David and Jeanni Shepherd and family
Chiang Mai, Thailand
click here to Email David
click here to Email Jeanni
Ministry-Essentials-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
“Strengthening Hearts in the Way of Christ”
178/961 Moo7, Ban World Club, T. Nong Kwai /A. Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50230
The Shepherd’s have been asked to lead a team in Chiang Mai, Thailand to develop a proactive model of spiritual formation and soul care for Christian leaders living in the region.
Our mission is to draw Christian leaders toward an increasingly deeper experience of Christ. Central to our mission and values is our own desire and intent to connect with God out of which we will nourish others in the life of Christ, facilitate mutuality in ministry, form lasting associations and develop well as an agency.
In Jn. 17:3, Jesus defines life as knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. “Our life in God is not primarily about getting saved out of hell and into heaven. Nor is it about living a certain way that creates fewer problems. Life is about knowing Jesus as the most wonderful person there is, the very best friend anyone could ever have.” (Crabb)
When we get caught up in activity for God, losing sight of our life in Him, our attentiveness and responsiveness to the subtle urgings of the Spirit take a back seat to even the best intentioned leader. MEi is not teaching anything new, we only intend to come along side leaders where they live pouring life into them just as they pour their lives into others.
US Based donations:
PO Box 4947, Wheaton, IL 60189-4947, USA **
+1 (630) 580-5750
Hong Kong Based donations:
Fellowship of Joyful Giving Ltd., 20th Floor,
Crocodile House One,
50 Connaught Rd. Central, Hong Kong **
+852 2877 3283
**(Indicate donation is for Ministry Essentials int’l)
Updates:
We’ve had an incredible year! God has met us in special ways that have opened us to greater and deeper rest in Him. Even in the face of physical and financial limitations we have seen and experienced God’s goodness in the lives of many He brought our way. I know it may seem obvious yet, many have discovered God’s strength in the midst of our (and their own) weakness, which has increased our hunger and deepened our worship. This is our work, our joy, our vision – to hunger after God so that we worship him more fully and deeply—and draw others into this life as well.
Soul Care: (1). 28 Mission agencies served in 13 countries. (2). Hundred’s of pastors and missionaries gathered in our home for special events like evening prayer, seasonal celebrations, Bible Study, small group and game nights. (3). Launched a People Care Seminar in the States, developed a missions life seminar on Third Culture Kids. (4). Time spent with 250 Pastors and Missionaries deepening the work of God in their lives.
Staff: (1). We’ve doubled in size. God brought the Stirling’s, Gibson’s and Wendy Larson to us this year. The Stirling’s and Gibson’s are teaming up in Budapest, Hungary while Wendy has located in Chiang Mai, Thailand to explore possibilities in Asia. (2) The Moore’s have settled into Belgium. Their teaching and mentoring responsibilities in the church ramped up quickly and they are doing well.
With all that’s going on we can hardly wait to see what God will unfold in the coming year. We are sure of one thing though; we would not be here without you. And we are grateful; both for your financial commitment and your prayers…we need it! David Shepherd
