Monday, September 1, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Preparing for Volunteers


Preparing for volunteers, we visited 11 junior and senior high schools. Each school wanted their students to hear and interact with different native English speakers. Making sure the administration knew that the team would present the Gospel was no problem. However, a change of plans took place the week before the volunteers arrived. Khao Phanom district decided to have Sports Week for the schools. Six of the eight schools we had contacted canceled. Praise God!! Two days before the volunteers arrived, we had arranged new venues in Plai Praya schools.

Annual Meeting

We made our way to attend our organization’s regional annual meeting. The trip was a 14 hour drive to Pattaya. While there we got to network and renew friendships with those from around our area. We also got to hear inspiring speakers, great singing and attend seminars to help in our work – all in English. A post meeting seminars were also held for invited participants.

Jiap


Jiap was baptized recently by Pastor Dusit from Krabi Baptist Chruch. Jiap is the first convert from the evangelistic effort in Khao Phanom District. Pastor Dusit asked that we teach Jiap through a series of lessons for new Christians before he baptized her. Coming out a Buddhist background, he felt it necessary that she know & understand basic Christian doctrine. Jiap's life has been a great example of how God can change a person into a new creation. She has been telling other Thais about Jesus and has a deep burden that her family become Christians too. Since her baptism, she has been diagnosed with cervical and breast cancer for the 2nd time in recent years. Please pray for her healing.