Happenings in the Land of Smiles

I apologize for not writing sooner. So
much has happened and so quickly, that it has been difficult to
process, or even to pick one topic to discuss.

I guess I should start by filling you
in on what happened in Thailand….The Land of Smiles. The first part
of the month was great! Joel and I got back to Chiang Mai for a few
days. We both did ministry there while we were on our original races.
My heart was so full of joy for so many reasons.

• We got to see old contacts.

• Meet up with a beautiful family I
  met the first time in Thailand.

• Hang out with racers from D squad.

  

• See my beautiful friend Hope.

• Spend some time with old roommates
  who are now doing long-term missions in Thailand.

The best part of all, was walking down
the red light district, and seeing both bars that Joel and I did
ministry in, completely closed down or non-existent. Praise God!
Where there is light, darkness can not prevail : )

I got to go to my favorite market in
the whole world….the Walking Street Market, and I got to eat my
favorite dessert…mango sticky rice.

We made some new friends along the way
too. Guy and Joe are some really cool Thai hippies, that own a
leather shop and make everything by hand. I really liked them! : )

After a few glorious days, Joel and I
were off to Uttaradit to be with Team Relentless. We went to the
nearby university and made friends/ ate lunch with Thai students.
Then in the afternoon we would play games with them and teach them
English. The team would use this opportunity to share their
testimonies and the gospel to students who had never heard the name
of Jesus. Some were already believers and they will be taking over
the fellowship meetings now that the team has moved on to Malaysia.

I want to introduce you to the pastor
who runs this university outreach. His name is Surapon Kumrong. He has
been doing ministry for 30 years. First he planted a church in
Bangkok that grew to 100 members. Then he planted a church in Chiang
Mai that grew to 100 members. He pastored that church for the last 10
years. God radically called him to Uttaradit, and broke his heart for
the university students who were lost and hurting. He quit his job (
he was working full time and pastoring a church), gave up all he had,
his community, his friends, and came to Uttaradit alone and
completely on faith. He doesn’t even know where he’s going to get
money from, to pay his rent this month, but he presses on
passionately to fulfill the call God has placed on him. Please keep
him in prayer.

Some things to pray for are…..

• A partner to help him carry the
  load of ministry and to keep him company.

• Financial support

• Full reconciliation between his
  family.

• Favor over his ministry.

• Open doors for the visions the
  Lord has given him.

• A refreshed spirit and strength.

And if your heart is compelled to do
more, please contact him on facebook. He is waiting for the Lord to
do something radical. 

 I have a lot more news to tell you so stay posted : )