Today our church joined in with the rest of the country in celebrating the 60-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Most people wore yellow which is the king's color. Our musicians began the service by playing the King's anthem while the people sang and held up their yellow flags with the king's emblem. We all read the king's declaration of religious freedom for the Thai people which was issued 37 years ago. Jim preached in the first hour from Romans 13:1-8, and Prayoon preached in the second hour. The Sunday School children colored and made their own flags to wave. It was a special day for all the believers, especially when you consider that Christians here are usually criticized for their faith and accused of not loving their country. Today's special day gave them an opportunity to show that they have not thrown away their great love for Thailand and their king.
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1,2
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Tha Sawang Village
Today (Saturday) Pa Nong, Orawan, Ya, Sai and I went to Tha Sawang Village in Surin. This small village is just 6 kilometers outside of our city limits. Tha Sawang Village has become famous for their skills in silk-weaving. In 2003 this obscure village was chosen to weave silk cloth for all the heads of state, including President George W. Bush, who came to Bangkok, Thailand for the APEC meeting. This year they were chosen to weave 24 pieces of silk for the King of Thailand in celebration of his 60th year on the throne. 128 people have been working on these intricate pieces of cloth 24 hours a day in 3 shifts with 58 people per shift, 6 people per loom since the end of April. They are working on the last 8 pieces, which must be ready for the BIG celebration on June 9th. We were all amazed and impressed with the dedication, hard work, and great skill of these villagers. I was reminded of Paul’s exhortation to us as we work for the King of Kings:
“Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Friday, June 02, 2006
Turien Rowe
Last Sunday we were privileged to have Turien in our morning worship service. Turien and her husband Stu used to live in Surin and were part of our Surin Baptist Church family. Last year they returned to the USA, and we have missed them sooo much! Turien is Thai, but she was saved in the USA. Stu is American, and he became a believer at our English Bible study while living here in Thailand. We are looking forward to having Turien with us for the next several weeks. Pray for Stu while Turien is here in Surin. He’s in the States “holding down the fort.” Actually he’s "moving their fort" from Nebraska to Minnesota. The company he used to work for there rehired him.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
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