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17 Feb 2010

After the Tsunami

By Way of The Cross - Thailand

It’s been 5 years since the dreadful Asian tsunami that killed thousands in Thailand, Indonesia, and elsewhere. The rebuilding efforts continue. Our small part of that work focuses in on the Mokken people in southern Thailand. They were left with nothing after the tsunami – their lives destroyed. In reality though, they didn’t have much of anything before the tsunami – a traditional “boat people,” they were not citizens of any country. Looked down upon as less than people by some in Thai society, they were not candidates for much help after the disaster.

God entered the scene and through the efforts of Christians from all over, spearheaded by Campus Crusade for Christ, these people were given new life out of death, new birth out of tragedy. A number of the Mokken people have become Christians. Many have not yet become believers, but the new chance in life that has come at the hands of Christians is undeniable for them. Now that they have been given new homes and boats, a fresh start at life, the ministry to them as really just begun. The work of pastors, evangelists, and missionaries continues – to bring them the ultimate hope and new spiritual life – the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Take a look below at my short time with the Mokken in February:

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15 Feb 2010

Building on Chang Island – Long After the Tsunami

By Way of The Cross - Thailand
The pictures below and commentary are stolen from Mike and Judy Christian.  I and a Thai CCC staff friend joined with this project for the last day – after most of the work was done.  Mike and Judy have been serving in Thailand for many years and I feel blessed any chance I have to get to spend time with them here in this land we all love.  Judy does an incredible job on her blog and I wanted to spotlight her work here and also send you to her site for much more.  Visit their blog at http://mikeandjudy.blogspot.com
FRONT VIEW
Day #1
Day #2
Day #3

Day #4

Day #5
Mike was so totally amazed that the Iowa group was able to build 5 complete homes in the 5 days on the island. That was the goal, but there are always alot of obstacles to overcome. Like the first day when the nailer gun broke, so Mike took the 2 hour boat trip back in the dark from the island to the mainland to get another one.SIDE VIEW

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
Some of the other obstacles and set backs were: running out of the framing wood, no nails to use when the nail gun stopped working, air compressor overheating and shutting down, batteries not charging because the generator did not have consistent electicity, just to name a few.
BACK VIEW

Feb. 8

Feb. 9

Feb. 10
Jeff and I did that fine siding job that you are looking at. I was real proud of myself for learning how to do siding and they even let me use the nail gun.

Feb. 11

Feb. 12
Everyone perservered and was determined to get the job done and oh how satisfied they were with the five finished homes. This team was a tenacious, determined, hard-workin’ crew and more than that they had servant hearts and were so fun to work with. At a few of our sharing times together, they repeatedly shared that instead of blessing these Moken villagers, that they were receiving more of a blessing from this opportunity.
01 Feb 2010

Making History in Thailand

By Way of The Cross - Thailand
Thursday, 04 February 2010 13:31

myhope13 Days.
1,921 Churches.
40,893 Christians Participating.
171,055 Unbelievers Heard the Gospel.
11,217 Responded with Decisions to Receive Christ.

I am often among the first to dismiss numbers and statistics as being “unspiritual” or saying “who cares about numbers, let’s just focus on Christ and the numbers will be worked out by God.”  With that said, Wow!  How encouraging to see almost half of the churches in the entire country come together to share the gospel in unison just before Christmas in partnership with Thailand Campus Crusade for Christ and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association!

And how amazing to see so many respond with some openness to Christ – 11,217!  I say it in such a way because probably 95% plus of people here have a worldview that basically boils down to any God as somewhat of a good luck charm instead of sovereign with authority over their lives to give life and breath and to execute judgment.  (Nothing could be further from most thoughts here).  The prevailing religion here, Buddhism, is perfectly fine with many Gods.  One can easily add Jesus to the mix with a simple prayer and remain a “good Buddhist.”  As long as you don’t hurt other people with what you’re doing, you’re generally pretty ok.  With this in mind, these intital decisions are often a starting point for openness, exploration, learning, etc. before true saving faith in Christ enters the scene.

But guess what?  Our God is mighty and sovereign and in control as Lord over all!  We praise Him for His incredible work here – bringing Christians together, sharing His truth, opening blind eyes, working in hearts, saving many, drawing others, His Word going forth and not returning void!  There has never been anything remotely like this in terms of churches coming together in Thailand to share the gospel – or to do anything for that matter.  God has worked and we are so thankful for what He has done through the Billy Graham Association, with every church member participating by simply inviting friends and family to their churches and homes to watch and listen to a series of translated Billy Graham messages.  The gospel was clearly preached, churches were one in Christ, thousand heard the gospel, and God brought many to Himself.  God be glorified!

MORE NEWS, THOUGHTS, & PRAYERS HERE.

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