July 11, 2012
NOODLES
And other News from Thailand Ric and Sharon Bruce
Prayer Needs:
We have been missionaries in
1. Funds for a better vehicle. 2. Upcoming travel in the US 3. Finish Thai study strong 4. Transition to village life 5. The Phu Thai people group
Thailand serving with New Tribes Mission for two years. www.ntm.org/ric_bruce
Send Mail: PO Box 2 Hang Dong Chiang Mai 50230 THAILAND We welcome packages
Give: Check payable to “New Tribes Mission” and send to: 1000 E. First St. Sanford, FL 32771 Account #202455 blogs.ntm.org/ric-bruce/give
WHERE ARE ALL THE NOODLES?! As we exited our gate in Chicago a few weeks ago we were bombarded by the overpowering scent of fast food: Cinnabon, Taco Bell, Arby’s and Domino’s. My first thought was, “Where are all the noodles?” Our friends in Thailand keep the culinary options pretty basic: rice or noodles. Once that is established it’s pretty much on to the meat choices: pork, beef or chicken. But I grew to love that simplicity and I experienced a moment of panic as I realized I hadn’t had any of this food in almost two years. In Chiang Mai even McDonalds serves rice dishes. I started to think to myself, “what are noodles, exactly?” They’re often just rice in another form. Noodles have become a picture of what has happened to Sharon and I in the past two years. Turning unprocessed rice into something resembling noodles is quite a process. Turning two Americans into something resembling Thais is a small miracle. But God has done it through us and in spite of us. We are thankful for the God-given ability and God-appointed relationships that made it possible. What has been striking me lately is the fact that God is preparing each and every one of us for ministry. He’s molding and shaping us like these silly little noodles into His servants. Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We’re not done yet. I have a feeling the step after making noodles involves a really hot fire, a boiling pot of water and some seasonings. We’re grateful to be going through this sometimes painful process with your love and support.
The Big Picture is Rosy We have one more move ahead, this time to our final ministry location with the Phu Thai people in April of 2013. What’s exciting is this: within two years of that date we will be a part of sharing the gospel with a people group that have never had the chance to hear the good news about Jesus. Praise the Lord.
Bruce Newsletter • ricandsharon@gmail.com • 517.203.9511 • 602.614.8813
July 11, 2012
NOOD LES
- NE WS FR OM TH AILAND for long hauls across the country and it We need a reliable vehicle with better ground clearance won’t handle the rough, pot-holed roads on which we will begin traveling often for long hauls cross-country. One of the first things we did in Thailand was buy a little motorcycle/ scooter thing. It only took a couple motorcycle accidents and several close calls to convince us that a car was necessary for our
when we move out to a less accessible
locale. The biggest problem, however, is that new parts for the vehicle are virtually impossible to find and that it does very poorly in the annual floodwaters that inundate Thailand each year during rainy season.
continued survival as missionaries in Thailand. Public transport has
God has provided a perfect solution via a good friend: he will buy our old vehicle
proven unreliable and, to be honest, often unsafe
from us and sell us his 2008 Ford Ranger for a good
as we experienced
The Ford Ranger is perfect Most of the missionaries in Thailand with our organization own Ford Rangers. They can get us into all but the most remote locations in the country and parts are readily available for them. The outstanding amount we need to raise is $7000.00.
firsthand when our crosscountry tour bus struck and killed a man on a motorcycle while nearly swerving off the road. We rejoiced when we had the finances to buy an old car. Our “starter car” was a 1997 Nissan Cefiro, the Thai version of a Maxima. It ran us 7000 dollars and worked great for a couple years. Sadly, it just won’t cut it
price. It’s in excellent condition and will take care of all our needs. That’s where you come in. Would you prayerfully consider helping us with this essential purchase to keep us fully invested and effective in this ministry? Any amount toward the outstanding balance of $7,000 will help. Thanks!
Preparing to head back to
about our ministry, show you pictures or
the basement after each service. It will be
Thailand...
hear about your evangelism opportunities
fun to see you again!
We’re back in the states for two more
at your workplace, in your neighborhood
Thank-you for your part in what God is
months. They will go quickly. If you’d
or at your school.
doing in Thailand. We couldn’t do it
like to meet with us please use the phone
We hope to see you July 28th and 29th
without you.
numbers at the bottom of this page to
at Trinity Church in Lansing, MI for a
contact us. We’re available to speak at
short update on our work and August 4th
your cell group, bible study, church or sunday school when we’re in town. We’re
and 5th at New Hope Church in Haslett, MI for an ice cream reception in
happy to answer any questions you have
All our love,
Ric and Sharon Bruce
Bruce Newsletter • ricandsharon@gmail.com • 517.203.9511 • 602.614.8813