Day 9: A sad farewell begins...

Today was our last full day with our brothers and sisters in Bangkok. We started off the day in high spirits after reading Psalm 95: "Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song..."

We were so excited to be a part of the church dedication which began the day's events. The church was packed with visitors attending this great occasion. Some were friends from other churches, others were those we had met during the week, including the (Muslim) community leader of the area we met Thursday. Mark shared his testimony which went really well and was a great witness for the work done in his life through Jesus.

Praise God for so many answered prayers - one of my prayers has been for the children I met during the week at English classes. We invited them to the service and YAY, the Sunday School class lead by Anna, Ellen and myself was about 20 children! Some of which we had been meeting with throughout the English classes. This was a huge encouragement for me to witness. Anna told them of Jesus' death and resurrection and they each took home something to remember the story by. We also taught them the song 'Jesus is the way, the truth and the life' which they thoroughly enjoyed. Pray for these children that they may hear and understand "for the kingdom belongs to such as these" (Matt 19:14).

Following the service we shared in a meal and then attended a baptism of three women from the church (one girl I remember from English classes last year!).

The evening finished off with a farewell dinner which was very enjoyable, chicken and cashew....'pet mai' (no chilli), much to the disgrace if the owner of the store who keeps trying to change my mind! It was nice to sit and talk with Bessy and Eden in particular (two beautiful Filippino missionaries who I have gotten to know these last two visits).

It is sad to say goodbye and I'm sure we will all be feeling a bit flat tomorrow but the time spent here has been so wonderful and we have some great memories to take back with us. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to serve, to witness some of the great things God is doing here in Bangkok and to be a part of this great mission.

Liz cutting the muslim community leader's hair at the church after the dedication service.

Annabel, Amy and Ellen with some of the girls from the Sunday school program.

Chatchai with the three women who were baptised on the rooftop of P.P. House.