A Brief Summary of "THE PARTNERSHIP" with PAHK 5 NAN, Thailand

"The Partnership Series" - click here for first article in the series.

The Pahk 5 Nan - Huntingdon Presbytery Partnership: A capsule review

THE PARTNERSHIP; A reflection upon it's meaning and purpose.This Spiritual Partnership connects we Christians in Pennsylvania with our brothers and sisters of Nan in prayer and spiritual unity. We share joys, embrace each other in times of fear or loss, and reinforce our faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. For this lofty concept to have real meaning to the partners in each culture, however, we must know each other as brothers and sisters. And that is one reason for Thai Christians having visited us and for our return visits to Nan.

Visits back and forth:
1991: Six Americans went to Nan with Don McIlvride. They were Marj McIlvride, Anita Thies, Elizabeth Lake, Marjorie Wertz, Bill & Carol Moore.
1991: Two Thai, Pratum Darunnart and Nantarak Chaiboonruang, returned with this group.
1994: Eleven went to Nan: Don McIlvride, Anita Thies, Bill Moore, Doris Partridge, Sue Knox, Barbara & Gary Jewart, Betty Jo & Taylor Potter, Dave & Marcia Beppler.
1995: Pastor Tirigit Susarn & Educator Nipaporn Chindarat visited here.
1996: Pahk 5 invited a Huntingdon Presbytery couple for a lengthy stay. Dave & Marcia Beppler lived at the Nan Mission House for 4 months.
2000: Bepplers visited Nan as independent travelers.
2001: Weerachai (nickname Joon) from Nan, attended Youth Triennium @ Purdue, Camp Krislund, and visited Huntingdon Presbytery.
2002: Fourteen went to Nan: Marlene Anderson, Judy Black, Trav Young, Stan Seiple, Potters, Blacks, Jewarts, Sturniolos, Bepplers. Group was led by Ken Dobson.
2003: Bepplers attended two-week conference by National Council of Churches held in Chiang Mai. Also visited in Nan.
2004: Pastor Kraisorn (Boo) and Teacher North (Not) visited Huntingdon.
2005: Huntingdon group, led by Ken Dobson, visited Nan. Group included Pastor Ernie Walls & son Jacob, Alice & Jim Sturniolo, Sue Ann Hess, Tom Holden & daughter Hanna.
2006: Bepplers visited in Chiang Mai, Nan & Pua during their vacation.
2006: Trip to Women's Triennium in Louisville and to Huntingdon Presbytery by six Thai women.
Numerous trips during preceding years made by The Reverends B.J. and Taylor Potter.

IN THE BEGINNING . . .

1986: there were Pahk/Presbytery partnership thoughts.
1988: the concept was developed under Don McIlvride's
leadership. The McIlvrides requested 3 months furlough -home leave to talk about Partnership back in the U.S.
1989: Pahk 5 Nan - Huntingdon Presbytery Partnership was put into effect. Each 5 year period a new mutual agreement document is developed.
2006: partnership has been in effect for three consecutive
5-year periods. (17 plus years in all).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS . . . The intangibles

You may be asking, "Where do these travels fit into the partnership picture?" Let's go to the question, "What was accomplished?" What follows are quotations from a communication written by Rev. Ken Dobson, an American who has been teaching in Thailand for about 20 years. A segment of his insights follows. Do they help as we ponder the broad meaning of "accomplishment" in this context?
"Presbyterians want a plan, something that shows cause and effect, need and response. That is how we plan. That is how we think we think. But Pahks (in this case Pahk 5 Nan) want a relationship, an extended family, an organic structure. That is how they feel comfortable and know things are all right. These can be like two ships passing in the night if you aren't careful. What's more, it is virtually impossible to convey the difference between these two views to those who are once or twice removed from the place where the two views interface (that is, those who are at a distance from where actual Pahk 5 and real-live Huntingdon Presbyterians sit down and travel together)."

ACCOMPLISHMENTS . . . The tangibles

Huntingdon Presbytery funding has helped to:
• Provide some of Pahk 5 Nan Coordinator's salary
• Assist Thai travelers with expenses to visit here
• Purchase and maintain vehicle for Pahk's evangelism
• Partially support Mercy House
• Pay for some of the construction of the Church at Huay Loy

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?

The Partnership travel group's prayers have been for deepened relationships, greater understanding and sensitivity, spiritual growth, and effective ways to share the significance of this experience with you, our brothers and sisters of Huntingdon Presbytery.

Accomplishments are hard to determine, especially the less tangible ones. Those who have been to Thailand and experienced the love and dedication of our Thai partners are already sharing with you. Ask these travelers for their insights. They'll try to interpret.

Now is the time to be thinking about the next Memorandum of Understanding between Pahk 5 Nan and Huntingdon Presbytery. Thoughtfully conceived, it will keep the Partnership strong and vital. What do we wish? What can we do? What are God's wishes? We all can have a say.

The DISCIPLESHIP UMBRELLA TEAM is Huntingdon Presbytery's MISSION planning group. Get to know them and share your ideas.

Suggested uses for this information:

Include all, or sections, in your Church Bulletin or Newsletter.

Give copies to your members showing an interest or asking questions about the Partnership.

To share with your Mission Committee

Keep in your Mission files for future reference.

To inform YOU about this opportunity for future involvement.

This information has been gathered from a variety of sources. Any errors are solely my fault. Marcia C. Beppler, 65 Darius Lane, Port Matilda, PA. 16870. (814) 692-8914.

March. 2006

COMMISSIONING OF POTTERS AS MISSIONARIES TO THAILAND

Debbie and Lance Potter were commissioned as Educational Missionaries to Thailand, July 17, 2008 during the Presbytery meeting.
The Potter's traveled, along with threee of their four children, to Thailand July 21-22, 2008 and have been working there since their arrival.

Individuals and congregations who wish to support the work of the Potters may do so through the presbytery mission budget by sending contributions to the Presbytery, designated for "Line 29: Mission Interpreters" or simply stating that it is for the Potters. Either way, all funds designated for their work will be given to them.

Make all checks out to the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and send to 323 Main Street, Bellwood, PA 16617.