The Wards in Thailand-Cross Current Ministries

Things at "The Refuge"

We met them on the side of the road pleased to see their faces. They had come with grins that showed the white of their teeth and a quiet dignity that contrasted the guards and barbwire gate behind them. We were blessed to introduce them to the Colorado D.T.S. team who were with us. Just to see them like that outside the gates in the evening was a triumph. The five new kids who joined our home in the refugee camp are settling in. As we get to know these kids we are excited to hear the dreams and vision these kids are working toward. We were glad to bring some wonderfully illustrated books to them and work is underway to fix the floor of the girls dorm home (Thank you to all who donated to this need). At our last visit we looked at a book that had pictures and stories from all over the world. The kids shyly told us they dreamed of visiting other countries. “When I came here I never saw a car or a book like this.” said David age 14. We look at them and no longer see refugees who crossed minefields and rivers to come. We see a fresh generation!

It sounded like a bad Hollywood line.

From our new newsletter.Thailand is a country filled and swayed by

the superstitious beliefs of it’s people.

Historically a Buddhist country but if you

peer a bit closer you will see that Thailand

doesn’t fit into any real pattern of faith. In

Thailand the high government leaders

regularly consult fortune tellers and rally

people together to perform large public

ceremonies to appease spirits and ghosts.

A neighbor recently corroborated a story

we had heard from many other Thai

friends. “Some group of witches in Cam-

bodia have found a way to send demons

across cell phone lines and murder peo-

ple by making their eyes bleed” Bomb,age

14 said. He was worried we might answer

the wrong call. It sounded like a bad Holly-

wood line. He said someone a few streets

over had died this way and others in

Chiang Mai, and Bangkok as well. A few

days later when we returned from

a ministry trip monks turned out on

the streets in force chanting and

wrapping white blessing /

protection strings around the tele-

phone poles and walls of every

property in our village. Their pock-

ets were soon stuffed with money

given in hopes to bribe away the

spirits. Our good friend Bomb had

asked me specifically to pray over

him as I had done before. He knew

there was power in it. I had ex-

plained to him many times that we

were not afraid of this kind of

threat. That our God is bigger, that

in fact our God commanded all

these spirits. I knew he wanted to

combine his beliefs and ours into

one total protection package. But

as Maile had loudly exclaimed many

times. “Buddha is dead! How can he

do anything?” We prayed over this

village and country we had been sent

to. We were planning to leave, and

when moving day arrived the strings

had turned to gray and fallen limply

into the road. One dear neighbor with

an amulet around her neck said ”God

bless you” to us as she hacked the

binding string away from her home

with a machete. Our time living in the

village was the longest we have ever

used one house. Our neighbors be-

came like relatives. We shared Gods

love with them and continue to ask for

his grace to cover them. We sorrow

over the great fear many Thai’s live

under according to their idolatry. It is

Gods offered gift of peace refused.

Thankful hearts

It's the wee hours of the night and as I contemplate the past year I realize that one of the most siginificant gifts the Lord has sent my way this year has been the blessing of supporting The Refuge children and knowing that my tithe is used for the financial, material, physical and spiritual well being of children and teens who have been vicitimized and oppressed their entire lives.

May God grant these kids and all who work with them emotional and spritual tenacity.

Candace and Ray,

You are laying up rewards in heaven that will remain for eternity. You are manifesting our Father's heart. You have angels singing over you in thanksgiving. You must not grow weary in well doing. You must take time to refuel and recharge.

Our Lord is very pleased with you!

Love,

Geeba

Exciting story from October newsletter

Children of The Border

When we go to any Burmese border the children

have always caught our hearts. Sent out by their

guardians, or local mafia to only beg for or steal

money, they end up lost in a world that shuns them

away. Many of these kids end up drug addicted

and trapped in a vicious cycle of use and abuse.

Where is their childhood? They are kids and need

to be loved in a clean and holy way. We love

going and seeing the kids we have relationships

with!! One night some street boys we know all

heard strange noises coming from the upstairs of

the ministry house they were “crashing” in. They

were all afraid. Several of them were new to faith

in Jesus but found that they didn't know what to

do. "It was a ghost or a devil come to

steal our souls" they thought. One boy told the

others they should pray and read the bible. The

next day all the boys began to pray and read their

bibles more diligently than before. We prayed

over these boys and encouraged them to

remember that possibly the devil was trying to

frighten them away from Jesus, but Jesus is the

only one who can give them power over the

devil. Praying for street kids, feeding them, and

letting them just be KIDS blesses our hearts!!

