Political Crisis Escalates

I have mentioned in a few posts and emails about the political crisis in Thailand. In a nutshell, there is a group that wants the current government to totally disband. This group has been holding rallies and protest marches in Bangkok for a couple of months now. There have been very isolated and limited outbreaks of violence since that time.

Two days ago, this group took over Thailand's main airport, BKK, here in Bangkok. Since that time there has been zero air traffic from the airport. The group has also just seized the other Bangkok airport which services mostly domestic flights.

The closure of BKK is a major hit to the Thai economy. Thailand depends heavily on tourism and the upcoming holiday season is when they have the most tourists. Uncertainty about political stability and flight availability has already resulted in thousands of foriegners cancelling vacations in Thailand.

Thailand needs your prayers now! God commands us to pray for the leaders of nations that they will govern with wisdom and establish peace for their people:

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior"

1 Timothy 2:1-3

Two Months in Missions

Wow! The time has been flying by over here. It is hard to believe that more than 2 months have passed already. I had visions of posting to the blog a couple of times each week but the days are moving faster than I had planned. (sorry)

I am happy to report that 2 months into my service here things are really going wonderfully. God has kept me from getting sick and helped me along with adjusting to the living situation here. Next week I will start the 3rd of 6 language modules and then break for a few weeks at the end of December. Please be praying that God would grant me focus and discipline to really apply myself to studying both in and out of the classroom.



Each week I am in school for 5 days. Then I try to relax and catch up on things on Saturdays. On Sundays, after church, I serve alongside some Christians from a church up in the city. They have an outreach to children in a slum nearby my apartment. Here is a picture of one of the volunteers teaching a Bible story to the children.

The group from the church has a desire to plant a church in this area. Right now they are meeting under a plastic awning that they built up against the front wall of an old woman's home.



This past Sunday, my teammates and I were invited to travel with these volunteers on a retreat to a nearby beach. The retreat was for new Christians from their church. I had the opportunity to share with them a bit about my life and challenge them to stay focused on Jesus as they began their walk of faith.

Here is a shot of me with my teammates Phil and Jenny. As soon as I finish learning Thai, I am going to study Aussie so I can figure out just what in the world they are saying : )


I want you to know that God is taking very good care of me in answer to your prayers. Please keep me and Thailand before the Lord.


Some prayer requests for the rest of the year:

-Language study (will be halfway complete Dec. 16th)
-Discipline (in diet, Bible study, exercise)
-Continued good health
-Ask God to raise up new teammates join us here and work this large field.
-There have been some very isolated outbreaks of violence in the ongoing political crisis here. Please pray that the leaders can find a peaceful way to resolve this divisive issue.
-Amidst political instability, pray that Thai's would yearn for that eternally peaceful Kingdom that God promises to all who believe.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe"

-Hebrews 12:28