Trip to the South

We took a 10 day survey trip to southern Thailand to visit 7 provinces. This survey trip enabled us to narrow the places we could possibly live and work. We attended a rural worship in the home of A. Boonyun in Ranong. We slept on a thin mattress on the floor with mosquito netting and for the first time ate ants and ant eggs on rice. While at his house, it rained heavily and we prayed that we wouldn’t get stuck in the mud as we traveled on unpaved roads both to and from his home. Driving on to Phangna adrenaline flowed when we hit a slick spot on a downhill winding mountain road. We thought for sure our truck was going to hit either the guard rail or the side of the mountain. Fortunately, Richard got the truck back under control. Once reaching Phangna, we participated in the work of our fellow missionaries by passing out tracts, witnessing and going to a cell group. Next, we went to Krabi and Trang to network with friends asking advice about where would be the best place to work in the future. Traveling on to Phatthalung, we worshipped at Rom Yen Church where we had served for 6 years. It felt like being home.

Highlights:

One highlight from our survey trip to south Thailand was getting in contact with 2 individuals who had helped in the church start in Ampere Nayong about 4 years ago when we were in south Thailand. Both have moved on to new endeavors. Ajohn Boonyun moved to Ranong province and became a farmer. However, his love for Christ and a burden for lost people was still evident. He started a church in his home with Burmese and Thai neighbors. We also got a chance to see Nat, a nurse working in Trang province. She became a Christian through the influence of a journey girl named Jan and through members at the Baptist Center in Nayong. Even though she is now part of a large church, Nat is doing outreach every Saturday by teaching children the Bible at a small church in the countryside. It was so refreshing to hear of her dedication and commitment to Christ.

Amulets – the Latest Fad

In Thailand there is an amulet called a Ju –tu- kam Ra-ma-thep that is extremely popular. It is the talk of the country. The Jutukam sells from $1 up to hundreds of dollars each. The Jutukam is worn around the neck similar to a pendent. This amulet comes in various sizes along with big promises to bring wealth to the wearer as well as protection from stray bullets, disease and harm if in an accident. In the southern Thai city of Nakorn-Sri-Thammarat, an incantation is recited over the Jutukam by a Buddhist monk to give it power (supposedly). The city has become very prosperous since first selling the amulet last year. Hotel rooms are booked solid. Thousands have been sold. The odd part is that the clay image (sometimes painted with gold or silver) encased in glass and plastic is Hindu! The popularity of the Jutukam is another reminder of why we returned to Thailand. As Paul says in Acts: “… we bring you good news that you should to turn away from useless things and trust in the living God.”

Praise and Prayer Requests

PRAISE !! We will now be able to move up-country because we passed level 5 in language proficiency. Richard did his tape on the elderly and Linda’s tape was on revenge. Before leaving Thailand 4+ years ago, we had reached a level 7. That will be our new language target after we move from Bangkok.

Please PRAY:
1. There is a contract on our house in Newport News,Va. The official closing date is on Aug 1. Pray that all goes well.
2. We must decide on where to work in south Thailand after leaving Bangkok. Please pray for wisdom in making the right decision.