Summer in Thailand

On our 29th wedding Anniversary, August 16th

Greetings to you all!

We wanted to update you on the past 2 months in Thailand.  On August 16th we celebrated our 29th Wedding Anniversary at a beautiful spot in the Kao Yai mountains.   We feel blessed and fortunate for this time together.  Hannah Grace told people she and Noah were getting to go on their first anniversary!

Gary and Sean Hughes with the Roi Et team celebrating Thai teammate Patdy's birthday

 In July we were blessed to have two small teams come to visit us in Thailand.  Gary and Sean Hughes came for a couple of weeks, followed by Lee and Bobby Gettys and Caroline Spangler.  It was a tremendous encouragement and blessing for us to host both groups.  We were able to introduce them to Thai culture in the city, the coast and in Roi Et.  They were able to spend time meeting our Thai students and joining the current Thai team with activities.

Introductions at Banon for first time guests which included a dance move!

We had spoken with both teams about this mission trip, that they would not be physically "doing work" here, but that the way they could serve was by being open to the culture and relationship building.  It was a beautiful exchange of cultures on both sides.  The teams from America were able to offer encouragement and love to the Thai people, the Thai people opened their lives and hearts to the Americans.  It was a beautiful exchange and we believe appreciation of both sides.  God is good and we believe this time will forever change hearts and minds.  It is interesting as people realize that as human beings created in the image of God we are all more alike than we are different.  

The Attaways, Hughes and Cheryl Moye, from TMS coming to serve in Thailand in the future

Personal Thai Tour guides at a Wat

Each of our guests has relayed to us that this trip was meaningful for them and created a love and burden for the Thai people and the needs here.  This week at our home church in Greenville SC a group that visited will be speaking about the trip to combined Sunday School classes to increase awareness about Thailand and to share how they can be praying.  It is perfect timing we believe, especially in light of the recent bombings in Bangkok.  We ask you too, please pray for this country and the Thai people especially.  We pray for the Lord to be glorified in all things here, that his name will be known.

Showing the beauty of Thailand

Meeting Thai friends at the park in Roi Et

August has included having after school activities at our home, doing conversational English and building relationships with students in the park, teaching English classes in a couple of schools, and working with team on Wednesday nights and Sunday's at Banon.  We are continuing to learn Thai language and culture, praying for God's presence and help in these areas.  We make plenty of mistakes, but hope the genuine love we have for the Lord and the Thai people will overcome barriers.  Noah recently had the opportunity to go with Life to Ranong to teach English for a camp.  It was an incredible experience for him, we are grateful his willingness to serve.

Students in English Camp in Ranong

Please join us in prayer for Thailand and the victims and families of the recent bombing,  for the Muang Thai Church and for Pastor Life and his family as he has left his job in the school for full-time ministry, for the Roi Et Ministry and for the Ranong ministry led by the Mejudhons.  We count each of your as partners and cannot be on this journey without you.

Many Blessings.

Todd, Pam, Noah and Hannah Grace

Mountains of Kao Yai