Mission to Thailand

Well, the adventure has truly begun! We had a restful day yesterday, taking a walk around the area we are staying, hanging out on the roof of our apartment building and getting a little insight into the culture and people we are serving over here in Bangkok. We tried out some local cuisine, braving some side street food stalls for lunch and dinner, and were pleasantly surprised! By 10pm we were ready for bed! Amy, Debbie and I got up just before midnight. We went to the rooftop where we have a 360 degree view of the whole city of Bangkok. At midnight, the fireworks were one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen! They were lighting up the sky in every direction, we didn't know where to look! It was a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year.

Today we met with Pastor Chatchai, his wife Sophia and their children Pure and Praise. We caught a bus to their church (Sampat Chiwit Church). We were surprised to see that it was like a shopfront that was being used as a church. Chatchai, Sophia and a church worker, Hope, shared their testimonies. Sophia's testimony in particular struck me to the core! She grew up as a devout Bhuddist and only heard about Jesus when she was 25. She said that it was sweetness to her soul t hear that there was a God who loved her, but was saddened that no one had told her about Jesus for 25 years. It really struck me that there is such a great need for people to hear about Jesus. How can they be saved if they have never heard?

After sharing a meal together we went witnessing with Pastor Chatchai, Sophia, Pure and Hope. They regularly walk around the streets and local communities, meeting people and handing out Gospel tracts. Today we also invited people to the English Lessons for next week, which will be run in the church. Steve took this photo above as we came across the poorest people we have met so far. Going into this slum was a unique experience. I cant really describe the way I felt when we were talking to these people who were so incredibly poor, and were being kicked out of these tattered homes that they had to make way for a new high rise, walking over planks of wood and sheets of metal that were once people's homes.

Seeing whole families on the one scooter is quite common in Bangkok. I was talking to the girl sitting in front of her mum. I had learned to say, "Sawadee be mai ka" meaning Happy New Year. I'm not sure if she was happy or just laughing at my attempt to speak Thai! It is amazing to see how friendly the Thai people have generally been.

At the end of our witnessing we visited this lady who is a friend of Chatchai's. Her son had gone to the church's English classes and used to go to their church, but has since back slid. Please pray for her and her family that God would reveal himself to them and that they would be saved.

In this photo you see Chatchai, Sophia, Ollie and Deb handing out tracts on the street. After 1 1/2 hours of this, only 5 people had refused to take a tract from me. I was surprised with how open these people were to us. It was a stark difference to Australians, whom many would not give you the time of day. It was easy to be bold in this situation, and challenged me to think how bold i am back home. There are people who need to know that Jesus loves them. We need to be passionate about doing God's work.

We walked past a house where there was music and people dancing. I 'might have' done a little dance jig thing as i walked past, and all the people ran out and starting dancing with us in the street! After a few attempted conversations and lots of photos, we moved on.

After going back to the church, Sophia showed us how to cook a traditional Pad Thai. It was absolutely delicious! It may be on the menu for future fundraisers... I am amazed with the way that God is working in me already, and look forward to the rest of the opportunities we will have this mission. Thank you for your love and prayers, we really appreciate them!

Much love and Happy New Year,

X Kel