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May 22, 2011
Tom & Tuu : May Newsletter 2011
November 27, 2009
Are you a beggar?
Its quite a sad situation in Thailand (and other countries) that there are many beggars who were forcefully crippled or disabled by their owner, sometimes even their parents! Its an extremely horrible thing. They have to beg, but whats worse they don't even get to keep what they get. It all goes to their master.
Today, I realized that there is in fact a parallel in the spiritual world, even amongst Christians. Many Christians have been seriously hurt and wounded by the slave master of this world. They are crippled, and beg, but what do they beg for? They beg for sympathy, they cry out for people to see the hurt that has been done to them, but what do they get for it? Nothing! All the glory goes to the enemy. Just like the evil slave master he is, he takes everything and leaves the beggars with nothing! Its a sad and hopeless place to be in.
The truth is, there is Healer, he came to set us free and make us whole again, so that we wouldn't be crippled any more, so that we wouldn't have to beg anymore, so that we wouldn't be robbed by Satan anymore, so that we wouldn't be enslaved to this slave master's purposes and we wouldn't be his source of glory any more. Why do so many people choose to live the begging life then? They could be healed. They could be set free, but they opt to stay with their evil slave master. Maybe because its familiar, maybe because it gives them an excuse for inaction.
I don't mean to belittle anyone's hurt, and I don't profess to understand everyone's experience. But I have seen people close to me hurt. One of the most inspirational and influential people in my life, had their wings broken, they were crippled by "church", but in time they allowed God to heal them. They no longer wallow in self-pity begging for "glory" for the fallen one. I've seen them soar higher than they could possibly soar merely on their own wings.
This is my earnest cry for those that have been hurt that they would be healed in Jesus name. I know my Redeemer lives. This Reedemer takes the broken and restores them. He takes the enemies plans and throws them back in the enemies face. He stands proud and says "look at my child now!" He gives instead of takes. He builds instead of breaks. He will never forsake us or wrong us. He will forever be the Good Shepherd!
Today, I realized that there is in fact a parallel in the spiritual world, even amongst Christians. Many Christians have been seriously hurt and wounded by the slave master of this world. They are crippled, and beg, but what do they beg for? They beg for sympathy, they cry out for people to see the hurt that has been done to them, but what do they get for it? Nothing! All the glory goes to the enemy. Just like the evil slave master he is, he takes everything and leaves the beggars with nothing! Its a sad and hopeless place to be in.
The truth is, there is Healer, he came to set us free and make us whole again, so that we wouldn't be crippled any more, so that we wouldn't have to beg anymore, so that we wouldn't be robbed by Satan anymore, so that we wouldn't be enslaved to this slave master's purposes and we wouldn't be his source of glory any more. Why do so many people choose to live the begging life then? They could be healed. They could be set free, but they opt to stay with their evil slave master. Maybe because its familiar, maybe because it gives them an excuse for inaction.
I don't mean to belittle anyone's hurt, and I don't profess to understand everyone's experience. But I have seen people close to me hurt. One of the most inspirational and influential people in my life, had their wings broken, they were crippled by "church", but in time they allowed God to heal them. They no longer wallow in self-pity begging for "glory" for the fallen one. I've seen them soar higher than they could possibly soar merely on their own wings.
This is my earnest cry for those that have been hurt that they would be healed in Jesus name. I know my Redeemer lives. This Reedemer takes the broken and restores them. He takes the enemies plans and throws them back in the enemies face. He stands proud and says "look at my child now!" He gives instead of takes. He builds instead of breaks. He will never forsake us or wrong us. He will forever be the Good Shepherd!
December 18, 2008
Getting excited
I'm feeling a bit like Big Kev right now ... well not dead like Big Kev... but excited like he was.
"Excited about what?" you may ask... well If I was to put my current feeling into words it would be something like "I'm excited about having a purpose in life"
Having a vision, having ideas for the future, dreams of the crazy and "impossible"
Sometimes its easy just to look as the current situation, the surroundings where nothing seems to be happening, a job which takes up your precious time and energy, and forget that God is going to be doing something in the midst of it all.
For the past few months here, things have been busy, things have been going ... well just going, nothing really bad, nothing excitingly good... or so I thought. But really something good has been going on. God has been teaching Tuu and I ... thats gotta be good! God has been preparing us for whatever he has for us...thats gotta be good! God hasn't forgotten the plans for He us, even if we have... thats gotta be GREAT!
Now I'm just starting to realize again (hopefully not to forget it as quickly as last time) that God's got something big in store. What?! I'm not a 100% sure. When and How ?!?! I don't have a clue.
The one thing I am sure about is, its going to be great. Thats what I'm excited about.
Right now we're still getting pulled up the first climb of the rollercoaster... looking around just waiting for something to happen, but before we know it we'll be flying headfirst into some exciting turns, some exhilarating heights, and some down right scary "death-loops".
Man I can't wait!!!
"Excited about what?" you may ask... well If I was to put my current feeling into words it would be something like "I'm excited about having a purpose in life"
Having a vision, having ideas for the future, dreams of the crazy and "impossible"
Sometimes its easy just to look as the current situation, the surroundings where nothing seems to be happening, a job which takes up your precious time and energy, and forget that God is going to be doing something in the midst of it all.
For the past few months here, things have been busy, things have been going ... well just going, nothing really bad, nothing excitingly good... or so I thought. But really something good has been going on. God has been teaching Tuu and I ... thats gotta be good! God has been preparing us for whatever he has for us...thats gotta be good! God hasn't forgotten the plans for He us, even if we have... thats gotta be GREAT!
Now I'm just starting to realize again (hopefully not to forget it as quickly as last time) that God's got something big in store. What?! I'm not a 100% sure. When and How ?!?! I don't have a clue.
The one thing I am sure about is, its going to be great. Thats what I'm excited about.
Right now we're still getting pulled up the first climb of the rollercoaster... looking around just waiting for something to happen, but before we know it we'll be flying headfirst into some exciting turns, some exhilarating heights, and some down right scary "death-loops".
Man I can't wait!!!
December 17, 2008
Merry Christmas - Thai Style
Here is a special Christmas Carol for you all... very special =)
and for those that don't know what Tom Yam Gung is check this link
and for those that don't know what Tom Yam Gung is check this link
December 14, 2008
HP Magic Giveaway
This is my entry for the HP Magic Giveaway Entry on the Living in Theory Blog
it is a bit of an essay really =)
If I were to win the HP Magic Giveaway, I would give it away to a whole community, by using it to build an E-learning centre, where the children of this farming community in northeast Thailand could come and learn for free.
The truth is though that this farming community is not exactly a remote community, in fact it is only about 20 minutes drive out of Korat, one of the biggest cities in Thailand. In the city, most children get the opportunity to go to good schools with well-trained teachers. They have great English programs and up-to-date computer labs. Even the poorer government schools still provide the kids with the basis they need in order to “go far” if they study hard. The situation out here though, is a much different story. There is a small primary school; in fact, it is directly opposite my house. Most of the teachers walk into the class, put on a teaching video and then walk out again. While the teacher is gone, the students just cannot resist the urge to change the channel over to something a little more interesting. It is a shame though, because watching cartoons and soap operas is not going to be enough to get them into university. In fact, a mere handful of these kids will even end up starting senior high school.
My wife and I moved to this village this year. It is where my wife was born and raised, and where we are planning to raise our kids in the near future. When we moved out here, we really wanted to give to the community. To really be able to impact this community, we knew we had to start with the younger generation. By teaching them English, we could improve their chances of completing a higher education, and provide them a stepping-stone to obtain a decently paid job in the future. The way Thai society works is that, once a child is working and earning an income, he/she gives a percentage of that back to their parents and family. It is essentially their social security system. If the young of people of this village were to go on to earn a reasonable income, then they would channel that money back into the community, thus lifting the standard of life for the whole community.
Right now, our home is ALREADY an English learning centre. My wife decided to paint a sign one day, she hung it out the front, and within a few days, our living room was transformed into a small classroom. My wife and I currently teach English six days a week, to kids between the ages of six to fifteen. I also have a paid teaching position in town during school hours, in order to provide an income for our family and to enable us to give to the community.
