Election Day is Dec. 23rd

Now that the new constitution has been approved by the people of Thailand, the date for elections has been set for Dec. 23rd. Please pray that the election will provide a government that has a broad base of support so that there can be political and economic stability.

As missionaries, we do not get involved in politics at all, howeever Thai people often ask us our opinions on political matters, especially our views on former Prime Minister Thaksin. We simply tell them that we want the Thai people to have a government that they choose that is a just and good government.

This week we will be meeting with Rev. Jong Sung Kim, our programming supervisor and also with his supervisor, Rev. Sam Dixon. It will be good to meet with them to discuss future plans and challenges for the Thailand Mission. On Sunday, Rev. Dixon will be preaching at Pradumri UMC and Rev. Kim will be presenting awards of recognition to Pastors Wiset and Sarah as the pastors of the first UMC in Thailand. The leaders at Pradumri UMC have been looking forward to this celebration for a long time and we know it will be a joyous event.

Next week, the VIM team from Santa Clara KUMC will come to provide free eyeglasses at Bo Win, Pattaya, and Chonburi. They will also be sharing a video on the life of Jesus with everyone who comes and church members will evangelize with everyone who comes. We praise the Lord for the help they will provide in meeting physical needs and spreading the gospel in Thailand.

Praises for a Pickup, Prayers for Pattaya, and Polling for Politics

We want to thank all of our fellow Kentucky United Methodists who helped to purchase this pickup truck for Bowin UMC. Now they have a means of providing transportation to some of their congregation who would not be able to go to church unless someone picks them up. Pastors Jerron and On described this pickup to us as a "truck that seats 15 people" In our minds, we imagined a huge truck but forgot that 15 Thai people can easily fit into a regular size pickup. We joke about this vehicle as being a "15 Thai" or "8 American" sized vehicle.

Pastor Kyung Hwan Oh and Mrs. Soonok Oh of

Cerritos (CA) KUMC visited us for several days to see the Mission in Thailand and spend time with the Christians here. It was a blessing to fellowship with them. They first went to China to spend time with the Christians there and then they came here. Pastor Oh prayed for the city of Pattaya where we are in the midst of planting cell groups which will form a new congregation there.

Today (Sunday, August 19), the polling places are open all over Thailand as Thai citizens vote on a new constitution. Please pray that the results of this election will bring about peace and unity here and that it will lead to new elections soon.

A New Radio Ministry

Noyna, the praise band leader at Pradumri UMC has had a vision of reaching out to the 300,000 people of Chonburi city through a Christian radio program. Noyna (the man with the headphones in the picture to the right) has started a new radio program called Music OneWay and it airs live on Saturday and Sunday nights from 7:30 - 9:00. Noyna invites guest Christian musicians to come and play live worship music and he also has a time of teaching the Bible during the program. The response from listeners has been outstanding, and many have become interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and the ministries of our church. This new radio program started just two weeks ago under the sponsorship of the United Methodist Church. Please pray for this ministry which reaches tens of thousands of listeners who will hear the gospel of Jesus for the first time. Pray that they will be receptive and seek to have Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Wish List - Updated August 1, 2008

Every member of a United Methodist Church has made a vow to support each other with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service. Usually we think of doing this at the local level, but we also do this at a global level.

1. Give your Prayers to the Thailand Mission Initiative
Be a Prayer Warrior, keeping the mission here in Thailand in your daily prayers. Check this blog regularly for updates on what is happening here so you can pray for the needs here and praise God for the fruit He is giving to the ministry here.

2. Give of your Presence to the Thailand Mission InitiativeWe cannot be physically present at your church, but you can be a Herald for the Thailand Mission by getting the good news of what God is doing in Thailand out to your fellow church members. In doing this, help to complete the connection of Presence in your church that we cannot do on our own. Print out articles from our blog and put them on your church bulletin board. Put the URL (internet address) of our blog in your church worship bulletin and have us be a link on your church website. Highlight the Thailand Mission in your UMW meeting, Sunday School class, UMM meeting or any other group.

3. Give of your Gifts to the Thailand Mission Initiative.
Your gifts give hope to orphans, makes disciples for Christ in Thailand, provides education and training for Thai pastors and church leaders.
Click on this link to give to the Thailand Mission Initiative: http://msmorrissey.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-support-thailand-mission.html

4. Give of your Service to the Thailand Mission Initiative.
Our greatest need is for teams to come to conduct English camps. This is a great outreach that is appreciated by the churches and by the community at large.
Contact us by e-mail at thailandumc@gmail.com if you are interested.

No other name....I will give you rest

"There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." - Acts 4:12
Perhaps it seems odd to see a photo of a high-rise building posted on our blog... This is the Avana Bangkok Hotel. Even in Bangkok, a city of 11 million people, you can't miss this building if you're on a nearby highway. An incredibly large sign is posted vertically, down the side of the building: I Y JESUS. Yesterday we had the joy of meeting Mr. Trisiripisal (owner of the Avana) and two of his sons. We say 'joy' because Mr. Trisiripisal has a powerful testimony, and because the love of Christ is evident when you meet this man. For over 30 years this man suffered from chronic insomnia. He had 'tried everything' to alleviate his torment; the medical community could provide no relief, nor could spiritists or mediums. Then, one day a friend invited him to 'come along to church with me.' When the pastor gave the invitation, he added the line: "If you trust in Jesus Christ, He will help you." Mr. Trisiripisal decided, "This is a no-lose proposition" and decided to yield his life to Christ. That night was the first night he experienced full and peaceful sleep! The truth of Acts 4:12 was strongly confirmed upon waking - Jesus is not only our Salavation for eternity, but for here & now as well! Since then, Mr. Trisiripisal's wife, 7 children, and their families have all become followers of Christ as well; and this gentleman has become a faithful and mature Christian leader. He is involved with cell groups, (including a 'family cell') and leads Bible studies with his staff, and local Thai business leaders. As Christ's servant he also serves the church at large, by providing hotel discounts to Christian groups / mission teams. So.... if you're ever led by the Lord to do a mission trip to Thailand, and you're going to be in Bangkok, we encourage you to check out the website at www.avanahotel.com when making your rooming arrangements. And if while walking through the lobby,you cross paths with a tall, distinguished looking man with smiling eyes, know that this might be the hotel owner who received the blessings of the One who said, "Come unto Me... and I will give you rest..."