Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Seeker Group Meeting

On our arrival in Toong Pru, only 2 people were initially willing to go with us to a group meeting in Khao Din where we were bringing 3 groups together for a special program. What a shock for us since the group members had been excited about going to the combined meeting just the week before! We had secured permission from their parents in advance. We began talking to the adults and parents of the group. Knowing that our prayer partners were praying for resistance to be broken down, 8 plus a baby finally went with us to Khao Din. For most, this was a big event traveling 17 miles to another area. The members of the Toong Pru group seldom leave their own village.

Among the lush rubber trees of the countryside, our meeting of the 3 seeker groups in Khao Phanom took place. The Thais were so excited to be among others who studied the Bible. Most thought that they were alone their own small groups. But with 22 in attendance singing and praising the Lord,they were greatly encouraged! Besides singing, the group was treated to testimonies from the pastor of Krabi Baptist Church & Khun Lek, one of the members. The story of Daniel was taught emphasizing that God was with all believers in all situations (see picture). For a craft, A. Nantana had the members make a woman keychain using yarn. Of course, you can't have a meeting in Thailand with food. There was plenty to eat including fruits, cakes and home made cookies. We knew the program was a success as several participants told us that they day was "sunuk", meaning lots of fun.

We are so thankful for your prayer intercession for this combined meeting. Your prayers were the turning point in getting permission for the people from Toong Pru to go with us to Khao Din. It was a joyful experience for those who so desperately need to know Christ as Savior.

Mobile Medical Follow-UP

The search for mobile clinic patients led over many dirt roads with literally potholes everywhere and also over fairly smooth paved roads. Our adventure took place on bright sunny days and dark rainy and muddy days. The search led us to talk to those patients from the mobile medical clinic, who had expressed interest in the Gospel. Many wanted more free medicine. However, 99% of them rejected the Gospel presentation we gave on our visit.

A teacher from the school where the clinic was held has indicated interest. As we visited with his wife and him, they had questions about God and the Bible. We plan on returning to see him to find out more about his interest. It is our hope that Sa-ner and his family will come to know Jesus as Savior.

How will they hear unless someone tells them

Our missionary colleagues in Phangna, the Richards, were kind enough to loan us their volunteer team from Florida for 2 days. On Sunday afternoon,the team passed out tracts. Then on Monday morning they went to BlayPraYa High School. This Christian volunteer team was divided into groups to give a fun English experience for the Thai students. Each group rotated into classrooms of excited 8th and 9th grade students. By the end of the morning, around 500 students had heard a Gospel presentation (some students for the first time) in both Thai and English.

As we have been praying for the students of this school to know God, the school has hired a new teacher. PRAISE God the new teacher is a Christian from the country of Cameron! What a great influence he will be among the students as he coaches soccer, teaches English and gets to know the students and staff.

Prayer and Praise

1. Praise God that we found all the people (except 1), who had expressed interest from the mobile clinic.
2. Praise God for the great combined meeting of all our groups from Khao Phanom.
3. Praise God that A. Nantana is experiencing much better health in her pregnancy.
4. September first in Khao Phanom, we begin airing a Christian radio program. Pray that the radio program produces much fruit for God’s kingdom.
5. Continue to pray for more adults to join in Bible Study with us.
6. Pray that we will be led to those Thais, who are hungry to know God.
7. Pray for Nan-ta-porn, Chai-ya-porn, Jom-long, and Sa-ner to soon know Jesus as Lord and Savior.