When we were making the move here from Australia, I had a crazy thought “wouldn’t it be cool if we could set up some kind of E-learning center!” I thought about all the different possibilities of using software and educational games to teach the kids English … for free! Research already shows that putting children in a multi-sensory environment like a computer lab accelerates the learning process. Apart from that, it would just be plain FUN. A great number of Thai children do not like to learn English, because they perceive it as too difficult. If you got these kids onto a computer though, they would have such a great time that they would forget they were even “studying”. In addition to teaching English, I would also be able to teach the children many other things, whether it was as basic as using Windows, Microsoft Word & Excel, Photoshop, creating a website or maybe something more advanced. The closest thing that any of them have come to computers is for the few that have played the odd game or two at an online-gaming café in town. Recently I have come across several skilled Thai programmers / developers / graphic artists online. My favourite J2ME twitter application – jibjib – happens to be developed by a brilliant young Thai guy. Whether the kids that come to the E-learning centre end up becoming developers like him, choose a profession where they must use a computer on a daily basis, or merely simply had the opportunity to enjoy learning, it would be worth it.
After a little while dreaming, I eventually resigned myself to the fact that it was not really a possibility… well for the time being at least. There was no way I could afford the hardware to set it up. Then, I saw this competition, and I was inspired to rethink the idea. So whether or not I win this prize thank you for re-inspiring me again. I know that even if it took me a while, I could in fact build up a small E-learning centre, and it would be worth the time and effort. If I were however to win this awesome giveaway, then the dream would become a reality overnight. The package has everything we need to make it happen – minus a few English teaching programs and some headphones. The number of computers in the package is perfect, as the average size of our classes is four children. The fact that they are all relatively compact portable computers is absolutely ideal too, as we have limited space. We could not fit four or five desktop systems and desks into the current living room / classroom even if we wanted to. The possibilities and ways to use the touch screen in the classroom are endless. I would just love to see the look on a kids face as he/she interacts with the characters on-screen. Another huge bonus would be the printer, as I have been intending to buy a printer for a while now, in order to print out worksheets for the students. Taking the files into the print shop in town can be a hassle, not to mention the extra step of wiping my USB thumb-drive clear of viruses every time I come home.
I do apologize for this entry being so long, I am not even sure if you will be still reading this at this point, but a big thanks to you Living in Theory, Microsoft and HP for the great competition. I have uploaded a few pictures of our English centre in its current state.
First picture – me teaching, my wife’s Grandmother is on the left. She comes in from time to time to just to watch this strange white person speaking an even stranger language.
Second picture – is of my wife participating with the kids in a skit / drama to practice their English.
Third picture – is our current implementation of technology in the classroom. Where would I be without my trusty old iRiver h340!
By some great miracle were we chosen to be recipient of this amazing giveaway, I would definitely send you some more photos of the new E-learning English centre - in use - as soon as possible.
A blessed and safe Christmas to you,
Thomas Beckingham
it is a bit of an essay really =)
If I were to win the HP Magic Giveaway, I would give it away to a whole community, by using it to build an E-learning centre, where the children of this farming community in northeast Thailand could come and learn for free.
The truth is though that this farming community is not exactly a remote community, in fact it is only about 20 minutes drive out of Korat, one of the biggest cities in Thailand. In the city, most children get the opportunity to go to good schools with well-trained teachers. They have great English programs and up-to-date computer labs. Even the poorer government schools still provide the kids with the basis they need in order to “go far” if they study hard. The situation out here though, is a much different story. There is a small primary school; in fact, it is directly opposite my house. Most of the teachers walk into the class, put on a teaching video and then walk out again. While the teacher is gone, the students just cannot resist the urge to change the channel over to something a little more interesting. It is a shame though, because watching cartoons and soap operas is not going to be enough to get them into university. In fact, a mere handful of these kids will even end up starting senior high school.
My wife and I moved to this village this year. It is where my wife was born and raised, and where we are planning to raise our kids in the near future. When we moved out here, we really wanted to give to the community. To really be able to impact this community, we knew we had to start with the younger generation. By teaching them English, we could improve their chances of completing a higher education, and provide them a stepping-stone to obtain a decently paid job in the future. The way Thai society works is that, once a child is working and earning an income, he/she gives a percentage of that back to their parents and family. It is essentially their social security system. If the young of people of this village were to go on to earn a reasonable income, then they would channel that money back into the community, thus lifting the standard of life for the whole community.
Right now, our home is ALREADY an English learning centre. My wife decided to paint a sign one day, she hung it out the front, and within a few days, our living room was transformed into a small classroom. My wife and I currently teach English six days a week, to kids between the ages of six to fifteen. I also have a paid teaching position in town during school hours, in order to provide an income for our family and to enable us to give to the community.
When we were making the move here from Australia, I had a crazy thought “wouldn’t it be cool if we could set up some kind of E-learning center!” I thought about all the different possibilities of using software and educational games to teach the kids English … for free! Research already shows that putting children in a multi-sensory environment like a computer lab accelerates the learning process. Apart from that, it would just be plain FUN. A great number of Thai children do not like to learn English, because they perceive it as too difficult. If you got these kids onto a computer though, they would have such a great time that they would forget they were even “studying”. In addition to teaching English, I would also be able to teach the children many other things, whether it was as basic as using Windows, Microsoft Word & Excel, Photoshop, creating a website or maybe something more advanced. The closest thing that any of them have come to computers is for the few that have played the odd game or two at an online-gaming café in town. Recently I have come across several skilled Thai programmers / developers / graphic artists online. My favourite J2ME twitter application – jibjib – happens to be developed by a brilliant young Thai guy. Whether the kids that come to the E-learning centre end up becoming developers like him, choose a profession where they must use a computer on a daily basis, or merely simply had the opportunity to enjoy learning, it would be worth it.
After a little while dreaming, I eventually resigned myself to the fact that it was not really a possibility… well for the time being at least. There was no way I could afford the hardware to set it up. Then, I saw this competition, and I was inspired to rethink the idea. So whether or not I win this prize thank you for re-inspiring me again. I know that even if it took me a while, I could in fact build up a small E-learning centre, and it would be worth the time and effort. If I were however to win this awesome giveaway, then the dream would become a reality overnight. The package has everything we need to make it happen – minus a few English teaching programs and some headphones. The number of computers in the package is perfect, as the average size of our classes is four children. The fact that they are all relatively compact portable computers is absolutely ideal too, as we have limited space. We could not fit four or five desktop systems and desks into the current living room / classroom even if we wanted to. The possibilities and ways to use the touch screen in the classroom are endless. I would just love to see the look on a kids face as he/she interacts with the characters on-screen. Another huge bonus would be the printer, as I have been intending to buy a printer for a while now, in order to print out worksheets for the students. Taking the files into the print shop in town can be a hassle, not to mention the extra step of wiping my USB thumb-drive clear of viruses every time I come home.
I do apologize for this entry being so long, I am not even sure if you will be still reading this at this point, but a big thanks to you Living in Theory, Microsoft and HP for the great competition. I have uploaded a few pictures of our English centre in its current state.
First picture – me teaching, my wife’s Grandmother is on the left. She comes in from time to time to just to watch this strange white person speaking an even stranger language.
Second picture – is of my wife participating with the kids in a skit / drama to practice their English.
Third picture – is our current implementation of technology in the classroom. Where would I be without my trusty old iRiver h340!
By some great miracle were we chosen to be recipient of this amazing giveaway, I would definitely send you some more photos of the new E-learning English centre - in use - as soon as possible.
A blessed and safe Christmas to you,
Thomas Beckingham
October 13, 2008
kingdoms crashing
Right now kingdoms are falling. Treasures such as superannuation funds, once highly demanded stock, and expensive houses are all dropping in worth to the extent that they're as good as trash. It wasn't that long ago that I preached a sermon about trash or treasure, and only now am I starting to realize how much more I hunt for trash than treasure.
