One of the many good things God has done is to, temporarily at least, put a lid on the above-ground sex industry here. Recently we drove by Patpong Soi 1, the oldest and one of the largest sex-tourist districts in Bangkok. It is across the street from our school and church. We took this picture at around sunset, which is when it is usually starting to get busy there. The only thing open was 7-11 -- and until the curfew started, they were always open!
Here's what it usually looks like around sunset:
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That's a big answer to many prayers. Praise the Lord!
But sadly, there's another side to this story.
Today, many of them and their families are suffering tremendously because of the sudden and dramatic cut in their income. Most of the sex workers are not in that industry because they want to be, but because of unjust political, economic, and social realities. That's a consequence of sin in this twisted world. Please pray for God's grace to reach into their lives and that he would have mercy on the men, women, children, parents, and others who depend on this industry for their survival. If God so moves you to want to help in a greater way, please
contact
us to discuss.
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We want to thank each and every one of you for your faithful support of our ministry, whether financially, in prayer, serving, or all of the above. You allow us to continue our work in this interesting and challenging time, and it is a fragrant offering; a sacrifice pleasing and acceptable to God.
Though we are certain that you are facing many trials as well, you remain faithful. And for that we are humbled and thank God for you.Please know that we pray daily for your well-being daily.
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Much good is happening!
First, our church is growing in depth and in numbers. There are currently 3 small groups and 5 Bible studies happening each week. New spiritual giftings are emerging particularly in terms of evangelism. Two of our members are really having a powerful impact. One of them, Ms. Nok, has been teaching the gospel with the intent to persuade people to believe in Jesus during the interview portion of our English center's Level 4 classes. She is becoming a powerful teller of the reason for the hope she has in Jesus. Another, Mr. Ton, is active in calling friends and neighbors to repent and believe.
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Asia, Bithynia, or Macedonia? A new direction for church planting.
We have sensed for the last couple of years that God has been leading us to refocus how we are using our gifts and resources in our church planting ministry.
Acts 16:6-10
shows us that in Paul's second missionary journey it was God who sovereignly directed Paul and his team to accomplish his purposes. Today, God is still sovereignly directing his people to accomplish his purposes.
After almost 15 years on the field, and as we enter our fourth missionary term, we have seen God direct and redirect us a number of times. We think we are now moving into a season of spending more time on intensive personal relational evangelism and discipleship (with the goal of starting new churches that multiply), and less time in other areas. We were initially surprised that this call seemed to be intensifying in this strange season. But on further reflection we concluded that through this unexpected intervention of God into the world, in which he is shaking and sifting
everything
, he is doing many things, including rapidly breaking down barriers to the gospel and rapidly creating new opportunities to build his church and glorify his name. We want to keep in step with the Spirit.
As we seek to follow God's call on our life we are praying for you. We pray that in this time you would be setting your mind on things above, seeking God, and being open to new opportunities to which he is calling you. Because we are all his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) The good works are prepared. Will we walk in them?
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Prayer requests:
- That we would continue to not take our eyes of Christ. But also for our health to remain strong.
- Pray for us for wisdom and guidance from God. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
- Pray that God would use this strange event to bring many to faith and to increase the holiness and faith of his church. Karen and I think we have both been hearing from God that the focus in this time for us is both in our personal relationships with God, and in building up our young believers in our church.
- How can we pray for you? We really desire to pray for you, our critical rope-holders in this time so please let us know by clicking here.
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Greetings from Water of Life Church
(Now located in two or more locations connected by Zoom)
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Because Christ is Risen,
We Have Hope.
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A harvest is happening! For the current list of seekers - people who’ve received a Bible, new believers, and church members - who need your prayers, please click here:
I will pray
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**If you need information on ways to financially support us,
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As always, we thank God for you and your partnership in spreading the gospel in Thailand.
Yours in Christ,
Todd and Karen
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