Post from Matt!

Hi guys, well we have settled in somewhat to our very unfamiliar surroundings. We have eaten foods that our mum's would never have allowed and ridden busses that would not even get a look in to passing rego in Australia. We have met with some of the most amazing and welcoming people, particularly Pastor Chatchai and his family. We have attended two church services, both very different, but conducted with all praises to Jesus. It amazes me how truly thankful the people are here for the love of Jesus. Their lives all revolve around their salvation, and their work and lifestyle demonstrate a true understanding of their salvation from sin.

We have had some great experiences already. The food has been interesting to say the least. The street stalls are full of interesting looking meats and vegetables. We even saw a stall last night that was selling frogs to eat. I wanted to try it, but could hear my wife's voice in my head saying, 'Don't put that anywhere near your mouth Matthew!' So we kept walking. Unfortunately some of the exotic food has taken its toll on a couple of our team, with some dodgy dinner giving pretty bad gastro to Steve, Amy, Kel and Ollie. Please be praying for these guys recoveries and also pray that we have no more health issues.

Personally I have been taught a great deal from these people. Pastor Chatchai and his whole church are so committed to God's work that it is refreshing, and while their church service went for 2 1/2 hours, the praise and worship, and prayer times made the service really special. The church building is really tiny and with an extra 7 Australian's added to the service it was a packed house. Yet while these people may have little in the way of material possessions they are so willing to give. They are generous with their money, their time and will put off things or stay up longer that they really want, just to spend time with us. This has really made me stop and look at the way I live my life. I really pray that what I'm witnessing will stay with me when I get home and I pray that God will change me to serve in the same way.

I'm also seeing a nation of lost souls. Talking to Pastor Chatchai's son Pure this morning, I asked what is done with the food that is left as offerings at all the shrines around the streets. He said that some people will come back later and eat the food or they will just let it rot. They leave things like bottles of soft drink with a straw in it as an offering to their god and this is to bring them blessings. This is a nation of lost souls. So many of them have never even heard of Jesus and from the testimony of Pastor Chatchai's wife Sofia, simply hearing about a God that loves them personally and that they are saved by grace alone has the power to change lives instantly. Can I ask everyone to stop and pray right now as you read this, pray for this country of Thailand, that they can come out of the darkness, that they will see that there is a God that loves each one of them and that we can only enter heaven through a relationship with Jesus. Please do this as this is a country where drugs, prostitution and idolatry run rife and the name of Jesus is unheard of by so many people. At least in Australia everyone has at least heard the name of Jesus and can make up their mind whether they want to know more. These people don't even have that.

I feel truly blessed to be over here doing this. To the people at home that helped me with financial support I thank you so much. To everyone that is continually praying for us, thank you also, it means a great deal to all of us here. We are all really enjoying our time here (apart from the sickness) and are learning so much. Thank you again and I'll write again soon

God Bless

Matt