Thursday, July 2, 2009

MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC


We arrived a few minutes early. Tables and chairs were already set up like we had asked. Crews of Thais and Americans from the Medical Team began setting up the pharmacy, filling bags with tracts, and setting up the tables for the doctors to examine patients. At first, the Thais were slow to come. However, Thais began coming once they found out about the Western Doctors and the free “colorful” medicine from America. It was a busy day with three doctors seeing 278 patients. Medicine was distributed for problems related to skin, muscle ache and diabetes. Since the clinic was held at an elementary school, a program for the children was held teaching them good dental hygiene, physical health and English.
Witnessing to patients resulted in 25 Thais expressing interest in God and 10 others saying they had accepted Christ as Savior. One of those saying he believed was a 72 year old Buddhist monk from a temple across the street from the school. However, only through follow-up will we know for sure whether or not the Thais that visited the clinic really believed. We have begun visiting those who received treatment at the clinic.

Persecution


The week following the mobile clinic, while we were teaching our weekly cell group in Tung Bru village, the father of the family came in drunk. He began telling us about a confrontation he had with the village headman. The father, Khun Ran, said that the headman told him “to drive the missionaries from his house!” The father refused. Then the headman said he would come personally and force the missionaries out. The father said “No, you won’t!” As the father was telling this story to us, he said: “You have shown concern and helped our family. We are indebted to you.”

This brave stand by the father will affect his relationship with neighbors. The headman could also cut this family off from aid that may be given by the government in the future. Pray that this family will understand the Gospel message and become firm, stable believers in Jesus Christ. Pray for this village to be a stronghold for God.

Katie




Katie came out of the building, just as we arrived to pick her up from the Krabi airport. Her next day was an introduction to Blai Pra Ya High School. She was given a beautiful bouquet of Pandanus leaves and a delicious meal was prepared for lunch by a teacher in the English language department. She also got to meet some of her students in the classroom. They were so excited that Katie had finally arrived!
Officially, Katie came to teach English at the High School. During her spare hours, she is telling people about God. She uses opportunities like reading her Bible and everyday situations in which she can explain her Christian values to her fellow teachers and students. Katie wants to teach teachers English in the evening and use the Bible as part of the curriculum. Please pray that her Thai supervisor will approve the curriculum.

Prayer and Praise


1. Praise God that Katie has come to Blay Pra Ya to teach English and be a witness. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the teachers & students who hear the gospel.
2. Praise God for the success of the Mobile Clinic in opening doors by demonstrating Christian love.
3. Pray that Khun Ran’s family will soon understand the Gospel message and come to faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Pray for the follow-up from the mobile clinic to produce fruit for God’s kingdom.
5. Pray for m’s to have safe travel to and from our annual Mission meeting.
6. Pray for members of Krabi Baptist to be real soul winners and the church to grow.
7. Pray for good results from the medical tests & doctor visits we will do in Bangkok.