Right now, we have the privilege of witnessing God's promises come true, prophecies are becoming fulfilled before our very eyes. For many people, including myself, we expected that when God said he would make the poor rich, and the rich poor, he was simply talking about in heaven, or simply in some spiritual sense. But God is actually doing some of that right now. The rich really are becoming poor.
I wonder how some of my friends from school are feeling now, those that have spent the last 10 years investing in properties and other things. Some of them I know have done quite well for themselves, now it seems their kingdoms are crashing. I don't profess to know the mind of God, but surely he is trying to get peoples attention. Maybe the only time they will notice God, is when they have nothing left... maybe God wants to give them so much more.
They're thirsty but they just don't know it."
We've all heard the saying "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink". Well I heard a Thai pastor say the other day. "you can't make a horse drink the water simply by pushing it head into the trough, but you CAN put lots of salt in its mouth so that it will take a drink." Sounds true enough! Could it be what God is doing now? So many people refusing to drink from the well of life, from the water that quenches our thirst once and for all!! He has to put some salt in their mouth, for them to realize how much they need a drink. We know that there are a lot more hard-to-swallow things to come. the Bible calls them tribulations.
The weird situation that I find myself in now, is that God has placed me in a full-time position for the next year. I didn't like that idea at all, I resisted and I still slip back into times of unsureness about my job. But really the unsureness comes from being scared of falling into the trap to build up earthly treasures. I'm not sure if I will be able to practice what I preach. If I build up my comforts will I forget to listen to God... God knows though.
God you placed me in this job, I pray that You would not let me fall into temptation.
If I go to drink from other wells, strike those wells dry. If I bury the blessings then cause them to fade away. Lord thankyou that you're destroying the earthly kingdoms so that yours would be established. SO BE IT
Right now, we have the privilege of witnessing God's promises come true, prophecies are becoming fulfilled before our very eyes. For many people, including myself, we expected that when God said he would make the poor rich, and the rich poor, he was simply talking about in heaven, or simply in some spiritual sense. But God is actually doing some of that right now. The rich really are becoming poor.
I wonder how some of my friends from school are feeling now, those that have spent the last 10 years investing in properties and other things. Some of them I know have done quite well for themselves, now it seems their kingdoms are crashing. I don't profess to know the mind of God, but surely he is trying to get peoples attention. Maybe the only time they will notice God, is when they have nothing left... maybe God wants to give them so much more.
They're thirsty but they just don't know it."
We've all heard the saying "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink". Well I heard a Thai pastor say the other day. "you can't make a horse drink the water simply by pushing it head into the trough, but you CAN put lots of salt in its mouth so that it will take a drink." Sounds true enough! Could it be what God is doing now? So many people refusing to drink from the well of life, from the water that quenches our thirst once and for all!! He has to put some salt in their mouth, for them to realize how much they need a drink. We know that there are a lot more hard-to-swallow things to come. the Bible calls them tribulations.
The weird situation that I find myself in now, is that God has placed me in a full-time position for the next year. I didn't like that idea at all, I resisted and I still slip back into times of unsureness about my job. But really the unsureness comes from being scared of falling into the trap to build up earthly treasures. I'm not sure if I will be able to practice what I preach. If I build up my comforts will I forget to listen to God... God knows though.
God you placed me in this job, I pray that You would not let me fall into temptation.
If I go to drink from other wells, strike those wells dry. If I bury the blessings then cause them to fade away. Lord thankyou that you're destroying the earthly kingdoms so that yours would be established. SO BE IT
September 26, 2008
September 23, 2008
August 30, 2008
August Newsletter
We have been rather busy, and don't have an always on internet connection so it can be hard to blog, so here is our last newsletter, and there should be a new one soon.
