April 2024 Prayer Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

The cool season has now passed, and things are heating up again in Thailand. Hot season has begun, and air pollution has gone way up in Chiang Mai as smoke from burning rice fields descends into the city, trapped by the ring of surrounding hills. We’re spending more time inside now with an air purifier turned on, but life goes on and wanted to give you an update on the past few months.

End of CTS School Term

The beginning of March saw the completion of the school term at Chiang Mai Theological Seminary (CTS), and we are now on “break” until the new academic year starts in June. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach “Thai & Asian Church History” and “Intercultural Communication” this past term. My students were largely online, in part because some of them live in another part of the country. But the class sizes were small and we had good class discussions. Some of my students are in pastoral or other church leadership roles, and other are studying for personal enrichment. Either way, I really enjoyed digging into the material with them. As a faculty, we reviewed course evaluations from students, and it was encouraging to hear what they were getting out of their studies and how it is helpful to them in doing local ministry. At our most recent faculty meeting, we spent time praying for all the students by name. Some students are full-time while other study only part-time while doing ministry and/or secular work and taking care of their family. Some have a difficult time keeping all the balls in the air and balancing responsibilities. Please pray for the CTS students, that they will be able to devote sufficient time to studies while balancing other responsibilities.

Karl preaching during CTS Chapel (click to watch)

 

Lunch at Chiang Mai Theological Seminary

 

Dark Spiritual Realities

This past term at CTS, every Thursday during chapel hour, we heard student testimonies. Two of these students shared how freedom from evil spirits played a role in their conversion and that of their families. One woman’s mother was possessed by an evil spirit who wore down the woman’s health until she was at the point of death. No occult or Buddhist ceremony, monk, or witchdoctor could help. Finally, the mom heard the Gospel from her hairdresser at a local salon, who told her that Jesus could free her from the spirit who tormented her. The whole family turned to Christ and the spirit left her.  Another student and her family were obligated by tribal tradition to make animal sacrifices to a particular spirit. If they neglected to do so, the spirit would hurt her. The family was nearly bankrupt as they used up their whole chicken flock trying to appease the spirit. Finally, they met Christ and found hope and freedom.

Not everyone in Thailand has experience with evil spirits, but many do. There are established Thai traditions about different types of spirits, what they do, what offends them, and how to appease them. Much of what people understand about the supernatural realm is incorrect but that does not negate the actual experiences they have, which need to be dealt with. There is not a demon under every rock, but sometimes a problem IS demon-related. I have not personally encountered demon-possessed or afflicted people but I know people who have. It is real. The younger generation of educated and urban Thai are losing belief in spirits but demonic activity still poses a legitimate threat.

Pray for all of us, both Thai and missionary, who share the Gospel and disciple people in Thailand, that we’ll know how to share the Gospel and give good biblical counsel to help people firmly plant their faith in Christ, and not be beholden to dark spiritual powers.

 

Pastoral Visitation

Over the past months, I have been accompanying Pastor Jed of Grace Church Chiang Mai to meet up with new believers and some non-believers on Tuesday afternoons. Among those we meet regularly, please pray for two men who’ve come to faith within the past year but whose wives have yet to believe. One woman says she believes about 80% but is hesitant to let go of the Buddhism that she has known her whole life. The other woman is friendly but does not yet seem to have much spiritual interest. Pray for Jed and I as we open the Scriptures and talk about spiritual matters with these two couples, and others. People are coming to faith.  It is happening. Last month, Grace Church baptized seven adults, both Thai and nationals of a nearby large country.

Much of my time is spent teaching, preparing to teach, or with other activities related to the seminary, but Sun and I are happy to be involved with Grace Church Chiang Mai, helping with ministry, and to be part of the life of the local church.

One of seven recent baptisms at Grace Church Chiang Mai

 

Our Kids’ Language Study

Two hours per day, five days per week, our kids are studying Thai. Sun teaches them some of the time, and our Thai neighbor also coaches them as a language helper as they work through Thai study materials from OMF’s language school. One of the nice perks of homeschooling is the flexibility to have the kids do intensive language study. Each of our kids is learning at a different rate but their understanding is growing, as well as their ability to communicate with others. We hope they can all get to a basic conversational level to talk about everyday things and tasks. Once per week, we take them to the local outdoor market, give them some money, and send them to buy their own food. It is good language practice, and they get to eat what they like. It’s a win-win.

However, Thai preaching and worship is still very challenging for our kids so after spending Sunday morning at Grace Church Chiang Mai, we worship at an English-speaking church in the evening. This international church also has a teen youth group on Fridays that our older kids enjoy. We want them to be content and confident living in Thailand and using Thai language, but we also want them to have some spiritual input and friends in English. So far, so good.

Caitlin studying Thai with help from our neighbor

 

Joshua and Caitlin buying grilled pork sticks at the local market

 

John and his dinner purchased at the local market

Financial Update

Over the past few months, we’ve lost a few supporters, but also gained a few. We’re thankful for all of you and ask that you pray for our financial needs. If you'd like to donate, click here. Inflation is hitting everybody, including us in Thailand. When we did our budget for 2024, it was nearly 20% higher than 2023, which is partially due to the increased costs of everything.

Thanks for partnering together with us for the advance of the Gospel and the health of the church in Thailand! Check out our prayer points below and pray with us! 

by Christ's grace,

Karl & Sun Dahlfred

  

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray we will stay healthy in spite of horrible air pollution in Chiang Mai at this time

• Pray for the CTS students, that they will be able to devote sufficient time to studies while balancing other responsibilities.

• Pray for all of us, both Thai and missionary, who share the Gospel and disciple people in Thailand, that we’ll know how to share the Gospel and give good biblical counsel to help people firmly plant their faith in Christ, and not be beholden to dark spiritual powers.

• Pray for more Thai people to come to faith and have a firm foundation in Christ.

• Pray that Karl will have sufficient rest after an intense term teaching so that he’ll be refreshed and prepared for the new term in June

• Pray for Thai language learning for kids

• Pray that we will point others to Christ

 

PRAISES

• In December, we successfully extend visas for Sun & kids to have a year-long visa

• 7 adults baptized at Grace Church Chiang Mai

• Successful completion of Karl’s first term teaching at CTS

• Non-Christians neighbors came to our house for caroling at Christmas time

   

CALENDAR