I an encouraged from the things I saw in Laos. I do not know for sure if
things are going to be better anytime soon, but the time is coming with Open
Policy that all ASIAN countries have signed the agreement.
Khounkham called if I could be teaching a group of about 16 people in
Savannaket from September 16 to 20. I could only be there from the 16th
till the 18th. Touli and I left Bangkok on the bus on Sunday night,
September 15th. We went across the river before noon on Monday. Soutjai
came to meet us at the border. Also, an lady officer helped call my Laotian
in-law. She came to pick us up and took us to her home. In was the first
time we met. I did not now too long ago that I have in-law in Savannaket.
We checked in the hotel and went directly to Khounkham's house. There, we
met 26 Brothers from Savannaket, Pakse, Vientiane and Luangprabang. They
were waiting. I know most of them. Also, there were 6 or 7 from
Luangprabang in the North. This was the first time we met them. We started
to study on Church of Christ the whole afternoon and in the evening after
dinner.
The second day, Tuesday, I taught on Christian Family aiming at building
strong families to make the church strong. On Wednesday, we studied on I
Cor. chapter 12 to 14. It was a great joy to see them again. I pray that
our Thai Christians can sit in the class long hours like our Laotian
brothers. It was the first time I met men that represent all parts of the
country.
On Tuesday afternoon, they invited me to a part of Problem Solving Meeting.
Some brothers have been having personal conflict. Again, I was encouraged
to see these men talked in openness and love. The two sides gave one
another hands and hugs. Great!
Also, we talked about the requests Khounkham received from Christians from
another group. They wanted to study and learn more from the Bible. We
agreed to make a trip. A small group of about 4 men (me included) will
travel to Luangprabang at the end of October to visit (I emphasized the word
VISIT.) this group.
Also, they asked if we can help them with another meeting in December in
Pakse.
Let us pray that God will give us wisdom in our service to Him in Laos. Let
me know if you have any suggestion or idea about how we can serve in Laos.
God's blessing,
Patinya