Well, here we are in Chiang Rai… One month after our arrival, and the madness of clearing out our previous life is finally settling into all things new. A friend of mine described us as shedding our old skin. And yes, we can relate, in so many ways!
As a family, each day we experience adventure into the uncharted… We have been R-E-C-A-L-I-B-R-A-T-I-N-G to funky fragrances, twangy tones, new warrior friends, bumpy rides in the ute tray. Slowly putting together our Thai family nest (installing some mod-cons such as a kitchen sink, wall fans and mozzie screens). Not to forget, meeting the DR (Destiny Rescue) family… And what a mighty and extensive community it be!
The children are so beautiful – and some sad… There are endless opportunities to release love! And we’re very grateful He has entrusted us here for this season.
The children are so beautiful – and some sad… There are endless opportunities to release love! And we’re very grateful He has entrusted us here for this season.
THIS ONE IS FOR THE FAMILY
Relocating to an Asian culture has proven both fun and enlightening for our own kids. It has been quite endearing watching them enhance their charade skills by having to communicate with the locals when asking questions, or ordering food.
The other night we were eating rotee (the most divine crepe & condensed milk dessert ever) at the markets, and some entertainment came on stage.
'Lady-boys' dressed in glamorous evening gowns and heels were warbling out some show tunes. Armani took one discerning squint and declared, "They're just boys, dressed like girls!" Bailey wandered over, saw our grins watching for his reaction and shrugged, "Yes, I know! It's ALL fake... They're really only lip-singing!"
After waiting a few more moments, Carl dropped the revelation, "You're right, HE is only lip-syncing... And HIM. And HIM too!" Bay whipped his head around real quick, "WHAT?!!!... HE?!!!" Then turning back to his rotee, he said, "Kartoys!" (The local term.) Needless to say, our kids are getting an education we didn't pay for! We are praying they are also learning the message that Papa loves even the lady-boys and is calling them home to His heart for healing and restoration.HIS SONG OF FREEDOM
As for Carl and myself, the sense of freedom from life-as-usual, has been utterly exhilarating. What an honor to loan our gifts and strength in whatever way we can to such a cause as rescuing and rehabilitating kids from perpetual rape-for-profit. We feel like we've only just begun on a huge journey, without any attachments holding us down. Everything we had was either sold, given away, or stored with friends and family, so now the Lord has us out of our suburban rut, the world is ours to explore!
Can I just say that less stuff results in awesome acoustics! So, here's to releasing our songs of freedom!
As for Carl and myself, the sense of freedom from life-as-usual, has been utterly exhilarating. What an honor to loan our gifts and strength in whatever way we can to such a cause as rescuing and rehabilitating kids from perpetual rape-for-profit. We feel like we've only just begun on a huge journey, without any attachments holding us down. Everything we had was either sold, given away, or stored with friends and family, so now the Lord has us out of our suburban rut, the world is ours to explore!
Can I just say that less stuff results in awesome acoustics! So, here's to releasing our songs of freedom!
May I encourage you to shed whatever skin (including self-imposed limitations or fears) that might be holding you back, and bask in His love. Allow Heaven to empower you with it's courage and strength – to ready you for His next season.
A LIFE OF NO FRILLS
With the weather so sticky-warm, and Thailand’s afternoon torrential downpours, I am learning not to get caught out with our washing (we have no dryer). We also have no fancy furnishings, no dishwasher, no scales (ha ha), no hair dryer, no oven, and no cable TV (amazingly, no complaints from the kids yet either)!
And we are all surviving!
And we are all surviving!
In fact, we’ve had several ‘enhancements’, which have delighted us… Some of these, we’re interpreting as prophetic. First, our vehicle (symbolizing a release in mobility)… We also have a king-sized bed (an increase in His rest)... WiFi (a boost in global connectivity)... AND a porch (an expanded perception & horizon)... So we are focusing on HIS blessings abundant – remaining in thankfulness for what HE has done. And not surprisingly, these are really beneficial to us right now in this season of family life. Thank You, Lord.
