I just returned to Bangkok from a visit to Hat Yai.
Hat Yai is in Southern Thailand near the Malaysia border. It is near a great deal of unrest (last weekend there were 50 bombings not far from there), but it is also the site of what may be the fastest growing Foursquare Church in Thailand.
Pastor Simon is doing a great job. After three years there the church is several hundred people strong. They have a great facility, community development projects, small groups, and much more. Last night we visited a home group in a village which will likely become a church plant. Pastor Simon took us to a community garden the church has made (mini-farm) and a fish farm that they are building. They are in the process of planning a children's crusade using a curriculum called "Kid's Quest". Gary introduced them to the program and we also spoke at the small group. The church has also had a considerable amount of property donated which they will develop over time.
After returning to Bangkok we met visited the Good News Church and the World Base. They now have final approval to begin building a new seven story building that will house the church, the school (now they have over 800 students learning English), the World Base, and the many programs of the church (including a travel agency and a mini-market). Tonight Gary and Paula are teaching English classes. Kelly (the national missionary) expressed gratitude to EFC for their contribution towards the new building.
Tomorrow I return to Manila for a lay-over, and then I head home to the US on Thursday.
Thanks again for your prayers! All is well and this trip has been full of divine appointments, good ministry opportunities, and encouragment and partnership.
2 comments:
Hi Matt, thanks for visiting my site and leaving a comment. we truly appreciate what you guys are doing in Manila. Hope to meet up with you in one of your trips back. By the way i just met Val Chavez last Thursday at the 50th birthday of PCEC Sec. Gen. Ef Tendero's celebration.
Hi Matt. Thanks for visiting my site. I have edited it since and have linked your site so people can get a better picture of what you guys are doing. Hope we can meet (other than blogsphere) on your next trip back. Thank you for what your doing for our nation. Give your folks at church a big hug from all of us here!
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