Article on Kam Siri

This article appeard in a local Chiang mai newspaper on the work the Mickels are doing...

Article on Kam Siri 16.07.07

Stefan Mickel, born in Germany has surprised me when I first met him. He spoke Thai rather fluent, even though he has a slight accent. Stefan who has his base in London lives here together with his wife and his son for 3 years. When they came here, they first studied Thai at a language school and practiced speaking Thai with their neighbours mainly in the community around Wat Buak Daem, where they lived.

Stefan’s trademark of a smile and building friendships causes the neighbours not to be scared to speak with a foreigner and they are treated like one of them. After a year of bonding there, they felt established in their neighbourhood. They started a place that receives children and youth and they all together call it ”youth club”. They have different activities there all aiming to learn English. The reason for this is to help and support the community. Stefan feels that education in Thailand is very expensive, therefore many children miss out on education. Being equipped with the ability to speak English is very important nowadays. This is the one thing he is able to give to the children. They have activities 3 times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays in the evening where they study the Bible, English and German. On Saturdays they mainly have activities like sports, drawing or arts.

Studying and teaching of Stefan is not a tight learning by heart method or practice but he uses a method of listening and telling a story. This causes the children to feel they have fun and learn vocabulary at the same time in an easy way. For the older kids, Stefan will speak with them in English in order to lower the anxiety level of speaking in a foreign language. Because when they are bold to speak, they will soon find our here they still make mistake and can develop skills to get better.

Stefan never forces kids to study. Every kid can decide for themselves. They want to study, they can study. They want to play, they can play. Stefan believes that all of the kids have freedom to decide for themselves what they want. It will cause them to feel more relaxed.

When Stefan talks to the children who came for the first time, they are mostly likely shy, but when they join in activities or listen to a story, they start to feel more relaxed and want to participate with all the activities as well. Right from the start the club had about 10 members and more. When the numbers increased, the burden for Stefan increases too. The need for more equipment which is necessary increases. Fortunately he has received some financial support from friends from abroad. He also has been given some games and books which are useful for the children’s development.

When I asked Stefan if he sometimes feels tired, he certainly says that he feels tired. He’d like to have an assistant but he doesn’t have enough money to employ one. Nevertheless he sometimes has a friend from abroad coming here temporarily to help with the teaching and activities with the children. But even so, in the evening he is tired. Stefan and his wife strongly aim for giving it their best shot. But Stefan is certainly very happy and satisfied that he is doing something useful for the community.
Happy that the parents of the children told him that they progress very well in their language skills. In the future, Stefan has the concept plan of setting up a counseling centre for young people and wants to manage to be able to give credits at low interest rates, which would certainly help the community.

Stefan says the community development is very important.He want the people in this community to become very strong in order for them to become leaders in their own community, and therefore to continue to develop the community themselves. He just want to be a small part in it. One part which helps the community to develop in their own pace.

This way of thought makes me think he is doing it right. It is also not important what the children’s’ belief system is or if they practice the same religion, the only thing they have is common is a united heart…….
Volunteers sacrifice themselves as part of the community…..
Even so it looks as if they only work with a small group within the community, one can compare it with a light of a candle that maybe can be extinquished anytime. But this small light, this candle is able to send/bring light and to lead the way in the community in their own pace in the future- that’s for sure.

Lanna Culture and Thai History

Lanna culture has had a major effect on Northern Thai culture and the history of Chiang Mai.

A good place to start for background is wikipedia - check out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanna

Update from Mickels from 26 March 2007

Just a taster of life as it happens from Stefan and Tina Mickel - based on diary notes from Stefan.
NB. The hospital is a psychiatric one where Stefan visits.
Some contacts are via Kam Siri Project and others in the community elsewhere in Chiang Mai.

Great day at the hospital. M. D. -Very simple guy, but he knows the bible and he trusts Jesus. God has really chosen the poor to shame the wise

19 March 2007
Yesterday I was really tired and on the way to the market I told Tina, maybe I should eat a bit more., but I didn’t know what to eat. At the market U. gave me lots of sausages and M. bought me some fried rice. It really touched me and I’ve also seen God’s faithfulness in it.

