Lanna Theological Center NEWS - 2008 Year-End Summary

$60,000 Needed for Campus Site Preparation
Lanna Theological Center is working towards accreditation as Lanna Christian College. Before we can apply for accreditation we must meet facilities requirements stipulated by government organizations. Now that we have land we must begin building. The next phase of the campus is site preparation. We must fill in the property and grade it for flood control. We must also grade the roads and upgrade the electrical grid. The cost for this phase is $60,000. We must begin filling in the property this coming hot season (February-April 2009). The rainy season (May-September) will help compact the fill dirt so that we can begin construction during the 2010 hot season. Help us raise $60,000 so we can keep on our construction schedule.

Click on the image of our Site Plan to see what is planned for Phase II.

50th Anniversary Celebration
Dr. David and Deloris Filbeck, one of the founding families of Lanna Theological Center, will celebrate double 50th anniversaries this year. March 1st celebrates 50 years of marriage. In April they will mark 50 years of missionary service. David and Deloris have served among the Lua people of Northern Thailand. They were the first westerners to learn the Lua language, created an alphabet, and translated the bible into Lua. Churches have been planted and hundreds baptized as a result of their ministry among the Lua people. David is one of the founders of Pioneer Bible Translators and served as PBTs first executive vice president.

In the 1970s David & Deloris established non-formal church leadership training programs. In 1983 these programs became the Institute for Biblical Studies. A name change took place in the 1990s and IBS became the Center for Biblical Studies. In 2003 CBS merged with Chiang Mai Bible Institute to form Lanna Theological Center. Over 300 students have studied in these programs. Many are serving in churches in Thailand, Burma, and Laos. David and Deloris are still active in preaching and teaching at LTC.

Special celebrations are planned for February 28-29. This will coincide with homecoming and graduation. David and Deloris will be recognized for their commitment to ministry and the example they have lived in marriage. All are invited to attend. If you cannot attend you can send congratulatory messages to dsfilbeck@lannachristiancenter.com. The messages will be read aloud at the celebration.

  
Rice Field Harvested
LTC harvested the first crop of rice in December 2008. We initiated the sustainable agricultural project to provide students with skills that will help them in ministry. Agricultural products raised in the project will be used in the LTC cafeteria to offset high food costs. Rice is our most expensive food item we purchase. We estimate this harvest will meet our rice needs for the coming year. In addition to rice there is a small garden and a fish pond.

What Our Graduates Are Doing 
Graduates of LTC are involved in a variety of ministries. This month we highlight three of our new graduates. Mr. Tong Keow, Ms. Sasitorn Hulao, and Mr. Winai Tuakhisa have been completing their 10 month internship at the Daughter of Ruth Foundation. Daughters of Ruth is a safe house for pre-teen and teenage girls. Tongkeow, Sasitorn and Winai will complete their internship in February '09 and graduate in March '09. After graduation they will be working full time with Daughters of Ruth.

Campus Visits
LTC welcomed a visit from Christ's Church in the Valley, Bakersfield CA. Michael & Jennifer Foutz (senior paster) and Vernon and Moi Yin Thiede visited our campus November 9-11. Vernon spoke in chapel and encouraged our students to continue their education beyond their degree at Lanna.

LIFE Encounters Program
In July the LIFE Encounters program sponsored a medical mission trip. Doctors and nurses from Australia and the US spent two weeks conducting a free medical clinic on campus and surrounding communities. Clinics were held in the Chiang Mai area and in remote villages and refugee camps on the Laotian and Burmese borders.

		Dr. Ken Filbeck with young patient

An ESL program is scheduled for January 2009 with a team from Valley View Christian Church. The next medical program will be in April 2009. If you would like to participate in the April trip, contact David at 573-837-0849. The cost is $2,800 and covers everything but your souvenirs. There are a few spots open. To learn more about the LIFE Encounters Program, Click Here...

Student Activities
Twice each semester, students at LTC participate in faculty lead evangelistic trips. These trips are in addition to their regular weekend ministry points.

 
Homecoming and Graduation
Homecoming and Graduation will be February 27-28, 2009. LTC will be graduating 20 students this year.

Furlough Schedule
David Filbeck, LTC president, is on furlough in the US through July 2009. To schedule a visit to your church contact David directly at 573-837-0849.

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