A good kind of busy
Within the past month there have been some very exciting developments that are keeping us busy - but also causing us to praise God for what He is doing! We've gone through plenty of times here in Thailand where it feels like little is happening in the church, so it's a real blessing to encounter a time of sudden growth in our group. Here is a brief update on several lives that are being changed by God.
Our landlord, Seri, after not showing much interest for quite a while, has recently renewed his enthusiasm for studying the Bible. We met a couple of weeks ago, along with Wana, a Thai believer. At that meeting we read through the story of the prodigal son. I asked Seri if he would be willing to share that story with the larger group since he is an entertaining storyteller. He agreed and last night did just that. He told it dramatically and included a very clear proclamation that God is our father - waiting with open arms to welcome back his sinful children. He openly told the group that he has not yet decided to follow Jesus, but he said that all of us will come to that point of deciding what to do! Seri seemed to enjoy the experience and mentioned that if he keeps studying then he'll be able to tell more stories and tell them better.
I've also recently started studying the Bible with Lan. He is a childhood friend of Pon (our friend who is now studying in Vientiane). Pon recently talked with Lan about God and was surprised to learn that Lan was very open to learning more. He was having some serious marital problems and as he prayed he felt a change in his heart and outlook on life. Pon introduced Lan to our group and he has quickly begun to grow in his faith. He works as a security guard in Bangkok and has been coming to our house on Sundays to study. He is learning quickly and is experiencing God's joy. He has been sharing with another friend, Kamani, who is also having marital problems. Yesterday he brought Kamani along to our meeting and Kamani invited a third friend, Gaew. I have no idea what will happen from here - but I'm excited to find out!
Por is a young man who studies at the university with Efrain and Nixson. He was recently baptized and spends a lot of time with Efrain and Nixson - both studying the Bible and interacting with them in day-to-day life. Recently they invited me to begin a more in-depth Bible study with him. He's really wanting to learn more and they need to continue focusing on their other friends (and their studies!) Por is a good student and very hungry to learn more about God. I've been very encouraged by the way he is already exercising his faith - believing that God has a good plan for him and that his future will be secure in God.
We certainly invite you to pray for these friends. And join us in praising God for what he is doing!
-Tom