LONG NECKS

We have spent the past couple of days with our friend - and missionary to Thailand - David Kniesz.

We flew to Mae Hong Son in extreme northeastern Thailand and visited one of the remote villages there where David does ministry. We met some Karenni widows who have been sponsored by ladies in our church. They walked an hour-and-a-half from their refugee camp on the Thai-Burmese border to where we were. We aren't allowed in that camp because of some incidents that happened awhile back where some people were killed. These women have been widows since their husbands were killed in skirmishes with the Burmese military, fighting for their Karenni independence from the rest of Burma. We were able to give a word of encouragement to these widows.

Next we visited the Long Neck and Big-Eared people. I asked David if these were derogatory terms and he said they were not. These adorn themselves by putting rings around their necks and ornaments in their ear lobes that stretch them over time. They seemed lovely and gentle people to me and they spoke English as well as anyone we have so far met in these kinds of areas. There was a school there that had fallen into great disrepair and that could be re-built for only $300. Because we are teaching them school curriculum, we are also allowed to teach Bible to the children. We are planning on giving them the money to re-build the school there before we leave Thailand.

We went to the Yellow Farm village - which houses a school where children from outlying villages come to learn. They are also taught Bible here. Since it is the Thai New Year this week, the school was closed. They desperately need workers and teachers in the above places who will come for even short term assignments (at least 6 months).

We also visited the city of Pai and met with the Tourist Police (David is one of these as well). They are looking for someone to come partner with them to minister to the foreigners who visit places like Pai - well known as an illegal drug center - and who ultimately get arrested for drug use.

It has been a rewarding trip so far - and great to see all that David has his hand in. He says it is just the 'tip of the iceberg.' I can only imagine.

And be blessed.