Dear Partners in Ministry

The sky darkened as the storm gathered. We were anxious.  Would we get wet?  We chuckled.  Well, that was the reason we were by a small pool in a stream:  We were having the first baptisms for the house church.  We had chosen an outside venue in a national park a few miles from where we meet, and we were excited–but the thunder was rolling.

Larry started to give a short talk on baptism: “Today two people are going to be baptized…..” Muana gave a “three people” stage whisper. Larry smiled and began again: “Today three people….”  Villy, next to Jan, said “Four-it’s a surprise!”

Muana and Villy had been talking to the group about baptism. First Mae Kwi and then Long had indicated that they wanted to take this step of declaration of their faith.  But on baptism day Nuek and Pa Porn also came prepared with dry clothing and followed their Lord through the waters of baptism.   We were delighted!  The storm went around us as our prayers of thanksgiving went up and only those who were prepared got wet.    Looking back over the last three years we see how God has been working in these people, changing them, growing them, using them.   We are excited!  God is at work using you and us to see His Kingdom come.

Please pray for these new believers as their understanding and commitment deepens. We will continue working with them and others in the fellowships in Ban Sra and Ban Luang but as we do we will be encouraging them to take bold steps in witnessing and leadership.

We had already had one baptism this month, at Easter.  We continue to visit the church in Payameng Rai, often preaching or otherwise helping out when we are there.  Easter Sunday was full, with a sunrise service followed by an Easter egg hunt, breakfast, morning service with the baptism, and a church lunch. 

This year Easter was the same time as the Songkran water festival, in which the Thais use water as a blessing given by elders to children and vice versa.  It has turned into a three-day water fight and is a joyous time of fun and homecoming for the Thai people.  What a great time to remember how God has used water to symbolize entry into His family and the homecoming that we will all have together in heaven.

Thank you for your partnership.

Our prayer is that you, too, will be energized by knowing that God is using you here in Thailand.

Because of Him,

Larry    and     Jan
Much has been written about the unprecedented economic events of these past months. Many businesses and organizations have been hit by these hard times. As a missions team, we are not exempt from these difficult times either. With our work focused overseas, we find ourselves dealing with raising support back in the United States.  Thank you for staying with us during these difficult times.

Prayer Points

Thanksgiving for the baptisms.  Please pray for those who were baptized and the others that they will walk closely with Jesus.

Please pray for continued growth of both fellowships.

Inn’s health has improved and the chest problems she was having are gone but she is still weak and unable to walk.  Please pray for her.

Tong is great to have at Bible study.  She picks up on things quickly, but her head knowledge needs to move to her heart.  Pray that she will understand her need for a personal Savior.

The new school year starts May 12.  This means new schedules for Larry, Jan, Michael and Muana. Pray for wisdom in putting together timetables.  Pray, too, that we will have time to spend in visiting and encouraging.

Praise God with us for the many faithful people who have supported the ministry through prayers, gifts and visits over the years.  Pray that the ministry won’t be curtailed or staff won’t be withdrawn, because of the financial situation.

Praise God for a great time with the folk at the Payameng Rai Church on Easter Sunday.