I’ve been to the hospital again today. Had a beautiful time with D. He was more quiet today, so I could lead him to Jesus. Then he took me to the occupational therapy, where I met about 10 beautiful people. One gave me an owl he made out of clay. I was really touched. Then I had the privilege to pray for all of them that the HS comes and heals their hearts


21 March 2007
A. told me yesterday that his mum believes in Jesus now and his 2 brothers told me that S. is walking and getting better every day. They believe Jesus is helping\healing her a lot. U. & J. tool me out for lunch. It was great. Uan is reading the bible and they know that Jesus healed E.
A. believes that the whole area knows that Jesus is true, due to the 2 healings they witnessed
DD. reminded me that it is Jesus who is growing the church –not me so, I can relax, just enjoy it.

Been back to the hospital today. On my way to see D. I passed his unit and one guy asked me for the bible. Another one came. So we went outside and I explained the gospel to them. They both received Jesus into their lives

23 March 2007
Tina told me today how much authority A. has, when he prays. He is a changed guy. The teaching of the kingdom of God and the defeat of the enemy certainly did him good.

MICKELS PRAYER LETTER MARCH 2007

Family

As a family we are doing well, especially Tobias ,who is really enjoying life.
We are also fostering little Matthew, who has his good days and his bad days. Because he has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, to care for him is a lot of work and esp. Tina is at times very tired.
4 weeks ago we had a burglary in our house and they stole our computer, my PDA and our camera, hence another delay to send out this prayer letter.

Ministry

We had the privilege of baptizing Anusha. It was a wonderful occasion, as the Holy Spirit was there. Even now we still meet regular for bible studies. He is certainly growing as a Christian.

Saturdays at Kam Siri

“Chek came in proudly with her own bible, asking me, what time we’ll study the bible”.
Then we told the kids the story of the prodigal son today. When we prayed the kids were lying on the floor with eyes closed , receiving the fathers’ love. Then Garfield told Tina, she wants to receive Jesus into her life. So we prayed and she received him. We also prayed against the fear of ghosts and darkness.”

We are not teaching English a lot, but having some worship songs and then telling the kids bible stories. They really, really love it and 3 weeks ago 6 more children gave their lives to Jesus. Jesus is simply good news.

Youth club atmosphere

We bought some new games again. So, some kids play games, some learn English, some do colouring, some play badminton - relaxed, but good atmosphere.

The adults

I‘ll actually copy a part of my diary now:

Uan told us that his niece, Eeh had a very bad accident. Head injuries, bleeding from the ear, having fits and throwing up. Despite the heavy symptoms they released her from hospital after one day. In the evening we prayed for her. She was very frail and bruised.

We prayed. We sensed God’s presence in the room . Waves of mercy, waves of peace came and I had a sense of “The Lord is my strength” for her. With such a presence of God there must also be his healing presence…….
We went back the next day into her room. Here she was, conscious, talking and looked much stronger. She had a meal already.
I think God has done something here.

Eeh has seen a doctor today. He told her the only problem left for her is dried up blood in her ears. God simply healed her and dried up the blood flow.
What an awesome God we have!!!!!!”

For the last 6 weeks I’ve seen Sawad’s mom almost every day. She started with a very heavy cough and has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis. She is very poor and had a difficult life, but she knows Jesus now. She knows that God has chosen her and prepared a place for her. She is rich now in her heart and every time we meet she wants me to pray for her.

One more quotation from diary:
“2 days ago I talked to Meela, who sells little Buddhas outside AUA. Language School , when a mentally handicapped girl crossed the road. Meela introduced me to her and asked me to go with her to find her dad, who is apparently not too well. So I went with her and after a long walk through a lot of small lanes we found her dad. He is living on a pavement, surrounded by some plastic sheets, outside a run\close down shopping unit. He is the poorest person I ever met in person .Besides being extraordinary skinny, he also has no clothes. Only a few very dirty blankets. He cannot go anywhere, because he has no clothes to wear!! No money, help for clothes or food!! We talked a bit. For his physical condition, he is mentally rather in good shape. After a while he asked me why I look so satisfied. So I told him about Jesus. He believed everything and I prayed with him to receive Jesus in his life. So he did and I bought him some food and promised him a bible.

I went back today with some clothes for him and his daughter. I also gave him a bible.” End of quotation
His name is Sii and his daughter ‘s name is Chek.
I see them regular now, talking , eating and praying together.

