GBGM meeting in Bangkok

We had a great meeting with representatives from GBGM in Bangkok. These representatives are members of the Committee to Eliminate Institutional Racism (GBGM-CEIR) and they were on an Immersion Experience touring through Southeast Asia. Church leaders from other nations in Southeast Asia came to report of their situation to this committee. It was a reminder of how wonderful we have it here in Thailand, where we enjoy a much larger degree of religious freedom than what Methodists in other nations have (We do not want to mention any nations or names, to protect the our sisters and brothers, nor do we want to mention any specifics that may place them in danger). This meeting also provided an opportunity for us to connect with other Methodist leaders in this region of the world and we are honored to make their aquaintance. One ministry that we have here in Thailand is serving as a means of connection with sisters and brothers who serve in nations where Methodists are oppressed or discriminated against. We want to stand beside them and let them know they are not alone.

This meeting also provided us with an opportunity to meet together with Dr. David Wu, who is now retired, but is still one of the most connected and knowledgable United Methodists when dealing with church issues here in Southeast Asia. An hour with Dr. Wu answered many questions we had and provided insights that we needed. We were very pleased that he agreed to be a source of wisdom and counsel for us in the future.

Many people have asked about organizing VIM (Volunteers in Mission) teams coming here to Thailand, and what needs there are. Right now we have three needs for VIM teams.

• The greatest need we have is for teams to come to teach English. Team members would work one on one or in very small groups to tutor children and adults in English. If a VIM team came during a time when children were off from school, an English daycamp would be a great ministry.
• Another need is for medical teams, especially health education teams.
• A third need is for computer education classes. A team that came for this purpose would need to bring their own notebook computers and other equipment.

If you are interested in forming a VIM team, please feel free to contact us at thailandumc@gmail.com

If you are interested in sending a donation to fulfill a specific need, please look at the Thailand Wish List .

Information on how to financially support the mission in Thailand is available at this link.