Cell Groups

On the 17^th we traveled the 3 hours to Ganchanadit district in Surat Province to start a new cell group. Khun Jiap had provided us a lead to some of her friends in the area of her birth. We had 4 adults and 2 children attend the first cell group. They heard the first 3 stories in the Chronological Bible Storying series and began singing choruses. In the teaching, they learned about the creator God and about an amazing book of truth that's solid and reliable, the Bible. On the 29^th we started a group in Na Khao in Khao Phanom District with 3 adults studying. Everyone seemed to enjoy singing songs and the Bible teaching. They had many questions. One man named Phun, asked that we give him time to learn because there was so much he didn’t understand. What a great, workable attitude. Praise God for these 2 great beginnings!

Praise and Prayer Requests

1. Our first cell group in Ganchanadit was held at Khun Si’s house. Si is afraid of knowing the truth because she has dabbled in the occult and is well aware of what evil spirits can do. Pray that she will have assurance about God's power over spirits.

2. Praise God for the OBU students and Children’s Day activities. Pray that these kind of events will open he hearts and homes of people in Khao Phanom will to us so that they will know Jesus as savior.

3. January 29^th we started teaching Chronological Bible Storying to a group of 3 in Na Khao. Pray for Phun to open his heart to the truths of the Bible.

4. Pray for these new groups to draw other people, that leaders will emerge and that the groups will grow into long term churches who proclaim the power of God and His salvation.

5. Jiap grew a lot in the Lord within a short period of time, but has now turned to other pursuits instead of God. Pray for God’s hand to bring her back to Himself.

6. Pray that Richard & I can more clearly ascertain God's will in our work in Krabi, with our Thai co-worker, and our lives.

7. Pray that this year God will provide us with appropriate volunteer groups who will penetrate the hearts of people in our target areas of Khao Phanom and Plai Praya.

King's Birthday

King Bhumibol was 80 this year. All Thailand participated in his Birthday. It is a holiday and in Krabi dancing by young children, older children and young people, Thai classical instruments were played, shadow puppets were shown, Minora was danced and Muslim dancing occurred. It was a wonderful time of celebration showing their reverence of their king.

A week later was Constitution Day and many went on one day trips.

City Pillar

While preparing for the King’s Birthday, the city of Krabi refurbished their city pillar. This is a shrine for the spirit of the city. This spirit they believe protects the city. Thais come here to pray to the spirit and others come seeking comfort. Pray that Thais may find peace by finding Jesus Christ as savior.

Visit to Gan-cha-na-dit

We again went to Ganchanadit district of Surat Province. This time we spent the day visiting people that Jiap knew. In all, we visited in 9 homes and saw around 30 people. Out of those, 1 young woman, named Mam, said that she believed and wanted us to return and teach the Bible. We gave her a New Testament and asked her to begin reading. She has called and asked us questions about what she has read.

Church Christmas Caroling

Krabi Baptist Church had a fun night of Christmas Caroling. Members and others signed up for carolers to come to their house. Stuffed in trucks and a van 33 persons went from one side of the province to the other caroling. Most of the roads were curvy and we prayed for the drivers not to get sleepy. It all began at 7 pm and ended about 4 am. We sang carols, blessed the home, talked and ate at each place. Many had to go to work on Saturday morning after the caroling ended.

Lotus Caroling

Sunday afternoon, December 23^rd we went to Lotus Department Store for Christmas Caroling. Members dressed in their matching red and green shirts. Some of the children from the church and the Compassion program at church danced Thai traditional dance. Several games were played and all seemed to have fun, including the management of the local Lotus. It was also a great opportunity to pass out hundreds of pieces of Christian literature to customers and Lotus staff. Gifts from Lotus were given to the dancers who performed that day.