God is really extending his kingdom here and we love to follow the fathers’ lead.
It’s a great privilege to see God working amongst the poor.


Prayerpoints

· Please pray for us as a family. Having Matthew living with us puts quite a strain on us, esp. where it is a lot of work for Tina.
· Please pray for Matthew. He needs a big healing miracle from Jesus, there his cerebral palsy is rather severe.
· Anusha and his family. His grandmother , aunty and uncle are already Christians. His parents and brothers seem more open now.
Please continue to pray for all the new believers.
The kids at Kam Siri. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will fall on them and reveal the fathers’ love. Please also pray that we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of the children, as we build relationships with them.
Please also pray for Sii and Chek, that God will continue to be with them and protect them.
I will tell you more in our next prayer letter, but God opened a great door into the prison and psychatric hospital here in Chiang Mai. Please pray that God will guide Stefan and he will see healings and salvations in there.
We need a team to build on the work. Pray that God will bring the right people who share the same vision.


How to contact us:

We will be distributing regular news for prayer. This will be
· By group email
· Hard copies
· Through prayer gatherings.

For those in our home church - Riverside Vineyard , London
admin@riversidevineyard.com

For others contact Ian Watt - hallelujah150@yahoo.com

Or if you want to support us in any way, you can contact us here in Chiang Mai. Our Email address is mail@mickels.org

Our website is http://www.cornerstoneasia.co.uk/ , which has more details and a great picture gallery. It’s worth looking at…

Thank you all so much for your support and prayer. We miss you a lot, but it is great to know that you are right behind us.

Lots and lots of love

Stefan, Tina & Tobias

Update on Mickels February 2007

8 February 2007

Last week our computer, PDA and camera got stolen, incl. information on the computer. It was on a Saturday, while we’ve been at Kam Siri, having one of the best Saturday ever. The kids were really keen on hearing a Bible story, gathering around me and N. told me that she bought a bible for herself, by her own initiative.

What else happened the last 2 month then?
'M.S.' got very ill. At one stage I thought she is dying. We took her to the hospital and she was diagnosed with TB, very contagious. For about 2-3 weeks I was sitting with her everyday, praying and holding hands.
She is much better now and asking for prayer everyday.

S. and C. are getting better still. We really have a lovely time together. He knows Jesus now, which is great.

9 February 2007

What an amazing day!! Last week ,at the flower festival I met JJ., a patient at the psychiatric Hospital . We talked and he asked me to visit him some time. This is an opener I’ve been waiting for for 2 years. I want God’s lead and not just go to an office and ask to do stuff, because I am a Christian. So, I went to see him. A lovely guy, who really believes in Jesus and wants to spread the message. He knew I don’t just come for him.

He told the staff and others about me. And also the head doctor of the psycatric hospital. She was waiting for me to meet and talk with a new patient from Switzerland . She wanted me to translate. So I went with her. It is in the wing, where people are strapped down, drugged up and get electric shock treatment.

Everything is bared up. Looks like a prison. So we talked with P. He is very confused and drugged up. In quite a mess real. Dr. K certainly encouraged me to come back and spend more time with him, any time. So is JJ!!
It looks as if God opened a door here today. I certainly want to bring the message of life to those desperate people and see what God is doing.
10 February 2007
What a great day at Kam Siri!! 6 Children gave their life to Jesus, after I told them the story about P. and his new life. So they wanted it to. I didn’t push anything. They just wanted him. A's vision about the youth club was right then. All the children will come to know the love of Jesus.
I certainly have to get a bunch of Kids bibles now and keep going with songs and telling bible stories. It certainly is God doing it, not me.

13 February 2007
I’ve been back to the psychiatric hospital today. I met JJ first and he told me to go back ,where I first met PA. and see what happens. So I did. Nothing happened . So I went a bit further and prayed for God to lead me to someone. Next I saw a ward, were everyone was shackled with iron chains to their ankles. F. told me later that the chain weights 3kg, so running is a bit difficult. Here prisoners get electric shock treatment and blood is taken. Then they go back to the prison. First I met a guy called
P., who has shock treatment every other day. We talked and I told him about Jesus, shared 1Cor.1:26-29 and Jn3:16-17. 2 other guys joined. One of them F.. His parents are Christians, but very poor. He recommitted his life today, knows he is forgiven , Jesus is with him and will never leave him.
Even the officers were very nice and don’t mind me at all to go and talk/pray with those guys. Next week I will visit him in prison, there e is only in the hospital for one day to take blood.
God really opened a door here.

