Back to Thailand

We thank God for the level path. Rita took us to the RedRoof Inn which is our "inexpensive" jumping off point for long trips to Thailand. The plane rides were smooth and long, but the ANA (All Nippon Airways) seats from Tokyo were small, cramped, and actually a bit hard-7 hours in that space was not fun but better than a fight with the devil. :) We were met by our smiling van driver, Kuhn Prasert at the end of this 28 1/2 hour ride.

We walked out the door of the always great Baptist Hospitality Center for a five minute walk to a taxi stand, 10 minute drive to the American Embassy, and 15 minutes later we were across the street having a latte. We did a little banking business, and had a great lunch and afternoon with our long time friend Kuhn Koy. She often helps us arrange sight seeing for the teams that pass thru Bangkok. Our former exchange student, Champ, had a very bad cold so we will postpone our time with him and his parents. Both Champ and Polly were in exam periods as well.

We spent much of the day Saturday sharing with missionaries from two very difficult countries in this region. We love this time where we see how God is working in these countries and in the lives of the missionary families. We often catch up on mutual M friends via these guests or the M's that take care of the guesthouse. Floods are on the way to Bangkok so everyone is preparing. 136 lives have been lost to date with this flooding.

We had a fantastic evening and dinner with parents of Vee, exchange student to Mineral Wells that many of you have met. Knowing we would have plenty of Thai food and knowing the foreigner (me) doesn't like food tooooooo hot, decided on Chinese food. Great food, quiet restaurant, nearby, and lots of time to talk about one of their favorite subjects, Vee. They have a lovely and talented daughter, and now we know the reason. They are hard at work since they also have a son who just began university in the UK. Wow!

We had a good trip from Bangkok to Mukdahan with one government employee and a lady doctor who know all of our nurse neighbors. An older man was training a younger driver and kept everyone in stitches for two hours, and then offered to take us straight to our home. A very pleasant and entertaining van ride. Welcomed by sister Na, and C'supanipa Sna ("A") that the Indian Creek youth team met this summer.

We are so happy to be here in the Land of Smiles although most of the people live in "darkness". Pray with us for the salvation of many and their obedient walk with Jesus Christ.

Pray that God will give us discernment and boldness to live constantly in his will.

God's ways are higher than our ways

From IMB's CompassionNet's Today's Prayer:

NORTHERN KHMER OF THAILAND (k’MY). The Northern Khmer Team writes: “We wish to report on the results of the team of Thai youth who came to work with us in April. As you lifted them up in prayer, they helped us to do evangelism in two areas, which covered eight different villages. One event that we held was very discouraging, as we spent one day walking the neighborhood, telling people about Jesus and inviting children to a special event to be held the following day, but only two little girls showed up. Then we held a two-day event in another village, and God blessed that event greatly. Fifty children came to our event, and 200 adults came to receive eye glasses that we distributed. Every person heard the Gospel. None of the people in the village received Christ, but one teenager from our town who has studied with us for four years went along with the team to help and, in the end, received Christ. Pray for this new believer and for those who heard the Gospel in the villages.”

God blessed and grew students of Indian Creek Youth Mission as they spread the gospel in a Bangkok slum, to the neighborhoood children that come to the church on the weekend, to a village near Mukdahan, and to a high school and youth camps with non-believing students and teachers. Several professed Christ as Lord and Savior and follow up is on-going. Maitrichit Baptist in Mukdahan is running a small camp this Saturday-a first for them. Christians in Mukdahan are still glowing....from the presence of God. Praise Him!

New Generation

Dear Friends:
As we sat talking, the contrast was clear. Although “Mom” was only in her late 40’s, her face was weather-beaten, her hair was pulled back in a quick bun and her clothes, while clean, were strictly functional. She’d graduated from the 4th grade years ago, but “didn’t read much any more.” On the other hand, her daughter’s fair complexion looked as though she’d never worked a day in the rice field and her hair and clothes were in the newest fashion. She was studying at technical school, a step up educationally after finishing the first three years of high school. Not only could she read and write Thai, but she wants to improve her English, is studying via the internet and wants to be a tour guide.
It’s a new generation in Isaan, I thought. As we talked about our lives and faith, “Mom” was confused. “Christian? What’s that? Do you ‘Chrit people’ have lots of wives?” It was apparent she’d never really heard about Christ or following Him. At her mom’s question, Daughter piped up, “It’s about that Jesus, Mom, you know?” The daughter had learned in school that the founder of the Christian religion was Jesus—but in spite of that, the reality is that she too has never heard enough about Jesus to make a real decision. It is a new generation in Isaan—outward changes and educational opportunities are increasing. Yet, the opportunity for Isaan people of any generation to hear about Jesus remains agonizingly small.