Please Pray for the children of the B/urmese

border who need Jesus. I love it when the devil’s

plans backfire. We hope to see these boys and

others rise out of their circumstance and

follow Jesus.

Buying Land

Hi guys,

We are now in the process of buying a parcel of land as the future site of the next children's home and development launching ground. The land is within the amount we have already raised but it is not large enough for every part of our plan. Neighbors in two directions are wanting to sell also, since we are buying at a low price it sets the price for our neighbors as well. We are confident that the neighbors will soon approach us about buying their land this is the way deals are made here. We need to raise around $40,000 more to purchase the neighboring land. It is important that we do this soon because we should be able to lock in a cheap price this way and also insure safety for when we bring kids from over the border. We would be purchasing around thirty rai altogether or about 17 acres. This area is the best we have seen because it is just off the main road from the Salawin river witch is where we can bring in kids the easiest way. The land has very rich soil witch supports many mature fruit producing trees, including coconuts, mangoes, jackfruit, palmelos, bananas, and starfruit, their are also many seeds and nuts witch are renowned for their curative qualities. A small well stoked fishing pond with fishing dock, water vegetables, and lotus flowers sits in one corner and a large rice field covers part of the property. Water and electricity are both available without any major hassle and the land sits near a small catholic Karen village witch has harbored friends from over the border. Schools are nearby but this land is far enough out of town that it will not be bothered by local government. The Land we are purchasing is priced at around $35,000 for 12 rai or around 5.5 acres this is by far the cheapest and best quality we have seen. When we purchase the other portions of land it will put it at about 30 rai or 17 acres. We have prayed and feel a peace in purchasing this land. Please consider this opportunity prayerfully and let us know what you would like to do to help. Please continue to pray for our family and ministry partners as we all are experiencing attack as we move into new frontiers.

Thank you for your interest, prayers, and past financial giving,

Ray Candace and Maile Ward

Our Kids have more to say do you want to hear?

Our kids have something to say…

Do you want to hear? Read on below from an portion of our most recent newsletter.

“The Refuge” ministry home is badly in

need of funding! I wanted to let you all

hear a bit from our kids at “The Refuge”.

Here are some recent questions and

answers from a few of our kids. Be aware

that some info is changed for the pur-

pose of protection. What has changed

about your life since leaving your village to

come to “The Refuge?”Klersays “It is very

different. I came from deep in the jungle

and had never seen things like a bicycle or

a car before. Also we only ate rice and fish

paste. There are many new and delicious

foods here I never had before. I like to go to

school and have the opportunity to study

anything I want. In my home village we

always had to worry for tomorrow, running

and hiding. Now I don’t have to worry or run

anymore. I can be still and unafraid.” What

do you like about school?”Hsawsays “I

like to learn about politics and learn about

politics in the history of Thailand and my

country. It helps me think about the future

and learn what can be done. I also love to

paint and learn about art. My paintings are

kept at school for others to see and so I

can add to them more and more.” What is

the most difficult thing to adjust to after

leaving home? Narsays “I miss my friends

and sometimes feel homesick for my vil-

lage. When I first arrived here I could not

understand the dialect and accent that

others spoke in the camp. It was confusing,

now I understand more and feel confident

To speak up. I do worry for the

safety of our friends and family back

in the village. We don’t hear often

from them.” Do you like church and

hearing from the bible students who

come to teach at the home? Ehsays

“I like to go to church and study the

bible. I like to sing worship songs

and hymns to my God. My favorite

bible story is the one about Lazarus

and the rich man. Lazarus was

watching a rich man who appeared

to be in hell. The rich man didn’t

help anyone on earth with his

money. Lazarus gets to stay in

Heaven and watch what happens to

the rich man.” What is your favorite

food? Do you like to cook? Thasays

“I like to eat oranges. I like chicken

red curry. I am learning to cook and

grow vegetables. It’s fun!” What can

we pray for you about?Mungsays

“Please pray that I will pass school

exams. Pray that I will be able to

learn guitar and computer skills. I

ask that I will become a good and

useful person for my friends, family

and my people. Pray for all the stu-

dents in the home. Ask for peace

and health on my family and that

they may come and visit one day.

Pray that God blesses the dorm

leaders and gives them health and

wisdom.” Amen and Amen.

We have recently purchased a com-

puter for students to use who are

enrolling in a computer learning

program offered in the camp during

the school break (Mid March till end

of April). We are expecting new stu-

dents to journey here at the end of

March. We need to do some repairs

to the floor in the girls dorm before

they arrive. We do need funds for

this repair. This home has become a

bit more transitional for some of our

kids than we originally thought and

since last year family members have

also arrived and taken kids from our

home to live with them in the camp.