New film on Dalits, India

Just a quick post for those interested in India and praying for Gujarat - a new film has been released regarding the Dalits in India - if you are in the UK please check out the following link:

http://www.csw.org.uk/Events/article.php?id=30


The film will be shown ONE NIGHT ONLY in Leicester Square on March 27th 2007. Tickets £10.

More general information on situation for the Dalits (also known as 'untouchables') from CSW's website www.csw.org.uk

and the website of the Dalit Freedom Network http://www.dalitnetwork.org/

Update on Mickels

Please continue to pray for the Mickels on the following lines:

1. Father - give them grace as they care for this young child with cerebral palsy. Give Tina especially your anointing to have wisdom in every respect of the care, and fill them with your loving kindness. We pray for your healing power at work in the life of Matt, that he will be restored to wholeness and healed.

2. May your presence pervade the kids club at Kam Siri, touch the lives of these young people in a mighty way, guide them to find Jesus as friend, father lord and saviour.

3. Give wisdom to Stefan and your protection as he reaches out to people in difficult situations - those trapped in poverty, spiritual darkness, those abused, broken, confused and hurting.

4. Strengthen them, and protect Tobias and bless him (their son) as he learns and grows and develops in Chiang Mai. Watch over and strengthen and bless their marriage, their relationships inside and outside the body of Christ. Encourage them, fill them, anoint them, pour out your Holy Spirit on them now Father!

5. Be glorified in Chiang Mai Lord, be glorified in an amazing way, set people fre who have been captive to sin and sickness and the enemy, stretch out your hand to heal, deliver, ressurect and meet with many! Amen.

Prayer for Gujarat

Together with others such as www.sathyam.org , we long to see the Lord work in a mighty way in India, and here we'd like to mention particularly the State of Gujarat.
The Gujarati diaspora are a key group to bring the gospel back to their state in a way that is culturally relevant and sensitive and doesn't communicate a 'western Christian' culture in a negative way. Please pray for wisdom regarding this, one of the most strongly Hindu of the Indian states. For more information visit http://illustatedlife.blogspot.com

Father , we lift up to Gujarat. We ask for your presence to come to this very spiritually needy state. You have seen the trauma of earthquake victims there, the broken-hearted despair of the poor, and those with much materially but in great spiritual need.

Father, please come and begin to meet with individuals there whose hearts are open. Anoint, guide, empower and give tremendous wisdom to those who would reach out with the gospel.

Thank you that there are those who are seeking spiritually, that as in Athens, though there are many idols, there are those looking for a true and living God that they do not yet know.

Lord, only you can break through what seems inpenetrable.

We ask Lord that you begin to touch the hearts of those we know in the West who are Gujaratis, the many Patels who run the local newsagents, the neighbours who have lived here and brought families to this country. Touch the hearts of those who find it hard with language and life in the UK, those who have never really heard the gospel clearly.

Breath your Holy Spirit into these relationships, let your glory fall on them, let your presence come into their homes, their dreams. Use us Lord! Make us willing and able to reach out with the kindness, compassion and mercy that demonstrates sacrificial love and the aboundant riches of your grace in Jesus.

Jesus, you walked on earth and healed the sick, set the oppressed free, raised the dead, anoint us for the same. Open up those opportunuities in shops and homes and in many other situations - stretch out your hand Lord and may we, being your hands and feet, see the power and presence of Jesus demonstrate your everlasting, eternal and greater kingdom in the lives of Gujarati friends and neighbours. We ask you will be glorified in this - and show us how to make disciples of all nations, ethnic groups - especially the Gujaratis . Amen!

Pray for the Mickels

Please pray for our partners in Thailand - the Mickel family as they get established in Chiang Mai.

Our prayer is - Father, show them your heart, guide them with compassion and wisdom in all that they do. Let your presence rest on them today! Amen.

Welcome to Cornerstone Asia Blog!

A very warm welcome to the unique Cornerstone Asia blog where we keep you updated with our work in the making! May God bless you and keep you and cause his face to shine upon you. May he lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace!