December, 2011

Dear Everyone,

Greetings everybody, sorry I haven't updated in a long time.I have been on outreach for the last month and have had next to no Internet and next to no free time.A lot has happened since the last time you all heard from me.I want to start off by saying I really miss all of you as well as America.I think I am at the point in my journey where it is becoming more difficult.I have been really missing everybody and the comfort of home.I hope all is well on your end and thank you for remembering to pray for me.I know that I am not very good with updating pictures. I apologize and promise that in the next month I will go through everything I have and put together a slide show for all of you.

Lecture phase of DTS is over.It was a very valuable time for me but I am also happy to be done.During lecture phase I learned so much about the character of God along with what it really looks like to follow God.I have also grown in many areas and feel confident about my life and trusting in what God has planned for me.

The last month I have been on outreach.My DTS split up into 2 different teams.My team spent the first three weeks in a city called Pinsanuloc.I absolutely loved it there.During our time there our main ministry was with a break-dancer crew and a skateboarder crew.I really loved the break-dancer crew and made many friendships that mean a lot to me.I even picked up a new hobby along the way.I became really good friends with two boys named Heart and Most. During my time with them I was able to go to school with them, and just witness to them and tell them about God's love.During my time in Pinsanuloc Heart's parents both came to accept Christ.It was great to see God's faithfulness.

In my time spent with the skateboarders God gave me the courage to boldly give the gospel to a boy.He was drunk when I told him so I figured he wasn't listening but sure enough he was so interested he came to church for the first time on Sunday.He hasn't accepted Christ yet but I know that God has a plan for his life and I feel blessed that I was able to speak God's truth in his life.

My team also got the opportunity to go to a junior high school.We told them that we were going to give the 180 kids an English learning program.When we arrived there we put on a Christian skit, and boldly shared the gospel in front of a giant Buddha statue in the middle of the room.At the beginning of the program we sang a few worship songs.The teacher approached us and asked us not to sing about Jesus.By the end of the program the teacher walked me home and was telling me he wants to put Jesus into his curriculum and he realizes that Jesus is the only way.This was a great example of Gods ability to change anyone's heart.

This outreach has been packed with many different ministries.I only named a few of the really impactful ones here.It has been a huge blessing seeing many people come to know Jesus as their Savior.Being here God has also revealed further the gifts he has given me.I have discovered on a new level the gift of communicating despite language barriers.I believe that God is going to use this gift to allow me to impact those who come from different cultures than me.

Being here has been hard work but I have also had a lot of fun.I have had the chance to paintball, jump off of waterfalls, go to hip-hop parties, go to Thai school for a few days, preach my first sermon, camp under the stars in the middle of the jungle, learn how to break-dance, ride motorcycles, lead worship, learn how to speak more Thai, see beautiful scenery, see a world famous temple,and meet knew people.It has been incredibly difficult being away from home for so long but it has been the greatest adventure of my life and I will value this experience for the rest of my life.Thank you for praying for me and I apologize again for the lack of updates.Can't wait to see you all again.

P.S

It looks as though I will be staying in Thailand for 4 months longer.Pray for that.I will be working under a missionary in the city of Ratchaburi.I will be working with kids, teens, Burmese refugees, and at the local prison.I will have the opportunity to live with and be discipled by a man named P' Noi.Your prayers would be much appreciated.

From my heart,

Taylor M