On the first of July, Pat and I attended the 170 year anniversary celebration of Maitrichit Baptist Church in Bangkok, Thailand. It was a great day filled with singing and preaching. We participated in the Lord’s Supper and witnessed the baptism of 15 new believers ages 14 to 43. (Picture attached) Maitrichit is said to be the first Chinese Baptist church in the world. It was established with the help of American Baptist missionaries John and Eliza Jones and William Dean. The actual constitution of the church was on July 1st, 1837. American Baptists left Thailand in 1893, returning in the mid 20th century. During that time the church endured times of struggle but persevered in spite of severe difficulties during World War II. Even before American Baptists returned to Thailand, the church was beginning to grow, so when we got back we rejoined their history – and what a great history it has been. In 1934, it was one of the founding member churches of the Church of Christ in Thailand – a union of Baptist and Presbyterian churches. In 1959, it and its daughter church formed the 12th District of the Church of Christ in Thailand. In 1962, it founded Bethel Bible Institute. From 1948 to 1976 membership in Maitrichit grew from 200 to 801. By 1987 membership had increased to 1,182 and Maitrichit had planted most of the 28 churches of the 12th District. The aggressive educational, evangelistic and missionary work of the churches continues in the 21st century. From 2000 to 2007 Maitrichit has started 8 new churches, some among hill tribe peoples like the Karen and the Lisu. Maitrichit’s own membership has climbed well above the 2000 mark – perhaps approaching 2500. The baptism service we witnessed on July 1st was the third such service of the year. Maitrichit Chinese Baptist Church has a glorious history and a bright future. American Baptists can be proud that we have had a share in the church’s life. As you read this newsletter, I hope that you will renew your own commitment to Baptist missions in Thailand and around the world. Search your heart to see if God is calling you to go. You can also commit to continued or increased support of your missionaries – prayer support, financial support, and words on encouragement. May God bless you and your churches. LaMon and Pat Brown lamonandpatb@yahoo.com.