends, and supporters who have been so encouraging. Each of your prayers, notes, and support checks means so much as we look forward to ministry in Thailand soon. God bless you!
Ric and Sharon Bruce
Still Waiting... Before we can book tickets for Thailand we need crucial paperwork: visas and work permits. We don’t anticipate a problem but two of our co-workers headed to Thailand have been delayed by a few weeks. Your prayers can make all the difference. We always keep you up to date at: www.ntm.org/ric_bruce
Giving address: New Tribes Mission 1000 E. First St Sanford, FL 32771 Account 202455 US address: 617 Haslett Rd Williamston, MI 48895 Cell: 517-490-1032
The two questions we get asked the most are probably, “When are you leaving?” and, “What will you be doing there?” The answer to both questions has a ` our goals for the lot to do with next two years. Our goal during our remaining state-side months is to identify and connect with partners who are interested in our ministry. This can involve traveling to speak at churches but it can look a lot simpler than that. We’ve mostly been having simple, informal meetings with people who’ve shown interest in our ministry.The response has been incredible! Last month w e took a few days off to visit Traverse City in northern Mich igan for our birthda ys. Incredible. W e loved the blue water, relaxin g on the beach an d kayaking up th e small rivers. It was great to get a way and recharge our batteries. ork y Dental W c n e g r e e m E one thing w ly te a n u rt Unfo s a few week d re e v o c is d his Ric needs ago is that t! Itʼs u th taken o e te m o d is 00 w about $1,2 t s o c to g goin ys to im a few da h e k ta d n a ase pray! recover. Ple
Our goals for our first few years in Thailand is overwhelming. We’ll be trying to drink culture and language from a gushing fire hose! Another huge thing: we’ll be looking to plug into a local Thai church for fellowship,
You make all this possible. Your gifts, prayers and kind notes keep us going! We are so thankful God put you in our life and look forward to seeing you.
We’ll be trying to drink culture and language from a gushing fire hose! direction and encouragement. There’s a very real sense in which these first two years are a test to see if we can learn a difficult language like Thai!
Yours for the sake of God’s church and mission in Thailand, Ric and Sharon Bruce
Financial Snapshot: Monthly Support Level
60 45 30 15 0
Oct Dec Feb Apr June
Special Gifts Provided: (thank-you so much!) Airfare..........................$1,900 Laptop for Sharon.......$1,000 First 3 Months Rent.....$750 Immunizations.............$450 2 External HDD’s.........$160 House setup costs.......$1,000 Special Gifts Still Needed: Emergency Dental......$1,200 Used vehicle................$9,000 Any amount you can give toward a project will help. To give please mail a check payable to:
“New Tribes Mission” 1000 East 1st St. Sanford, FL 32771 Note check: For the ministry of
Ric and Sharon Bruce