This letter is coming to you a couple of weeks earlier, as we are nearing the departure for our furlough to the States.
Three Sundays ago, I was invited by Pastor Pong to visit our ministry’s church plant in Nong Phlap, Nong Phlap Baptist Church. Our family spent the day there, as I had the privilege to preach to the precious members (many of whom used to attend our church in Hua Hin before the Nong Phlap church became autonomous in 2020). We have dear friends and team members who work and serve at this wonderful church. Really, it was a bit of a reunion, since both churches stay quite busy. It was truly a day of rejoicing to see so many faithful folks growing in the Lord and serving Him in different areas of the ministry. This church is continuing to thrive and reach its area for Christ. God is so good!
We have some exciting salvation stories to share. You may remember in our last prayer update that we mentioned how Missy and two of the teen girls met Khun Doo during their Saturday youth soul-winning time. He and Missy talked together for a long while that day, but he did not get saved. Our family, along with Sangad and Joom (one of our Thai team married couples), went back to see him this past Thursday evening. He was delighted to see Missy again and to meet our family and friends. There was an instant connection between Doo and Sangad, as they both shared stories of their experiences as entrepreneurs and their memories of living in Bangkok. As Sangad and I talked with Doo, we began to share the Gospel once more, and he sweetly accepted Jesus as his Saviour. Thank you for praying for his salvation. Please continue to pray for his wife’s salvation and for his growth in the Lord.
The youth soul-winning time has been a tremendous time of growth for the young people in our church. Tan has done a great job of giving them practical teaching and sound doctrine as they’ve learned more about soul winning and visiting. Two weeks ago, Mark led his first two souls (Big and Ole) to the Lord with the help of Tan. This was an exciting day for Mark and our family. Watching our two children grow up and become soul-conscious on their own is such a joy to our hearts. There is nothing greater!!
That same Saturday, Missy’s girls’ group (Lauren, Faith, Jip, and Bua) met a mother named Ann and her son Tack. The girls were shy about approaching them at first, because they were sitting at a table in their carport eating. So, Missy walked up and began talking with Ann. As Missy started to share the Gospel, she nudged Faith, who was standing next to her, to take over. Faith had the wonderful opportunity of clearly giving the Gospel to Ann and Tack. It was amazing to see their hearts open. Without hesitation. they both admitted that they were sinners, and neither wanted to spend an eternity in Hell. Afterwards, when asked if they believed in Jesus as their only way to Heaven, both mother and son fervently said, “Yes!” Ann and Tack trusted Jesus that day! It was special for the teen girls to see fruits from their prayers and labors.
We have seen visitors just about every Sunday, and the Lord has blessed with souls saved and baptisms, as well. The church is stronger than ever, and we have seen our people grow through the great adversity of the past few years. Many are still struggling to make ends meet, as the economy is quite weak; but despite the struggle, folks have been faithful to the Lord, and they are seeing His provision and faithfulness ever strong.
Our church in Hua Hin had Baby Dedication Sunday two weeks ago. This is a great privilege of mine, as a pastor, to watch parents give their children back to the Lord and desire His blessings and leading in their children’s lives. Each child received a dedication certificate and a Bible storybook from the church. It was a sweet service.
The next several prayer updates will be sent while we are on our furlough travels! We look forward to seeing many of you soon and would appreciate your prayers for safety and provision along the way.
For Him,
Tim Shook