Paul1965
Member
Just thought I'd tell everyone about my truly Blessed Sunday today.
I've been looking for a church ever since we moved to our village. On Thursday just gone, I woke up with a nagging feeling ( sorry to say nagging Lord, but you all know what I mean) that this was more important than going to work. I know it wasn't a feeling, it was God guiding me to where He wanted me. So I went to work signed in and out and went to the nearest 'Big town" (Population about 3000) where there was supposed to be a Christian church. No luck. I didn't give up and went to the police station and asked, but no-one knew of a church in the district.
Luckily one of the officers phoned a friend and found out there was one about 10km away. after thanking him profusely, I went to find the elusive church. After many wrong turns through rice paddys, cow paddocks etc. I finally found it, but it was deserted. The sign out front had no phone number or service times, So I decided I'd return today.
This morning I went to my new (for me) /only church(Ban Don Chomphoo Church). Found out it's non-denominational protestant which is fine by me. Small congregation today of about 15 people. But apparently it was an off day as It's a long weekend here, so many people travel to visit relatives in other villages and provinces.
A lot of Hymns to start with (in Thai). Sermon was in Thai (Isaan dialect which is hard) but I got most of what she (Pastor is a lady..does that make her a pastoress?
) Sermon was about the Prodigal son. Very poignant for most Thais because these days with western influence, a lot of the kids are forgetting their traditional values. :angryDon't get me started on that one.
A few of us were asked up to offer thanks to our Lord for His Grace. There were a few oohs and ahhs when they realized the "farang" could speak Thai. (the majority of westerners refuse to even try to learn the language even though they are living here!)
It's an awesome testament to His all encompassing Glory that everyone there was so full of love and praise for Him. Especially the older members because, Isaan Thai people are notoriously stubborn in their beliefs and are usually closed minded to anything NOT Thai or Not Buddhist.
After the sermon more Hymns then lunch before heading home.
a really great bunch of people , they made me feel very welcome on my first day there and kept trying to stuff me full of food after the service.
I've been "ordered" to come back every week and will definitely obey those orders.
They'll be having their Christmas celebration on the 23rd. Morning service as usual then an evening service / feast. Christmas isn't a public holiday here so most people have to work. Me included...:verysad. Will have to talk to the school director about that one!!
All in all it was an awesome day for me because I was able to Fellowship in the flesh and see His work in progress in this very remote rural (mostly Buddhist) community.
The GREATEST NEWS is that Thayanee has agreed to come with me next week!
When I got home and told her the service was in Thai as well as the Hymn books and everything else, she lost her fear of not fitting in. (this is a big issue with people in Isaan) So I'm praying she'll see His light for herself and open her heart to Him fully at last. Will definitely keep you posted on that one.:nod
Blessings to you all.
I've been looking for a church ever since we moved to our village. On Thursday just gone, I woke up with a nagging feeling ( sorry to say nagging Lord, but you all know what I mean) that this was more important than going to work. I know it wasn't a feeling, it was God guiding me to where He wanted me. So I went to work signed in and out and went to the nearest 'Big town" (Population about 3000) where there was supposed to be a Christian church. No luck. I didn't give up and went to the police station and asked, but no-one knew of a church in the district.
Luckily one of the officers phoned a friend and found out there was one about 10km away. after thanking him profusely, I went to find the elusive church. After many wrong turns through rice paddys, cow paddocks etc. I finally found it, but it was deserted. The sign out front had no phone number or service times, So I decided I'd return today.
This morning I went to my new (for me) /only church(Ban Don Chomphoo Church). Found out it's non-denominational protestant which is fine by me. Small congregation today of about 15 people. But apparently it was an off day as It's a long weekend here, so many people travel to visit relatives in other villages and provinces.
A lot of Hymns to start with (in Thai). Sermon was in Thai (Isaan dialect which is hard) but I got most of what she (Pastor is a lady..does that make her a pastoress?
) Sermon was about the Prodigal son. Very poignant for most Thais because these days with western influence, a lot of the kids are forgetting their traditional values. :angryDon't get me started on that one.A few of us were asked up to offer thanks to our Lord for His Grace. There were a few oohs and ahhs when they realized the "farang" could speak Thai. (the majority of westerners refuse to even try to learn the language even though they are living here!)
It's an awesome testament to His all encompassing Glory that everyone there was so full of love and praise for Him. Especially the older members because, Isaan Thai people are notoriously stubborn in their beliefs and are usually closed minded to anything NOT Thai or Not Buddhist.
After the sermon more Hymns then lunch before heading home.
a really great bunch of people , they made me feel very welcome on my first day there and kept trying to stuff me full of food after the service.
I've been "ordered" to come back every week and will definitely obey those orders.
They'll be having their Christmas celebration on the 23rd. Morning service as usual then an evening service / feast. Christmas isn't a public holiday here so most people have to work. Me included...:verysad. Will have to talk to the school director about that one!!
All in all it was an awesome day for me because I was able to Fellowship in the flesh and see His work in progress in this very remote rural (mostly Buddhist) community.
The GREATEST NEWS is that Thayanee has agreed to come with me next week!
When I got home and told her the service was in Thai as well as the Hymn books and everything else, she lost her fear of not fitting in. (this is a big issue with people in Isaan) So I'm praying she'll see His light for herself and open her heart to Him fully at last. Will definitely keep you posted on that one.:nod
Blessings to you all.
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