NEW GROUP IN KHAO PHANOM

With some anxiety not knowing what to expect, we went to Pru Thee-awl to a home where Jiap told us many people were interested in studying the Bible. As we drove up to the house, only 2 people were sitting on the platform waiting for us to arrive. Talking to another member of the family, we learned that the father is a medium for a spirit! (The night before our group was to meet, the spirit visited and shook the father up so badly that he flatly refused to study with us the next day. The spirit had him screaming, tossing and turning most of the night keeping many family members awake and very nervous) After waiting 15 minutes, we had 8 adults studying Chronological Bible Stories. We asked Jiap to lead the study. While doing an exploratory question sheet about God, spirits & the world, the adults laughed because they did not know the answers to most of the questions. Jiap then taught about the creator. When asked if they wanted to continue, they all said "yes, because it was fun." We pray that Satan will not have power over this group of Thais so that they will be consistent in studying Bible each week and they can have faith in God.

MOTHER'S DAY IN THAILAND

August 12th was Mother's Day in Thailand. Children from the Compassion program at Krabi Baptist Church did a traditional Thai dance and sang a song in tribute to mothers. Before the sermon, an adult Thai danced part of the Kinnari story (about a half-bird, half-woman princess). A child dedication was held for the youngest child of the other IMB missionary couple in our town. Then the children enthusiastically pinned jasmine flowers on their mother's shirts. The pastor preached on mother's contribution to their children. After the service a special lunch was served in honor of Mother’s Day.

Team Prayer Retreat

During the middle part of August we went on a 3 day Prayer Retreat. Our team stayed in Khao Lak, where the 2004 Tsunami did lots of destruction. We listened to a program by John Piper called "Fighting for Joy" and discussed how it impacted our lives. We also prayed and enjoyed fellowship with each other. It was great to be able to get away in such a beautiful setting.

Prayer and Praise

1. Praise God for the new group of Thais, who are now studying the Bible in Pru Thee-Awl.
2. Pray for the new group of Thais to be consistent in studying each week and come to a belief in the one true God.
3. Pray for Satan to be thwarted in our work in Khao Phanom and Blai Pra-Ya.
4. Pray that a new Bible group on Sunday can be started in Khao Phanom because of the efforts of Christians at Krabi Baptist going out each week to this area.
5. Pray for vivid dreams to come to Thais in Khao Pa-nom and Blai Pra-Ya as preparation to Thais coming to know God.
6. Pray for Jiap to be faithful in telling Bible stories to family members/friends and memorizing her Bible verses.
7. Pray for Christians at Krabi Baptist to be financially responsible, bold, and lead holy lives before their neighbors.