The Hope For The Nations : January 2022

Dear Family and friends,

After having arrived in Bangkok almost two weeks ago we are now just about fully adjusted to the 13-hour time difference from back home. We thank the Lord that our Covid-19 tests were negative and thus we only had to spend a 24-hour mandatory quarantine period. We chose to stay in a hotel for the first six days, while we looked for place where we could spend the remaining three months that we have planned to be here. We don’t take it for granted that all went so smoothly since we had heard of several incidences where travelers to Thailand had tested positive upon arrival and were quickly rushed off to a hospital to be quarantined for 10 days even if they had no symptoms. This resulted in a very large added expense that had to be paid up front.

Now that we are settled in our condo, we have been spending much of our time visiting with full-time missionaries as well as two refugee families that are believers. We are learning from their experiences and very much encouraged to hear the testimonies of the refugees who have suffered back in their native country and here in Thailand as they await to be relocated in another country where they can start living in freedom. Due to the sensitivity of their situation we are unable to post pictures of the refugees for their safety.

I’d like to share a short summary of a long conversation I recently had with a Pakistani refugee which was very humbling as I witnessed this man’s expression of love for Jesus and willing to suffer for the sake of making him known. He, his wife and two young children had been forced to flee their country because the local authorities had issued a warrant for his murder for helping other Christians who were being hunted down and killed for their faith. After arriving in Thailand this man was arrested, because he could not pay for a renewal of his visa and placed in a detention center. This facility was so concentrated with other illegal refugees that they had to sleep on the floor in shifts because there was not enough room on the floor for everyone to lie down at the same time. Food was very sparse and not very nutritious, but they were permitted to receive other food supplements from friends or family a couple times a month. He remained in this facility for over 6 years without ever seeing his two children during that time!

I asked him how he spent his days. He said that twice a day he would preach from the Bible what he had been reading about during the many hours he had nothing to do. Many were encouraged by his messages as they focused on the love of God and hope for the future through faith in Jesus Christ. He said the key for him to remain mentally strong during these years was to continually look to Jesus who always gave him the ability to endure. He thanked God that he had come to know Him more and more through this time in detention and now wants to live the remaining years of his life sharing the wonderful news of God’s grace, love and mercy with others as the Lord gives opportunities in the future as they hope to be permitted to be sponsored to relocate in Canada.

Our plan also is to be used by the Lord in the ways He would choose for us to best bring the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ to those who have never heard this glorious story, here in Bangkok. Currently, we are sensing at least three opportunities to do this. One is by continuing to bring relief packages to refugees. Another is to fulfill requests we have been given to again teach English in a formal setting with students face to face. Yet another is to visit a couple of university campuses and meet dental students who might want to engage in conversation with a dentist like me from the states. Next Friday we plan to do just that, Lord willing.

I want to conclude this update by asking for your continued prayer and financial support as we engage with various individuals, so we would be seen as bearers of universal truth and love that God has first shown in our hearts. Please pray for continued health to do that. We are often in very crowed situations and the threat of Covid is very real here as well.

Thank you again for your support to help us reach others with the wonderful news of Jesus.

Blessings in His powerful name,

Gary and Lyndell

"Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," Titus 2:13

Probably not the most healthy way to start the day.
We had to try it and it's actually fried bananas.

Coffee vendor from whom we purchased some delicious beans
that came from his father's plantation in northern Thailand.

Reported to be the tallest building in Thailand- 1,043 feet

Ann, an IMB Missionary showing us and pastor's wife, Carrie, university locations.

Kitchen in our 700 sq. ft condo as viewed from the living room.

Todd and Karen Indehar long term missionaries to Thailand.
They are returning to USA on home assignment next week and will be living in our home.

Lyndell is happy to have a balcony to dry our laundry.
Of course I share that chore with her.

Our comfortable living room as viewed from the kitchen with beautiful view.

Awe, who serves as new director of Santisuk English School Silom branch

Nok, a native Thai working with the Indehars at Thailand Peace Foundation

Calvary International Baptist Church served by Pastor Martin Chappel and wife Carrie.
We will be doing ministry with their outreach efforts while in Bangkok.