Homecoming
Aunt Kham hadn’t visited her family in Isaan, the northeast region of Thailand, for many years. She didn’t even know how many of her relatives were still alive. Uncle Man hadn’t been back to his home village in over 40 years! Naat had visited only once over a period of many years, and had experienced lots of problems in her relationships with her father and her siblings.
These are three of the 30 believers from the Bethel church plant who recently travelled to their home villages in Isaan on a 5 day mission trip. Most of the believers were new Christians who wanted to share the gospel message with their families and friends.
The group piled into 3 pickups and got ready to travel almost 2000 kilometers to 4 different places. Before leaving, they had practiced dramas and prepared to share their stories of how Jesus had transformed their lives. These believers prayed for many divine appointments and opportunities to share the love of Christ.
The first place they visited was Aunt Kham's family. Her relatives were excited to see her after so many years and they graciously hosted the Bethel believers. When the gospel was presented to Aunt Kham’s family and neighbors that evening, several responded by praying to believe in Jesus.
The next stop for the group was for lunch in Uncle Man’s home village. Amazingly, even though he hadn’t been home in over 40 years, Uncle Man still remembered the way with only a few stops to make sure that the group was headed in the right direction. The Bethel believers presented the gospel through drama, songs, and testimonies. When Uncle Man got up to share his testimony, he was so nervous that he spoke to his family with a song sheet covering his face. He cried as he shared his love for Jesus with his family, and that day three ladies chose to follow Jesus.
Naat’s home village was the next place that the group of Bethel believers visited on their journey. In the evening, they held a street party in front of Naat’s sister’s house, and many of her neighbors came to see the singing and dancing. Many took gospels of John in Thai, as well as other literature.
On the way out of town the following day, they went to see Naat’s 78-year old father. Missionary Louise Sinclair-Peters gently explained the gospel to him, and they had the joy of leading Naat’s father to Christ.
During this mission trip, the Bethel believers handed out dozens of gospels and other literature, and had the opportunity to pray for many people. Seeds were sown in the hearts of many Thai people, and overall, 14 people chose to entrust their lives to Jesus! MB Mission church planters Bob & Chris Davis and Dave & Louise Sinclair-Peters rejoiced as they saw the Bethel believers boldly sharing their faith with their families and friends. Pray for continued growth in the Bethel church plant, and pray that there will be a wave of new believers in Isaan!
I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. – Psalm 57:9-10