Now when he had departed from
there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him; and he greeted
him and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” And
Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” And he
gave him his hand. - 2 Kings 10:15.
If you have never read John Wesley’s sermon on 2 Kings
10:15, just Google it under “John Wesley catholic spirit.” It is an uplifting sermon worth the time to
read and it sheds light one of the distinctives of Methodism. As Methodists, we are a part of the Body of
Christ, which includes believers of various denominations and groups who follow
the Lord Jesus Christ. Serving
cooperatively with others outside of Methodism is an important part of our
Wesleyan DNA.
This is also the norm for Thai Christians, who work
together, side-by-side, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Thailand,
believers from different denominations eagerly recognize each other as brothers
and sisters; together we form the Body of Christ. And this is how the Thailand Methodist
Mission has always operated.
So, in the “catholic spirit” of John Wesley, we have a very
important announcement to make:
On January 1, 2020, the Thailand Methodist
Mission will change its name to Thailand Now. Our mission and faith remain the same. Only our name is changing.
Why the name change? First,
we are changing our name to Thailand Now, because it best represents who
we are as a mission organization.
Each of the ministries of the Thailand Methodist Mission
have strong Methodist connection and support: the three Blessing Home
anti-trafficking centers; Special Blessings Korat; the Abundant Life Savings
Group and Financial Training program, and the Pioneer Pastor church planting program.
‘On the ground’ each of these ministries also works
inter-denominationally, with different Methodist and Wesleyan church
organizations as well as Overseas Mission Fellowship, the Assemblies of God,
and indigenous Thai groups.
In Thailand, our missionaries and ministries have always
worked cooperatively, and inter-denominationally. We’ve never exclusively
worked with only one group or organization. In a nation where only one percent
of the population is Christian, it is essential for Christian organizations who
serve the same Lord, to serve together in harmony.
To put it simply, working together as the Body of Christ,
with its varied expressions, is what we do. Our new name, Thailand Now, better
reflects the cooperative, inter-denominational way that our ministries have always
operated in Thailand.
And now, for the second reason:
“For he says, ‘In the time of my
favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now
is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2
Corinthians 6:2
Our new name, Thailand Now, also evokes the immediacy
of 2 Corinthians 6:2. NOW is the time of
God’s favor. NOW is the day of
salvation. Our Thai brothers and sisters understand this very clearly. Weekly,
in worship, Thai Christians sing songs that call believers to pray for their
nation, and that remind them of the urgency to share with others the salvation
that is available through Jesus.
The urgency of the need to bring the Good News of Jesus
Christ is also what compels us as missionaries to serve. NOW is the time to bring the gospel to
unreached people in Thailand and to plant new churches. NOW is the time to help
vulnerable children to stay in school and out of the brothels. NOW is the time to help children with special
needs to succeed. This is why, January
1, 2020, we become Thailand Now.
