Do you need a Bible degree to go on a missions trip? Read on...

This article appeared in the September newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Honolulu:

SIMPLE GIFTS
By
Elaine Masters

“How many people receive your newsletter, Yawla?”
“Oh, about five.”
“What? You have all those people from America and Singapore visiting you. You should have a guest book and send a newsletter to each one. They’re interested in the ministry of PAOT.”
“Take so long. Type all those addresses.”
“You type each one every time?”
Yawla looked at me like he thought I was crazy.
“Type, then print on envelope.”
“You can SAVE the addresses, Yawla. You don’t have to type them again every newsletter. Do you know where the SAVE is on your computer?”
“Yes. Maybe. I think so.”

While I sat in our living room with Yawla and his wife, Metavee, sipping acrid mountain tea, I gleaned unexpected tidbits about their ministry in northern Thailand.

· An inexpensive computer course is available in a nearby town, but Lahus haven’t taken advantage of it. They’d learn about simple things like mailing lists. Perhaps some tech-savvy person could go and open their eyes…
· PAOT trucks wear out through lack of maintenance. Yawla’s kid brother, Dawlar, will soon begin training as a mechanic. Perhaps some truck mechanic could go and see what tools he will need to set up a proper maintenance schedule…
· Tribal people have no concept of germs or hygiene. A small medical team from First Prez is going in October to train interested pastors, shamans, and lay people in medical procedures. Continuing follow-up will be helpful. Who will mentor…?
· Lahus arrange shallow-foundation buildings higgledy-piggledy. A team of builders from First Prez is going in November to work beside Lahus and train them in community planning and building basics. Will people follow up next year…?
· English opens doors. Three First Prez people have taught English to Lahus in the past. Perhaps other persons can go…

Simple gifts. Nothing earth-shattering, but so needed.