Bob and Grace Shim : Parkwood Community Church

Bob and Grace Shim

coffee with the shims

November 2011

newsong medical teamBecause we host a variety of teams, we are often asked, “are short-term teams helpful? Do they make a difference?” And our short answer is always yes and yes. ST teams help build and strengthen SDRF’s relationship with local village communities; the lives of those who come are impacted and changed; and quite simply, Jesus commanded us to go and love others. ST teams are a wonderful way for folks to take a step of faith and live out the Gospel in far corners of the globe.In September, a team of doctors from Newsong Church (Irvine, CA) treated over 800 patients on the island of Koh Yao Yaiin Southern Thailand. The people of Koh Yao are Muslim and lead simple lives as fishermen or rubber tree farmers. The Island was severely affected by the 2004 Tsunami and SDRF has since been helping these communities improve livelihoods via education and aquaculture research. The 8 Newsong-ers who came to serve not only helped deepen our relationship with the local Public Health Dept. but opened the door to a new community. Thank you Ray, Steve, Linda, Chris, Melody, Josh, Han, and David!

2011 Newsong Medical Team with their interpreters.

Dr. Linda Chung (OB/GYN) performing an ultrasound.

Dr. Chris Yian (ENT) about to perform minor surgery.

Dr. Steve Lin (ER) tending to an emergency patient.

celebrating 40 years

“Mission belongs to God and is always in God’s hands.” These are the words that Jim Gustafson spoke to the delegations gathered at Roi Et, Thailand to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Thailand Covenant Church (TCC). Representatives from Evangelical Covenant Churches in Thailand, Japan, India, Philippines, Taiwan, Laos, and the U.S. came together not only to celebrate the growth of the Thai Covenant Church but to show unity of the Body of Christ and to consult one another regarding church planting. Bob was present to witness the rich history of the TCC and the diversity of God’s work throughout Asia.

The Taiwanese delegation leading worship.

Rev. Curt Peterson, Executive Minister of Covenant World Mission participating in a string-tying ceremony.

Sitting with the early leaders of the Thai Covenant Church- Ajaan Banphote (2nd from rt) and Jim Gustafson (rt); and the current leaders of the church in Bo Klua- Kru Chan (next to Bob) and Khun Heuan (middle).

Delegates praying at a house church in Roi Et.

back in the US

Bob is very glad to be back home in Chiang Mai after a 2-month stretch starting September that involved 2 trips to the U.S., a couple to Bangkok, one to Roi Et, and several to Bo Klua and Southern Thailand. On one of the US trips, Bob performed the marriage ceremony (his first!) for his niece, Jane and her husband Andrew. It was wonderful to celebrate this occasion and see family again! On the other trip, he participated in a meeting of the Covenant World Relief (CWR) Associates– practitioners of relief and development all throughout the world. CWR is a ministry of the Covenant Church that seeks to transform vulnerable communities via community development and disaster relief. They have helped to fund projects such as the Animal Project in Kyrgyzstan and the salt mixer in Bo Klua.

Andrew & Jane’s wedding.

Covenant World Relief Associates in Chicago.

welcome visitors

We had the pleasure of hosting our dear friend, Jeanette Yep– missions pastor at Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA) in Chiang Mai in September and Pastor Jin Bae from Bethany Presbyterian Church (Bloomfield, NJ) in October. Although they were with us a short time, it was great to share a bit of our lives and ministry with them. Thank you so much for going out of your way to connect with us!