Journals
Posted on May 1, 2017 Coming Soon To A Church Near You!
Kit Ripley
[pie chart]86%Support Pledged
• Thailand
As I sit down to write this newsletter, it’s hard to believe that my flight to the United States takes off in less than a month. So much to think about!  We recently celebrated New Life Center graduations and the 20-Year Anniversary of the opening of the NLC Chiang Rai residential branch. 

Looking ahead, there are dozens of projects to finish both at the New Life Center and for classes I’m taking at Chiang Mai University.  And while I really look forward to re- connecting with American friends, family and supporters, the scheduling, travel and housing arrangements, sermon writing, PowerPoint preparation, and promotional material production are rather over-whelming. 

When I get to the US, there will be my driver’s license renewal, car insurance, physical and vaccinations, programming a GPS, display table… The checklist goes on.  Moving halfway around the world ain’t for sissies! Nevertheless, I am thrilled to have a chance to see you and catch up on all the exciting things happening in your world!  

I am looking forward to my upcoming US adventure and I’m most grateful for your thoughts and prayers as I travel.  I can’t wait to see you on the other side of the “puddle”.  And as always, thank you for your friendship and generous support that enables me to continue serving in Thailand.

Blessings, Kit

My schedule is starting to come together and it looks like I will be in the following places: 

May 6-Jun 13          – Ohio

June 13-Jun 27       – Southern California

June 27-Jul 3          – Portland, Oregon at ABC Biennial

July 3-27                 – Southern California*

July 27-Aug 5         – Green Lake, Wisconsin

Aug 5-7                   – St. Louis, Missouri

Aug 7-14                 – Southern Ohio

Aug 14-18               – Eastern Pennsylvania

Aug 18-19               – New Jersey

Aug 19-29               – Eastern Pennsylvania

Aug 29-Oct 31        – Maine*

Oct 31-Dec 9           – Ohio

Dec 9-11                  – Eastern Pennsylvania

Jan 2018                 – Back to Thailand

*WHILE I AM IN SOUTHERN CA AND IN MAINE, WOULD YOU KNOW OF A CAR I COULD BORROW TO MAKE TRAVEL EASIER FOR ME AND MY HOSTS?  IF SO, PLEASE EMAIL, ASAP: sjrdfr@yahoo.com

For those who have been inquiring about art and prayer retreats in the US,  I have scheduled the following retreats that can accommodate up to 10 participants each:
  • August 25-27: Pendle Hill, Pennsylvania (International Ministries staff and board members) (Friday evening to Sunday lunch)
  • September 1-4: Camp Oceanwood, Maine (Friday evening to Monday lunch)
  • November 10-12: Camp Kirkwood, Ohio (Friday evening to Sunday lunch)

I am also open to scheduling a mid-week art and prayer retreat for your group of 5-10 people. 

A NOTE FROM SUSAN RICE, KIT’S MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP TEAM CONVENER

My husband Dave and I are long-time friends of Kit’s, and we are blessed to help support her work in many small ways, including producing this newsletter, and shipping mail and other special items to her when she is in Thailand.  But I know that you are also a key part of her support group.  You keep her on the field through your monetary gifts.  Right now, we have a special opportunity to double our impact because of a special matching gift that has been given. 

Out of a desire to inspire new and increased support for global servants, several generous partners have come together to create a $50,000 Spring Matching Gift Fund for International Ministries, Kit’s “sending” organization.   This fund will help double the impact of any gift you give today if:You increase your recurring gift amount if you are already giving monthly or quarterly. (For example: If you increase your recurring gift from $100 to $150, $50 would be doubled.)

OR


You are an annual donor and want to grow your giving by pledging a new recurring gift to support our work. (For example: you pledge to give $100 every month, the first $100 will be doubled.)

PLUS — IM will match any first-time gift given by your friends or family-members.

The Matching Gift Opportunity will last until June 15 — or until the matching pool is depleted, whichever comes first.

For more specific info on taking advantage of this matching fund, visit: www.internationalministries.org.


Please invite a friend, group or loved one to become a new supporter by giving a gift for double impact.  Please give personally — as generously as God enables — with your first or increased recurring gift today.

I know you care about Kit’s mission… and you know that it is your ongoing generosity that enables her ministry month after month.  Let’s help her get her “share” of this matching fund.  Thank you in advance for taking advantage of this opportunity. God bless you!  

International Ministries, founded as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation.