I. Establish New Church of Christ in Bangkok
Bangkok is the major city of 12 million people. People move to Bangkok for work and education. At the present time, there are only four churches in the whole city, Somprasong 4 Church of Christ, Friendship Church of Christ, Banmai Church of Christ, and Siam Park Church of Christ. A group of Christians from the Somprasong 4 church have planned to move to another location to start a new church. The new location is called Watcharapon. So, the new church will be called Watcharapon Church of Christ. A sister in Christ has donated a piece of land for this new church. This is an exciting move. After 12 years of working with Somprasong 4, Thailand for the Savior will have the great opportunity to assist a church-planting project. This project received a blessing from Somprasong 4's elders. The target date for the first Sunday is scheduled during the month of November 2000.
2. Opening New Christian Centers
The campus ministry at Ramkhamhaeng University has been quite
successful as an Outreach by the Thai Christians. There have been
more than 80 baptisms as the direct result of this work since l988.
Many of these converts are active in the churches where they worship.
Spring-boarding from that work has come two other ministries: one at Kasetsart
University, and the other at Siam University. The major resource
still lacking in order to open new works at other universities is workers,
especially English-speaking workers, because teaching is offered by these
ministries.
Bangkok is Thailand. Many of the famous universities are
in Bangkok. Thai people who wanted to continue their studies come
to Bangkok for higher education. It has been the dream to open more
Christian Centers at other universities in Bangkok.
3. Training Leaders/Circuit Ridings
Leadership training is essential especially for preachers in rural
provinces who often work alone with little encouragement or support.
Patinya is currently involved with leadership training in two parts of
the country and is working to organize a country-wide seminar/retreat for
preachers.
The training is not limited just in Thailand for the Thai leaders,
but Patinya has been involved in training Lao church leaders twice a year
on the bordering provinces.
4. Writing Materials/Books/VDO/Cassettes
Those living in rural provinces can be further aided by Bible lessons, which can be copied to tape and distributed throughout the country. In fact, the people have been requesting this type of study material for a long time. One of the problems is that up to 50% of the rural population cannot read, so materials on tape become an attractive alternative. Patinya is also one of the few Thai ministers in the country who have been able to do extensive Bible training in America. Because of this and his 21 years of experience as a minister, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that deserves to be shared with the people of Thailand, especially since he is one of their own and can write material for Thais in Thai. As such, he has goals to write some books to aid in the spiritual development of Christians throughout the country.
5. Building Strong Christian Families
The Church in Thailand has existed for about 42 years. Several families are starting to have second and third generation Christians, which is important for the stability of the congregations. Most of the conversions, however, are occurring with those who come from Buddhist backgrounds, many of whom have bad family backgrounds. It is a necessity in all congregations to provide family training and teaching in order for those who marry to remain strong in the Lord and raise children who are faithful to God. Patinya has been involved in organizing and planning retreats and in teaching younger people how to have good families. Patinya is very dedicated to his wife and children and to making his family a model for others.
6. Evangelizing Neighboring Countries
Two neighboring countries, Laos and Cambodia, are prime targets
for receiving the gospel because they are just opening back up from Communistic
rule. In the past, medical mission efforts by Partners in Progress,
led by Ken Fox and his wife, have been planned from Thailand into Laos
using American doctors and Thai nurses. The Lao Christians have received
much encouragement after twenty years of no contacts from the outsiders
due to the Communist’s rule. Even with the religious persecution,
when Christians had to spend 18 months in jail for false accusations, there
is hope of reaching the people of Laos with the gospel even if it requires
further thinking as to the method. The Laotian government will not
allow foreigners to teach Christianity publicly in Laos but there are already
Christians in Laos from efforts prior to the rule of Communism there.
Patinya has been in contact constantly with the Lao church leaders in Southern
Laos to keep the communication lines open and to encourage the Lao Christians
to be faithful in faith.
Cambodia is a country about which less is known, but which also
needs to know about the Savior.
7. Being a Role Model
In order for the work in Thailand to continue to be fruitful, workers are needed who are willing to sacrifice the things this world has to offer and seek the Kingdom of God first. Patinya and Penjai are those kind of people and are working to live model lives for younger Christians. Hopefully, with the Lord's help. Thailand will someday be sending its own missionaries to evangelize other countries as well.
For the further information contact:
Patinya Thitathan
Thailand for the Savior
P.O.Box 24-1063
Ramkhamhaeng Post Office
Huamark, Bangapi
Bangkok 10241, Thailand
Qffice Phone 662.314.1665
Home Phone 662.373.2097
E-mail: <pthit@asianet.co.th>
Doug Strickland, elder
E-mai1: <dstric9001@ao1.com>
Jack Roe and Jack Murray (Former elders)
Midtown Church of Christ
1701 Oakhurst Scenic Dr.
Fort Worth Texas 76111
Phone 817.834.7355