I Thessalonians 5:18 says “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” We are thankful to God for all He has done in our lives these past two months, and we are thankful to you, our praying partners.
June 1 was the start of our Thai learning at the school we attend. I have already seen much improvement in my reading and writing. Our class has been concentrating on the five tones of Thai. In Thai, you can say one “word” five different ways, and they all have a different meaning. This can be confusing but also fun to learn. I’ve also had the opportunity to invite our teacher to church on several occasions. Please pray with us that she will come to know Christ.
The second week of June, I had the opportunity to preach my first sermon in Thai at Grace Baptist Church. It definitely stretched my ability, but the church family was very encouraging and even said they could understand me! Once a month, I am scheduled to preach in Thai at the church. Each sermon requires many hours of preparing, translating, correcting, and practicing pronunciation. Please continue to pray for Brittany and me to grow in our understanding of Thai, especially the more difficult Biblical vocabulary. Please also pray that the tracts and John and Romans booklets we give out will plant seeds in people’s hearts and that people will accept the Gospel message and be added to the church.
Last month, we traveled to Northern Thailand for a few days to attend a missionary fellowship, and we were able to visit two Baptist churches that are doing a great work reaching the lost in their “corner” of Thailand. Unfortunately, sitting in the car for an extended time caused some extreme pain in my side and in my lower back. I went to the small local hospital, but the only thing they could do was give me a painkiller and send me on my way. Once we returned to Bangkok, a doctor figured out that it was a gallstone causing the side and chest pain, and the back pain was caused by one of my lower vertebra pressing on my spinal cord. Thankfully, the pain was treatable, and I have not had any return in the last several weeks. The trip was a profitable time, and we enjoyed seeing more of the Thai countryside and culture, as well as the faithful missionaries who serve there.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family. We are thankful to serve God in Thailand, and we are grateful to everyone for helping us serve here. May God bless you all.
In His service,
Jonathan, Brittany, Judah, and Archer Beil