Team Thailand Update: Open Your Eyes . . . and Be Encouraged!

In Luke 7:23, Jesus said to John’s disciples, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John was languishing in prison, suffering the persecution of political leaders for preaching against sin, and seems to have come to the end of himself. In desperation, John sent two of his disciples to question Jesus: “Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”

In that same hour, Jesus performed miracles, the blind received their sight, evil spirits were cast out of the demon-possessed, lepers were cleansed, the dead were raised, and, no doubt, John’s faith was fortified!

If your faith ever waivers, then open your eyes to the miracles that God is doing all around us! Grab a missionary prayer letter, read it, observe the miraculous merciful works of Jesus Christ throughout the world, and be encouraged! Indeed, Jesus Christ is still at work. His Gospel is blazing trails across the world, and the greatest miracle of all—“to the poor the gospel is preached”—is happening on a daily, nay, hourly basis! So, don’t be “offended,” don’t fall into despair, and don’t waiver in faith. For we are in Christ, and Jesus is still engaged in the miraculous!

The Preaching of the Gospel to the Poor

The average income of the families in our churches is less than $450 a month. The same gas- price hikes, the same diesel-price hikes, the same increases in utilities, the same increases in groceries that you are currently experiencing in the U.S. are also being experienced in Thailand. Through these difficulties, our faithful church members, many of whom are first-generation Christians, continue to reach their families and villages with the Gospel!

Church Growth

Our churches just finished their Fall Programs and saw great fruit from their efforts. Our team missionary families—the Inmans, the Beils, and Shari House—all worked diligently, along with our gifted Thai pastors and teachers, to see our biggest days since before the pandemic. While the Shook family travels on deputation, God’s choice servants are getting the job done!

Thai National Pastors Update

Pastor Pong and Bro. Star are faithfully preaching the Gospel in Nong Phlap. Under pastor Pong’s leadership, the International Baptist Church of Nong Phlap had its highest attendance ever during our recent Fall Program.

Bro. Sangad, Bro. Tan, and Pastor Sakrapee are faithfully teaching, preaching, and leading at the International Baptist Church of Hua Hin. Bro. Sakrapee is coming off double knee- replacement surgery and currently has to teach sitting down. Please pray for these faithful men.

It is my joy to report on the increase in Thailand and to brag on these humble servants of God. What a great privilege it is to lead Team Thailand and serve with the finest Christians I know!

In Christ,

Tim Shook