While are always sad to lose them

from our immediate care. We do

believe that God allows us to share

moments with them. To speak truth

into their lives, to love them. We will

always welcome more kids. How-

ever we will be changing the spon-

sorship program. Conditions in the

camp are always under some threat

and the roads to and from it are

now closed at 4 o’clock most days

because of the mounting violence in

the area. We regret the need for

vague information but hope to have

more freedom to share soon. I can-

not tell you enough how we need

your prayers. Finances are very low

and we have more kids planning to

be rescued into the home. We will

not turn them away.

A recent visit to the other side

We enjoyed the company of border spies.

By now they know us well. We are the people who come to sing and “make wishes” for the future of their country.

He wants to introduce us to his family. He says we would like each other. We chatted about avocados and the lack of rainfall this monsoon season. He is one of several “border men” who we now enjoy a very friendly relationship with. These men work to ensure no one sees or does anything that could undermine the government. We have visited their homes and they ferry us to church on rickety, three wheeled, trishaws (one flipped backwards on us last month). Every time we sing songs and make wishes the power of God shows up. We see the recognition on their faces. We pray over them. We share the gospel with them. When we come we are no longer met with cold suspicion but friendly smiles. They have the power to report or not report what they see fit. A man lamented as we prayer walked the river border “Jesus doesn’t see our country” as we passed by again on the way I asked if we could pray over him. He wept as we prayed that his country and his heart would be lifted by the Holy Spirit. We believe as we fill Bu//rma with God’s praise the darkness retreats from hearts and minds.

Our battle, our privilege, our need

Hello Friends

We must expect miracles! God is in our circumstance! In the face of ugly war, indescribable acts of hate and brutality, God is good. When countries riot, economies fall, and natural disasters strike we must call out to God. God is pouring out his spirit, his grace, his anointing, this is a time when hearts are being turned to God. The Kingdom of Heaven is advancing! We see it with our eyes here!

Our family and ministry has had a year of battles both physical and spiritual. We have felt the unpredictable sting of war and genocide the path it cuts through the lives of those we serve. In the faces of our kids (in "The Refuge" children's home) we witness the dimming of fear and a slow return of hope. We see them smile and play. We see them worship God. Our journey has been one of surrender, surrendering of will, of plans, of timing, of emotion. Our lesson is hard won... We have had moments, opportunities, sewn the seeds of love, and truth. The harvest is coming some of it we are blessed to see and we are learning what the true meaning of rescue is. God is pouring out deliverance. Daily it is necessary to take up the yoke of Jesus and set aside the worries and attacks that come our way. We are glad that the strength of God is made perfect in our weakness. The victory is at hand...

This year at “The Refuge” children's home in the Bur-mese refugee camp our kids have had a multitude of new experiences. Some of them had never seen a truck, known peace or tasted nutricious food. Most of our kids come from Buddhist backgrounds and all are from remote agricultural villages in war torn Burm--a. It is our privilege to share Jesus with them and pour into them what we can. Weekly they go to church and the bible and worship is taught in the home. We never know the time frame we will have to pour into them.

We are getting ready to receive a large new group of kids into "The Refuge" children's home whose homes/villages and schools have been attacked pillaged and burned. We welcome them out of these conflict torn areas. We have already organized a safe transport through the battle zones once and they were led as far as they could come before fighting and possible land mines blocked the intended path last week. We are unsure when it will be safe for them to come.

We are in serious need of finance because of the timing! God owns it all. We are not concerned with a thing like money. God will provide..Perhaps through you....

Prayer needs

1.Safety and provision of the kids as they travel through real war zones and possible mine fields. Pray the promise of Isaiah 43:2 for them.

2.Salvation for every child in “The Refuge.”

3.New outpouring of revival spirit on all who we work with and all who we encounter. Refreshing of our family as we are purposeful in our season at home seeking God and pressing into his will for us.

3.Wisdom in this season as we guide the ministry into new areas of growth with our ears tuned to God.

4.Maile our daughter as she adjusts again to another location and culture in the states.

5.Deeper love for God, each other and all who brush against our lives.

6.Holy Spirit propulsion on the path that God lays before us.

7.Protection on our travels. Divine appointments. Words to speak.

Immediate Needs

1. We really need to replace the floor in the girls dorm building that is in the Refugee home. It is currently made of bamboo and is broken in several places due to wear. We need to replace the floor with cement so it lasts and this will add a new worship/meeting area before the hot 100+temp summer season ends into the heavy rainy season here. We will be replacing some of the building supports of the home (that have already been donated by leaders in the camp) at the same time we replace the floor. It is important we get this done before the new group of kids will arrive so the building is available. This will cost around 50,000 bht or more around $1,500+ dollars.