God’s Word says, “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145). Ask the Lord to do what it takes to cause that to happen in Isaan—one generation telling another about the Lord, growing disciples and churches for His glory!


Thank you for participating in God’s work among the Isaan through your prayers!

In His Service and yours, Helen

Editor: This lady was found to be a Christian in a closet. After On and the team discovered her with Siam Care Ministries (HIV/Aids Outreach), Tony and team followed. Her husband, daughter, son, neighbor, and then a new outreach into the neighbor's village. This also happened in another village north of Mukdahan. Thank you for your partnership. Larry

Thai earthquake

Amie E asked about the earthquake near Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is about 600 miles to Mukdahan (our home) which is similar to the drive from Mineral Wells to Albuqurque, NM, not close at all.

God is here

We have had a great mission in Thailand. Many lives are changed here, Christians, those who were non-believers, and ourselves. A few things happened that we would never have asked for, but as the Apostle Paul said "be content whatever your situation", and we are content.

When God disciplines us, we try to learn His lesson. When Satan temps, we flee from his evil and wily ways. When natural life brings trouble regardless of why, God is there to hold our hand, take us thru it, or take us home to Him. There are times we have been absolutely taken around trouble by God as well. We Praise God for who He is, what He does, and how much He loves each of us.

We thank God for wonderful Christians in Texas and in Thailand that we are so happy to share our lives with. The way our church friends jumped in to help when our Texas home had water damage is just awesome. We are thanking God for Germania Insurance and the reasonable and helpful adjuster too. Thanks to Jack and Ruth for a place to hang our clothes and rest.

We thank God for so many great neighbors in our Thai sub-division and pray that God's justice will come upon the one very evil one-we are beginning to see a glimpse of God's hand there. If you have never seen a family worship itself, we can point one out to you here in Thailand. It is a great reminder of what we could be without God.


Pray with us that we will clearly discern God's will for where he wants us to be, how long to be there, and for our daily walk with Him.


Headed to Texas beginning today, be there Thursday God willing.


First time ever, we are flying thru Seoul, Korea, not Tokyo. Chance? We choose God's will in this case.

Encouraged

We were blessed to part of a combined mission team from four churches in our county. Four of six members were able to come two days early so spent time with the PhuThai via Tony's help. They were able to see the fruit from earlier trips and were able to encourage some of the believers.

The full team was able to do a VBS in two villages, spend time and prayer walk with On's relatives in a new PhuThai village, have a great time with grade school kids in Ajan Tong's village, spend a morning with 80 high school students and 16 teachers, encourage church workers of children and youth, and encourage the pastor and his church in their mission as a mission of a much larger church in Bangkok.

Every group wants more, more!!! Thank you Lord for encouraging all of us.

We made a second trip with Ajan Tong to his village grade school yesterday and spent extended time in two classes. The children are bright eyed and oh so hungry for love. Thrilling and sad at the same time. He is working and praying that his home church will build a building on his donated land so that a Compassion International work can begin in his village with these children.

We had a sweet day with Pastor Deng and wife Tipawon along with Mark discussing next steps in the Loeng Nok Tha area. Our friend Pastor Manoon doesn't have the time to cover the areas where we have been working and have relationships so we are excited that God has given us this new opportunity.

We spent most of the day at a lunch table under a thatched roof exploring our heart's desires that are led by God. We want what He wants for this area of darkness that reminds of the fabled "Bermuda Triangle". Isaan people just disappear into alcohol, gambling, debt, and all of the other "tricks" that Satan has devised.

Pastor Deng and Tip have learned over the last 20 years how to plant churches in rural areas, and are willing to partner with us in the Loeng Nok Tha area. Pray that we will be able to discern fully God's direction, and establish principles that will help us work together to accomplish God's work in the most transparent way.