Dear Praying Friends,
Happy New Year! We are especially excited for this New Year because, Lord willing, it is the year in which we will return to Thailand.
On January 8, Missy and I left America for a quick, but very productive, trip back to Thailand. We had seven days in Hua Hin with the Thailand Team (our co-laborers). A side note: After the flood of 2011 hit our home in Pathumthani, we evacuated three hours south to the city of Hua Hin. We lived in temporary housing for eight weeks until our family was due to return to America to start deputation. So this recent trip back gave us a better idea of housing options and provided the opportunity for us to look at land for the church. We were also able to see the church buildings and the language school and have a part in the church’s regular services and activities.
We had planned to travel back up near Bangkok to visit our converts and church folks from the first church that we (the team) started in 2008, but because of some political unrest and protesting, we had to postpone our visit until we return this summer.
The church in Hua Hin, Independent Baptist Church of Hua Hin, had a big Sunday while we were there in honor of Children’s Day, a national holiday. It was wonderful to see how the Lord has built another church for His honor and glory! We were thrilled to have a small part in their special Sunday.
I had the opportunity to go soul winning with Tan, a young man who was in my youth group at our first church. He and I were able to see 4 people saved. It was a joy to be back in Thailand again and to be doing what the Lord has called us to do. The harvest is white, the time is short, and we are anxious to return!
We have several meetings in February and a full schedule in March and April. We are praying for the last 15% of our needed support and that we will be able to return to the field by June. Another church called this month to tell us that they had taken us on. Praise the Lord! We are also praying for these things: (1) pay off and sell our van, (2) set-up money for housing in Thailand, (3) plane tickets for our return, and (4) shipping costs (we will be shipping several large boxes to Thailand, which will contain small household items, clothing, and essentials).
To simply say “thank you” for your continuous support and faithful prayers seems very inadequate, but it is not said in vain. We are honored to be your ambassadors for Him in Thailand. I have attached a link in this e-mail that will allow you to view the pictures from our trip. I trust they will be a blessing!
For Him,
Tim Shook