momentum
in the swing of things
Its been almost 2 months since our last update. The past 2 months have been jammed-packed full of good things. God keeps opening doors here, and we always seem to be doing something. We've been in Ratchaburi for 3 months now, and we love being a part of the ministry here. We're learning so much, and getting inspired to use English teaching as a way to impact the lives of young people in Tuu's hometown. When we go and teach English we're able to give so much more. They want to know why we're different. Praise God that in the places that we go regularly we have complete freedom to share a great deal about Him, and praise God in other places as others learn more about us doors keep opening. In just one month we will be heading back to Korat, and will be trusting God to show us exactly what he wants us to be doing there in the future.
fun
changing attitudes
Our leader, P'Noiy once "hated" English. He failed continuously and skipped class any chance he could. He was sure he would never be able to learn English, yet today he speaks English confidently and competently. What happened? God changed his thinking towards English. After spending some time with foreigners he realized that English can be fun. There are many kids in Thailand that feel the same way as P'Noiy. "It's too hard", "I can't speak it", and " I don't understand." It is those students that we have a heart to help the most, to help them to overcome the mindsets that are holding them back. A method we use to help the students to enjoy English is to run English camps. So far since being here, Tuu and I have been involved with 3 English camps which the kids just loved so much.
The first camp we ran we had almost 500 students, and there was only 5 of us to lead the whole day. Because of unseen circumstances we were forced to cram 500 kids into one hall, which meant when divided into "rotations" there was 4 of us rotation leaders all competing with our voices, not to mention the 500 noisy kids. It was tough, and it didn't help that Tom was dealing with a nasty bout of tonsillitis. Praise God though we got through the day with His strength, and it was a huge success, with the head of Education here in Ratchaburi giving us free reign to do camps whenever we want. Our next English camp will be very different as it in is for adults, in fact many of them will be around the age of 60 year olds!
slum
burmese community
We have also had the opportunity to go and share in a poor Burmese community that is located close to P'Noiy and Bronwyn's house. They had been previously with teams to play with the kids and outreach. Just a few weeks ago we decided to make an effort to go there on a regular basis. We sang songs, played games, shared about what Jesus has done for us. The adults were all hiding off to the side watching and listening to everything.
There was a great response from the kids and amazingly almost all of the young men raised there hands too. Praise God that so many were prepared to to take that bold step, not worrying how "uncool" they might look. P'Noiy is now meeting the adults every Sunday afternoon to spend time with them, to disciple them, to listen to their questions, even to teach guitar so they can play worship songs. Tuu and myself are running Children's church for the kids for the next month. We have only met them a few times, yet we have been able to make a big impact on them. I heard today from there teacher that they're always talking about P'Tom and P'Tuu, and the things we've taught them. Please pray that God will send someone else here to continue the work with these special kids after we have gone
About a week ago we did an open air outreach in the middle of their community. We invited everyone to come along including the adults, many of them decided to come as they saw we had brought things to give to them.. We played, sang, and shared some more. We gave out daily essentials such as toiletries and cooking ingredients to help them. After P'Noiy shared his testimony, he asked if there was anyone that was serious about knowing God more, and wanted to follow Him.
There was a great response from the kids and amazingly almost all of the young men raised there hands too. Praise God that so many were prepared to to take that bold step, not worrying how "uncool" they might look. P'Noiy is now meeting the adults every Sunday afternoon to spend time with them, to disciple them, to listen to their questions, even to teach guitar so they can play worship songs. Tuu and myself are running Children's church for the kids for the next month. We have only met them a few times, yet we have been able to make a big impact on them. I heard today from there teacher that they're always talking about P'Tom and P'Tuu, and the things we've taught them. Please pray that God will send someone else here to continue the work with these special kids after we have gone
August 28, 2008
June 17, 2008
Befriended
lyrics by Matt Redman
Befriended, befriended by the King above all Kings
Surrendered, surrendered to a friend above all friends
Invited, invited deep into this mystery
Delighted, delighted by the wonders I have seen
This will be my story
This will be my song
You'll always be my Savior
Jesus You will always have my heart
Astounded, astounded that Your gospel beckoned me
Surrounded, surrounded but I've never been so free
Determined, determined now to live this life for You
You’re so worthy my greatest gift would be the least You’re due
This will be my story
This will be my song
You'll always be my Savior
Jesus You will always have my heart
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