Inside Out

8 DAYS!!!

jtlong7 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:40:47 +0000

Visitation Rights! Bri & Elli playing in the rabbit's old cage.

Hope this year has been good for you so far! As for us… time is etching near and we are excited about seeing family and friends that we haven’t seen in over two years!

We are also looking forward to having the chance to eat at CHICKFILA, EAT OUR FAVORITE KINDS OF CEREAL, and more importantly… SHARE WITH YOU ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE AND IS DOING!

Please pray for us and that the girls travel and adjust well.

WERRY CHRISTWAS?

jtlong7 — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:46:53 +0000

WERRY CHRISTWAS

“WERRY CHRISTWAS” everyone!!! c”,)

When we first moved to Thailand a few years ago, i purchased a Christmas decoration for our home, to commemerate this special time of year. Over the years i have found many funny misspelled signs and things that were out of context or just didn’t make sense period, but I have never found one quite like this. It was not your normal goof up; it was very profound. The person, i’m sure, did not mean to do this, but the play on words here makes this one very thought provoking.

The decoration is supposed to read: “Merry Christmas”, but instead… the articulate designer hung the two “M’s” upside down, and it reads this way: “WERRY CHRISTWAS! ” To me, this is TRUTH and it speaks volumes!!! “Werry” (weary) Christ was, but He still chose to go through with purchasing your Salvation, by dying on the cross.

I love this decoration because of (what some would consider) the human flaw! I purchased the decoration in spite of its mistake. There’s a deep truth to this decoration! You see, we are a flawed people in need of a Savior, and Christ paid for our sins, in spite of our human flaws. I will continue to hang this decoration up for as long as i have it, as a simple reminder that Christ was, and Is, and Is to come! Personally, i think the designer’s biggest mistake was misspelling the word WEARY.

So, please remember you are special to Him this holiday season and that He’d still do it all over again for you! Christmas is not as much about opening your presents as it is about opening your heart. May you be filled with more of Christ this season!

I want to leave you with two Bible verses:

“But that’s exactly how you will be addressed. God will speak to this people In baby talk, one syllable at a time…, ‘This is the time and place to rest, to give rest to the weary. This is the place to lay down your burden’.”…. ~ Isaiah 28:11 (the Message Translation)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me, and work with Me, watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Matthew 11:28 (Message)

Werry Christwas!!!

Jason

REJOICE! For Unto Us a Child is Born!!!

jtlong7 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:00:41 +0000

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas from Chiang Rai! Together, let us rejoice in the Lord!!! He is good and faithful in all things! We also rejoice in you and sincerely thank you for your prayers, ongoing love, generosity, and all the support you have extended to us through the years!!!!

Christmas Outreach at Ban Huai Khom School

jtlong7 — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:33:03 +0000

The Greatest Gift

Happy December the 20th!!! Hope this update finds you staying warm this time of year!!! To our surprise, we are having somewhat cooler weather here in Northern Thailand. A few nights the temperature has dropped down to about 50 degrees fahrenheit!!! This did not make the wife happy, but the husband has been overjoyed, and now’s he’s believing for snow!

We had a great Christmas outreach at a nearby school! We had about 120-130 (not sure the exact number) children there. Today the team taught english, sports, crafts, gave gifts to all the children, ministered through drama, clown skits and we also presented the TRUE meaning of Christmas- the GOSPEL!!!

The Lord Rules Over the Floodwaters!!!

jtlong7 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:36:11 +0000

Bangkok, Thailand has been rocked by floods this year. The floodwaters threatened the capital city with the worst flooding in over 50 years. Though we are 12 hours away from the Bangkok, we still feel the effects of it here in the north. Store shelves were seemingly bare in many places, due to companies not being able to ship out goods. As the days rolled by and as the dramatic scenes unfolded on TV, fear was very present on the faces and in the hearts of locals.

Fear is real, and even more so to the un-believers. This verse came to mind: “The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as King forever.” (Psalm 29:10) I am so thankful we know the King of the floods. Our heart and desire is to make Him known to a people that live in fear and deep superstition most of the time.

A few weeks ago, I took a scooter ride up through a mountain province and met an elderly, Chinese, Christian lady that works with children at a drug rehab center. She is very interested in learning more of what we do and asked if we could come back and to do a presentation for the children! Praise God for this open door to share Christ and help equip a servant in need!

- The Lord has introduced to us a near by neighbor and we have befriended them and are trying to cultivate that relationship for the Gospel. We believe this will open doors for us to penetrate not only the police dept with the Good News, but also this will open doors into more schools with the drug free program we already have!