2. We also need funding for the journey to get the kids when they come to the border area so they can be fed and protected as they cross into Thailand to our kids home. When we take the kids we will be sending some much needed supplies (with our internal contacts who will lead all the kids) to be given to victims of the conflict in Bu{rma. We will probably need at least another 400$ for that journey and for some of the immediate needs of kids when they first arrive.

3. At some point soon we need to replace the roof in the boys dorm. It is currently made of leaves (common here) which will need to be replaced yearly (or we can put on a tin/metal roof for $900.00 U.S.) The cost to replace it with leaves is about ($150.00) however because of the favor we have in the camp the leaders are willing to allow us to have a tin/metal roof which is not normally allowed we will install this type of roof if we can afford it. The roof will need to be repaired before rainy season. Rainy season will begin in Late May or early June.

4. Some new truly devoted mentors to pour into and comfort our kids.

5. Basically these are the immediate needs. After that comes the day-to-day needs to run the home. We are trusting God to bring it in.

6. There of course is always more. We know it. God will give it.

Be blessed as you walk in his steps,

Ray Candace and Maile Ward

Serving with...

Deeper Still Ministries International
4110 Foothill Road
Kalispell, MT 59901

All donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to Deeper Still Ministries International. Please make sure to include a seprate note (not on the check) that the funds should be used for "The Refuge Childrens home."

A Short conversation with one of our kids in "The Refuge" Children's home.

This conversation is with the middle brother for the three brothers who came first to our children's home "The Refuge."

1. How has your life changed since coming to stay at “The Refuge” children's home in a refugee camp? I like to stay in “The Refuge” children's home, it is fun. I like going to school every day and not having to miss school because of danger. Many things are different for me now. In my old village I couldn't go to school a lot because I was afraid of bad men coming to take me. I am not afraid anymore. Before I was shy all the time now I feel more confident. The food here is different and better now. There are many new flavors. Before we only ate rice and a little fish paste.

2. What do you like best about school? Favorite subject? I don't like Math. It is my most difficult subject. I do like the other subjects and being with the other students who are my friends. I have many friends now. I like to study the Bible. I can study at school on Mondays and Fridays when the bible students come to teach. I like to play sports with other kids.

3. What is your favorite food or fruit to eat. Do you like to cook? I like oranges. I like ice cream. Catfish curry is delicious. I am learning to cook. It is fun!

4. What is the most difficult thing to get used to now that you have left your home village?

I miss my friends and feel homesick for my village. Before when I first came I could not understand the dialect that others spoke in the camp. It was confusing, now I understand more and am able to speak up. I do worry for my friends and family still in the village. I am glad that my dad came over and is in the camp now.

5.Do you like going to Church and learning about the bible from bible students who come to teach at the children's home? I like to go to church and study the bible. I like to sing worship songs and hymns. I like the bible story of David and Goliath it is my favorite story this year. Davids wins the battle. God is with him. It is a good story.

6.What can we and those who support you pray for? Please pray for my parents and family to continue in good health. Pray that I will improve in studies and I will have a good strong mind. Please also pray for my house brothers and sisters in “The Refuge.”

November 15 2009

The hunger for Jesus continues to increase here in the peoples hearts. The witch doctors especially have been seeking as they have seen their families be destroyed, separated and stricken with sickness. We have been seeking out the village witch doctors purposely in every village that we visit. God has instructed us to meet, Pray for and love on these families. Often when we visit or re-visit these homes we have an amazing time of fellowship, sharing and breakthrough. These witch doctors are often the leaders these new villages we visit and they are people of great influence in their community. We want to see them living and serving The Lord and not exploring, sharing and trusting in Satan to lead their villages and their people.

The Wards in Thailand-Cross Current Ministries - thewardsinthailand

Featured pictures

Welcome family and friends

Hopefully our future land for ministry

2010-11-19

2010-10-24

2009-12-27

Pictures of land for children's home

Pic's to sell

Ministry pics

Family updates

Things at "The Refuge"

It sounded like a bad Hollywood line.

Thankful hearts

Exciting story from October newsletter

Buying Land

Our Kids have more to say do you want to hear?

Videos

Photo books

Family & friends

Guestbook

Favorite sites

Comments

Journal

A recent visit to the other side

Our battle, our privilege, our need

A Short conversation with one of our kids in "The Refuge" Children's home.

November 15 2009

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