Beginning Thai language classes

Well, I've finally made the jump into language classes. I don't know why I've procrastinated for so long, but I guess it's better late than never. I think since I took 2 levels in Greek while in Greece last year only to move out of the county may have quelled my interest in taking another language. Especially not knowing if our time in Bangkok would long term or not. But, as it appears now, we will be here for at least another year. So, why not?

I began classes a week ago last Thursday (March 12) and will be attending for 4 weeks (M-F) in the mornings for 3 hours/class. Needless to say, after 3 hours a day of language class, my brain (or what's left of it) is pretty "fried."

One funny moment last week in class when I was trying to tell another person my name in Thai, that I stumbled over saying my own name Gary! I definitely got "tongue twisted." Well, I'll persevere for another 13 lessons (until April 9).

I do enjoy our young female Thai teacher (Khruu su nissa). Our class only has 2 people in it, so it's just Bernie (a retired teacher from England) and me.

more later...
Gary

BSF Men's prayer group; Special Thursday meeting

As you can see, the this group is very diverse; 7 nationalities (8 Thai, 3 Americans, 2 Chinese, 2 Filipino, 1 Japanese, 1 Canadian & 1 Indian) representing 7 different churches.

Thursday night, our prayer group convened a Special meeting so that the BSF Area Adviser (who lives in Seoul, S Korea) could meet and visit with the men. Our Area Adviser will be communicating back to BSF headquarters with her recommendation and assessment as to whether there is enough interest in Bangkok to launch into the next phase. The next phase is to begin registering men for a pilot class beginning in Sept or October.

I'd have to say that Roz (our Area Adviser) was very impressed with the men and their enthusiasm. However, we've had good attendance for quite sometime, so we are very encouraged that we will be (tentatively, waiting on final confirmation) be moving into the next phase of our work.

Praise the Lord for his work in the hearts of these men. The next step is to register 75 men for a 5 week pilot class, find enough leaders to run the class (10-15 men) and find a host church. As you can see, our task is Big, but our God is even BIGGER.

thank you for your prayers

Gary

Still teaching in prison

I am still teaching in one of the men's prisons (for drug addicts) in Bangkok on Fridays. It's something I really enjoy doing. The men are respectful and eager to listen and learn. I've been teaching in Building 1 (which is 1 of 10 different buildings)that house the prisoners. The difference between building 1-10 is the length of sentences. Building One (where I teach) houses men with the shortest sentences and building 10 with the longest sentences.

The prisons house both Thai's and international prisoners, but I only teach the English International speaking prisoners. They are primarily Nigerians with few Peruvians and 1 Iranian. Generally, there are about 20+ men who attend.

The format is anything I want it to be, but so far, I begin the class with singing hymns; about 3-4 hymns. The hymnal I use is a "home made" hymnal (words only; no music) with only about 10 songs in it. A Baptist Missionary (Roy) gave me the hymnals to use. This is my favorite part because the men are not bashful about singing...and singing loud. Their voices carry throughout the prison area with such songs as "How great thou Art", "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" or Amazing Grace. We are not always in tune (in fact mostly out of tune), but it is still a joyful noise that pleases the Lord. Even though we are in a class room, the windows and doors are always opened since there is not A/C. Then, I teach about hour and if we have time at the end, I just open it up to any questions they may have. Generally, the questions are random questions about the Bible, or God's will.

Today, I finished a 3 part series on Gideon (Judges 6-8) and prior to that I spent 2 weeks with Samson. I've never studied or taught about these Judges before, so it was good for me to learn more about them.

Right now, I'm trying to balance teaching on Fridays with taking Thai language classes which is M-F for 4 weeks. I took off today from Thai class so that I could teach.

Also, on Fridays, I go in the prison with a German man (Michael) who teaches the international prisoners in Building 5. Michael lives permanently in Bangkok and is married to a Thai. I've really enjoyed getting to know Michael who has a great heart for the Lord and is very passionate about his faith and sharing the gospel with others. He teaches the Bible twice per week in prison, and also to his employees at his factory.

thank you for your interest...
more later.