Thank you for continuing to partner with us. To make an TAX DEDUCTIBLE END OF THE YEAR DONATION: 1) You may mail a check to: Olive Branch Foundation (the Longs), 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (Please be sure to designate to the LONGS.) OR 2) Go Online to the Olive Branch Foundation website: http://www.theolivebranchfoundation.org/?page_id=10

The Longs

Jason, Toby, Briana, & Elliana

Also, please inform us if you have a change of email/ address, so we can keep our information updated. Thank you for your continued prayer and partnership with us

Olive Branch Foundation | 3522 Harrison Pike | Cleveland, TN 37311

www.thinksmallfoundation.org or www.kidsquestthailand.com

Training Others Up!!!

jtlong7 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:59:20 +0000

Our purpose here is to equip faithful ministers with the knowledge and the tools we have and then replace ourselves with them, so that they can flourish and get the job done! We want to see the Kingdom grow and what better way than to have locals carry on the work! We feel good leaders will train others and challenge them to be great.

Everything is mild green, a few leaves are turning colors, but there’s absolutely no chance of snow. Still, LOVELY fall weather has finally arrived here in Chiang Rai! We also appreciate the opportunities the Lord has given us here to share His love.

There are a couple of past events, we want to catch you up on, so here we go! We had mentioned that we were going to do an English and sports summer school out of our home. However, due to various circumstances, the camp was cancelled. It worked out best for us, so thanks be to God!

October 17 -20, Jason took part in a puppet training for a local church. They had about 100 puppets they’d personally made, locked up in a closet, because they had not yet been trained to use them. The training was a success (for all ages!) and not only for that church, but for all the other churches that joined us, 60 people total. There are plans for another children’s workshop in the future! The hosting church also asked Jason to come back to construct their children’s ministry center (like he did for another church) and a playground area. We are excited to see how this relationship continues.

October 25- 27, 29 we trained 19 people at Song Pranee Church in Kidsquest (www.kidsquestthailand.com). Their team of children workers, children and youth held an outreach with 53 kids, 24 of whom gave their heart to the Lord! Follow up is crucial , so please keep them in prayer.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us. Here are the NEW ways to give: 1) You may mail a check to: Olive Branch Foundation (the Longs), 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (This way is more work, but it assures that all of your donation will get to us.) OR 2) Set-up a bank Auto Bill Pay to Mt Olive Ministries. (If this is an interest to you, please let me know and I will get you more information to ensure we receive the funds.) OR 3) On The Olive Branch Foundation website, there is a way to give online (same steps as before). Here is the direct link: http://www.theolivebranchfoundation.org/?page_id=10

Please let us know which you select, and be sure to designate to the Longs, if you select one of the first two ways! Also, please inform us if you have a change of email/ address, so we can keep our information updated. Thank you for your continued prayer and partnership with us.

Olive Branch Foundation | 3522 Harrison Pike | Cleveland, TN 37311
www.thinksmallfoundation.org or www.kidsquestthailand.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

jtlong7 — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:42 +0000

Thanks for helping us stand face to face with people that need Christ.

I love how Philippians 1:3 reads in the Message Translation: ”³Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.” We are Thankful for you and from our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving 2011!!!

Thursday (Thanksgiving) morning Jason traveled to a local school to share with the teenage students. After finishing up, the director and staff there asked if we’d consider doing more with them! They really want some type of Christmas show for their English Dept and WE’VE GOT THAT!! Jason will begin training the a local team in how to do this particular presentation, tomorrow! Praise the Lord for this open door, as well as the partnership with a local church that has committed to doing the follow-up work!

Last night we celebrated Thanksgiving here with several friends, but we truly miss all of our friends from back home and long to see you again. Speaking of that, we are looking into coming back to the US in mid March and would love a chance to share with your church, friends or whoever has a heart for missions and that will listen! We will only be there for a short time, so please contact us quickly, so we can begin to make the proper plans of being with you!

As a reminder, here is the new way to give toward what God is doing here:

1) You may mail a check to: Olive Branch Foundation (the Longs), 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311

(Please note, this way is more work for you, but it assures that all of your donation will get to us.) OR

2) Set-up a bank Auto Bill Pay to Mt Olive Ministries. (If this is an interest to you, please let me know and I will get you more information to ensure we receive the funds.) OR

3) On the Olive Branch Foundation website, there is a way to give online (same steps as before), but again, 5% will be kept by the online middleman, JUST GIVE. Here is the direct link: http://www.theolivebranchfoundation.org/?page_id=10

Please let us know which you select, and be sure to designate to the Longs, if you select one of the first two ways! Also, please inform us if you have a change of email/ address, so we can keep our information updated. Thank you for your continued prayer and partnership with us.

