BSF Men's Informational Meeting a Success

Our scheduled Informational meeting on Monday night was a great success. The meeting was held at the Calvary Baptist Church of Bangkok and we were very encouraged to have 21 men in attendance. Praise the Lord!

As it turned out, most of the men in attendance were there because of their wives or friends in the Women's BSF class had told them about the meeting. Having an existing BSF women's class in Bangkok is definitely an advantage because men can actually see the "difference" a Bible study like BSF has had on someone they personally know.

We spent our time telling men about BSF and letting them know about the process of starting a BSF class.

For now, we are asking men to join us in a Planning Committee (our core group) to help us "pray and plan" on getting connected to other men and churches throughout Bangkok. Out of the 21 in attendance, we had 16 men who said they were willing to be apart of the Planning Committee. We will begin meeting on a regular basis on the 1st and 3rd Monday's of each month.

For the next several months (until May, 09) our goal is to continue to nurture and buildup this core group of men so that we will be ready to launch into the Pilot class phase (Sept, 09- May, 10). The bigger and stronger this core group, the greater chance of success.

thank you for your continue interest and prayers

Gary
Phil 4:13

A Day in the Life of Bangkok; ...Part II

After our meeting, we all boarded the "tuk tuk" at Mike and Charlene's apartment and drove down the street to the end of the block. Now, it's lunch time!

On route, Claudia in the "tuk tuk"

Today, Melinda took us to a really good hamburger place called the "GARAGE." Melinda and Claudia are cleaning their hands with "wipes" and waiting for a good old fashion cheese burger!

Later on in the day, Gary riding on the back of a motorcycle heading home...we're weaving our way through traffic! Claudia took the more sane and safer route via the Sky Train.

A Day in the Life of Bangkok; ...or "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go

Thursday's is normally our day to meet with the other BSF FRA's (Foreign Resident Ambassadors)to pray for our success in Bangkok. We typically meet Mike and Charlene's apartment which is across town from where live, so it means off the the nearest Sky Train terminal (Chong Nonsi); about a 10-15 minute walk.

Claudia seated on the Sky Train on our way to Mike and Charlene's apartment.

After getting off the Sky Train , we are walking to the nearest corner to catch a motorcycle taxi to take us the final leg of our journey (about 1/4 to 1/2 mile down Soi 61). We pass by a local MacDonald's with Ronald MacDonald greeting customers in the traditional Thai way with hands clasped together called a wei(pronounced "way").

Melinda (the BSF teaching leader for the BSF women's class) on the motorcycle taxi. The cost for the 2 minute thrill ride is 10 baht (or about 30 cents US, well worth the cost).

Claudia on her way as well, with me following the 2 ladies on a 3rd motorcycle...And, off we go!!! Hang on!

This picture is the BSF FRA's in Bangkok. We are in Mike and Charlene's apartment. This is also evidence we all made it safe and sound. The picture from left to right is: Gary, Claudia, Melinda, Charlene and Mike(sitting on the ground).

Men's Retreat in Hua Hin; A Band of Brothers

Last weekend, I attended a men's retreat with ECB (Evangelical Church of Bangkok)that was about 2 1/2 hours south of Bangkok in Hua Hin. While the resort we stayed in was a Golf and Spa Resort, we were a short distance to the Gulf of Thailand. It was a great retreat with 68 men in attendance. The retreat was a great way for me to connect with a lot of new men that I would have never seen or connected with just going to church on Sunday. Needless to say, I had a great time and the food was fabulous. I have already contacted several men since I've been back to talk with them more about BSF. I pray that my contacts with these men will bare fruit in terms of introducing them to BSF. Below are a few pics of the weekend

The entrance to Springfield Village Golf and Spa Resort

Pastor John Teschan leading the men with the theme of "A Band of Brothers"

A group shot of the men while listening to Pastor John

During Saturday afternoon, I took a break by the pool for some relaxation and swimming. Some of the men opted to play golf, others went to the nearby beach resort (a 15 minute van ride), but I chose to hang around the pool instead.