Learning Thai

"...live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." (I Peter 1:17)

I am more impressed than ever before with what the Bible has to say about followers of Jesus living as aliens, foreigners, and strangers in this world. Here in Thailand we have no problem remembering this truth - we do not belong to this kingdom. We are foreign guests. We hold temporary, non-immigrant visas. We do not take our continued ability to live here for granted.

As we've experienced the stress of immigration laws and expiring visas we have been challenged and blessed by a series of sermons that we found online. A couple of weeks ago we watched a CNN special on "God's Warriors" and were very impressed by Greg Boyd, a Minnesota pastor who provided a refreshing counterpoint to many of the Christians who were interviewed. I won't try to summarize his sermon series - but his warnings about the danger of confusing power in the kingdom of the world with power in the kingdom of God are worth hearing. We're discovering first-hand that foreigners often feel weak and vulnerable - but that's how God's kingdom operates!

Our quest for a work permit and renewed visa continues. Our original visas expired on Sunday, so yesterday we had to go to the immigration department to ask for an extension. We filled out our paperwork and then waited in a crowded room for four hours until our number was called and we met with the immigration officer. We were asking for a 30-day extension but only got 7. Our lawyer says this will still be OK since the work permit should be ready on Friday (that will involve another all-day adventure).

While we continue to hold our breath and wait for the day when all of this is behind us, we are moving full-steam ahead with English teaching. My marketing plan has so far consisted of putting up a sign and giving a couple of friends a small stack of brochures - but I have been amazed at the response. I'm at the point now where I'll need to start turning people away. I have an interesting variety of adults and children - all at varying levels of English proficiency. Next week I'm scheduled to start teaching twice a week at a local business (I'm not even sure what they do - but they need to speak on the phone in English, so they want some help with that.) Claire and I also plan to begin going to school together next week and Candice and Sharon are preparing to co-teach a class at a local church next month.

Thanks again for your ongoing interest and intercession!

-Tom