The Longs

Jason, Toby, Briana, & Elliana

The Least of These

jtlong7 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:06:25 +0000

Photo is blurred for the protection and the privacy of those represented.

At the beginning of October we were invited to share about ‘cognitive play’ with some young mothers who were trafficking victims. They had a need to set up a nursery in their facility and as a result of your faithful generosity, we were able to purchase many of the items they needed for the nursery!!! These young mothers now have a place to safely leave their children, while they learn a new trade next door. These little children maybe a result of their mother’s violent abuse, but God has a wonderful plan for their life!

Thank you for allowing us to be your hands, your feet and a voice for the Father of the fatherless.

Please continue to pray for a smooth transition for our financial change over and if you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate in asking. Thank you for bearing with us as we try to make the necessary adjustments to continue here. More importantly thank you for your priceless friendship. We covet your prayers and thank you for support.

Once again, Here is the new address to send tax-deductible (501c3) donations:

Olive Branch Foundation

3522 Harrison Pike

Cleveland, Tennessee 37311

[If you send a check to the above address, please be sure to designate to the 'LONGS']

Or follow this link to the Olive Branch Foundation to make a donation online:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=UZC24H9ReqvYPBp-6EoALG_CuoP6j-3MaJdTJoWNzNtW9bzzo6yUZ8LQmWq&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8db2b24f7b84f1819343fd6c338b1d9d60

IT’S FINALLY HERE!!!

jtlong7 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:47:46 +0000

We have mentioned it before, and now it’s finally here!!! Here are the new instructions on ways to give towards the ministry here. Please take special note and make any adjustments needed, since the old way will be deleted in mid-December. One last check will be issued to us at the end of the year for any funds that trickled in. After that, funds will be mailed back to the donor. We are really excited about our new financial covering and have had a long -standing relationship with them already! The new system is 501c3, so you will still be able to get a tax credit. There are several ways to give. A few months ago the online giving service oncreased the amount they will keep. That amount is now at 5% of whatever you donate. Please follow these instructions going forward: 1) You may mail a check to: Olive Branch Foundation (the Longs), 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (Please note, this way is more work for you, but it assures that all of your donation will get to us.) OR 2) Set-up a bank Auto Bill Pay to Mt Olive Ministries. (If this is an interest to you, please let me know and I will get you more information to ensure we receive the funds.) OR 3) On the Olive Branch Foundation website, there is a way to give online (same steps as before), but again, 5% will be kept by the online middleman. Here is the direct link: http://www.theolivebranchfoundation.org/?page_id=10 Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership with us.

Coming UP!!!!

jtlong7 — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:48:50 +0000

Hope this update finds you doing well and growing in the 
Lord!!!  

We just wanted to take a few seconds and say thank you for
all the prayers regarding our
work permits and visa renewals (from within country), be-
cause we found out that God has
answered those prayers!!!  We were able to renew our 
one year visa here (saved about $5K)
and now all we have to do is mail a letter to the Bangkok
 Immigration Office every 90
days (instead of having to leave the country). 
Thank you again for your faithful prayers,
your friendship and all the support you have given
 us through these years.  

Also, please be in prayer with us for this coming 
month (October) as we prepare for
several ministry opportunities. They are as follows:

* We will be doing a summer camp at our home/ministry 
center (homeschooling project) for
about 15 children from Bri's school.  The camp will 
be Oct 10-28 and we will run the camp
from  8am-3pm , Mon - Fri.

The animal themed units include:
1.	Arts & crafts
2.	Songs & childrens books
3.	Cooking
4.	Board games
5.	Outdoor games

* Also during tis same time of Oct 19-21, Jason will
 be involved in a puppet training
seminar for a local church.
* The 22nd Jason has a day seminar in which he will 
share with a group of pastors and
children's workers here in Chiang Rai, on how 
to "Minister to Children."
* Then at the end of the month 25-27 (or 29), Jason will 
be training a local church in
children's ministry (see www.kidsquestthailand.com for
 this training.)

Thank you again and may the Lord continue to draw you 
closer to Himself and share with
you from His storehouse.  

The way to give will be changing shortly, but for now
 continue to do it the same way as
before: 

Massive Blessings!

Living life Inside Out,
Jason, Toby, Briana & Elliana
--

Coordinator, thinkSMALL Foundation
66-084-370-1600 (mobile)
Chiang Rai, Thailand
www.thinksmallfoundation.org
www.kidsquestthailand.com