Mackenzie and I had the opportunity to go with our new friend, Pat, to a juvenile detention center and be a part of a bible study. We were blessed.
Pat has quite a story. He has been a Christian for 9 months. God has called him and his daughter back to Thailand, and whew, what a testimony he is! He has been here for 3 months and is involved in many things, mostly doing bible studies and teaching people in the hilltribes. Please pray for Pat.
Mackenzie and I mostly sat and observed at the bible study. There are about 30 young men who were in attendance among about 500+ (not exactly sure the number)--it was in Thai. Pat shared about anger and how God changes your heart (I'm sorry, I didn't write the reference down) and he also shared a bit about his life. Toward the end when we opened up for prayer time Pat began to translate for us. We shared our testimony through Pat and the boys expressed to us that it means so much to them that we came, and when others come with Pat to the bible study, because they are amazed that people care about them. Even though we couldn't really follow along at all or do anything except smile and be a part without understanding, "they will know we are Christians by our love". I want to encourage YOU to be a part of things, just to show you care. This is not just a need in Thailand, but everywhere.
Everybody needs to know they are loved.
Please please pray for Pat, he is a living testimony and is doing a lot of hard work among the Thai Buddhist believers. Also, there are 9 boys of the group who do not have sweaters. In Thailand right now in the mornings it is very cold. Pray that God would provide everything they need (Mackenzie and I are looking for sweaters, but it is hard because we aren't very good at bartering, and for Westerners, at the markets if there is not a price on something, the Thai's double the price for us. We do not know the usual price for things, so it makes it hard). We know the Lord will provide. Pray that these young men will be a light to the others in the detention center. Wouldn't it be amazing if they all left as Christians? God can do it.
Also, there is a young man who is leaving soon. When he gets out he wants to go to school to study the Bible. PRAISE GOD!!! Wow. Please pray for him. His name is Shay (not sure of the spelling, maybe Shae?) Pray for his smooth release and that he would not sway from this conviction when he returns to society, but will be strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit and fellowship of believers.
Pat took some pictures. I am going to ask him if he'll email them to me, but I do not have them right now.
We had quite a weekend--I will tell you about it next time!
God Bless,
Please continue to pray for Mackenzie's friends--the situation sounds very bad. Candace passed away. Zach is in the hospital in a coma. Geno is in jail for vehicular manslaughter and was driving under the influence. The fourth person in the car broke all of the bones in his back. Please please pray.
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