When you get as old as we are, you will have a lifetime of memories. Evangelist Tom Williams was in our church in Hickory, North Carolina, 45 years ago, and his wife Pam was playing the piano while their kids sang. When signing Bibles, Tom always put Psalm 126:5,6 after his name. My verses are I Corinthians 15:57-58. Tom Williams has preached his whole life to win the lost. Oh, the joy of soul winning! Philip won the Ethiopian, and both “went on their way rejoicing.” All of Heaven rejoiced! Indeed, “He that winneth souls is wise.” The convert now has a home in Heaven, and the soul winner will shine as the stars forever. In John 4:35-36 Jesus said, “. . . look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest . . . gathereth fruit unto life eternal . . . may rejoice together.” “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him . . . .” (John 4:39) “And many more believed . . . .” (John 4:41)

This memory goes back two days ago. Carmen and I and two of our Thai ladies stopped in a busy neighborhood. In a few seconds we had rounded up five girls and three boys. Nong El used her visualized booklet to tell them the story of Jesus. Their attentiveness was amazing to me. Every eye was glued to every picture! Their questions were sobering. One of the older girls asked if Jesus died for Buddhists. My answer was, “Jesus died for America, Thailand, China—and all the world!” She read John 3:16 from our Thai tract. Soon all heads were bowed, all were praying, and Heaven was rejoicing! With our John and Romans booklets in hand, we started to each home, hoping to get their parents’ permission to ride the song-tao to church the next morning. Two of the mothers trusted Christ, and three of the kids did ride the song-tao. Pray that all eight and the adults will come next Sunday!

This memory goes back to . . . let’s see, ah . . . yesterday!! Please pray for the Sunday night church service in Nong Plahp. Carmen and I started the first Sunday in March, and it is a joy for me to preach there! Yesterday Starr and I shared the Gospel with two Burmese brothers—18 and 20 years old. As with the Thai people, their response was so friendly and eager. Soon they were born into the family of God! “Bearing precious seed” is eternal joy.

We are doing very well, happily serving the Lord here in Thailand. Would you believe?! We just spent a week’s vacation on an island in the Gulf of Thailand with Tim, Missy, Lauren, and Mark! We drove eight hours south, then took a ferry for three hours, and spent six days in “paradise”! Would you like to come to the mission field?!

Let’s “Do His will and finish His work.” (John 4:34)

Rejoicing,

Randy and Carmen Shook