Ministry in Thailand

Well, despite our constant battles with this illness and that sickness, I wanted to take a moment and fill you in on the ministries we have been able to be a part of while here in Thailand. Really, I'm surprised how much we have been able to do without even knowing a lot of Thai yet! Still, our heart is to learn this language so we can be a little more effective. Look, let's just say I'm already a wee bit tired of just pointing and grunting while in the market. I'd like to speak in proper Thai.

Anyway, first God has blessed us with the English Bible study held at the church on Sunday nights. The service is quite simple, songs sung from paper and a guitar. We give testimonies of God's work in our lives, share prayer requests with each other and then I have the privilege of sharing God's Word. Currently, we are studying through the teachings of Jesus and have been working our way through Matthew 5. It has been very encouraging, if not just for myself!

Secondly, the ministry that we had at the schools when the Anchor team was here has carried on. We have seen the students in the church at least twice now, and hope to see them come back in the future. They are pictured here with us and the Hayes.
One of my most exciting ministry opportunities was during my interviewing at Rajhabat University in Surin. The interview went just fine, and I am waiting to hear back as to when I can sign a contract. But the next day, I went in and met the teacher I will be replacing, Peter. He actually grew up in a Baptist home, but has since given up on Christianity. Interestingly enough though, he had gotten his degree in theology (before he says he was finished with Christianity). All things considered, he is still very much interested in theological things, so we enjoyed some good conversation around various topics of theology. One thing he could not get over is the Joshua story where God seems to command the slaughter of innocent women and children, especially the children. So we talked for a while about that, and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to describe to him the God of the Old Testament, who is not only judgment, but also love and compassion. I think in his worries about the ethics of the situation, he doesn't really see how merciful God was in allowing the people of Jericho ample time to repent and turn from their ways. Either way, he said I made him rethink some of the things he questioned. I am praying for his salvation, even though he grew up Baptist, it didn't seem to be the best example to him of Christianity. Pray through the love and consistency of myself and Orowan (a fellow teacher that goes to Surin Baptist) Peter will be drawn to the Lord!

Well, hope that gives you a glimpse of what God is doing through us at this time in Thailand. We are currently in the throws of culture shock. Wow, I can't say I expected everything I'm feeling. But as we have been reading some missionary bios of people who came to this area, we find ourselves saying, "Yeah, that's what I'm feeling!" So it's good to be in with that company! Keep praying for us, we surely need it!

-Drew Kilcup