Matthew 6 has been a real anchor to us throughout our transition:
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers
—most of which are never even seen—
don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting,
so you can respond to God's giving.
People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things,
but you know both God and how he works.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."
Needless to say, the Lord is doing something way down inside me, where I have been deeply moved by His affection for us, and His attention to the finer-details of our life. He truly is turning the sacrifices we made into joy. Where I thought there would be voided places because of what we gave up, He is filling our lives with so much more. It's been an absolute pleasure to surrender to Him – and for Him… What a privilege to follow the mission of His heart, and to sense His favor from every side.
THE EYES OF THE ONE
The statistics of child prostitution are staggering, but when you walk the streets and look into the eyes of young girls on the arms of all shades of man, the numbers strike a reality that becomes more personal, and heartbreaking.
But as I gaze out upon these wastelands of broken, I am called to remember His promises… I am commissioned to believe that beauty cometh... I am anointed to declare that the power of His Kingdom is at hand – that our Heavenly Father is ready and willing for inexhaustible restoration!
But as I gaze out upon these wastelands of broken, I am called to remember His promises… I am commissioned to believe that beauty cometh... I am anointed to declare that the power of His Kingdom is at hand – that our Heavenly Father is ready and willing for inexhaustible restoration!
Every Friday fortnight, we come together with all the staff, children and youth from Destiny Rescue for games, worship and ministry. Really, nothing can compare to the fulfillment of being lost in a sea of latte – loving on our King alongside the rescued: "I believe You're my Healer..." A recent survey with the rescued girls revealed that for 97%, their favorite part of being with the DR family is the worship nights. Mine too!
This is not to say there haven’t been challenges, and won’t be more – but crucial to our joy is our rest in His love for us… And His abundant peace.
This is not to say there haven’t been challenges, and won’t be more – but crucial to our joy is our rest in His love for us… And His abundant peace.Over the next little while, we will release more on what the Lord has been revealing to our hearts throughout the beginning stages of our time here in northern Thailand.
PRAYER PARTICIPATION:
1) Apparently, research statistics claim that at least 12% of girls in Thailand who are attending school are also prostituting by night!!!... Would you join us in praying for Heaven's strategies on how to effectively reach these beautiful daughters. We will need favor with the Thai educational system... Meanwhile, this is big on Papa's heart!
2) Destiny Rescue are attempting to hack through some bureaucratic red tape – to make available a HOTLINE number that entrapped girls can call for help / information / prayer & counsel / RESCUE. However, there has been some resistance... We believe this contact point with the girls would be extremely fruitful. PRAYER requested. Thank you.
3) Please join us in believing and decreeing this scripture,
"Energy and insights of justice to those who guide and decide,
strength and prowess to those who guard and protect."
- Isaiah 28:6
THANK YOU everyone for your prayers and support... We are definitely feeling carried within this season.
May your adventures into His wildly devoted heart be intensely satisfying...
AJ Butel
DONATIONS WELCOME
If you would like to donate toward our mission, then please click on the PAYPAL button at the top right hand side of this blog.
For all our Aussie friends, we now have TAX DEDUCTIBLE status! Please read below for details. And thank you!
YOUR SEED OF JUSTICE!
If you would like to plant a TAX DEDUCTIBLE seed, then follow these two simple steps...
STEP 1...
Deposit your donation to this account:
ACCOUNT NAME: Hands of Compassion Inc.
BANK: Westpac Capalaba
BSB: 034080
ACCOUNT: 381952
IMPORTANT: include in the deposit process your name PLUS our name - ‘C & A Butel’, for accounting / admin purposes.
STEP 2...
Send an Email to: aj@ajbutel.com
Please also CC peter@hoc.org.au
IMPORTANT: include in the message...
• The amount you donated (min $100 for each individual donation)
• Who your donation is for - ‘C & A Butel’
• Your Personal and/or Company Name
• The Postal Address you want your Tax Deductible receipt mailed to.
NOTE: Tax Deductible Receipts will be sent to you at the end of each month.
We thank you for your seed of LOVE... rescuing & rehabilitating children from the sex trade.
