“Welcome, everyone, to North Bangkok Church! Let’s stand and sing praise to God” were the first words by one of the brothers who helped with the music yesterday before we started singing our first song, “To God Be The glory.” After the song, another brother opened the service with a prayer. A few songs later, two brothers stepped up to do Scripture reading from both the Old and New Testaments. I would normally preach on Sundays, but a member of our church whom I’ve been training preached yesterday. I prayed for him and listened to him preach Colossians 3:1-4 to all of us. After the service was over, some people were busy helping to set up tables for lunch that a family from our church had provided, while others were visiting. Then came a fellowship meal. After we finished at church, two families came over to our house and stayed for a few hours to visit.
Eleven years ago (or even just a few years ago in several cases), we did not know any of the brothers and sisters mentioned above. Each and every one of them has a unique story of how the Lord brought them into our lives and how He continues to work in their lives. It is surely a reminder of God’s grace on display.
As I reflected on everything that happened throughout the years, I could not help but praise God for His faithfulness and all that He has done. While it wasn’t easy, He is able.
As for our church right now, numerically, this is probably one of the lowest attendance numbers we have had in a while. We have had different people come and go throughout the years, both for good and bad reasons. But everything happens for a reason, and we trust His sovereignty.
Overall, despite the number of people, we believe this is probably the strongest and healthiest time for our church in many ways since the Lord started this church years ago. We have people from our church who have been raised up to serve in different capacities like we have never seen before. We have seen the rapid change in unity and love for one another within the body. We have witnessed an increase in peace and stability in the church compared to the past. Moreover, we can see more clearly than ever the love our people have for the church and their desire to move forward as a church. This is not to say that our church is perfect or that we are everything we need to be. We still have a lot of room for improvement, but we are thankful the Lord is leading us all in a clear direction.
The question is, what is next for us in the years to come? What is the plan after 11 years? The answer is that, Lord willing, we will continue doing what we have been doing the past 11 years at least for another 11 years or even longer! That is:
• We will continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Thai people.
• We will continue to lead North Bangkok Church and make disciples.
• We will continue to train current and future preachers and pastors in Thailand.
• We will continue to produce videos on important issues for the Thais.
• We will continue to write biblical materials for Thai Christians and churches.
• We will continue to support and encourage local churches and pastors; and
• We will continue to pray and seek to plant a church in needed areas of Thailand.
To be honest, there have been days in our 11 years when we didn’t know how to move forward. There were times we were extremely discouraged and wanted to quit, but the Lord brought us through and has proven that His grace is truly sufficient. We do not know what is waiting for us in the years to come, but we know Whom we serve, and by His grace, we will seek to glorify Him in all things.
After 11 years, we are still passionate about giving our lives for the sake of the gospel here. We are beyond grateful for your love and support for 11 years as we endeavor for His glory, and we ask that you continue to do so. By God’s grace, may each of us continue to glorify Him until He calls us home or He returns!
