PEOPLE GROUP UPDATE
CELEBRATING
ETHNIC THAI LEADERS
Following years of ministry among the Ethnic Thai we celebrate the
news that three emerging faith communities are now being led by local
believers! Cross-cultural worker Petina explains how this has come
about and introduces us to some of the leaders.
The Global Interaction team is a mixed lot here in rural Northern
Thailand. We have Luke and Belle and their son Salem (2), ‘Mum
and Dad’ of the team Maxine and Richard and myself. We are
looking forward to Glenn and Liz and their boys Sebastian (6),
Levi (4) and Oliver (1) joining us next year. We come from a range
of backgrounds and have different skills and giftings, but what
we have in common is our love for Jesus and a desire to see God’s
Kingdom expand in Northern Thailand. We love seeing God move in
the lives of the people here.
We work in a province called Nan, which, in Thai, means ‘very far’.
For a while it seemed like the Kingdom of God was very far from
this part of the world. It has been 13 years since the first Global
Interaction workers Jan and Larry, Muana and Villi and John and Vicki
came to the area. It was 10 years before Larry and Jan, Anna and
Dema and Carolyn gathered with the first faith community in Ban
Luang.
It has been a slow, and at times, difficult process. We all have
needed to learn the culture and language, build relationships,
share our faith, journey with those who don’t yet know Jesus,
encourage new believers to share their faith with their family and
friends and empower them to develop their own distinctive ways
of following Jesus.
Over the years local leaders have emerged within the three
communities and we have been supporting and training them.
Mae Raan is a passionate and committed leader who has a good
knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures.
The leaders now manage the weekly faith community gatherings
and teach the Bible. It is a big commitment for people to
prioritise meeting regularly, as this can sometimes interrupt the
time-consuming work of subsistence farming.
It will be a while before the Global Interaction team moves out of
the area completely, as the believers face ridicule for their faith
and need encouragement to stand boldly amidst this.
Our team mates Dema and Carolyn and their children Grace (12)
and Daniel (9) moved from our rural area to the city of Chiang
Rai in order to be closer to a school. They have taken with them
experience, knowledge and a deep desire to share Jesus with
people to a new community. They will start the journey afresh
of building relationships, joining in community life and earning
trust and respect. We pray that as they share Jesus in this new
location, a new community of faith will be established. We are
looking for new members to join them in this exciting ministry.
Life and ministry has not always been easy here and despite
mission activity in the country for over one hundred years, very
few Ethnic Thai people have had an opportunity to hear the
message of Jesus in a way that they can understand. The Global
Interaction team is rejoicing that after 13 years in this place, we
are seeing fruit from all the seeds that have been planted. The
harvest is well and truly ripe and it is so wonderful to see how
God is extending His Kingdom in this place. We are privileged to
be able to be a small part of His work here.
Mae Phun is faithful to God and the group, her teaching style is
simple and honest.
Prakij is the oldest and is therefore well respected.
Nan Tong used to be a monk and has a deep thirst for the Bible.
He is the main leader to perform rituals and ceremonies.
Oh is a young guy who originally came along to the gathering to
replace his mum, who couldn’t attend for one week. He continued
coming and is now a leader!
Tong is a gifted organiser.
Mae Kwee and her husband Pour Neuk host one of the groups in
their home each week.
Long enjoys teaching the Bible.
Mae An is an enthusiastic host and is very willing to share
her story.
Leadership Training for Ethnic Thai faith community leaders.
Photo taken by Petina. (Above)
Carolyn spending time with Ethnic Thai friends.
Photo taken by Dema. (Top right)
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GLOBAL INTERACTION